NCD Taralist Quick Start Manual

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NATIONAL CONTROL DEVICES

Time Activated Relay Controllers

Taralist Quick Start Guide

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N A T I O N A L C O N T R O L D E V I C E S

Taralist

Time Activated Relay Controllers

National Control Devices, LLC

PO Box 455

Osceola, MO 64776

Phone 417.646.5644 • Fax (866) 562-0406

Notice: Portions of this manual require internet access.

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http://www.controlanything.com/Relay/Device/ZUSB

IMPORTANT: Taralist firmware has been re-written.

If your controller is identified as a ‘Taralist Enhanced’ in Base Station

software, then your controller is capable of accepting commands at high communications speeds.

Older versions of the firmware will require a 1ms delay between communication bytes.

NCD STRONGLY ENCOURAGES A FIRMWARE UPGRADE IF YOU ARE NOT USING TARALIST ENHANCED FIRMWARE.

Return your device to NCD, and we will upgrade your firmware free of charge including return shipment.

All customers are STRONGLY ADVISED to purchase at least ONE USB Communication Module. This communication module may be used to recover a controller or to reconfigure a controller should there be an accidental loss of communications. NCD Tech support may be unable to assist customers who do not have a USB Communications Module available for troubleshooting purposes.

Purchase USB Communications Module from our website at this link:

NOTICE:

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Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................................. 1

Hardware Reference ................................................................ 3

Getting Started .......................................................................................... 3

Onboard Batter Backup ............................................................................ 4

Controlling Relays ..................................................................................... 6

Break Away Tabs ...................................................................................... 7

Taralist Configuration ............................................................... 8

Understanding Events ............................................................................ 11

Adding/Removing Events ....................................................................... 12

Defining Time .......................................................................................... 13

Midnight Backup Buffer ........................................................................... 14

Editing Protected Data ............................................................................ 15

Computer Control of Taralist ......................................................... 16

Command Set ........................................................................ 18

Relay Logic ............................................................................ 23

Electrical Specifications .......................................................... 26

Maximum Rating ..................................................................................... 26

Technical Support ..................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Contact Information .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Notice: ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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Notice:

This manual will guide you through the setup and use of all Taralist Series relay controllers. Following this manual in the sequence outlined is absolutely essential to proper understanding and use of Taralist Series Controllers. Please review the entire manual BEOFRE contacting NCD technical support. NCD technical support staff will direct your questions to this manual when applicable.

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Chapter

Introduction

he Taralist Series relay controllers represent a significant advancement in the

evolution of the NCD product line. The Taralist Series controllers represent many foundation technologies that will significantly strengthen our product offerings in the years to come.

The Taralist Series of controllers are the first time-controlled devices we have ever developed. This new architecture allows powerful computer-based configuration without writing a single line of code. Taralist controllers are the first to offer a Autonomous time controlled at any time, and even change settings in the configuration through a direct USB connection or using a wireless 802.15.4 or ZigBee Mesh Interface. The Taralist Series are manufactured using Surface Mount Technology. A Break Away design has been implemented to meet the requirements of customers who need an enclosure AND to customers who need

the smallest possible size. Break Away tabs allow the user to “break” off the outer

edges of the circuit board for a smaller profile. This type of controller in

conjunction with several other “no programming required” devices represent the

future direction of National Control Devices.

Who’s Qualified to Use the Taralist Series?

Anyone. The Taralist Series Controllers are one of the most user-friendly devices we have ever manufactured. Whether you are an electronics engineer or home hobbyist, anyone is qualified to use the Taralist Series controller provided this manual is carefully studied.

How do the Taralist Series Controllers Work?

The Taralist Series Relay Controllers are configured using a computer (either using wireless or a direct USB connection). Once configured, a Taralist controller will operate without a computer. At any time, a computer may monitor the Taralist Device, Activate Relays, or Change Configuration settings. A computer can take over a Taralist or a Taralist can operate autonomously (without a computer). The NCD Base Station software provides 1000 User Configurable events where a relay or group of relays can be turned on or off. It’s that easy.

Once the Taralist is configured, it will run through the list of events sored in it’s

on board memory every second to look for a match with the current time. If a match with the current time and a configured event is discovered, it will execute the event.

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Order of Operations

There is a general process to learning and using a Taralist Series relay controller, this manual will follow the two sequences, covering the Learning Cycle and the Usage Cycle. Optionally, users may want to consider exploring the Advanced Applications to unlock some of the most powerful features.

