Rain Sensor Awning Controller

This is a timer clock awning controller for rain sensor application.

This awning will automated lower down the awning when rain is detected. A timer is available for you to set the operation timing through the week.

User Operation Introduction

Rain sensor switch with a green LED indicator.
Awning manual control switch

Rain Sensor Switch

This switch on the wall enables user to switch the rain sensing function On/Off.

There is a green LED indicator on this switch. If there is no light on this indicator, it means that the sensing function is not in operation.

A green light on the indicator means that the rain sensing function is enable. A blinking green light indicates rain sensing enable and rain is detected.

If the rain sensing function is enable, the controller will open up the awning when rain is detected.

If the sensing function is disable or when there is no rain detected, the controller allows user to control the awning manually via the awning switches on the wall.

Rain Controller Description

There is a timer on the controller which allows you to set the non-operating hours of the system. Awning can be programmed to retract itself when it is off operating hour. This ensure that the possibility of damage to the awning can be minimise during windy days. When not in operation the controller will roll up the awning to keep the awning properly intact. You may also add your own wind speed sensor to signal the awning to roll up when heavy wind is detected.

Features

  1. Auto draw down awning when raining and pull up after rain is stopped.
  2. Allow manual awning control.
  3. Control awning/rain-sensor operation time period throughout the days of a week. Flexible timer controlled.
  4. Solid state power control of two awning.
  5. Allow installation of up to 2 sensor rain. For redundancy.
Rain sensor & Awning installation
Rain sensor & Awning installation

TM-630A timer module settings

The timer module is using a standard product from SINOTIMER model TM-630A. It is used to shutdown the rain sensing system operation during the day/time of the whole week.

The operating manual can be downloaded here. (0.5Mb)
Click here to download.

The module is by default in a lock state. The keypad will not be responsive until the button panel is unlocked.

SINOTIMER model TM-630A

Unlock or Lock TM-630A timer module

  1. Press the button C/R 4 times, the lock symbol on the screen will disappeared.
  2. If left unlock for a period of time, the panel will return to the locked state.
  3. You can press the button C/R 4 times to lock the panel at any time.

Manually control the relay output of this timer module

  1. After unlocking the panel, press on the Red button (labelled Manual) to toggle the relay output, On and Off.

Setting the relay output to turn on for a specific date/time of the week

  1. After unlocking the panel, press on the button P to cycle through the programming settings.
  2. The display will cycle through 1on, 1off, 2on, 2off, 3on, 3off, …. up to 28on, 28off. This allows us to set 28 different period of timing to on/off the relay output.
  3. 1on means the first set of timing to switch On the relay. (output shorted circuit)
  4. 1off means the first set of timing to switch Off the relay. (output opened circuit)
  5. 2on 2off are the 2nd set of timing to switch the relay output on/off. You can set up to 28 sets of day/timing for the whole week.
  6. Eg. For 1on setup, press the respective button H+, M+, and D+ to set the hour/min/day/days of the week to activate the relay output.
  7. The same goes to 1off to set the time/day to deactivate the relay out.
  8. Press on the button P to cycle to the next set. This will also save your settings.
  9. You can press on the button Clock to exit the programming, and press the button C/R 4 times to lock the panel.

Setting the TM-630A module’s clock

  1. After unlocking the panel, press the button CLOCK together with the button H+ to set the clock’s hour.
  2. Press the button CLOCK together with the button M+ to set the clock’s minutes.
  3. Press the button CLOCK together with the button D+ to set the day of the week.

