ControlByWeb family; sophisticated Ethernet I/O modules with remote web access

Audon Electronics’ new ControlByWeb family comprises a set of DIN rail mounting digital and analogue I/O modules with built-in web servers. This allows their remote monitoring and control across the Web or any other IP network using a standard web browser on a computer, tablet or smartphone.  Setup is simple, fast and cost-effective, with no special software to download, no drivers to install, no batteries to change and no monthly licensing fees. ControlByWeb modules can easily be assembled into an unlimited range of remote control, data acquisition, remote monitoring and industrial automation applications.

 

The ControlByWeb family is exemplified by the WebRelay-Quad™ Ethernet Relay Unit. This has four independent 28 V 1 A SPDT relays, each of which can be activated, deactivated or pulsed remotely through its web server. Alternatively the unit can be integrated into other computer control schemes using HTTP, XML, SNMP or Modbus/TCP protocols. Another powerful option is to use the WebRelay-Quad Unit in peer-to-peer mode, partnered with a complementary ControByWeb product such as the WEBIN5 Five-Input Module. This has five opto-isolated digital input channels; one of these can signal a WebRelay-Quad unit at any distance to activate an output, provided both units are connected to the Web. The status of each input can also be monitored using Modbus/TCP or XML formatted text. Each input channel can be driven by a switch, sensor or output from a PLC, automation controller or computer.

The Five Input Module can also act as a pulse counter, and can generate an email message when user-defined alarm conditions are met. The ControlByWeb family extends to a wide range of analogue and digital I/O units, each with their own features, as well as web browsing and network protocol support. The WebRelay-10 has similar functionality to the WebRelay-Quad, but has 10 Form C SPDT relays each capable of switching 30 A current.

The WebRelay-10 Plus is as the WebRelay 10 plus an event scheduler with yearly calendar, customizable email alerts, logging of relay changes and other events and requests, and further configurable features. Smaller applications are served with the WebRelay-Dual and X-310 Four Channel Digital I/O units, which have two or four 5-Amp relays, and two or four optically-isolated inputs. Both include advanced full-calendar, logging and alarm email functions. Analogue input capability comes from the WEBANALOG Input Module which can handle 8 single-ended, 4 differential or a combination of 0-5 V inputs. The unit can generate emails and send ON/OFF commands to other ControlByWeb modules on alarm. 

Modules offering instrumentation and specialized functions are also available. The X-320 Ethernet Multifunction I/O unit provides two programmable digital I/O channels and four high-resolution analogue inputs, a one-wire temperature/humidity sensor bus input and other scheduling, calendar, logging and alarm capabilities. The WEBTEMP module accepts up to four digital temperature inputs and has two 5 A relay outputs and a real time clock. A more powerful X-300 temperature module has eight temperature inputs, three relay outputs, data logging and a thermostat function. The X320M Ethernet Weather Station unit is compatible with a variety of meteorological sensors and calculates heat index and related parameters. It has built-in logging and email alarm capability.

Remote boot and other remote power control applications are handled by WebSwitch PLUS which has two controlled mains outlets with worldwide power capability. The unit also features temperature monitoring, digital inputs, event scheduling, logging and email alerts. Simpler power applications can be satisfied with the WebSwitch. Both devices can be used standalone, wall mounted or with rack mounting kits.