Our MirC 4-Channel Solid-State Relay Controllers are manufactured in pairs, designed to work together when powered up using 3-wire communications. The contact closure inputs on the transmitter control the relays on the receiving relay controller. Both the transmitter and receiving relay control display the relay status using LEDs. MirC controllers communicate to each other using just 3 wires over distances up to 1,000 feet. Use just about any type of network wire, including Cat3, Cat5, Cat6, or whatever else you may have for best communication distance. MirC controllers use screw terminals to connect 3 communication wires between controllers.
Customize this MirC controller for the type of solid-state relays your application requires during the order process. Solid-state relays are of the SPST variety, and are typically used for high-reliability and long-life AC or DC switching applications. Remotely control motors, pumps, valves, solenoids, lights, and other heavy duty electrical equipment by simply wiring a switch in one location to control your electrical equipment in a remote location. On-board Relay status LEDs and busy/ready LEDs let you know when these controllers are talking to each other. When communications is lost, on-board relays will automatically deactivate within 30 seconds (user selectable option).
No Computers, No Configuration – Works Right Out of the Box. MirC controllers stay connected to each other using wireless communications. Inputs on the transmitter activate relays at the receiver.
Permanently Married, MirC is Always Trying to Talk to it’s Mate!
MirC controllers are always talking to each other. They stay in relentless communications for optimal reliability. Should they lose communication with each other, they will keep calling out for each other until they find their mate. Since MirC controllers are married to each other, it’s possible to have several MirC pairs in the same area without any significant interference.
MirC controllers are equipped with contact closure inputs on the transmitter and relay outputs on the receiver. The inputs on the transmitter activate the relays on the remote receiver using 3 wires for communications between controllers. The transmitter displays the status of the remote relays using LEDs (one LED per relay), so both the transmitter and receiver include relay status! Every MirC 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.
Beacon Mode communicates with a Remote MirC controller many times per second, refreshing Relay Status information every time a valid data stream is received by the remote device. Relays are only refreshed when a valid data packet is received. If data is lost, the Ready LED will stay on and Relays will stay in their current state. If the remote MirC controller is in range, the Busy LED will flash periodically, indicating valid communications between devices. Beacon Mode is slower than Smart Mode and is used primarily for initial testing of two devices.
Once you have determined an installation location for both MirC controllers, move the Beacon/Smart jumper to the Smart position. Smart Mode communicates to the remote device any time a change is detected on the local device. Otherwise, the controller periodically checks to make sure the remote device is in range. Smart Mode is significantly faster than Beacon Mode. Smart Mode is the preferred mode for daily use in most applications. Note that each MirC controller can be set to a different mode and jumper changes take effect immediately. Again, the Busy LED will indicate the remote device is properly communicating. Smart Mode will also verify the relays on the remote device are properly set. If they are not, Smart Mode will attempt communications until the remote device responds. If communications is lost between the MirC controllers, all relays will automatically shut off within 30 seconds. If this is not desirable, Beacon Mode should be used.
Perhaps the most notable difference between Beacon and Smart Mode is how relays respond if communication is lost. In Beacon Mode, the relays will stay in their current state and will not change unless a new data packet is received. In Smart Mode, relays will turn off automatically in 10 to 30 seconds if communications is lost between MirC controllers.
The distance between MirC controllers will affect reliable operation. With the direct wired version of MirC, you should expect to get a range of 1,000 feet using a 3-wire cable. The cable can be any common network cable such as Cat3, 4, 5, or 6, or standard telephone or similar cable. The wires attach to a 3-wire terminal block directly to the MirC controllers.
MirC controllers are typically used by our large industrial clients for a wide range of remote control switching applications. Typical installations include remote gate operation, remote light control, remote pump control, as well as various temperature override applications. Since MirC includes relay status LEDs on each side, validating operation is much easier than using other remote control solutions.
NCD manufactures several variations of MirC as well as other Mirror series devices. Here are some variations you may wish to consider:
MirC Wireless for remote control applications, available with optional wireless encryption
Our Mirror Family Controllers:
MirC offers several relay options, depending on your application. We stock solid-state, high-power, and general purpose relays in our MirC line of products. However, we can customize our MirC controllers to your exact needs. Please contact us if you need any custom designed MirC controllers, including different relay types or firmware modifications. This particular controller has the following relay options available:
Solid state relays are ideal for agricultural switching applications, or remotely located switching. SSRs are frequently chosen to control pumps, valves, solenoids, lights, and other high-reliability applications. NCD solid-state relay controllers do not include solid-state relays, but you will have the option to choose the type of solid state relays you require when customizing your product. This controller is designed specifically to fit select Crydom solid-state relays, but may be compatible other solid-state relays made by other companies.