Relay builds in Web server

By Control Engineering Staff August 25, 2005
Wall-mount and DIN-rail mount sockets are available. Applications include industrial control, remote monitoring, and others.

Xytronix Research & Design Inc. introduced WebRelay , an electromechanical relay with a built-in Web server. The Web server allows the relay to be controlled remotely via the Internet or a local intranet. Using a standard Web browser, the relay can be controlled and monitored, or the state of an optically isolated input can be viewed. Alternatively, a computer or industrial controller can send control messages to WebRelay or monitor its state by requesting an XML status page. Two WebRelay units can be configured so that applying a control voltage to one unit controls the relay contacts of another unit at a remote location. It’s one way to extend output of a PLC to another building or to allow an electrical switch to control a device in another city.

WebRelay comes ready to use and requires no programming. A configuration Web page is used to set up necessary parameters and to ‘build’ a custom control page. Configuration page is password protected, and the control page can be set up to be password protected. It requires a 5 V dc power supply (500 mA min). Alternatively, WebRelay can be purchased with a power over Ethernet option. Relay contacts are SPDT and are rated at 10 A. Control input requires 5-12 V dc. The device plugs into a standard 11-pin octal type relay socket (not included). Price is $95.

—Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering, MHoske@cfemedia.com