Controller Operation

  1. User is able to enable rain sensing mode, which will pass the rights to the sensor to controlling the awning. Disabling the rain sensing mode, allows user to manually control the awning.
  2. When user leave the system on manual mode, rolling the awning up/down can be controlled via the awning wall switches.
  3. User can manually control awning when rain sensing mode is enabled and there is no raining detected.
    When raining is detected, the system will not allow user to control the awning. The awning will automatically lower down the awning. The awning will not be rolled up. If the user want the awning to automatically roll up when the rain stopped, user can permanently leave the wall switch in the up position. When the rain stopped is detected, the control will be returned to the wall switches. Though if the wall switch is at the roll up position, the awning will proceed to roll up when the rain stops.
  4. After office hour features. This feature will force the awning to roll up after its operating hour. This is to minimise the duration of the awning opened, which minimise the chance of awning being damage by strong wind.
    When the rain sensor is enabled, the awning will be force to roll up. If it is still raining after the office hour, the system will allow the awning to be in the lowered position till the rain stops. Once the rain stopped, the awning will be rolled up automatically.
  5. When the timer output is enabled, the rain sensing system will tends to auto roll up to keep the awning during time/day/days set by the timer. If this after-office-hour feature is not needed, the timer module can be removed or unplugged from the system.
  6. The solid state relay will always be switched off while the relay is switching, and will switch back after the relay switching is done. This is to protect the relay of arching.
  7. Top relay Off = Manual operation.
    Top relay On = Auto Rain Sensor operated.
    Bottom relay Off = Force awning to lower. (While top relay is activated)
    Bottom relay On = Force awning to roll up. (While top relay is activated)

Indicator Status

RUN LED Indicator

  • LED Off – No power or Rain sensing mode is not enabled
  • LED On – Rain sensor enabled (but no rain)
  • LED Blinking – Rain sensor enabled (and rain is detected)

Rain Mode Indicator

  • Off – Manual Operation (Wall switch control by user)
  • On – Auto Operation (Sensor board controlling)

Auto Up Indicator (when Rain Mode = Auto Operation)

  • Off – Force awning to open up (roll down awning to shelter from rain)
  • On – Force awning to close up (roll up awning to prevent damage from wind)

Rain Sensing Controller Schematic

Rain awning schematic

Main Switch Function

The Neutral line is common to all. Live1 is the AC power line when the main switch is in On position (switch is downwards). This will activate the microcontroller and rain sensing electronic to function.

When the main switch is in the Off position (switch upwards), the entire electronic is not power up, and is not in operation. You will only see the green LED for 230Vac faintly lighted up. The rest of the LED are off. In this position the awning get access to direct power connection. This is as if the awning system works manually as normal. The Rain sensor controller is being by-pass. This allows for direct troubleshooting works on the awning without involving the rain sensing controller.

Relay U5

The function of this relay is to divert the incoming 230Vac (through the solid state relay U8) to either the manual control wall switches or to Relay U9 which forces the awning to open up, or roll up. Default relay position is allow manual control from the wall switch.

Relay U9

The function of this relay is to force the awning to open or roll up when Relay U5 is activated. Default relay position is to force awning to open its shelter for sheltering from the rain.

Solid State Relay U8

The function of this relay is to switch off the 230Vac power source while the relay U5 and U9 takes their time to switch. Doing this can prevent the mechanical relay U5 and U9 from contact welding problem. Meaning the relay switch becomes sticky because of the high voltage spark created during the switching. It improve the life span of the mechanical relay.

Reference

Contact us for further details.

Cable Tester Singapore

This cable tester is now available in Singapore.

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Switching Relay Output using Audio Signal

Audio Controlled Relay ST-ACR1

Application

  • Switching Controlled by Audio Signal
  • Switching from Mic or Line Signals
  • Silence Sensing
  • DPST switching relay output
  • Open-collector slave output

Connection Setup

Audio input, Light output
Alarm signal trigger system

Device Wiring Connection

Audio wiring input connection

The module uses 24Vdc for powering up the audio sensing input and relay output.

Power supply connection

Manual input to control the output relay.

Adding manual control

You can purchase the module ST-LCR1 to extend out for more relay outputs.

Adding more relay output for interfacing to external system.

Specification

  • Audio input: 10Kohm balanced bridging
  • Input connections: may be connected balanced or unbalanced
  • Control output: open-collectpr @ 25mA
  • Retrigger delay: 250ms
  • Relay output DPDT (up to 230Vac, 2A)
  • Activation response time: 25ms
  • Dimension: 17 x 76 x 39mm

Dimension

Product dimension size

Size Dimension

Audio Controlled Relays (other models)

ST-ACR1 Audio Controlled Relay

Relay is actuated by audio line level source.

