Reactor Relay Control

Sensor Controlled Relays Expand Automation WITHOUT Programming!

Intelligent Switching without a Computer is the foundation of the Reactor Series relay controllers. The Reactor Series will help you activate a switch when it gets dark outside. If the door has been left open, it will close automatically. When the temperature falls, another switch is triggered. If motion is detected, a light will turn on for a preset time. When soil in the ground is too dry, a switch will be activated that can save your crops, save your energy, save you a trip to the field, and save you money.

Autonomous and Computer Control...from Anywhere!

If you need to read a sensor from anywhere in the world, or control a switch from a distant location, the Reactor Series relay controllers will take control while you are away and give you worldwide access using our Free SignalSwitch.com. Ten Reactor Controllers is all you need to completely automate a large house. You don't need to be a programmer any more. Things have changed. There is a new way to bring the power of automation (once reserved for master programmers) to the average person who possesses basic computer skills. The Reactor Series relay controllers represent an entirely new technology, a new step forward, designed for the real world in mind.

Configure to Your Needs

The Reactor controller must be configured using a computer and the included software. All decisions are made based on your configuration settings. Configuration settings are created and loaded into the Reactor controller using the NCD Configuration Utility. The Reactor is usually configured using a USB communications module, but may be configured wirelessly. Configuration is a simple Point and Click process, setting parameters to activate relays with user-defined limits.

Once configured, the Reactor CPU is constantly monitoring external sensors using 8 analog inputs. Inputs can be configured to trigger relays, relay timers and relay activation sequences. Complex events can also be configured without any programming. Use the Reactor as a Thermostat, a Motion Activated Light with a Programmable Timer, an Automatic Garage Door Closer, and much more.

The Configuration utility is available as a free download.  See the resources section located on the right or at the bottom of the page.  You can also find more detailed information in the Manual available in the Resources section as well.

Who's Qualified to Use the Reactor Series?

Some computer skills required. The Reactor Relays do not require programming, simply configure the device with the included Configuration Utility.  While programming is not required and simple functions can be done rather easily with basic computer skills, complex events can be configured which will require some understanding and patience.

Sensors

The Reactor Controller has 8 Analog Inputs that can read switches, resistance changes, or voltages from 0 to 5VDC.  Higher or lower voltages will damage the Reactor, so care must be taken not to exceed these limits on the Reactor inputs.   We offer many sensors to help get you started, including Motion Detectors, temperature sensors, light sensors, 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.

Configure Each Input

The Reactor Relay allows users to define the activation of a relay or an event based on the voltage readings of the analog inputs.  An input can trigger a relay directly or an input can trigger an event, such as a timer. If an input triggers a relay, the relay may turn on. If an input triggers a timer event, a timer may be started, but a relay may or may not be turned on based on how you have configured the controller (the time delay may be before the relay triggers).  Triggering an event does not mean you are triggering a relay, it just means you are triggering an internal function. Relays may be associated with this internal function to achieve a large number of possible operations.

Output Configuration

Reactor controllers have up to 8 relays available depending on the actual model selected. Each relay can be assigned to a different input or event.  In the example shown below, Relay 1 is Controlled by Input 1 directly.  Input 1 will turn Relay 1 ON. In order for Relay 1 to activate, it must meet the conditions of the Input 1 configuration using the settings on the Input Configuration tab (see above).

There are many ways to directly control a relay from an input. Relays 1-5 in the below example shows how inputs can turn relays on, off, toggle relay state, set the relay to match the state of the input, or set the relay to NOT equal the state of a input.

In the example below, Relay 6 is controlled by Timer 1. In other words, if Timer 1 is active, the relay will stay ON. Otherwise, the relay will turn off. This is a great way to activate a light for a given period of time. If you are interested in Time Delay Relay, timers will be discussed on our Time Delay Relay Page.

Removable Communication Module

Once configured, the Reactor controller can operate on its own, without a computer. The 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 relays, even take control of relays, and even use SignalSwitch.com to control the relays from anywhere in the world.

Computer Controlled Relays

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 input. 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 the Reactor controller.