NCD Taralist User manual

NATIONAL CONTROL DEVICES
Taralist Quick Start Guide
Time Activated Relay Controllers

N A T I O N A L C O N T R O L D E V I C E S
Taralist
Time Activated Relay Controllers
National Control Devices, LLC
PO Box 455
Osceola, MO 64776
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 2013
All Rights Reserved.
Notice: Portions of this manual require internet access.

NOTICE:
All customers are STRONGLY ADVISED to purchase at least ONE
USB Communication Module. This communication module may be
used to recover a controller or to reconfigure a controller should there
be an accidental loss of communications. NCD Tech support may be
unable to assist customers who do not have a USB Communications
Module available for troubleshooting purposes.
Purchase USB Communications Module from our website at this link:
http://www.controlanything.com/Relay/Device/ZUSB
IMPORTANT: Taralist firmware has been re-written.
If your controller is identified as a ‘Taralist Enhanced’ in Base Station
software, then your controller is capable of accepting commands at
high communications speeds.
Older versions of the firmware will require a 1ms delay between
communication bytes.
NCD STRONGLY ENCOURAGES A FIRMWARE UPGRADE IF YOU
ARE NOT USING TARALIST ENHANCED FIRMWARE.
Return your device to NCD, and we will upgrade your firmware free of
charge including return shipment.

Table of Contents
Introduction..............................................................................1
Hardware Reference................................................................3
Getting Started..........................................................................................3
Onboard Batter Backup ............................................................................4
Controlling Relays.....................................................................................6
Break Away Tabs......................................................................................7
Taralist Configuration...............................................................8
Understanding Events ............................................................................11
Adding/Removing Events .......................................................................12
Defining Time..........................................................................................13
Midnight Backup Buffer...........................................................................14
Editing Protected Data............................................................................15
Computer Control of Taralist.........................................................16
Command Set........................................................................18
Relay Logic............................................................................ 23
Electrical Specifications.......................................................... 26
Maximum Rating.....................................................................................26
Technical Support .....................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Contact Information..........................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Notice:.......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Notice:
This manual will guide you through the setup and use of all Taralist Series relay
controllers. Following this manual in the sequence outlined is absolutely essential to
proper understanding and use of Taralist Series Controllers. Please review the
entire manual BEOFRE contacting NCD technical support. NCD technical support
staff will direct your questions to this manual when applicable.

1
Introduction
he Taralist Series relay controllers represent a significant advancement in the
evolution of the NCD product line. The Taralist Series controllers represent
many foundation technologies that will significantly strengthen our product
offerings in the years to come.
The Taralist Series of controllers are the first time-controlled devices we have ever
developed. This new architecture allows powerful computer-based configuration
without writing a single line of code. Taralist controllers are the first to offer a
Autonomous time controlled at any time, and even change settings in the
configuration through a direct USB connection or using a wireless 802.15.4 or
ZigBee Mesh Interface. The Taralist Series are manufactured using Surface
Mount Technology. A Break Away design has been implemented to meet the
requirements of customers who need an enclosure AND to customers who need
the smallest possible size. Break Away tabs allow the user to “break” off the outer
edges of the circuit board for a smaller profile. This type of controller in
conjunction with several other “no programming required” devices represent the
future direction of National Control Devices.
Who’s Qualified to Use the Taralist Series?
Anyone. The Taralist Series Controllers are one of the most user-friendly devices
we have ever manufactured. Whether you are an electronics engineer or home
hobbyist, anyone is qualified to use the Taralist Series controller provided this
manual is carefully studied.
How do the Taralist Series Controllers Work?
The Taralist Series Relay Controllers are configured using a computer (either using
wireless or a direct USB connection). Once configured, a Taralist controller will
operate without a computer. At any time, a computer may monitor the Taralist
Device, Activate Relays, or Change Configuration settings. A computer can take
over a Taralist or a Taralist can operate autonomously (without a computer). The
NCD Base Station software provides 1000 User Configurable events where a relay
or group of relays can be turned on or off. It’s that easy.
Once the Taralist is configured, it will run through the list of events sored in it’s
on board memory every second to look for a match with the current time. If a
match with the current time and a configured event is discovered, it will execute
the event.
Chapter
1
T

