Base Station Software

Compatible with All Boards on this Site

Base Station Software is our reference tool for designing and testing all currently manufactured NCD Devices.  Base Station will assist you in learning how any NCD device functions and will provide valuable diagnostic tools to help determine if your controller is functioning as designed. Base Station software exercises every supported feature of every supported device.  It is the ultimate reference tool for learning, diagnosing, and testing NCD devices.

User Interface

You may click one time on any item in the list to see a graphical user interface that was created as the controller was developed.  Each command set represents a module that is installed in the firmware of your device.

Device Identification

A window will open labeled "Device Identification Data".  This window contains important "Read-Only" information about your device.  Note the "Documentation Related to this Controller" field.  This is a compilation of all articles relevant to your device.  Click on an item in the list to view.  You will need an Internet connection to access this information.

Useful Features

There are some useful features to look for when using Base Station Software to control, test, or configure your device:

• At the bottom left corner of each window there is a link to relevant documentation for your device (Top: Relevant documentation circled in red)
• In the Control Command Set Window, and many others, there is a MORE or LESS option at the top right corner. Selecting MORE allows you to view specific communication details (Bottom: diagram shows the window labeled ProXR Enhanced Command Set, this will differ depending on your device. MORE or LESS button and communication details are circled in red).

Device Command Sets

Base Station software asks the controller which command sets are supported.  The supported command sets are listed when you run the Base Station software application.  Some controllers may show more command sets while other controllers may show fewer command sets.  The Base Station program will decide which command sets apply to your particular controller.  This allows our software to scale with the product line.

Device Configuration

All devices are configured prior to shipping.  The Configuration page is for experienced users who wish to customize their device.  Most users have no need to customize their device differently from what is configured prior to shipping.

Supported Devices

Not all devices support Device Configuration.  All Devices released in 2012 and later support Device Configuration.  Some configuration settings will affect device communication timing, which can render a device too fast for the chosen interface.  If you ever lose communications with your controller, power down the controller, set the Program/Run jumper to the Program Position and power up the device.  Attempt Communication at 57.6K or 115.2K Baud.  If problems persist, install a ZUSB communications module to recover device settings.

Configuration and Run Modes

All NCD controllers have two modes of operation: Configuration mode and Run mode.  Normally, the controller should always be in RUN mode.  Use Configuration mode if you want to make changes to the settings of the controller.  Configuration mode is a temporary mode.  Configuration mode allows you to write parameters to the controllers for changing device settings.  Run mode does not allow accidental changes to configuration parameters.  On-board memory is protected from write operations in Run mode.

Traditionally, you needed to move a jumper to change device modes.  You can still do this, but 2012 and later controllers allow you to put the device in Configuration mode for a short period of time without moving the jumper.  This is very convenient when you need to setup the device in a remote location.

So far, the concept of Configuration and Run mode is pretty simple.  But there are special rules about the use of these modes that must be followed to prevent loss of communications. Most notably, changing the baud rate or any of the UART settings can cause a loss of communications.  This is where the hardware Configuration/Run jumper comes into play.  When the jumper is set to Configuration mode and the controller is powered up, the controller will always load safe communication settings so you can recover communications with the device.

Software Configuration Mode

Software Configuration Mode allows you to send a command to put the controller in Configuration mode for up to 255 seconds.  This is extremely useful if you need to make changes to the controller from a remote location.  If you change the baud rate settings, our Base software will attempt to Re-Sync to the device.  This is effective most of the time, but occasionally, you may need to exit and re-run Base software.

If you make changes to any parameters while in software configuration mode, the controller will not respond to these changes until the Reboot command is issued.  Our software automatically issues the Reboot command at the appropriate times, allowing you to make changes without ever touching the device.   However, configuration settings can lead to a loss of communications, so if you intend to make changes to communication parameters, make sure the Configuration/Run jumper is accessible in case you need to boot up the controller in “Safe” mode of 57.6K or 115.2K Baud.

