Reactor Relay with Standard Ethernet Firmware
ZETH-ME uses Digi Stock Digi Connect ME firmware.
Providing a low-cost network communications solution to NCD Devices.
We have just taken Network Communications a Huge Step Forward!
For several years now, NCD has been the Only maker of a powerful Ethernet Relay Controller, but now it's time for a New Generation of Controllers. We have just taken Network Communications a Huge Step Forward by Offering a Low-Cost and a High-Power Network Communication Solution teamed with our Sensor Automated Reactor Relay Controllers.
Two Ethernet Modules Available |
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ZETH-ME
Includes Extensive Network Configuration Options
Supports Virtual COM Port over Ethernet |
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ZETH-NET
Supports Multiple Communication Methods Simultaneously
Web Browser Interface
Direct Internet Access |
Ethernet Network Module
Introducing ZETH; the Ethernet Network communications Module from National Control Devices. Designed to plug into NCD Surface Mount devices, two powerful Ethernet network communication options bring you device connectivity from anywhere in the world. Our first generation of Ethernet relay controllers was based on the Digi Connect ME Ethernet communications module. This is a great low-cost solution that has empowered our users since 2005, and is now repackaged into the ultra-small ZETH-ME communications module. The Digi Connect ME firmware allows you to login to the device and setup powerful network communication options. Though it does not offer a web browser interface for relay/device control, it does offer many powerful connectivity options for advanced networks at a very low cost. ZETH-ME supports Virtual COM Port Ethernet Communications, Direct TCP/IP communications, or direct communication to SignalSwitch.com. ZETH-ME is only capable of handling only one of these communication options at a time, but can easily be reconfigured if you prefer to change how you communicate.
Variable Input/Contact Closure Triggers Relays
Variable Input Sensor can Trigger Relays at any Defined Point
Ideal For Setting Simple or Complex Timing Configurations
Trigger Relays Through Software or with Connected Sensor
Sensor Controlled Relays Expand Automation WITHOUT Programming!
Intelligent Switching without a Computer is the foundation of the Reactor Series relay controllers. The Reactor Series will help you activate a switch when it gets dark outside. If the door has been left open, it will close automatically. When the temperature falls, another switch is triggered. If motion is detected, a light will turn on for a preset time. When soil in the ground is too dry, a switch will be activated that can save your crops, save your energy, save you a trip to the field, and save you money.
Configure to Your Needs
The Reactor controller must be configured using a computer and the included software. All decisions are made based on your configuration settings. Configuration settings are created and loaded into the Reactor controller using the NCD Configuration Utility. The Reactor is usually configured using a USB communications module, but may be configured wirelessly. Configuration is a simple Point and Click process, setting parameters to activate relays with user-defined limits.
Once configured, the Reactor CPU is constantly monitoring external sensors using 8 analog inputs. Inputs can be configured to trigger relays, relay timers and relay activation sequences. Complex events can also be configured without any programming. Use the Reactor as a Thermostat, a Motion Activated Light with a Programmable Timer, an Automatic Garage Door Closer, and much more.
The Configuration utility is available as a free download. See the resources section located on the right or at the bottom of the page. You can also find more detailed information in the Manual available in the Resources section as well.
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 Configuration Utility. 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 patients.
Sensors
The Reactor Controller has 8 Analog Inputs that can read switches, resistance changes, or voltages from 0 to 5VDC. Higher or lower voltages will damage the Reactor, so care must be taken not to exceed these limits on the Reactor inputs. We offer many
sensors to help get you started, including Motion Detectors, temperature sensors, light sensors, and magnetic proximity sensors. You can connect your own sensors to the Reactor if we don't offer what you are looking for. The Reactor configuration will control how the sensor affects the Relay.
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.
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. Time Delay is discussed in more detail below.
The configuration software makes it easy to configure each relay. Relays or multiple relays can be can be assigned to each input.
Removable Communication Module
Once configured, the Reactor controller can operate on its own, without a computer. The Reactor will never lose its settings. In fact, the communication module can be removed from the Reactor controller and used to configure another Reactor controller. This helps keep costs down. If you choose to leave the communication module installed on the Reactor, your computer can monitor inputs and relays, even take control of relays, and even use SignalSwitch.com to control the relays from anywhere in the world.
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 input. 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 the Reactor controller.
The Reactor and Time Delay
Timers & Rotations
Up to 8 timers and 4 rotations can be configured to control up to 8 relays based on 8 separate analog inputs. Programmable Trigger Points can Trigger Timers and Rotation Counters when Analog inputs reach preconfigured levels.
