USB ProXR Enhanced with A/D
Mounts as a Virtual COM Port on your Computer
Control Relays and Read 0 to 5 Volt Sensors
Computer Control Through the USB Port of Your Computer
USB Relay Control
Our USB ProXR Series Relay Controllers make it easier than ever to add computer controlled switching to your most demanding computer control applications. Simply connect to your computer and this controller mounts as a Virtual COM Port on your PC, allowing easy programming from any language that supports serial communications.
Mounts as a COM Port
This ProXR series controller connects to the USB port of your computer and will mount as a COM port on your PC. USB Drivers will most likely be needed and can be found in the resources section to the right and will also be available in the Base Station Software. Once powered up, the controller waits for a command. A command consists of a few bytes of data in numerical format usually between 2 and 6 bytes. Once the command has been received, the controller processes the command, and sends you back ASCII character code 85 to signal the completion of your command.
ZUSB Modules
This board is equipped with a ZUSB Module. The ZUSB communications module adds USB communications to the board. The ZUSB module is powered from the USB port of your computer and includes a 6' USB Cable. The board itself will require 12 volts of power and can be hard wired or you can purchase a "wall wart" type transformer at checkout.
12 Volt DC Powered
While the USB module is powered y the USB port the Board itself requires a +12VDC power supply. USB specification prohibits relay controllers from being USB bus powered due to surge currents. We do not sell a mechanical relay controller that is USB bus powered, Please be cautious of any manufacturer who offers such a device.
Sending Commands
Base Station Software is available at no charge to get you up and running fast (more on Base Station below). Once powered up, the controller waits for a ProXR command. A command consists of a few bytes of data in numerical format (
see full command set) usually between 2 and 6 bytes. Once the command has been received, the controller processes the command, and sends you back ASCII character code 85 to signal the completion of your command. If a command was sent to read the status of the relay the status is sent back.
Induction Capacitors
Perhaps 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.
Induction Solutions
Even with capacitors in place, the possibility does exist that capacitors will not suppress enough induction to prevent periodic communications loss. Testing is required in these applications. If problems persist, other communications mechanisms must be considered. If USB is required, an RS-232 communications module will allow RS-232 communications between your PC and controller with no complications. A USB to RS-232 adapter can be used in combination with the RS-232 controller. The RS-232 communications format effectively blocks induction to safe levels for a USB to RS-232 adapter to function without errors (look for "RS232 Relays" under Shop by Interface on the left navigation). If the problem persists after you purchase a USB board you can change out the USB module for an RS-232 or wireless module easily.
SPDT Relay Controller
This device has SPDT relays installed. SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections - Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed. When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay. When the relay coil is energized, the Common swings over to the Normally Open Connection of the Relay. You can wire the device you are switching to either the Normally Open or the Normally Closed position. For more information on selecting the correct relay amperage for your application see
Choosing a Proper Amperage.
Easy Software Development
Most of our customers write their own program for controlling these devices. Since you can use almost any programming language, you can use one that is most familiar to you so you don't have to learn a new language. These boards support the Serial Port Profile, meaning they will mount to the computer as a virtual com port. This makes it very easy to send commands to the device.
Plug-In for Visual Studio
The NCD Component Library is a plug-in for the Visual Studio 2005/2008 that greatly simplifies the communications to the NCD product line. The samples can be run in Visual Studio and fully customizable to your needs. Over 40 samples included with this free download!
Component Library.
Base Station Software
Base Station will assist you in learning how this device functions and is the ultimate reference tool for setting up, 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. 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.
ProXR Relay
We've looked at the interface and the programming now let's take a look at the board design itself. The ProXR series controllers are manufactured by hand for a highly accurate and reliable design. Equipped with the XR Expansion Port additional relays can be easily added. Fully tested before they leave the production facility each ProXR controller is ready to stand up to rigorous demands from heat, cold or vibration. The best test of all is the numerous boards in the field from customers all over the world in all sorts of conditions. Take it from us, these controllers will hold up!
Add Relays as Your Needs Grow
The ProXR series controllers are expandable up to 256 total relays. The controller is fitted with an XR Expansion Port where you can add expansion boards to this relay. Expansion boards can be added until you reach 256 total relays. The Expansion Boards get their logic from the main board and will require 12 VDC power. Expansion boards do not need to be the same relay amperage as the main board or other expansion boards.