Key Fob Configuration

The KFX Receiver Module is configured using Base Station Software (a free download), and must be plugged into the ZIGMO Configuration Board only during configuration.  Only one ZIGMO is needed regardless of the number of KFX Receivers you intend to use.  The ZIGMO acts as an interface between your computer and the KFX Receiver, allowing you to define the Baud Rate, and Data Bytes that are transmitted for each Key Fob button Press.  The ZIGMO is included with the KFX Integration Kit and available at checkout.  Key Fob Configuration

Configuring the Buttons

When configuring the button pushes you are really configuring the KFX module with the commands that will be sent to the board.  When the module sees a button push it sends the command it has stored.  You will configure what command is sent using Base Station Software a free download.  It can be a simple toggle command or complex commands including delays.  The KFX Receiver can be configured for button press and button release events. 

KFX Module

This board is equipped with a KFX Module.  The KFX communications module adds key fob capabilities to the board.  The KFX module is powered from the board.  The board itself will require 12 volts of power and can be hard wired or you can purchase a "wall wart" type Power Supply at checkout.

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Data Sheets & Quick Start Guides

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Base Station Software

Base Station Software is used to configure and upload the time schedules to the Time Activared Board.

Integrated Real Time Clock

The Taralist series have an integrated battery backed Real Time Clock with memory that allows users to control relays based on a time schedule.  Use your computer to setup the time schedule and store your schedule into the board.  Once stored, the Taralist does not require a computer, and will control the relay according to a schedule that can be as simple or as complex as your application requires.

Time Schedule Events

Events are scheduled times when a relay or group of relays are turned on or off.  They are defined by the user first by time: Year, Month, Day of Month, Day of week, Hour, Minute, and Second. You have the ability of switching relays on or off at very specific times!  Activate relays only when the day is Monday, activate relays when the day is Monday and the Year is 2020, activate relays when the day is Monday, the year is 2020 at 9:44:21 AM.  They are also defined by how they control the relays, whether they turn a relay or group of relays on or off. You can add up to 1000 Events to the list.

Program Multiple Schedules

Override functions are also supported.  So if the normal schedule activates a light during weekdays, but you don't want the light to come on during holidays, simply program your holiday schedule to prevent the light from activating according to your normal schedule.

Daylight Savings Time is also supported, and is FULLY CUSTOMIZEABLE.  As we all know, DST laws change periodically, but the Taralist series allow you to change the year and date of all DST events (we have programmed the US dates until 2030).

Save You Schedules

Taralist controllers allow you to build and save your time schedule as a file on your computer.  Different schedules can be configured for different times of the year, for instance one for Summer School and one for the full school year.  Upload the schedule you need for that part of the year.  For users with multiple boards saved schedules can also be used to store the time schedule into each controller easily without re configuring.

Defining Time

Using Base Station you can set the time manually or you can sync the time with your PC.  The user can do this by simply clicking the Sync Time with PC Time button or by filling in the Year, Month, Day, Week Day, Hour, Minute, Second parameters and then clicking the Set Time Manually button.

Clock Accuracy - Adjustable Time Compensation

Like most clocks, time drift is a reality and the Taralist controller will drift over time.  The Taralist clock has some special features to help keep the time accurate.  Time compensation functions are included that allow you to automatically adjust the clock forward or back (by up to 15 seconds) each day of the week.  For instance, you may find the Taralist keeps better time if it automatically advances the clock 1 second each day of the week.  Or you may find that you need to subtract 5 seconds from the clock 1 day per week.  Adjustable time compensation will help keep your clock accurate (though it is always a good idea to check on the clock periodically).

If your application requires your relay control to match a computer's time exactly we recommend using a computer controlled Relay and Relay Timer Software.  The software can be installed on a computer or server and match the time exactly.  We recommend this for school bells and shift change applications where matching a time clock is vital.  Select a Wired or Wireless Relay under Relay Control from the top menu to select a board then add the Relay Timer Software at checkout.

Computer Control

The Time Relay series controllers have some amazing abilities when it comes to making decisions on their own based on the events you configure into them, but you can take control of the relays at any time from a computer as long as communications are established between your computer and the Time Relay device.