Learning Cycle

1. Hardware Reference (getting to know the hardware)

2. Communications

3. Configuration Overview

4. Building a Custom Configuration Profile

5. Loading and Saving Configuration Profiles

6. Understanding Relay Control

7. Testing a Taralist Controller

8. Controlling Devices with a Taralist Controller

9. Troubleshooting a Taralist Controller

Usage Cycle

1. Configuration

2. Testing

3. External Device connection

Advanced Application

1. Remote Configuration

2. Using a Computer to Take Over a Relay

3. Giving Relay Control Back to Taralist Logic

4. Changing the Time Compensation

5. Using the Midnight Buffer

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Chapter

Hardware Reference

Getting Started

here is no better place to start than from the beginning. This guide will lead

you through the understanding and use of you Taralist Series relay controller in a sequence that will help get you started from the ground up.

Before contacting NCD technical support, make sure that you have thoroughly read this guide. Most questions will be covered in this guide and NCD technical support staff has been instructed to direct your questions to this manual when appropriate. Please take advantage of the efforts we have invested in building a complete and comprehensive product manual. This will save you time and allow our technical support engineers to focus on product development.

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INCORRECT

Correct

Onboard Batter Backup

Lithium Ion Battery Backup

Each Taralist controller has a battery installed on it. This battery’s main purpose is to keep the Taralist clock running if power is disconnected; otherwise, every time you unplug and move the controller you would have to reset the time in it. This battery will keep the Taralist clock running for up to two months, cut there are some things you need to know.

The Taralist onboard battery backup is used to run the Taralist clock only, it will not allow the controller to function and process events. You will not be able to run the controller on this battery alone, an external power source is required for processing events and controlling relays.

Charging the Onboard Battery

The onboard battery is charged when the device is attached to a power source. You can control how fast the battery is charged by Editing Protected Data (page

14). This is very useful as you can charge the battery very quickly or very slowly.

Charging the battery slowly will increase the battery’s life, so whenever possible we

recommend leaving the Charge level to 1.

Getting the Best Life out of the Battery

It is recommended to charge the battery slowly. Also make sure you have a power source plugged into the controller when a USB cable is connected to the device. If a USB cable is attached to the device but no power supply is connected, this will drain the battery very quickly as the controller will not be able to properly enter sleep mode.

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Understanding Outputs

Taralist Controllers are capable of controlling up to 256 Relays from only one Taralist CPU. These controllers are available with 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 relays on a printed circuit board as well as a small controller with only an XR expansion port instead of relays. XR Expansion Relays may be added to the XR Expansion Port at any time giving you as many relays as you need (up to 256).

A relay is similar to a switch. The only difference between a switch and a relay is the actual mechanism for changing the on/off status of the switch. On a switch, you manually push on a piece of metal or plastic to operate the switch. On a relay,

an electric current is used to operate the switch. We will use the work “relay to

indicate a switch that is controlled by the Taralist controller.

Relays do NOT provide a voltage output. They provide a contact closure output, exactly like the terminals found on a light switch at your local hardware store. Wiring to a relay will be slightly different depending on the model of Taralist controller you choose.

Some relays, such as the 5A and 10A versions, have a screw terminals that can accept 12 Gauge or smaller wire. Other versions, such as the 20A and 30A relays,

have a .250” Quick Connect terminal (the appropriate mating connector can be

found at any hardware or automotive supply store). Our 20A HP series relays will accept wires as large as 10 Gauge.

Again, relays do not provide a voltage output. They ONLY switch whatever voltage you supply into the relay.

Relays are available in SPST, SPDT, and DPDT configurations. In addition, both Mechanical and Solid State relays will be supported by the Taralist series. If you are unfamiliar with the different versions of relays available, you can review

this article, which explains these relay types in great detail. The article will help you

determine the best type of relay for your application, showing you the formulas for calculating relay sizes that are appropriate for your application.

If you intend to use the Taralist series relay controllers for inductive applications,

this article MUST be reviewed. An example of an inductive application is any device

that involves motion. For instance, using a Taralist Controller to control a motor, a solenoid, or a valve. Other types of inductive applications include anything with a transformer such as a fluorescent light or a power transformer of any kind. Logic circuits (including those found on the Taralist Controller) may malfunction in sever conditions. The above article will show you how to safely implement these kinds of loads which greatly reduces the chances of a malfunction. Some inductive applications generate excessive noise, and may not be suitable for use with the Taralist Series Relay controllers. Solid State Taralist Relay Controllers should be considered for these high-noise applications.

