The Sensorsoft protocol based Relay is a low cost device for switching equipment at a remote location, ON or OFF, using your PC or UNIX workstation.

Equipment without remote control features sometimes require control remotely to avoid the need for expensive trips to a remote location or help from on-site personnel. Developing a solution to this type of problem often involves an engineer who can create custom software and hardware. The use of X-10 devices for this purpose has been known to fail during electrical interference making them unusable in a business critical environment. The Sensorsoft Relay is a simple and reliable way to use your computer to restart or turn ON/OFF equipment without the need for remote operators or time consuming trips to a remote location.

The Sensorsoft Relay connects via cable to a serial port on your computer and can be located thousands of feet away without the need for a battery or *external power adapter. Our unique serial "plug and go" technology insures that you can install it quickly and start using it without a fuss. The Sensorsoft Relay can be used to control *AC or DC devices using its DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) relay contacts.

Our software provides a convenient way to display the ON/OFF state of your remote equipment and set the desired state you want with your computer.

Applications

• Control of door strike solenoid or lock
• Re-boot or re-start locked-up equipment
• Remote control of experiments
• Computerized ON/OFF load control
• Manage ON/OFF state of power consuming devices
• Applications in building management or remote sheds

User Manual

Features and Benefits

• Computer connectivity - make equipment & appliances part of your network
• Display and control the current ON/OFF state of equipment
• Control *AC/DC, low or high voltage equipment with DPDT contacts
• Prevent repeat trips to a remote location
• Connects to any RS232 serial port
• Windows and UNIX software available
• Auto discovery protocol insures that no setup is required
• Sensorsoft Relay uses a 16 bit CRC scheme to insure reliable operation
• Locate the Sensorsoft Relay up to 1000 ft from the port
• ** No power supply required, Sensorsoft Relay is powered from the serial port

SR6171J Specifications

Control Capabilities: Can switch ON or OFF most small AC/DC powered equipment or loads.
Internal relay type: DPDT electromagnetic relay available through terminal strip.
Relay contact resistance: 50 milliohm maximum
Relay contact load rating: 2 Amp at 30 VDC, 0.5 Amp at 125 VAC, for resistive loads (p.f.=1)
Maximum contact operating voltage: 125 VAC/125 VDC
Maximum contact operating current: 2 Amp
Maximum contact switching capacity: 60W, 62.5 VA
Operating temperature/humidity range: -25 º C to +60 º C (-13 º F to +140 º F) and < 90% RH (non-condensating) 
Maximum reading or control rate: once every second
Housing dimensions: 10 cm (3.9") x 5 cm (2.0") x 2.48 cm (0.97")
Housing material: injection molded ABS thermoplastic
Housing colour: light gray
Communications connector: 8 position modular jack, (accepts 8 position plug RJ45)
Power source: Port-powered (RTS and DTR, both asserted) or via External DC power connector
External DC power connector: 2.1 mm power jack, automatic polarity correction and over-voltage protection.
External power supply voltage: 9.0 - 12.0 VDC
Power supply current drain: < 15 mA
Communications interface: RS232C using TX,RX,RTS,DTR and GND. One device per serial port.
Maximum communications cable length: 305 m (1000 ft.) using recommended cable type. Low capacitance shielded cable or UTP is recommended.
Communications Protocol: Sensorsoft Device Protocol, Version 2.0
Error control: 16 bit CRC (cyclic redundancy checking) for detection of communication errors between the Sensorsoft Relay and host computer