The interface elements shown at right allow a computer to take over control of any relay and force the relays to a On or Off state.  You may also turn all relays on or off using the all relays on and all relays off buttons.  You can also read the status of relays by clicking the Read Relay 1-8 Status.  The Status of the relay will be shown to the right of the button.  The slider at the top of the screen allows you to select with bank of relays these commands are directed to.  You may attach up to 32 banks or 256 Relays.

Power Loss Backup Buffer

The Midnight Backup Buffer is a special feature developed to help keep track of which relays should be activated in the event power is lost.  Every night at midnight, the current status of all relays is stored in non-volatile memory.  If power is lost, the Taralist will load the status of the relays from memory.  Next, the Taralist will calculate all events from midnight to the current time to determine if any relays need to be activated or deactivated.  Finally, the Taralist will refresh all relays and will be ready for normal operation.

Base Station Reactor Configuration

Base Station Software

Base Station will assist you in learning how this device functions and is the ultimate reference tool for configuring, testing and controlling this device.  Base Station software supports every feature of this device - no other controller manufacturer even comes close to offering this type of software.  Base Station works by communicating with your controller to identify the model and provides the appropriate graphical user interface for setting up and testing the identified device.  All Reactor configurations will be made through Base Station and an overview will be discussed below.  To help you get started and learn this controller Quick Start Guides are available for just about every feature.  As you discover a feature in Base Station a link is provided where you can easily download the Quick Start Guide.

Configure Each Input

The Reactor Relay allows users to define the activation of a relay or an event based on the voltage readings of the analog inputs.  An input can trigger a relay directly or an input can trigger an event, such as a timer. If an input triggers a relay, the relay may turn on. If an input triggers a timer event, a timer may be started, but a relay may or may not be turned on based on how you have configured the controller (the time delay may be before the relay triggers).  Triggering an event does not mean you are triggering a relay, it just means you are triggering an internal function. Relays may be associated with this internal function to achieve a large number of possible operations.

Using Input Values

Reading from Left to right, the settings above indicate Input 1 will trigger a relay when Analog Input 1 is above 200.  We have defined that a relay will turn on when the input level is defined by a value of 200.


In the above example, a relay is triggered when an analog input is inside a set range between 100 and 202.  By defining two limits, you can further narrow the parameters for the activation of a relay.  The limits can also be assigned to set the relay to be activated outside two set limits.

Output Configuration

Reactor controllers have up to 8 relays available depending on the actual model selected. Each relay can be assigned to a different input or event.  In the example shown below, Relay 1 is Controlled by Input 1 directly.  Input 1 will turn Relay 1 ON. In order for Relay 1 to activate, it must meet the conditions of the Input 1 configuration using the settings on the Input Configuration tab (see above).

There are many ways to directly control a relay from an input. Relays 1-5 in the below example shows how inputs can turn relays on, off, toggle relay state, set the relay to match the state of the input, or set the relay to NOT equal the state of a input.

In the example below, Relay 6 is controlled by Timer 1. In other words, if Timer 1 is active, the relay will stay ON. Otherwise, the relay will turn off. This is a great way to activate a light for a given period of time. If you are interested in Time Delay Relay, timers will be discussed on our Time Delay Relay Page.

Complex Automation through Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to experiment with Reactor!  Some complex automation can be achieved by experimenting with Reactor settings.  Of course Reactor is capable of triggering relays and it can also trigger events.  Relays can be associated with events, allowing you to play with all kinds of complex timing and counting settings.  Events greatly expand the pallet of functionality available to Reactor.

Computer Controlled Relays

Software developers who need remote access to a Reactor controller will find themselves at home.  The Reactor supports a very powerful computer-based command set, so it is possible for a computer to operate the relays and read sensor inputs.  The computer can over-ride the Reactor decision logic, trigger events, and return control of the relays back to the Reactor Logic.  Configuration settings are stored in files that can be loaded into other Reactor controllers.

Many More Options

We have just touched on the many ways the Reactor board can be configured.  The applications that this board can be use in are extensive.  For a more detailed look at the configuration and setup you can look at the Reactor Series Quick Start Guide.

Quick Start Guide

Below is the Quick Start Guides for this software.  Download this for more information about this software.