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Controlling Relays

There are 2 possible ways to control the relays on a Taralist Series controller.

1. A Relay can be Directly Controlled by an Event configured into the

Taralist Device.

2. A Relay can be controlled from a computer such as a ZigBee wireless

interface, Ethernet Interface, or USB interface. A computer can take control of any or all relays on a Taralist controller at any time. Once taken over, the Taralist logic will not be able to switch a relay. The computer MUST return control of the relay back to the Taralist Logic for standalone operation. The default power-up status of a Taralist controller relays may be preset using the Midnight backup buffer.

Limitless Relay Control

A version of the ProXR firmware is used to control relays on the Taralist device. This version is called ProXR Lite. It has many of the same features as the original ProXR firmware, so if customers are familiar with original ProXR controllers, this device will be very easy to work with.

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Taralist shown above as shipped from National Control Devices. The shape accommodates a standard enclosure.

Bend the Tables to break them away from the board. Note that controllers with Broken Tabs are NOT Returnable for Refund or Credit, but are still covered under our Limited Warranty.

Break Away Tabs

Physically, most Taralist controllers are actually 2 sizes. When you receive your Taralist controller, the shape and size ensures the controller can fit into a standard enclosure. Optionally, you can make the controller smaller by breaking away the outer tabs. Break-Away tabs are useful in applications where space may be a concern. This allows your Taralist controller to offer the same functionality in the smallest possible profile. Break-Away tabs are unique to the NCD product line and are a standard option for most devices released in 2010 and later.

Before breaking the tabs on your controller, please be advised that your Taralist controller will not be returnable for refund or credit if the Break-Away Tabs have been removed.

To break away the tabs, gently but firmly grab each break-away tab with a pair of pliers and bend the tab back and forth until it breaks away from the main circuit board. This will NOT damage the controller in anyway.

Breaking the Tabs from a controller DOES NOT VOID the warranty. Please see the NCD return policy if you would like more information on the policies that apply to Surface Mount devices.

Shown here, the final controller with tabs removed is physical smaller in size, but no longer fits a standard enclosure.

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Chapter

Taralist Configuration

stablishing communications with a Taralist controller is an essential step in

using this device. Taralist Series controllers are available in many different varieties. While all controllers are capable of functioning WITHOUT a computer, a computer is REQUIRED to configure the Taralist controller.

The way the Taralist controller communicates with your computer depends on the communication interface option you have chosen. If you choose an interface other than USB, we strongly recommend that you also purchase a ZUSB Communication module, which will allow you to revoke from communication loss or error. Please refer to the appropriate Quick Start Guide for your communication interface. The guides may be found on our website:

www.controlanything.com.

Your Taralist controller CANNOT be configured, and it will not be possible to proceed through these instructions without knowing the current COM port assignment. Please refer to the Quick Start Guide for your Interface to determine this information.

Configuring Taralist with Base Station Software:

Download and install the latest version of NCD Base Station software by

following this link.

1. Run the NCD Base

Station software; you should see the following window appear.

2. Select the appropriate

Com Port for your

device from the ‘Select Connection’ window and click ‘OK’.

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Note: Some users may find the Taralist controller particularly suitable for a specific application. Once you have created a Configuration file that matches your needs, you may email your Taralist configuration file to us, and we can build and ship any number of Taralist controllers with your configuration built in! This will save you time and allow you to order a controller that is customized for your exact application at no additional cost.

3. Click ‘Taralist Class Controller Configuration’ to begin configuring your

device as shown below.

The NCD Base Station software is a powerful program used to load and save profiles into a Taralist controller.

Note: It is NOT possible to store Taralist configuration data into the Taralist

Controller when the Program/Run jumper (PGM/RUN) is set to the Run position. This jumper may be changed at any time. Power cycling is NOT REQUIRED.

Program Mode allows you to permanently write to onboard

nonvolatile storage. Use this mode to load, test, and modify Taralist configuration data.

Run Mode write protects memory, making it impossible to store new

configuration settings.

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4. When communications is established, the current information from the

controller will be loaded. Then you will see the following screen appear. This screen has three tabs across the top the allow you to configure and control your Taralist device.

