The Simplicity of MirX, The Power of Wireless

No Computers, No Configuration - Works Right Out of the Box
Inputs on Each Controller Activate the Relays at the Other Controller
Reliable Communications Between Two Devices That are a Married Pair

Every MirX controller is equipped with contact closure inputs and 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.

Solid State: A Practical Alternative to Mechanical Relays!

Mechanical Relays have a good home in low-cost control applications.  But for some users, only solid state switching will do.  Solid State Relays are ideal for users who require long term reliability, silent operation, or high induction tolerance.  Many inductive control applications require a solid state relay.  Inductive loads such as Motors, Valves, Pumps, Solenoids, and Large Transformers (including Fluorescent Lighting) benefit from the use of solid state relays because they reduce the chances of the inductive load interfering with the logic of the relay controller.

Beacon Mode:

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.

Smart Mode:

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. If this is not desirable, Beacon mode should be used.

Beacon Mode vs. Smart Mode

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 about 10 seconds if communications is lost between MirX controllers.

Notes:

MirX devices are only sold as a permanently married pair, pricing shown on our web site indicates pricing for the pair of controllers. Contact Closure Inputs may only be connected to switches, buttons, or sensors with Contact Closure capability. Not suitable for use in voltage detection applications. MirX devices use 802.15.4 two-way communications to ensure the remote device is properly functioning. The Busy LED is always used to indicate a properly functioning remote device. If you do not see the Busy LED flash, then the MirX controller is unable to communicate to the remote device. A flashing busy LED is your verification that all communications are functioning properly between MirX controllers.

Customers who require inductive switching (such as motors, lights, pumps, solenoids, and Transformers) should visit the Induction Suppression portion of our web site.

Wireless Range:

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 2 MirX controllers to see each other, more expensive communications options will improve working distance for most users. You can expect MirX devices to function properly in most applications between 300 feet and up to 15 miles depending on communications module and antenna options chosen. MirX controllers are available with 3 options. The default option is the "Standard Range", which operates up to 300 feet and includes a small integrated antenna that cannot be moved or positioned. The "Mile Range" Option offers communication between devices up to 1 mile apart (line of sight) and includes a small external antenna. The "15-Mile Range" Option operates up to 15 miles (line of sight) between controllers. This is our most expensive option, which includes TWO Roof Mount antennas, 20 Feet of Cable for Each Antenna, and 2 cable adapters. Hills, Trees, and Buildings will greatly reduce communication range of all wireless devices, so practical distances may be less.

Control a Switch From a Distant Location

MirX-MXNET controllers provide you with an easy way to control a switch from a distant location using the Internet or LAN communications. MirX-MXNET controllers use a very sophisticated program to find each other no matter where they are in the entire world. They are permanently married together, and no matter how far apart they may be, they will always try to stay in communication with each other.  Look for MXNET in the part number for the Ethernet MXNET versions.

Using the MXNET system, it is possible to install a light switch at your house that controls a light in China. Similarly, a light switch in China can control the lights at your house... and we have actually been testing this exact configuration for the past year as we have developed the firmware built into the MirX-MXNET controller.  Visit the MirX page and select a MirX-MXNET board to see all the Ethernet versions can do.

Product Variations: MirC and MirX Series Controllers

NCD Currently offers 2 variations of this design: MirC and MirX.

MirC: Transmitter Controller and Receiver Controller. The Transmitter Shows the Status of Relays on Receiver Controller. The Transmitter is equipped with Contact Closure Inputs and Remote Relay Status LEDs. The Receiver is equipped with Relays and Relay Status LEDs.

MirX: Each Controller is a Transmitter and a Receiver. The Inputs on One Controller control the Relays on the Opposite Controller. Relay Status is Shown using LEDs on Each controller.

MirC controllers include two circuit boards. The "Local" and "Remote" circuit boards work together to control relays at the remote location from the controller in the Local location. The Local Circuit board has contact closure inputs. When an input change is detected on the Local circuit board, the relay is changed on the Remote circuit board. The Remote Circuit board sends feedback to the Local controller. The LEDs on the Local controller display the status of the relays in the Remote location based on 2-way communications. If communications is lost between the devices, the Remote relay will turn off (If set to Smart Mode). The relay status LED on the Local controller will also turn off. The Remote relay controller is also equipped with LEDs to show the status of the relays. Relay status can be seen on BOTH controllers.

MirX controllers also include two circuit boards. Each controller is a Transmitter and a Receiver, each controller is equipped with contact closure inputs and relays. The local contact closure inputs control the relays at the remote location and vice versa. The LEDs on each controller display the status of the relays ONLY.