Take Manual Control of Reactor

At any time, a computer may monitor the Reactor, trigger events, activate relays, or change configuration settings.  This Ethernet version will allow easy access to the board as long as it's plugged into a router or hub.  A computer can take over a Reactor or a Reactor can operate autonomously (without a computer).

Lantronix XPort

Ethernet Relay with ME ModuleThis board is equipped with a Lantronix XPort Module.  The Lantronix communications module adds Ethernet communications to the board.  The module will connect to a your router with a standard CAT-5 cable.  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.

Monitoring Inputs

Once a Reactor is configured, the Reactor monitors inputs. When inputs reach user-defined limits, relays can turn on or off.  Reactors allow much more than simple relay control.  Reactor inputs can trigger timers and rotations.  A timer allows a relay to activate over a duration of time.  A rotation is a simple counter, in which relays can be assigned to each "count".  This allows powerful functions such as relay activation sequencing, flashing, and stepping.  Event Piping allows timers and rotations to trigger other timers and rotations.  This is very powerful for setting up complex relay activation sequences.

8 Inputs Available

Reactor Inputs play a vital role in the use of a Reactor controller.  Analog inputs are simply inputs that are sensitive to voltages.  Analog Inputs are capable of reading switches and sensors operating in the 0 to 5VDC range.  Once configured, the Reactor CPU is constantly monitoring external sensors using 8 analog inputs that can read switches, resistance changes, or voltages from 0 to 5VDC.  Inputs can be configured to trigger relays, relay timers and relay activation sequences.

Input Voltage Changes

Analog Inputs are very special in that they are sensitive to voltage changes.  In the case of a Reactor controller, analog inputs have an 8-bit resolution, meaning the voltage input (from 0 to 5VDC) is interpreted as a value from 0 to 255.


So if you divide 5 Volts by 256 possible steps (0-255 for 8-Bit resolution), the Reactor controller is sensitive to voltage changes as small as 0.0195 Volts.  A Reactor controller has 8 inputs.  Each input is capable of reading a separate voltage from 0 to 5 VDC, provided all voltages can share a common ground.

Who's Qualified to Use the Reactor Series?

Some computer skills required.  The Reactor Relays do not require programming, simply configure the device with the included Base Station Software.  While programming is not required and simple functions can be done rather easily with basic computer skills, complex events can be configured which will require some understanding and patience.

Wi-Fi Adapter Available

Wi-Fi RelayMake this Ethernet controller Wi-Fi compatible by simply connecting the Netgear WNCE2001 Universal Wireless Internet Adapter. The WNCE2001 will connect any of these Web Relay devices to an existing 802.11 wireless network. Installation couldn't be easier with Netgear's CD-less, wireless installation. The Netgear WNCE2001 can be purchased on your own or select the Wi-Fi option at checkout to add to your order.

Induction Capacitors

Induction CapacitorPerhaps the most overlooked aspect of relay control is proper handling of inductive loads. Inductive loads can best be defined as anything with a magnetic coil, such as a motor, solenoid, or a transformer.  Controlling a inductive load using this relay controller requires the use of induction suppression capacitors.  The purpose of this capacitor is to absorb the high voltages generated by inductive loads, blocking them from the contacts of the relay.  Without this capacitor, the lifespan of the relay will be greatly reduced.  Induction can be so severe that it electrically interferes with the microprocessor logic of our controllers, causing relay banks to shut themselves down unexpectedly.  In the case of USB devices, customers may experience loss of communications until the device is reconnected to the USB port.  Capacitors that we offer are available at checkout, for more information view our Induction Suppression Video.