Now that communications are established between your computer and the Taralist controller, we are ready to move onto configuring the device. To start, there are a few things to understand when it comes to Taralist Logic. We will start with Events.

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Understanding Events

Events are scheduled times when a relay or group of relays are turned on or off. They are defined by the user by time: Year, Month, Day of Month, Day of week, Hour, Minute, and Second. By having these options you have the ability of switching relays on or off at very specific times. They are also defined by how they control the relays, whether they turn a relay or group of relays on or off. You can add up to 999 Events to the list.

First we will talk about defining the time of an Event. When determining time, the hour, minute, and second are required information.. These parameters must be entered. If only these parameters are filled, then he event will occur every single day at this time. However, you can fill in the Day of Week box so the event only occurs on a certain day of the week such as Monday. You must check the box next Day of Week Much Match to Trigger Event for this parameter to take effect. By filling in the rest of the parameters you can have an event only occur on December 25 2012 at 1:53.45 PM on that exact second.

Secondly we will talk about what the Event does, it controls relays. You can select exactly which relays in which banks (group of 8 relays) you want to come on or turn off when the event is triggered.

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Delete Event will Remove the event from the list.

DST Clear will remove all Daylight Saving time events.

Save will save your current list of events to a file on your computer.

Load will allow you to load a previously saved Configuration

Sort Events will put events in order by time and Date. This will be covered more on a later page in the manual.

Copy Event will make a copy of the currently highlighted Event in the list, this is useful if you are creating several similar events that only need one or two parameters changed.

Add Event will add a new event to the list which you can then

Clear Events will remove all events from the list.

DST Events will add Day Light Savings Time Events where the controller will reset its clock to compensate for Daylight Savings.

Adding/Removing Events

Events will be added under the ‘Time Event Builder’ on the left side of the ‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay Configuration’ tab.

1. Add Event: The first thing you will do is add an event. One an Event is added to the list; it may then be

edited with time and relay control information.

2. DST Events: Users have the option to automatically add all daylight savings time events to the event list.

When this button is pushed Daylight Saving time events are added to cover the next 30 years. This will compensate the Taralist’s Clock each time Daylight Savings Time Comes Around. However, this may be removed by simply clicking the DST Clear Button.

3. Save: Once you have spent the time to build a list of events we highly recommend you save that list of

events as it cannot be loaded from the controller, there simply is not enough room in its memory chip. By clicking this button you will be prompted to save a file on your computer. At any time you can open this file and load it into the controller quickly and simply.

4. Load: You may load an Event List, saved as a file on your computer, into your controller easily by

clicking this Loading button. If you need to load a previously saved List of Events, this is the way to do it.

5. Sort Events: Sort Events will put all of the events entered into the list in order by time and date. This is

very important to know. All 999 events are checked every second by the controller to look for a match with a current time. If two events conflict with each other, the controller will not be able to process either

event properly. So if a relay does not come on when it is supposed to, click this ‘Sort Events’ button and

look for events that conflict with each other. It is important to know that items at the top of the list have lowest priority while items at the bottom of the list have the highest priority. We recommend sorting your list periodically when entering events to the list. The Taralist controller scans through all events in the list from top down to the bottom so events at the end of the list may override events at the top of the list.

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Defining Time

Now that we have determined what an event is and how to define an event, we can move on to how the Taralist controller keeps track of time. By default the Taralist controller does not know what time it is so this must be defined. The only way of doing this is from the NCD Base Station software. Once your controller is connected to the computer and the program is launched, the first thing to do is tell the Taralist Controller what time it is. You may do this manually or you can Sync the time with your PC. The settings for this are located on the

right side of the ‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay Configuration’ tab. The user

can do this by simply clicking the Sync Time with PC Time button or by filling in the Year, Month, Day, Week Day, Hour, Minute, Second parameters and then clicking the Set Time Manually button.

Time Compensation

Another feature that must be noted is that the Taralist controller’s time may drift

by as much as a second each day. How much the controller drifts is determined by Temperature, Power Supply, and specific application differences. This has been accounted for in the design of the Taralist Controller and NCD Base Station

software using the ‘Time Compensation’ feature found on the ‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay Configuration’ tab. Once this Button is clicked, a new window

will open.

Using this Feature, the user can add or subtract a specified amount of seconds in the Taralist Clock each day or only on a certain day to compensate for time drift in the Taralist Controller.

