Octal 8-Input Digital Expansion Module

We are pleased to announce the new Octal 8-Input Digital Expansion Module for applications that require additional inputs.

Introduction

The JNIOR supports 16 digital I/O channels comprised of a combination of isolated digital inputs and dry-contact single-pole relay outputs. Applications are typically focused either on controls or monitoring. When a controls application needs more relays (or more capable relays) we have the 4ROUT Quad 4 Output Power Relay Module (Cat. No. EXP-200-005), adding additional outputs to the JNIOR four at a time.
Monitoring applications use digital inputs to collect the status of external systems, presumably report this information via the network. When a monitoring application needs more inputs, the only option was to utilize an additional JNIOR. We can now add additional inputs using the new 8DIN Octal 8 Isolated Input Module. This module replicates the JNIOR inputs both in circuit and in capability.

Overview

The 8DIN module works on the Expansion Bus or Sensor Port in the same way that other expansion modules do. One or more such modules may be used simultaneously. Each input replicates the functionality of a digital input on the JNIOR; The circuit is identical, having the same electrical characteristics and requiring the same driving voltage to trigger; Each input may be configured with
Inversion, Debounce and Latching just as you can with a JNIOR input; And each input supports the same counting and metering. There are 9 LED indicators. One near the top of the module will be illuminated green when power is applied. There are 8 additional LEDs, one for each input, illuminated red when the input is electrically considered to be in the ON state. This is consistent with the JNIOR itself.  An application program running on the JNIOR is required to access this module for input configuration and monitoring of status. The additional inputs do not automatically extend the internal input set (as the 4ROUT relay output can).

Connection

The 8DIN module is supplied with the standard cable with RJ12 jacks and 6p6c (six conductor) flat cable 16 inches in length. Custom lengths of cabling can be easily made with jacks, a roll of cable, and a tool, all likely available from a local hardware/electronics store. Note that the cable has exactly 6 conductors.

Most JNIOR expansion modules provide two RJ12 connection points supporting a daisy chain scheme. The supplied cable is inserted into either port on the module and connected to the Sensor Port on the JNIOR or another open jack on another module. This may be done with the JNIOR powered. The power LED will glow Green when the module is active.

From the JANOS command line, you can use the EXTERN command. This displays the 16-character (8 hexadecimal byte) ID strings for each connected module. The 8DIN module is Type F8, and those two characters can be seen at the end of its ID string (last byte).