ST-ACR1M Audio Controlled Relay

Relay is actuated by microphone input source.

ST-ACR2 Audio Controlled Relay

Can be used as a silence sensor detection device. Relay release delay is extended by 5-50sec.

ST-LCR1 Logic Controlled Relay

Logic controlled relay. Relay output is DPDT (dual pole dual throw)

ST-LCR2 Logic Controlled Relay

Pulsed controlled relay. Relay output is DPDT (dual pole dual throw)

ST-VOX1 Voice Activated Relay

Voice controlled relay output. Input voice can be from microphone or audio line level. Can be used in a voice intercom setup.

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MDB Converter Products

Looking for MDB converter products for your vending or dispensing machine?

Here is a list of MDB converter available on the market.

MDB to Pulse Converter

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is mdb-pulse-converter-pic-031-layout.jpg

A simple Plug-&-Play solution to converter your pulse-based vending machine into a machine that can collect cashless payment (Credit Card, RFID, QR code, etc…)

You can now collect many types of cashless payments from any modern payment terminal that uses MDB (Multi Drop Bus) connection, a very common communication standard that the vending industry has adopted. A modern payment terminal can now accept cards like Visa, MasterCard, NFC, QR Code, PayNow, etc… . many more…

You do not need to understand the technical part of MDB. Simple to setup. Connect the select buttons and this board can trigger the payment terminal to collect the payment amount that you have setup.

Company: PIC-CONTROL Pte. Ltd.

Website: https://www.pic-control.com/pic-031-mdb-pulse-converter/

MDB to VCCS Converter

VCCS protocol is commonly used in Japan’s vending machine. Japan vending machines are highly sought after. Communication poses an issue because VCCS is not easy to deal with. There is hardly any documentation relating to the VCCS protocol.

This converter allows a cashless payment terminal (using MDB protocol) to connect and talk with a Japan vending machine system (using VCCS protocol).

This converter allows the more popular MDB protocol (commonly used by vending machines all over the world) to connect to a VCCS vending machine.

This MDB to VCCS converter product is available here. It is distributed solely by MobileEFTpos in Singapore.

Company: Mobile Eftpos (asia) Pte Ltd

Website: https://www.eftpos.com.sg/

MDB to VCCS converter

MDB to RS232, RS232 to MDB Converter

This is a simple MDB to RS232 or RS232 to MDB device. Very useful in troubleshooting MDB issues through monitoring of the MDB communication line between your devices.

A handy tools

Company: Wafer

Website: http://www.waferstar.com/en/MDB2PC-PC2MDB.html

MDB Converter & Raspberry Pi Hat.

MDB Converter 4

Interface MDB via proprietary serial communication. Allows you the flexibility to interface with MDB without needing to deal with the complicated MDB communication protocol.

Company: Abrantix

Website: https://blog.abrantix.com/webshop/

VE9390 – PULSE to MDB Conversion Kit

Proprietary MDB converter. Contact the company for further details.

Company: Vendors Exchange International

Website: https://www.vesolutions.co/MICRO-MECH-MDB-CONVERTER-WITH-DEX-V350

https://www.veii.com/PULSE-AMUSEMENT-TO-MDB-KIT

PICOVEND MDB Converter

This interface offers a convenient solution for modernizing parallel/pulse operated vending machines with up-to-date MDB payment systems, which also encompass bank card readers. It can be utilized for a variety of machines such as those dispensing hot drinks, universal items, self-service setups, kiddie rides, and more.

Company: PICOVEND EZ

Website: https://picovend.com/index.php

MDB-USB Interface

MDB to USB Interface by Qibixx

A very comprehensive MDB device that has many powerful features to convert, diagnose, troubleshoot, and develop MDB-related projects.

Effortlessly connect VMCs to Multi Drop Bus devices on Linux, Mac, and Windows. Uncover cashless possibilities and data insights with Master & Slave functions. Customize the MDB interface, or utilize Stand-alone mode for payments and relays.