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Midnight Backup Buffer

The Midnight Backup Buffer is absolutely essential to the functionality of the Taralist controller. Without it power loss would result in a useless device. Constant power supply is recommended for all Taralist controllers and a UPS style battery backup system is also recommended. However, no matter how many precautions are taken, at some point a Taralist controller will lose power. For example, if a relay is turned on a by an event on Monday and is told to turn back off on Friday but power is lost on Wednesday, without the Midnight Backup Buffer the relay will not turn back on until the following Monday. So now you can see how essential this feature is.

Every night at Midnight; 0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds, the controller reads what the status of all relays are at the exact second and stores that information into the Midnight Backup Buffer. If a controller loses power momentarily and is powered back up, it will scan through all events from Midnight to the exact moment it is powered up. It will also take into account the status of all relays at Midnight to determine what the status of all relays should be at the current time.

You can read the status of the Midnight Backup Buffer at any time by clocking the

‘Midnight Backup Buffer’ button found on the ‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay Configuration’ tab. You may also modify the status of the Midnight Backup

Buffer stored inside the Taralist controller. This is helpful if you are working with brand new controller and it has nothing stored in the Midnight Backup Buffer. If the relay was supposed to be turned on Monday and turned off Friday but you got your controller on Wednesday, you can modify the Midnight Backup Buffer to think the Relay was on at Midnight and if no events during the day tell it to turn off until Friday, the relay will come on until Friday. Otherwise the Relay would not come on until Monday next week.

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Click ‘Edit Protected Data’ to

receive options.

Protected Data

The ‘Global Device Configuration’ tab is used to reboot the controller or edit

protected data.

Editing Protected Data

Protected Data is best described as a form of BIOS for a Taralist controller. Under most circumstances, it is not necessary to Edit Protected Data, but there are circumstances that may require this operation. Protected Data holds important parameters regarding the Taralist Relay controller you are using. In some cases, you may want to change your hardware, so Editing Protected Data may be essential.

additional

A Taralist Controller is allowed to interface to a computer while Runtime Mode.

The ‘Edit Protected Data’ feature is a universal resource for several different types

of controllers that National Control Device offers. For this reason there are options under Edit Protected Data that do not apply to Taralist controllers.

Device Interface

One option that could be changed under Edit Protected Data is the computer to device interface drop down menu shown above. You will be able to choose from USB, 802.15.4, ZB Mesh, etc.

Charge Level

Another option that may be changed with your Taralist controller is the Charge Level. This will control how fast the Taralist charges its onboard battery backup. We recommend leaving the charge level as low as possible, 1 preferably, in order to extend the life of the battery. Other options such as number of inputs, number of relays, CPU Speed, Type of Device, and IC number do not apply to your Taralist controller.

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Computer Control of Taralist

Computer Override

The Taralist series controllers have some amazing abilities when it comes to making decisions on their own based on the events you configure into them, but you can take control of the relays at any time from a computer as long as communications are established between your computer and the Taralist device.

The Taralist Series Relay controllers support a “Lite” ProXR command set. If you are familiar with our ProXR series relay controllers, then the command set should be easy to understand. We will provide a summary of all Taralist commands in this manual, but for now, let’s explore some of the computer control features.

Interface Elements

The interface elements shown below allow a computer to take over control of any relay and force the relays to a On or Off state. You may also turn all relays on or

off using the ‘Turn On All Relays’ and ‘Turn Off All Relays’ buttons.

You can also read the status of relays by clicking the ‘Read Relays 1-8 Status’. The

Status of the relay will be shown to the right of the button.

The slider at the top of the screen allows you to select which bank of relays these commands are directed to. You may attach up to 32 banks or 256 Relays.

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Set Control of Relays

When you change the state of a relay manually from this screen, you have taken control of the particular relay and the Taralist controller will not be able to control

it. Using the ‘Set Control of Relays’ in the center section above, set the relay to be

controlled by the Computer or the Taralist Device. It is important to always return control of the relay back to the Taralist device after you are done manually controlling it.

Who Has Control of the Relays?

It is important to know if the Taralist device or your computer has control of the

relays. Use the ‘Who Has Control of Relays?’ section on the right to read who has

control of each individual relay. Simply click the ‘Who Controls Relay 1’ button and the information will be updated to the right of the button telling you who has control of Relay 1. You may also read who has control of all 8 relays in a bank by clicking the ‘Who Controls All Relays’ button.