Timer Events & How They Work
Timer events work just as the name implies. You can define up to 8 timers that run in the background. Each timer can
have a different time assigned to it. Timers can be triggered or canceled based on input events.
Relays can be associated with timers so the relays only come on when the timer is active. Timers support Event Piping. Event
Piping means a timer can trigger another timer or another event after the timer has completed its cycle.
Timer Rotations
Rotations are another powerful feature of the controller. Rotations are simply counters. All Rotations begin there counting
at 0. Any relays that are associated with a Rotation will turn off if the Rotation counter reaches 0. There are 4 Rotations:
Rotation A, B, C, and D. Rotations can also run in the background, or they can be stepped, one count at a time. You can
define how far they count. In the above example, Rotation A is a 3-count Rollover Rotation. This means it will count: 0, 1, 2, 3, 0,
1, 2, 3, etc. Rotation B is similar to Rotation A, except it counts from 0 to 5. Rotation C is a 2-Count Rotation, meaning it counts:
0, 1, 2. Unlike the other rotations, Rotation C is a Halt on Limits rotation. This simply means it will count up to 2 and no higher
and will not cycle to 0. These kinds of counters usually need a trigger to increase them and a separate trigger to decrease them.
You can define two inputs: One to count up, another to count
down.
Rotations can be interpreted by the relays in four ways.
Binary Rotations: Relays activate in a binary pattern.
Sequential Rotation: Relays activate in a sequence, one after another until all associated relays are on.
Incremental Rotation: Only ONE relay is on at a time, each count triggers the next relay.
Reverse Incremental: Same as above, but relay activates in the reverse sequence.
Event Piping
Perhaps the most powerful feature of the Reactor Relay Controller is Event Piping. Event piping is the process of one event triggering
another event. When a single event has finished its operation, it can trigger another event. For instance, a Timer Event can
be set for 10 minutes. A Rotation event can be set for 0-1 count rotation. When the timer expires, the Rotation can be increased.
In a real-world example, this would be the equivalent of waiting 10 minutes to turn on a relay. Understanding Event Piping is the
key to unlocking the most powerful feature the Reactor Series Relay Controllers have to offer.
Analog Inputs
Analog Inputs are capable of reading switches and sensors operating in the 0 to 5VDC range. These input serve as the heart of the Controller and are the basis for triggering most functions without a computer. The Analog Inputs on a Reactor Controller may be configured to activate or deactivate relays based on these voltage changes. These voltage changes can of course also trigger timers and counting events. (
please note: 8 inputs may not be available when ordering the Key Fob Option) Much more information on the operation on these boards can be found in the product manual. Look for the Download Manual button on the product pages.
Product Variation: Web-i with Web-Browser Interface
NCD Currently offers 2 variations of the Ethernet Modules. The Web-i with Web-Browser interface is also available.
Web-i is our own breed of Ethernet communications. Web-i is an Open-Source project that offers a powerful web-browser interface for direct control of relays from a web-page served directly to users from the Web-i module, without the need for a server. Web-i is accessible from anywhere on your local area network. If you have a static IP address, Web-i is accessible from anywhere in the world. In addition to a web browser relay control interface, Web-i devices also allow you to control the device from your own software through direct TCP/IP communications while still hosting a web browser interface. Write software that directly accesses the controller or access the control from your web browser. Web-i also supports a simultaneous connection to SignalSwitch.com, allowing you to control the Web-i from our server, your program, or your web browser...all at the same time. Use the chart below to compare features of the ZETH-ME and ZETH-NET Ethernet Modules.
| Feature Comparison: |
ZETH-ME |
Web-i |
| Supports Virtual COM Port over Ethernet |
YES |
- |
| Supports Direct TCP/IP Communications |
YES |
YES |
| Supports Direct Connection to SignalSwitch.com |
YES |
YES |
Supports Multiple Communication Methods
(Above) Simultaneously |
- |
YES |
Supports Direct Internet Access Without a Server
|
- |
YES |
| Includes Extensive Network Configuration Options |
YES |
- |
| Web-Browser Interface for ProXR Series Controllers |
- |
YES |
| Web-Browser Interface for Reactor Series Controllers |
- |
YES |
| Web-Browser Interface for Taralist Series Controllers |
- |
YES |
| Web-Browser Interface for Network Configuration |
YES |
YES |
| Supports DHCP |
YES |
YES |
| Supports Fixed IP Address |
YES |
NO |
| Password Protection |
YES |
YES |
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Contact Information
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Download the NCD Configuration Utility
Download the Reactor Manual to learn about the Reactor Logic and Configuration