Company: Qibixx

Website: https://mdb.technology/

PC to MDB

Introducing the PC2MDB™: Revolutionizing Vending with PC Integration

The PC2MDB™ transforms the landscape of vending machines by seamlessly integrating a PC into the equation, bridging the gap between controllers and cashless transactions. Utilizing the PC’s RS-232 port, this innovation empowers the PC to operate as a cashless slave device, extending its capabilities to the vending realm.

With PC2MDB™, existing vending machine controllers (VMC) are effortlessly managed via a PC. The interface enables the PC to function as a cashless device, redefining payment methods. Compatible with both PCs and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), it establishes a universal line of communication with all vending machines utilizing the MDB protocol, regardless of their manufacturer.

Enhancing its adaptability, PC2MDB™ offers multiple interface options, including Serial, Ethernet, and USB connections. This diversity makes it a potent and versatile solution for deploying distinct payment systems that require the integration of a PC or PLC alongside vending machines.

Experience a new era in vending technology with PC2MDB™, where seamless integration meets expanded possibilities. Elevate your vending operations today.

Company: Upstate Networks Incorporated

Website: https://www.upstatenetworks.com/

Customised MDB converter projects.

Do you need help in developing a customised MDB converter or interface board to solve your vending integration problem?

You can contact us. Tell us more about your entire vending system, and the help and support you need for the engineering integration work.

Foam (Wavy Egg Crate Foam)

These wavy foam shaped like egg carton tray are often used for storage protection foam, or as a sound proofing, noise isolation purpose.

Application

  • Protection foam for storage box.
  • Acoustic panels to reduce sound reflection.
  • Soundproof panels to reduce noise.

Wavy Egg Foam Sheet Sizes

The foam is available in two sizes,

Size available

  • 500 x 500mm
  • 1000 x 500mm

Thickness available

  • 15mm
  • 20mm
  • 30mm
  • 40mm
  • 50mm
  • 60mm
  • custom thickness

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Egg Shape FoamPart no.Size (mm)Thickness (mm)PriceComment
EF-1-15500 x 50015mmS$25+GST2 sheets
EF-1-20500 x 50020mmS$26+GST2 sheets
EF-1-30500 x 50030mmS$31+GST2 sheets
EF-1-40500 x 50040mmS$36+GST2 sheets
EF-1-50500 x 50050mmS$44+GST2 sheets
EF-2-151000 x 50015mmS$35+GST2 sheets
EF-2-201000 x 50020mmS$38+GST2 sheets
EF-2-301000 x 50030mmS$58+GST2 sheets
EF-2-401000 x 50040mmS$63+GST2 sheets
EF-2-501000 x 50050mmS$78+GST2 sheets
EF-2-601000 x 50060mmS$88+GST2 sheets

Other Related Products

Pick and Pluck Foam (Pre-cut Cube Foam)
Hard Protection Case

Affordable Light Weight Equipment Case

These are some of the low cost light weight series boxes. The wall of the box is thin (for light weight) and has a design to reinforce strength to store your equipment.

The case comes with its carrying handle and two layers of egg shaped foam to protect your items inside the case.

This series does not comes with its Pick & Pluck foam. If you need this DIY foam, you can click on the following page to purchase the Pick & Pluck pre-cut cube foam sheet. Buy Pre-cut Cube Foam.

The case construct is simple, and is not water resistance.

Suitable case for shelf storage purpose.

Light Weight Series Storage Box

These are lightweight, thin storage case, non-water resistance storage box case.

Hard Case
Photo
ModelInner Space
(mm) estimated
Outer Dimension
(mm) estimated
Est PriceComment
HC-011460 x 326 x 121485 x 375 x 135S$135+GSTNote: Light weight series.
2x Egg shell foam only
No Pick & Pluck Foam

Not rugged type
(***special order only)
HC-012460 x 326 x 146485 x 375 x 160S$137+GSTNote: Light weight series.
2x Egg shell foam only
No Pick & Pluck Foam

Not rugged type
(***special order only)
HC-013460 x 326 x 170485 x 375 x 184S$139+GSTNote: Light weight series.
2x Egg shell foam only
No Pick & Pluck Foam

Not rugged type
(***special order only)

Rugged Case Box Series

Check out for our heavy duty rugged case for your outdoor and transportation of your sensitive equipment.