Custom Software Control

Custom software may be written to take computer control of the relays by using the ProXR Lite Command Set. Custom Software may be written on any software platform capable of sending RS 232 bytes of data through a Com Port or through direct TCP/IP communications for Ethernet Devices.

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Chapter

Command Set

Please follow these steps to properly communicate to a Reactor:

1. Clear Serial Receive Buffer (VERY IMPORTANT)

2. Send Command

3. Wait for a Response

Baud Rate is typically 115.2K Baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity.

Baud Rate is 57.6K Baud for XSC Devices

Baud Rate can be set to 9600 Baud for RS-232 Version

IMPORTANT: Taralist firmware has been re-written. If your controller is identified as a ‘Taralist Enhanced’ Base Station Software, then your controller is capable of accepting commands at high communications speeds. Older versions of the firmware will require a 1ms delay between communication bytes. NCD STRONGLY ENCOURGES A FIRMWARE UPGRADE IF YOU ARE NOT USING TATLIST ENHANCED FIRMWARE.

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Example to Activate Relay 1:

1. Clear Serial Receive Buffer

2. Send Byte 254 (Hex 0xFE)

3. Wait 1ms (Original Taralist firmware ONLY, Skip this Step if using Taralist

Enhanced)

4. Send Byte 108 (Hex 0x6C)

5. Wait 1ms (Original Taralist firmware ONLY, Skip this Step if using Taralist

Enhanced)

6. Send Byte 1 (Hex 0x01)

7. Wait for Response Byte 85 (Hex 0x55)

Send Bytes: Byte 1: Byte 2: Byte 3:

Function: Header Command Code Parameter Decimal Values: 254 108 1 Hex Values: 0xFE 0x6C 0x01

Receive Byte: Decimal: 85

Hex: 0x55

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Header Byte

Command

Code

Parameter

Description

Return Byte

254

Test 2-Way Communication

254

100

Bank

Turn Off Relay 1 in Selected Bank

254

101

Bank

Turn Off Relay 2 in Selected Bank

254

102

Bank

Turn Off Relay 3 in Selected Bank

254

103

Bank

Turn Off Relay 4 in Selected Bank

254

104

Bank

Turn Off Relay 5 in Selected Bank

254

105

Bank

Turn Off Relay 6 in Selected Bank

254

106

Bank

Turn Off Relay 7 in Selected Bank

254

107

Bank

Turn Off Relay 8 in Selected Bank

254

108

Bank

Turn On Relay 1 in Selected Bank

254

109

Bank

Turn On Relay 2 in Selected Bank

254

110

Bank

Turn On Relay 3 in Selected Bank

254

111

Bank

Turn On Relay 4 in Selected Bank

254

112

Bank

Turn On Relay 5 in Selected Bank

254

113

Bank

Turn On Relay 6 in Selected Bank

254

114

Bank

Turn On Relay 7 in Selected Bank

254

115

Bank

Turn On Relay 8 in Selected Bank

254

116

Bank

Read Status of Relay 1 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

117

Bank

Read Status of Relay 2 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

118

Bank

Read Status of Relay 3 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

119

Bank

Read Status of Relay 4 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

120

Bank

Read Status of Relay 5 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

121

Bank

Read Status of Relay 6 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

122

Bank

Read Status of Relay 7 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

123

Bank

Read Status of Relay 8 in Selected Bank

0-1

254

124

Bank

Report Status of Selected Relay Bank

0-255

254

129

Bank

Turn Off all Relays in Selected Bank

254

130

Bank

Turn On all Relays in Selected Bank

254

140

Bank

Set the Status of All Relays in Selected Bank

Command Set Summary

The following commands may be sent to the Reactor Series Relay Controllers to take control of relays and process other functions and inquiries. Commands may be sent in Decimal values (as shown) or may be converted to Hex depending on the preferred format of your programming language. The Left column indicates the header byte; the second column indicates the command code. A parameter (if required) is shown in third column. A description indicates the function of the command, and finally return bytes are shown.