2
Order of Operations
There is a general process to learning and using a Taralist Series relay controller,
this manual will follow the two sequences, covering the Learning Cycle and the
Usage Cycle. Optionally, users may want to consider exploring the Advanced
Applications to unlock some of the most powerful features.
Learning Cycle
1. Hardware Reference (getting to know the hardware)
2. Communications
3. Configuration Overview
4. Building a Custom Configuration Profile
5. Loading and Saving Configuration Profiles
6. Understanding Relay Control
7. Testing a Taralist Controller
8. Controlling Devices with a Taralist Controller
9. Troubleshooting a Taralist Controller
Usage Cycle
1. Configuration
2. Testing
3. External Device connection
Advanced Application
1. Remote Configuration
2. Using a Computer to Take Over a Relay
3. Giving Relay Control Back to Taralist Logic
4. Changing the Time Compensation
5. Using the Midnight Buffer

3
Hardware Reference
Getting Started
here is no better place to start than from the beginning. This guide will lead
you through the understanding and use of you Taralist Series relay controller
in a sequence that will help get you started from the ground up.
Before contacting NCD technical support, make sure that you have thoroughly
read this guide. Most questions will be covered in this guide and NCD technical
support staff has been instructed to direct your questions to this manual when
appropriate. Please take advantage of the efforts we have invested in building a
complete and comprehensive product manual. This will save you time and allow
our technical support engineers to focus on product development.
Chapter
2
T

4
INCORRECT
Onboard Batter Backup
Lithium Ion Battery Backup
Each Taralist controller has a battery installed on it. This battery’s main purpose
is to keep the Taralist clock running if power is disconnected; otherwise, every
time you unplug and move the controller you would have to reset the time in it.
This battery will keep the Taralist clock running for up to two months, cut there
are some things you need to know.
The Taralist onboard battery backup is used to run the Taralist clock only, it will
not allow the controller to function and process events. You will not be able to
run the controller on this battery alone, an external power source is required for
processing events and controlling relays.
Charging the Onboard Battery
The onboard battery is charged when the device is attached to a power source.
You can control how fast the battery is charged by Editing Protected Data (page
14). This is very useful as you can charge the battery very quickly or very slowly.
Charging the battery slowly will increase the battery’s life, so whenever possible we
recommend leaving the Charge level to 1.
Getting the Best Life out of the Battery
It is recommended to charge the battery slowly. Also make sure you have a power
source plugged into the controller when a USB cable is connected to the device.
If a USB cable is attached to the device but no power supply is connected, this will
drain the battery very quickly as the controller will not be able to properly enter
sleep mode.
Correct
Correct

5
Understanding Outputs
Taralist Controllers are capable of controlling up to 256 Relays from only one
Taralist CPU. These controllers are available with 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 relays
on a printed circuit board as well as a small controller with only an XR expansion
port instead of relays. XR Expansion Relays may be added to the XR Expansion
Port at any time giving you as many relays as you need (up to 256).
A relay is similar to a switch. The only difference between a switch and a relay is
the actual mechanism for changing the on/off status of the switch. On a switch,
you manually push on a piece of metal or plastic to operate the switch. On a relay,
an electric current is used to operate the switch. We will use the work “relay to
indicate a switch that is controlled by the Taralist controller.
Relays do NOT provide a voltage output. They provide a contact closure output,
exactly like the terminals found on a light switch at your local hardware store.
Wiring to a relay will be slightly different depending on the model of Taralist
controller you choose.
Some relays, such as the 5A and 10A versions, have a screw terminals that can
accept 12 Gauge or smaller wire. Other versions, such as the 20A and 30A relays,
have a .250” Quick Connect terminal (the appropriate mating connector can be
found at any hardware or automotive supply store). Our 20A HP series relays will
accept wires as large as 10 Gauge.
Again, relays do not provide a voltage output. They ONLY switch whatever
voltage you supply into the relay.
Relays are available in SPST, SPDT, and DPDT configurations. In addition, both
Mechanical and Solid State relays will be supported by the Taralist series. If you
are unfamiliar with the different versions of relays available, you can review
this article, which explains these relay types in great detail. The article will help you
determine the best type of relay for your application, showing you the formulas
for calculating relay sizes that are appropriate for your application.
If you intend to use the Taralist series relay controllers for inductive applications,
this article MUST be reviewed. An example of an inductive application is any device
that involves motion. For instance, using a Taralist Controller to control a motor,
a solenoid, or a valve. Other types of inductive applications include anything with
a transformer such as a fluorescent light or a power transformer of any kind.
Logic circuits (including those found on the Taralist Controller) may malfunction
in sever conditions. The above article will show you how to safely implement
these kinds of loads which greatly reduces the chances of a malfunction. Some
inductive applications generate excessive noise, and may not be suitable for use
with the Taralist Series Relay controllers. Solid State Taralist Relay Controllers
should be considered for these high-noise applications.