Click here for the Hard Rugged Case selection list. Many box sizes to choose from.

Foam (Pre-cut Cube for Box Case)

Pre-cut cube foam is also known as Pick & Pluck foam. This DIY (do-it-yourself) cushioning foam allows you to customised the shape of your dedicated equipment/instrument. Simply tear out from the foam grid the shape that you want using your bare hand. No cutting tools require. It is that simple.

Pre-cut Cube Foam Sheet Sizes

The foam is available in two sizes,

Size available

  • 500 x 500mm
  • 1000 x 1000mm
  • 2000 x 1000mm

Thickness available

  • 15mm
  • 20mm
  • 30mm
  • 40mm
  • 50mm
  • 60mm
  • 80mm
  • 100mm
  • custom thickness

Cube cut-out size of 10x10mm or 15x15mm to choose from.

Buy Pre-cut Cube Foam

Standard DIY cube foam sheet sizes available.

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Pre-cut FoamPart no.Thickness (mm)Size (mm)PriceComment
PF20-30020020mm300 x 200S$18+GST
PF20-50050020mm500 x 500S$23+GST
PF30-30020030mm300 x 200S$21+GST
PF30-50050030mm500 x 500S$29+GST
PF40-24024040mm240 x 240S$22+GST
PF40-35025040mm350 x 250S$22+GST
PF40-35035040mm350 x 350S$24+GST
PF40-50050040mm500 x 500S$35+GST
PF40-35022545mm350 x 225S$22+GST
PF50-35027050mm350 x 270S$23+GST
PF50-44034050mm440 x 340S$29+GST
PF50-53033050mm530 x 330S$33+GST
PF50-50050050mm500 x 500S$44+GST
PF60-43531560mm435 x 315S$31+GST
PF60-50050060mm500 x 500S$46+GST
PF70-50050070mm500 x 500S$51+GST
PF75-43029075mm430 x 290S$34+GST
PF80-41025080mm410 x 250S$32+GST
PF80-44034080mm440 x 340S$41+GST
PF80-46534080mm465 x 340S$43+GST
PF80-50050080mm500 x 500S$62+GST
PF90-50050090mm500 x 500S$71+GST
PF100-500500100mm500 x 500S$75+GST

Custom Foam Cut-out

Contact us for custom foam cut-out.

Material available for custom foam cut-out

  • PU Sponge
  • EPE
  • EVA
  • PE Foam

Limited color to choose from EPE (black/white), PE (black), EVA (black/blue/orange/grey)

Other Related Products

Wavy Egg Crate Shaped Foam
Hard Protection Case

Soft Protective Case (with Zipper)

Soft case is a light weight protective zipped case. It comes with Pick & Pluck foam inside, which allows you to custom fit your dedicated electronic devices.

Softcase storage for your dedicated devices.
Softcase with pluck foam
DIY plucked foam

All models comes with the pluck-able foam inside.

Soft case product list

ModelInterior Space (mm)Size (mm)PriceComment
SC-01160 x 120 x 55mm170 x 130 x 60mmS$18+GST
SC-02210 x 150 x 55mm220 x 160 x 60mmS$25+GST
SC-03310 x 210 x 55mm320 x 220 x 60mmS$35+GST
SC-11147 x 105 x 55mm157 x 115 x 65mmS$26+GST
SC-12195 x 155 x 55mm205 x 165 x 65mmS$30+GST
SC-13296 x 193 x 55mm306 x 203 x 65mmS$39+GST
SC-14200 x 155 x 85mm210 x 165 x 95mmS$45+GST
SC-15250 x 180 x 90mm260 x 190 x 100mmS$68+GSTwith carry handle.
SC-16300 x 215 x (85+25)mm320 x 230 x 120mmS$89+GSTwith divider board inside and carry handle.
SC-17315 x 285 x (85+25)mm330 x 300 x 120mmS$138+GSTwith divider board inside and carry handle.
SC-18390 x 310 x (95+35)mm420 x 340 x 150mmS$150+GSTwith divider board inside and carry handle.
SC-19330 x 250 x 65mm345 x 265 x 75mmS$138+GSTwith carry handle.
SC-20385 x 285 x 65mm405 x 295 x 75mmS$158+GSTwith carry handle.

