The KTA-225 is a USB or RS485 controlled IO module for interfacing PCs to real world applications, such as controlling lights and sprinkler systems, reading sensors and monitoring switches or analog signals.
The Relays are capable of switching up to 5A at 250VAC, 10A at 120VAC and 10A at 24VDC but the PCB tracks will only handle up to about 5A. A simple ASCII protocol allows control from Windows/Mac/Linux using either USB Virtual COM drivers or RS485. Additionally, multiple devices can be connected to one RS485 bus, allowing control of many devices from one USB port.
The KTA-225 has relays with 5 VDC coils and requires an 8 to 28 VDC supply.
This controller is based on the hardware of the KTA-223 controller, but the number of analog inputs has been increased at the cost of the digital inputs. It can be programmed as a stand-alone controller using the free, open source Arduino environment. Internally, the controller is “shield compatible”, allowing the use of many extension boards designed for the Arduino Deumilanove.
As shipped the controller is loaded with a sketch or program that receives simple commands over the USB or RS485 serial port and switches relays or responds with the status of the analog inputs.
Multiple controllers can be connected to one or more PCs in an RS485 network. Each controller can be assigned an address and will respond to commands addressed to them.
An example program has been written and VB express 2010 to show you how to interface with the KTA-225 using a PC.
New in Version 3:
The newly revised KTA-225 have just arrived! As of mid December, we're shipping out version 3 of the KTA-225. It's fully compatible with the previous versions, but has a range of new features including:
New relays with higher contact to coil isolation voltage for safer switching of loads
Power, Tx and Rx LEDs Visible from the outside of the box
Redesigned serial and USB circuitry and layout for higher baudrates, better reliability and better noise immunity
Changes to the layout inside to match the changes made with the Arduino Uno
Web Interface Sketch:
Using the WebUi sketch and an Ethernet shield allows you to control the Relays and read the Analog Inputs from a web browser
Specifications:
- Power Supply: 8 to 28VDC
- Current Consumption: 500mA
- 8 x Analog Inputs: 10 bit resolution, jumper selectable 0 to 5V, 0 to 3.3V or 0 to 20mA
- 8 x Relay Outputs: SPDT relays rated to 5A, 250VAC / 30VDC
- Protocol: Modbus ASCII protocol via USB Virtual Serial Port or RS485 Input
- Easily connect multiple units far apart by RS485
- Operating temperature: -20°C to 70°C
- Arduino Compatible
- Accepts Arduino Shields (Ethernet / XBee)
- Power Indicator LED
- Connections via Pluggable Screw Terminals
- All enclosed in Professional looking plastic case
- Dimensions: 140L x 110W x 30H (mm)
Documentation and Downloads
- Manual
- Schematic
- Arduino Sketch
- SoftI2cMaster Arduino Library by William Greiman (for use with SFC-010, requires SCL_PIN to be 13 and SDA_PIN to be 12)
- VB Express 2010 Test Software
- VB Express 2010 Test Software & Source
- Delphi Light Flasher Software & Source
- Time-A-Relay Software (5th May 2010)
- WebUi Sketch (requires Ethernet Shield)