6
Controlling Relays
There are 2 possible ways to control the relays on a Taralist Series controller.
1. A Relay can be Directly Controlled by an Event configured into the
Taralist Device.
2. A Relay can be controlled from a computer such as a ZigBee wireless
interface, Ethernet Interface, or USB interface. A computer can take
control of any or all relays on a Taralist controller at any time. Once taken
over, the Taralist logic will not be able to switch a relay. The computer
MUST return control of the relay back to the Taralist Logic for stand-
alone operation. The default power-up status of a Taralist controller relays
may be preset using the Midnight backup buffer.
Limitless Relay Control
A version of the ProXR firmware is used to control relays on the Taralist device.
This version is called ProXR Lite. It has many of the same features as the original
ProXR firmware, so if customers are familiar with original ProXR controllers, this
device will be very easy to work with.

7
Taralist shown above as shipped from National
Control Devices. The shape accommodates a
standard enclosure.
Bend the Tables to break them away from the
board. Note that controllers with Broken Tabs are
NOT Returnable for Refund or Credit, but are still
covered under our Limited Warranty.
Break Away Tabs
Physically, most Taralist controllers are actually 2 sizes. When you receive your
Taralist controller, the shape and size ensures the controller can fit into a standard
enclosure. Optionally, you can make the controller smaller by breaking away the
outer tabs. Break-Away tabs are useful in applications where space may be a
concern. This allows your Taralist controller to offer the same functionality in the
smallest possible profile. Break-Away tabs are unique to the NCD product line
and are a standard option for most devices released in 2010 and later.
Before breaking the tabs on your controller, please be advised that your Taralist
controller will not be returnable for refund or credit if the Break-Away Tabs have
been removed.
To break away the tabs, gently but firmly grab each break-away tab with a pair of
pliers and bend the tab back and forth until it breaks away from the main circuit
board. This will NOT damage the controller in anyway.
Breaking the Tabs from a controller DOES NOT VOID the warranty. Please see
the NCD return policy if you would like more information on the policies that apply
to Surface Mount devices.
Shown here, the final controller with tabs removed is
physical smaller in size, but no longer fits a standard
enclosure.

8
Taralist Configuration
stablishing communications with a Taralist controller is an essential step in
using this device. Taralist Series controllers are available in many different
varieties. While all controllers are capable of functioning WITHOUT a computer,
a computer is REQUIRED to configure the Taralist controller.
The way the Taralist controller communicates with your computer depends on the
communication interface option you have chosen. If you choose an interface
other than USB, we strongly recommend that you also purchase a ZUSB
Communication module, which will allow you to revoke from communication loss
or error. Please refer to the appropriate Quick Start Guide for your
communication interface. The guides may be found on our website:
www.controlanything.com.
Your Taralist controller CANNOT be configured, and it will not be possible to
proceed through these instructions without knowing the current COM port
assignment. Please refer to the Quick Start Guide for your Interface to determine
this information.
Configuring Taralist with Base Station Software:
Download and install the latest version of NCD Base Station software by
following this link.
1. Run the NCD Base
Station software; you
should see the following
window appear.
2. Select the appropriate
Com Port for your
device from the ‘Select
Connection’ window and
click ‘OK’.
Chapter
3
E