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Header Byte

Command

Code

Parameter

Description

Return Byte

254

246

Get Device ID Data

4-Bytes

246

Reboot Controller

No Return

100

Bank

Set Control of Relay 1 to Device

101

Bank

Set Control of Relay 2 to Device

102

Bank

Set Control of Relay 3 to Device

103

Bank

Set Control of Relay 4 to Device

104

Bank

Set Control of Relay 5 to Device

105

Bank

Set Control of Relay 6 to Device

106

Bank

Set Control of Relay 7 to Device

107

Bank

Set Control of Relay 8 to Device

108

Bank

Set Control of Relay 1 to Computer

109

Bank

Set Control of Relay 2 to Computer

110

Bank

Set Control of Relay 3 to Computer

111

Bank

Set Control of Relay 4 to Computer

112

Bank

Set Control of Relay 5 to Computer

113

Bank

Set Control of Relay 6 to Computer

114

Bank

Set Control of Relay 7 to Computer

115

Bank

Set Control of Relay 8 to Computer

116

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 1 in Selected Bank

0-1

117

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 2 in Selected Bank

0-1

118

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 3 in Selected Bank

0-1

119

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 4 in Selected Bank

0-1

120

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 5 in Selected Bank

0-1

121

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 6 in Selected Bank

0-1

122

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 7 in Selected Bank

0-1

123

Bank

Read Control Status of Relay 8 in Selected Bank

0-1

124

Bank

Report Control Status of Selected Relay Bank

0-255

129

Bank

Set all Relays Under Device Control Relays in Selected Bank

130

Bank

Set all Relays Under Computer Control Relays in Selected Bank

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Header

Byte

Command

Code

Parameter

Description

Return Byte

140

Status

Bank

Set the Control Status of All Relays in Selected Bank

246

Halt Event Processing

247

Resume Event Processing

Get Current Time from Controller

7 Bytes + Checksum

100

7 time

Bytes

Plus

Checksum

Set Current Time from Controller

85 Successful

86 Error

0 1

Load Data from CPU EEPROM for Use by Configuration Utility Only

0 2

Save Data to CPU EEPROM for Use by Configuration Utility ONLY

0 3

Load Data from External EEPROM Chip for Use by Configuration Utility ONLY

0 4

Save Data to External EEPROM Chip for Use by Configuration Utility Only

Page 28

Chapter

Relay Logic

Sample 1

This sample demonstrates how a relay can be used to activate a light bulb. When the relay turns on, the light comes on. Only one power wire is switched with this sample using the COM (common) and NO (normally open) connections of the relay.

Sample 2

This sample demonstrates how a relay can be used to turn a light bulb OFF. When the relay turns off, the light will be ON. Only one power wire is switched in this sample using the COM (common) and NC (normally closed) connections of a relay.

Sample 3

This sample demonstrates how three activated lights are required to activate a light bulb. This is the same as a Logic AND function because Relay 1 AND Relay 2 AND Relay 3 MUST be on to activate the light.

Sample 4

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Sample 5

This sample demonstrates the AND/OR function. The Light Bulb will be activated if Relay 1 AND Relay 2 are ON OR if Relay 3 is ON. This sample is perfect for applications that may require a Logical condition of 2 relays PLUS an Override feature. For instance: Relay 1 is a Night/Day Sensor, Relay 2 is a Moisture Sensor. If it’s Dark AND the soil is Dry, Relays 1 and 2 can activate a Pump. If you want to override these conditions with a Key Fob, Relay 3 may be used.

Sample 6

This sample demonstrates how either relay can be used to activate a light. In this sample, only one activated relay is required to activate the light. If both relays are activated, the light will be on.

Sample 7

This sample demonstrates how a 3way light switch can be used to activate a light. A 3-way light switch is often found in your house where two light switches can be used to activate a single light. This sample is exactly the same as a 3-way light switch, the only difference being each physical switch is replaced by a relay. Operationally, it works the say way. Each relay activation will cause the light to toggle. Switching two relays at one time is like flipping 2 switches at once…with the same result. This sample is particularly useful since you can replace one relay (as shown in the diagram) with a physical light switch. This will allow a computer/Taralist to control a light as well as manual operation of a light. Properly used, this can be one of the most valuable diagrams we offer on this page.

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Sample 8

This sample demonstrates how to control the direction of a DC motor using 2 relays. Braking is accomplished by connecting both motor terminals to a common

power connection (Faraday’s

Law). The capacitors shown may not be required for small motors, but if you experience problems with relays shutting themselves off, the inductions suppression capacitor will be required. The .1uF capacitor helps suppress electronic noise if the battery were to be used by sensitive devices (such as radios/amplifiers).

