Our MirX 8-Channel Solid-State Relay Controllers are manufactured in pairs, designed to work together when powered up using wireless 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 employ long-range wireless communications, we have tested line of sight range up to 2 miles. With rooftop antenna, ranges of 28 miles may be achieved. Urban and indoor installations typically achieve a 1,000 to 2,000 foot range, depending on type of building structure and wireless environment.
Customize this MirX 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. 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 one controller activate the relays on the remote device using wireless communications. 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, the remote device is out of range.
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 reduces power consumption and 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. MirX controllers will offer better range if two MirX controllers are within line of sight of each other. If it is not possible for two MirX controllers to see each other, it may be necessary to use larger antennas. We can provide signal repeaters for extreme circumstances, but this solution is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Typical communication range in indoor or urban environments is 1,000 to 2,000 feet using the included antennas. Outdoor Line-Of-Sight Range is 4-9 miles using 2.1dB dipole antennas. Using high-gain antennas, 28 miles of wireless range may be possible in some Line-Of-Site locations.
Normally, MirX is shipped without encryption. However, NCD engineers will encrypt MirX communication data upon request. Please put a note in the special instructions field if you would like data secured between 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.
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:
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