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GEN3 ETHERNET MIRC / MIRX
Ethernet Quick Start Guide
National Control Devices
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G E N 3 E T H E R N E T M I R C & M I R X
Chapter
1
Introduction
Gen3 Ethernet Module
This configuration guide applies to
MirC and MirX Ethernet boards which
utilize the NCD5500 Gen 3 Ethernet
module (right). In this guide we will
cover configuring these Ethernet
modules for the MirC and MirX
boards. MirC and MirX series boards
were designed to communicate with each other over an Ethernet network
connection. The contact closure inputs in one location control the relays in
the remote location. These boards will not communicate if the cables are
connected directly to each other.
Getting Started
Visit our online Getting Started Page where you will find a link to the
required NCD5500 Ethernet Configuration Software. Visit our start page
here: relaypros.com/start.htm
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G E N 3 E T H E R N E T M I R C & M I R X
Before You Start (Requirements)
It should be noted that these products do not work over an internet
connection. Both boards must be on the same LAN. Also, both boards will
require an assigned static IP address. We recommend that you assign the
boards with IP addresses outside the DHCP range of your network
router. If you are connecting these devices to an IT managed network, it is
recommended that you review this guide with the Network Administrator
prior to proceeding.
Each board will utilize a static IP address. One board will act as the server
while the second board will act as the client. The connection between the
two boards is via a TCP socket. The port number used by this TCP socket is
arbitrary and can be configured to any port you wish. In our setup we used
port 2101. This may be important information if the boards are on
separate subnets. NCD or Relay Pros are not capable of providing technical
support for complex networks, this should be handled by the Network
Admin.
We will be using configuration software which requires Windows so a
Windows computer connected to the same network as the boards will be
required.
Initially both boards will be in DHCP mode, a managed network is required
at least for initial configuration. It is not possible to configure these
devices on an unmanaged switch, however after configuration is complete
it is possible to install the boards on an unmanaged network.
Note
Always connect the Ethernet cable to the Gen 3 module and the network
prior to powering the board up.
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G E N 3 E T H E R N E T M I R C & M I R X
Chapter
2
Configuration
Initial setup
1. Download and install the NCD5500 configuration software
2. Connect standard Ethernet cables to the boards and plug them into
the network. Then power the boards up using a regulated 12VDC
power supply source
3. Open the NCD5500 Configuration software
4. Click the Search Button in the Configuration software until you have
discovered both boards. You will see them listed by their MAC
address. This Mac address is also printed on top of the Ethernet
module installed in the board. This information can be used to
differentiate between the two boards
First board Configuration (Server)
1. Click on one of the boards to open its settings. All settings we will
be covering will be under Basic Settings. We do not need to do
anything under Advanced Settings
2. Set the baud rate to 57600
3. Change the Network Settings Radio Button to Use the Follow IP
Address
4. Enter a Static IP address for the board into the IP address field, and
enter information into Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Server as
per the requirements of your network
5. If you would like this board to act as the Server (does not matter
which board you choose to act as the server) then Under
Connection set Work As to TCP Server. Set the Local Port field to
any port you wish other than 80. This will be the port the module
listens for incoming TCP Socket connections on. This information is
applicable if there are any firewalls. For our setup we are using
port 2101
6. Click Apply Settings
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G E N 3 E T H E R N E T M I R C & M I R X
Screen shot of Server configuration window:
Second Board Configuration (Client)
1. Click on the other board in the list to open it’s settings
2. Set the baud rate to 57600
3. Change the Network Settings Radio button to Use the Follow IP
address
4. Enter a Static IP address for the board into the IP address field, and
enter information into Subnet Mask, Gateway, and DNS Server as per
the requirements of your network
5. This board will act as the Client and will connect to the previous
board we configured. Click the Work As Drop down menu and change
it to TCP Client. Do not worry about the Local Port Setting as it does
not apply
6. Enter the Static IP address entered for the first board acting as the
server into the Remote Host field
7. Enter the Port number entered as the Local Port on the first board
acting as the Server into the Port field to the right of the Remote Host
Field
8. Click Apply Settings
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G E N 3 E T H E R N E T M I R C & M I R X
Screen shot of Client configuration Window:
Final Testing
Both boards should now be configured and should work. You can validate
that the boards have a valid TCP socket connected by checking the Red
LED on the Ethernet module adjacent to the metal Ethernet Jack. If it is on
solid, then the connection is established between the boards. You may also
monitor the Busy/Ready LEDs on the boards which should flash on/off
periodically indicating the boards are communicating. You may now close
the inputs (dry contact only) on the boards and should see the relays on
the remote unit turning on/off.
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G E N 3 E T H E R N E T M I R C & M I R X
Troubleshooting
Factory Reset
1. Check that the Ethernet Module is seated correctly on the
connection socket of the board it is mounted on
2. Power up the module by applying power to the board the module is
mounted on
3. Press and hold the factory reset button on the side of the Ethernet
module for 5 seconds to reset the module back to factory settings
4. Use the NCD5500 Configuration Software for Windows to discover
the device
o Make sure that the IP address dropdown box in the top left
of the NCD5500 Configuration software is set to your
computer’s external IP address. If you select the dropdown
and only one IP address is listed, then you do not need to
change this
o If the correct network is selected in the top left dropdown
and the device is still not being discovered, try the steps in
the “Static IP Configuration” section below
5. Use the NCD5500 Software to configure your device to the desired
settings
6. Select Apply Settings at the top
7. Select Reset at the top
Technical Support
NCD Community
National Control Devices has a forum where you can search and post
questions on the operation of the boards. The NCD Community is where
you will get the fastest support for all NCD products right from the
developers! Discussions are welcome on applications, and you are
encouraged to share your experiences with other users. Visit the
community here: community.ncd.io/
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