Page 31

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Minimum

Rated

MAX

Input Voltage Requirements VDC

14.5

Amperage Requirements

Standby (No Relays On, No Communications Module

31ma

ZUSB USB Communications Module Installed

33ma

XBee 1mw Communications Module Installed

32ma*

XBee 100mw Communications Module Installed

32ma*

Each 5A/10A Relay Activated Adds to Consumption

32ma

Each 20A/30A Relay Activated Adds to Consumption

45ma

Each Solid State Relay Activated Adds to Consumption

5ma

Temperature Ratings (Estimated)**

-25°C

80°C

Mechanical Relay Cycle Life (Non-DPDT Versions):

>10,000,000

Cycles

Mechanical Relay Cycle Life (DPDT Versions):

>2,000,000

Cycles

Typical Operational Cycles per Minute:

1,800

Relay Activation Time:

>5ms

<15ms

Relay Deactivation Time:

>5ms

<20ms

Command Processing Time:

1ms

3ms

5ms

Relay Electrical Limits should be Determined by Reviewing Appropriate Relay Data Sheet:

5A Relays Data Sheet

10A Relays Data Sheet

20A Relays Data Sheet

30A Relays Data Sheet

Solid State Relays Sheet

* Communications will Increase Current Consumption by up to 250ms for short times.

** Ratings Based on Data Sheets of Component Used, Actual Tolerance May Exceed Ratings.

Chapter

Electrical Specifications

Maximum Rating

Page 32

Chapter

Troubleshooting

Base Station Software can be used to Test you device.

 Run Base Station software  Choose the appropriate Com Port and click ‘OK’.  Click on ‘Taralist Relay Quality Control and Diagnostics’ to start testing

your device.

 Test your controller with the

items on the Taralist Relay Quality Control and Diagnostics window.

Page 33

Problem: Relay does not come on at appropriate time.

Solution: Check that there are no conflicting events in the configuration. Click

the sort Events button as documented on page 10. It is important to know that events at the top of the list have lowest priority. The reason for this is the Taralist controller scans through all events in the list from the top to the bottom before it refreshes the relays, so events at the bottom of the list can override events at the top of the list.

An Inductive device can also cause communication malfunctions in the CPU, review our Documentation on Inductive Devices to correct this problem.

Problem: Clock Speed running slow or fast.

Solution: The Taralist controller may be affected by temperature. In excessively

cold environments the clock may run slow, in excessively hot conditions the clock may run fast. This can be corrected using the Time Compensation feature documented on page 11. The Taralist controllers clock may naturally drift event at room temperature by as much as 1 second per day. This can be corrected using the Time Compensation feature.

Problem: Controller is Running HOT.

Solution: It is normal for some components run very hot on the Taralist series

relay controllers. This is not a concern as we have tested the design carefully and are operating our components well within the specified limits of the components we are using. It is NOT normal for the CPU to run hot at any time. The CPU should remain cool. If the CPU is running hot and/or both Busy/Ready LEDS are on at the same time, the CPU has been damaged.

Problem: Unable to Communicate with Controller

Solution: Use the ZUSB Communication Module to validate communications; do NOT use any other communications module if this error occurs. The ZUSB is the safest communication method of all communication technologies, and must be used if you experience configuration problems. Make sure you are using the correct COM port. Our software has been tested under Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Windows XP Users MUST use .NET Framework 3.5 or Later with all the latest service packs installed. If the problem persists, makes sure the serial port is NOT in use by another application. Lastly, we can only recommend trying a different computer if problems persist.

Page 34

Chapter

Technical Support

echnical support is available through our website, controlanything.com. Support is the way we connect NCD engineers to our customers.

Click on the Support tab at the top of any page on our website to be taken to the Forum page. Here you can publicly post or review problems that customers have had, and learn about our recommended solutions.

Our engineers monitor questions and respond continually throughout the day. Before requesting telephone technical support, we ask that customers please try to resolve their problems through Support first. However, for persistent problems, NCD technical support engineers will schedule a phone consultation.

Page 35

Contact Information

National Control Devices, LLC PO Box 455 Osceola, MO 64776 417-646-5644 phone 866-562-0406 fax Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. CST

Like “National Control Devices” on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter

@ControlAnything.

All orders must be placed online at our website, www.controlanything.com

Notice:

The only authorized resellers of NCD products are

 www.controlanything.com  www.relaycontrollers.com  www.relaypros.com

All other websites are not authorized dealers; we have noticed some retailers offering our products fraudulently.

National Control Devices