16 User-Programmable Timers
The ProXR Series controllers have 16 user-programmable timers. Each independent timer can be assigned to any relay, and can be programmed to hold the relay in the On state, or to pulse the relay at the end of the timer. The ProXR timing features are ideally suited for Watchdog, Keep Alive, and Server Reboot applications, as well as sprinkler systems, gate openers, and lighting applications. Relay Timing Features support two modes of operation: Duration and Pulse. Duration timing is ideally suited where a device should be activated for a period of time. Pulse timing mode is designed specifically for server reboot applications, whereby, if the timer is not reset periodically by your software, the timer will run out and reboot your computer.
Read Analog Sensors
This ProXR controller offers a 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter in addition to relay control. Read and control from 8 sensors per board from 0 to 5 volts!
ProXR Enhanced Firmware Installed
This board has ProXR Firmware installed that responds to the full ProXR Command Set. The ProXR Firmware is the industry leading firmware for controlling relays with more commands and functionality than any other board on the market. The list of commands and parameters this board is capable of is extensive. ProXR Enhanced is the newly released enhance version of the ProXR Firmware with more commands, more functionality and better control than ever before! For a detailed list of all the commands with descriptions see our
ProXR Enhanced Command Set.
RoHS Option
Order your board led free and be RoHS Compliant. If your requirements are for RoHS compliant parts this board can be ordered to be manufactured with RoHS compliant led free parts and solder. Just look for the RoHS option at checkout.
5-Year Warranty/Money Back Guarantee
ProXR Lite series controllers are guaranteed against manufacturing and functionality defects for a full 5 years! Not to mention a 30-day money back guarantee! If for any reason you are not happy with a relay purchased from Relay Pros, simply return it within 30 days and we will give you your money back! Controllers that are damaged by our customers will not of course be warranted under any circumstances.
Thousands of Relay Cycles
ProXR series controllers are designed for long life, you should expect to get years of service from your controller and literally thousands of cycles from the relays onboard. With a 5-year warranty and a money back guarantee you have nothing to loose! Place your order now, while everything is in front of you.
Shipping
The boards sold are brand new units shipped from our office conveniently located in Missouri. These boards are completely tested before they are released for shipping With so many boards on our site it is impossible to stock boards, please allow two to three days production time for your order to ship. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office at 800-960-4287 or e-mail us at sales@relaypros.com.
ProXR Control Is Here!
A more streamlined manufacturing process brings a more durable, reliable and better relay board to the market. Here's a lists of great features:
User Friendly Board Design
- "Wall Wart" or direct power capability
- Relay status light bar
- XR Expansion Port
- Screw terminal or direct relay connections make connecting to the board easy
ProXR Features
- Works with the full ProXR Enhanced Command Set
- 8-Channel 8/10-Bit Analog to Digital Converter
- Highly reliable relay with industry leading command set
- 16 programmable timers available
A/D Conversion
Analog to Digital Conversion allows you to read voltage levels from 0-5 volts using 8-bit or 10-bit resolution. This is particularly useful for reading temperature sensors (one temperature sensor is built into select boards mostly 4 & 8 channel, shared with analog input number 8). A/D Inputs are also useful for reading light level sensors, thermocouples, switch closures, or just about any other kind of sensor you can think of.
A/D Sample Programs Available
Eight Different A/D Sample programs are available in the
Component Library. These samples are available as a free download and are compatible with Visual Studio.
N-Button Lite
N-Button creates widgets or buttons to control up to eight relays without any programming. A new button will be created and placed on the desktop of your computer for each relay that you want to control. N-Button supports Serial Port/ USB and Network connection between PC and relay board. N-Button Manager makes it easy to add any type of button to the desktop and change the properties.
Analog to Digital meters can also be added to your desktop to instantly read the status of any sensor or probe you may have connected to the board. Each meter is customizable and can be changed without any programming knowledge.
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Relay Button widgets turn on/off relay directly. It has never been so easy to control relays before. |
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Relay Status widgets show status of the relay automatically.
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A/D Meter widgets display the value of A/D channel automatically. |
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Customized Button widgets can send user-defined data to relay board. It also supports to open or run other file and application. |
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N-Button Lite version supports up to 8 widgets. If you want to add more than 8 widgets, you need upgrade to the standard version.
Induction Suppression Capacitor
USB is particularly sensitive to inductive loads. USB establishes high-speed communications with the motherboard of your PC. If an error is presented on the USB port, the motherboard of your computer will disconnect the device from the operating system. In the case of USB relay controllers, you will lose communications until the device is unplugged from the USB port and plugged back in. When working with USB communications in combination with inductive loads, it is absolutely essential that induction suppression capacitors are used to help prevent loss of communications. Even with these capacitors in place, the possibility does exist that capacitors will not suppress enough induction to prevent periodic communications loss.
