Who’s Qualified to Use the MirX Series?
Anyone. The MirX Series Controllers are the most consumer-friendly devices we have ever manufactured. Whether an electronics engineer or a home hobbyist, anyone is qualified to use the MirX Series controller provided the Quick Start Guide is carefully studied.
ZETH-ME Modules
Each board is equipped with a Ethernet .NET module. The Ethernet module will connect to your router with a standard CAT-5 cable. The router will assign the module an IP address, the module will then check with the mirror server for the IP address of it's paired board. Once the modules know the IP address of each other they will connect directly with each other. LAN applications will not require an internet connection and the modules will find their mate on their own. The module is powered from the board and each board will require 12 volts of power and can be hard wired or you can purchase a "wall wart" type Power Supply at checkout.
Communication Between Boards
The MXNET MirX Devices will work on a local area network or over the internet. There are redundant communication channels between the two boards, as long as one of them is able to make connection, the boards will work. When two modules are in the same local area network, they can communicate to each other directly without a Mirror Server. No Internet connection is required.
Constant Communication
In order to use MirX-MXNET controllers over the internet, a 3rd party server is required. By default, we have configured every MirX-MXNET controller to use our two Lenux servers as a central hub and backup for MirX-MXNET communications. This server keeps each controller in communications with each other. However, you do not have to use our server; you can install our software on your own server and use it instead or in combination with our Lenux server. In fact, you can install our software on up to 4 servers. If one server is down, another server will be used as a backup path for communications. Your MirX-MXNET controller works right out of the box with our server, but you can add more servers if you want to increase the reliability.
If you prefer to use the MirX-MXNET controller over a local area network (LAN), no external server is required. LAN connected MirX-MXNET controllers will find each other directly (each location must be connected to an Ethernet router or switch).
Learn more about how MXNET works
Base Station Software
The devices have been paired by NCD prior to shipment and require no configuration; however, if you wish to make changes in this pairing, you may use the NCD Base Station software to change the configuration settings. This can also be a valuable troubleshooting tool because of its ability to show devices that are communicating on your network.
Multiple MirX Pairs?
Multiple MirX Controllers can be used in one locations. One Pair of MirX controllers will not interfere with another MirX pair. With Base Station Software you can view and edit all paired communication settings.
Read Status of Remote Relays
The sending device is also equipped with LEDs that display the status of the remote relay. Status information is verified using 2-way wireless communications. If communication is lost between the remote relay and the sending device, the sending device will turn off the LED. Additionally, the MirX controller is equipped with a Busy/Ready LED. If the Busy LED flashes, this indicates the remote device has successfully received and accepted your contact closure status. If the Busy LED does not flash, the remote device is out of range.
Order of Operations
- Contact closures are read on one controller
- Data is sent to other controller through network to turn on or off relays
- Remote device replies back
- Busy light flashes to confirm data was received at the other end
Contact Closure Inputs
The inputs on these boards accept a dry contact only - no voltage. Users must never apply any voltage to an input on either of the MirX Controllers.
Relay Outputs
Relays do NOT provide a voltage output and can be used as a dry contact. They provide a contact closure output and simply interrupt the power to the device you are switching.
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In order to use MirX-MXNET controllers over the internet, a 3rd party server is required. By default, we have configured every MirX-MXNET controller to use our two Lenux servers as a central hub and backup for MirX-MXNET communications. This server keeps each controller in communications with each other. However, you do not have to use our server; you can install our software on your own server and use it instead or in combination with our Lenux server. In fact, you can install our software on up to 4 servers. If one server is down, another server will be used as a backup path for communications. Your MirX-MXNET controller works right out of the box with our server, but you can add more servers if you want to increase the reliability.