Rugged Case Box Series

Check out for our heavy duty rugged cases for your outdoor and transportation of your sensitive equipment.

AQUASWITCH (Water detection sensor)

This Aquaswitch is a solid state electronic sensor. It is not affected by surrounding oil film or metal trays. It is also function in various position even if it is slightly off mounting position.

Aquaswitch water detector

The small footprint and the low switching level means that the AquaSwitch may be mounted in the smallest of reservoirs. The in-built isolated relay switches loads up to 1250VA. This allows the user to select the AquaSwitch to directly switch pumps and solenoids or interface into other control circuits. The built-in Delay to off timer may be used to allow water being drained or pumped to be fully vacated or just to prevent nuisance switching.

Product Specification

There are two product models to choose from. One uses low supply voltage of 24V, and the other model uses 230Vac.

  • Switching capacity 5A 250Vac (power 1250VA)
  • Operating Temperature, Air (0-70°C), Water (0-50°C)
  • Switch On/Off Level, ON at typically 10mm ±4mm
  • Hysteresis about 2mm.
  • Delay on level fall is about 3 seconds.
  • Waterproofing protection rating IPX7
  • Wire length is about 400mm
  • Footprint size 50x40mm

Wiring Color

24V (DC or AC)

Red wire (24Vdc or 24Vac)
Blue wire (Common Ground)

Relay switch output
Black wire (C, Common)
White wire (NC, Normally Close)
Yellow wire (NO, Normally Open)

230Vac (90-250Vac)

Red wire (Live 90-250Vac)
Blue wire (Neutral)

Relay switch output
Black wire (C, Common)
White wire (NC, Normally Close)
Yellow wire (NO, Normally Open)

Installation

The AquaSwitch is intended to detect rising condensate water levels in A/C and Refrigeration applications. It may also be used in Reservoir Top-Up or High Level Alarm applications.

The AquaSwitch is a semi-submersible switch therefore it must not be used in application where it will be permanently submerged or for long extended periods. It is not recommended to use it as a low level switch.

The AquaSwitch may be used in metal or plastic collection trays. When positioning, ensure that there is 8 mm of clearance in
front and 5 mm below the sensing pads.

The AquaSwitch will operate tilted in any direction from the normal by up to 45° however for reliable operation position the AquaSwitch flat and level. Tray depth must be at least 17 mm to prevent overflowing.

Fixing Methods

  1. Use the waterproof double sided foam supplied to adhere the AquaSwitch to the side or base or the tray. Surfaces should be flat, free from grease, dust and water when fixing. Allows 24 hours for full adhesion.
  2. Screw the AquaSwitch to the wall of the tray or suitable bracket. Do not drill or screw into the AquaSwitch in any way other than by the fixing slots provided.

User Instruction Manual

Click here to download Aquaswitch user instruction manual from REFCO (PDF file about 0.5Mb).

CE-CERTIFICATE

  • Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive – 2014/30/EU
  • Low Voltage Directive (LVD) – 2014/35/EU
  • RoHS 2 – 2011/65/EU

Buy Aqua Switch here

Click here to buy. Please note that there are 2 version. 24Vdc/Vac or 230Vac.

Power Input Type

Protective Box Case

Protect your dedicated equipment with protective hard box case.

It is water proof, it is dust proof.

Rugged constructed box to ensure that your sensitive equipment is protected with care.

Hard Box Case available in Singapore.

The hard case comes with protective foam that allows you to cut/tear it to fit your equipment devices shapes and sizes.

Many sizes to choose from.

Check out this page to buy from a selection of protective box cases for your camera equipment.

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