Our MirX 4-Channel High-Power Relay Controllers are manufactured in pairs, designed to work together when powered up using 3-wire communications. The contact closure inputs on controller A control the relays on controller B. Similarly, the contact closure inputs on controller B control the relays on controller A. MirX 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. MirX controllers use screw terminals to connect 3 communication wires between controllers.
This pair of MirX controllers is equipped with your choice of 20-Amp SPDT or 30-Amp SPST relays, ideal for use in most high-power switching applications. Ideal for lights, motors, gate openers, pump controllers, valve controllers, and much more. 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. MirX controllers stay connected to each other using wireless communications. Inputs on each controller activate the relays at the opposite controller.
Permanently Married, MirX is Always Trying to Talk to it’s Mate!
MirX 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 MirX controllers are married to each other, it’s possible to have several MirX pairs in the same area without any significant interference.
Every MirX controller is equipped with contact closure inputs and relay outputs. The inputs on the transmitter activate the relays on the remote receiver using 3 wires for communications between controllers. The “X” in MirX refers to the crossover. Since both devices are equipped with contact closure inputs and relays, each device targets and controls the remote device. Every 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, there is a communication problem between the two devices.
Beacon Mode communicates with a Remote MirX 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 MirX 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 MirX 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 MirX 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 MirX 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 MirX controllers.
The distance between MirX controllers will affect reliable operation. With the direct wired version of MirX, 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 MirX controllers.
MirX 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 MirX includes relays on each side, local relays are typically used for verification purposes, such as limit switches or remote door switches, indicating the remote device has completed its control function.
NCD manufactures several variations of MirX as well as other Mirror series devices. Here are some variations you may wish to consider:
Our Mirror Family Controllers:
MirX offers several relay options, depending on your application. We stock solid-state, high-power, and general purpose relays in our MirX line of products. However, we can customize our MirX controllers to your exact needs. Please contact us if you need any custom designed MirX controllers, including different relay types or firmware modifications. This particular controller has the following relay options available:
This controller is available with a 20-Amp relay option, allowing control of high-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 20 Amps. Ideal for high-power switching applications, this relay should never be used for low-power signals. The 20-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. This relay uses .250″ Quick Connect terminals (optional accessory) to connect to the top side of the relay. The relay is molded with COM, NC, and NO markings into the plastic.
This controller is available with a 30-Amp relay option, allowing control of high-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 30 Amps. Ideal for high-power switching applications, this relay should never be used for low-power signals. The 30-Amp relay is of the SPST variety, which provides Common (C) and Normally Open (NO) connections. Common has no connection when the relay is off. Common connects to NO when the relay is activated. This relay uses .250″ Quick Connect terminals (optional accessory) to connect to the top side of the relay. The relay is molded with COM, NO markings into the plastic.