This 2-Channel Reactor Relay Controller makes it easy for sensors to directly control external lights, motors, and other electrical devices based on environmental actions or conditions. Use external sensors to activate relays for a pre-set time period. A single external sensor is capable of controlling multiple relays or relay sequences based on your configuration. Use a computer to configure the Reactor. Once configured, Reactor works stand-alone, or in combination with a PC, depending on your application requirements. Reactor is compatible with many popular communication technologies, providing a upgrade path should your needs change in the future. Mechanical Relays are an ideal for choice for most users because of their long-life, low cost, and a versatile SPDT wiring configuration. Inductive loads such as Motors, Valves, Pumps, Solenoids, and Large Transformers (including Fluorescent Lighting) will require external induction suppression capacitors to reduce interference to acceptable levels.
Intelligent Switching without a Computer is the foundation of the Reactor Series relay controllers. Reactor connects the real world to the electronics world, making it easy to configure and control real-world devices for simple automation tasks.
Reactor can activate a light when it gets dark outside. Reactor can close a door that has been left open too long. Reactor can activate a heater to help maintain temperature. Reactor can turn on a light for 10 minutes if motion is detected. Reactor can water your crops when the soil moisture becomes too dry.
Reactor controllers are configured using our Free Base Station Software. Our simple GUI interface makes it easy to configure simple automation tasks with a point and click interface. Set parameters to activate relays within user-defined limits. Trigger timers, counters, and relay sequences with just a few clicks.
Once configured, the Reactor CPU will constantly monitoring external sensors using 8 analog inputs. When sensors reach pre-set limits, relays will be activated according to your configuration. Reactor is commonly used as a thermostat, motion activated light controller with a programmable timer, an automatic garage door closer, and much more.
Some computer skills are required. The Reactor series controllers do not require programming, simply configure the device with our Free Base Station Software. While programming is not required and simple functions can be done rather easily with basic computer skills, complex events may be possible with experimentation.
The Reactor series controllers include 8 analog inputs, capable of reading switches, resistance changes, or voltages from 0 to 5VDC. Higher or lower voltages will damage the Reactor controller, so care must be taken not to exceed the voltage limits on the Reactor inputs. We offer many sensors to help get you started, including temperature sensors, light sensors, current sensor, 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.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with Reactor. Some complex automation can be achieved by experimenting with Reactor settings. Of course Reactor is capable of triggering relays, but did you know that Reactor can also trigger events? Relays can be associated with events, allowing you to play with all kinds of complex timing and counting settings. Events greatly expand the pallet of functionality available to Reactor.
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 inputs. 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 other Reactor controllers.
Once configured, Reactor controllers operate on their own, without a computer. 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 control relays.
Reactor supports many communications technologies, including USB, RS-232, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Industrial Wireless. We recommend the USB option, as Reactor focuses on automation, and is frequently used without any communications module once configured. Nonetheless, please feel free to choose the technology that best suits your needs as our Base Station software supports them all. Additional accessories will be required when selecting the KFX Key Fob option, as the Key Fob module must also be configured and does not include any remote controls.
Use 802.15.4 Communications if you require industrial strength long-range wireless communications. 802.15.4 is a point-to-point wireless standard, allowing fast communications. The wireless protocol acts as a long-distance wireless serial port, allowing wireless operation with no modification to software.
Bluetooth is a easy way to add wireless communications to the NCD Industrial product line. The Bluetooth communications option acts as a transparent serial port between your computer and NCD devices. Simply pair the device with your computer and access the device through the COM port that is associated with the Bluetooth communications module.
Control NCD devices using standard Ethernet TCP/IP communications. Simply open a socket and send and receive TCP/IP data to control our devices. Our Ethernet TCP/IP Communication modules feature the Lantronix XPort communications module, the best in the industry. The Lantronix XPort module is an industrial workhorse that we have trusted for many years.
NCD RS-232 Serial Communication modules make it easy to integrate the worlds most prolific communication standard. Easily interface to desktop PCs and laptops for easy control via standard serial commands. Most NCD devices typically default to 115.2K Baud; however, older low-cost devices implement 9600 baud data rate as the predominate standard.
Our USB interface module makes it easy to control our devices using the USB port. Simply plug into any available USB port and start controlling our devices using standard serial commands. NCD USB Interface modules feature genuine FTDI USB to Serial Converter Chips, the very best in the industry.
Control NCD devices using standard WiFi TCP/IP communications. Simply open a socket and send and receive TCP/IP data to control our devices. NCD WiFi communication modules are manufactured by Microchip, the world leader in microcontrollers.
This controller is available with a 10-Amp relay option, allowing control of higher-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 10 Amps. Ideal for general purpose switching applications, this relays is focused on power-switching, and should never be used for low-power signals due to a higher On resistance of up to 150 Ohms when relay contacts are new (contact resistance drops to less than 1 Ohm after break-in period). The 10-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. All connections are made via screw terminals, capable of accepting up to 12 AWG wire.
This controller is available with a 5-Amp relay option, allowing control of higher-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 5 Amps. Ideal for general purpose switching applications, this relays is focused on power-switching, and should never be used for low-power signals due to a higher On resistance of up to 150 Ohms when relay contacts are new (contact resistance drops to less than 1 Ohm after break-in period). The 5-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. All connections are made via screw terminals, capable of accepting up to 12 AWG wire.