9
Note: Some users may find the Taralist controller particularly suitable for a
specific application. Once you have created a Configuration file that matches
your needs, you may email your Taralist configuration file to us, and we can build
and ship any number of Taralist controllers with your configuration built in! This
will save you time and allow you to order a controller that is customized for your
exact application at no additional cost.
3. Click ‘Taralist Class Controller Configuration’ to begin configuring your
device as shown below.
The NCD Base Station software is a powerful program used to load and save
profiles into a Taralist controller.
Note: It is NOT possible to store Taralist configuration data into the Taralist
Controller when the Program/Run jumper (PGM/RUN) is set to the Run
position. This jumper may be changed at any time. Power cycling is NOT
REQUIRED.
Program Mode allows you to permanently write to onboard
nonvolatile storage. Use this mode to load, test, and modify Taralist
configuration data.
Run Mode write protects memory, making it impossible to store new
configuration settings.

10
4. When communications is established, the current information from the
controller will be loaded. Then you will see the following screen appear. This
screen has three tabs across the top the allow you to configure and control
your Taralist device.
Now that communications are established between your computer and the
Taralist controller, we are ready to move onto configuring the device. To start,
there are a few things to understand when it comes to Taralist Logic. We will
start with Events.

11
Understanding Events
Events are scheduled times when a relay or group of relays are turned on or off.
They are defined by the user by time: Year, Month, Day of Month, Day of week,
Hour, Minute, and Second. By having these options you have the ability of
switching relays on or off at very specific times. They are also defined by how
they control the relays, whether they turn a relay or group of relays on or off.
You can add up to 999 Events to the list.
First we will talk about defining the time of an Event. When determining time,
the hour, minute, and second are required information.. These parameters must be
entered. If only these parameters are filled, then he event will occur every single
day at this time. However, you can fill in the Day of Week box so the event only
occurs on a certain day of the week such as Monday. You must check the box
next Day of Week Much Match to Trigger Event for this parameter to take effect.
By filling in the rest of the parameters you can have an event only occur on
December 25 2012 at 1:53.45 PM on that exact second.
Secondly we will talk about what the Event does, it controls relays. You can select
exactly which relays in which banks (group of 8 relays) you want to come on or
turn off when the event is triggered.

12
Adding/Removing Events
Events will be added under the ‘Time Event Builder’ on the left side of the
‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay Configuration’ tab.
1. Add Event: The first thing you will do is add an event. One an Event is added to the list; it may then be
edited with time and relay control information.
2. DST Events: Users have the option to automatically add all daylight savings time events to the event list.
When this button is pushed Daylight Saving time events are added to cover the next 30 years. This will
compensate the Taralist’s Clock each time Daylight Savings Time Comes Around. However, this may be
removed by simply clicking the DST Clear Button.
3. Save: Once you have spent the time to build a list of events we highly recommend you save that list of
events as it cannot be loaded from the controller, there simply is not enough room in its memory chip. By
clicking this button you will be prompted to save a file on your computer. At any time you can open this
file and load it into the controller quickly and simply.
4. Load: You may load an Event List, saved as a file on your computer, into your controller easily by
clicking this Loading button. If you need to load a previously saved List of Events, this is the way to do it.
5. Sort Events: Sort Events will put all of the events entered into the list in order by time and date. This is
very important to know. All 999 events are checked every second by the controller to look for a match
with a current time. If two events conflict with each other, the controller will not be able to process either
event properly. So if a relay does not come on when it is supposed to, click this ‘Sort Events’ button and
look for events that conflict with each other. It is important to know that items at the top of the list have
lowest priority while items at the bottom of the list have the highest priority. We recommend sorting your
list periodically when entering events to the list. The Taralist controller scans through all events in the list
from top down to the bottom so events at the end of the list may override events at the top of the list.
Delete Event will
Remove the event
from the list.
DST Clear will
remove all
Daylight Saving
time events.
Save will save
your current list
of events to a
file on your
computer.
Load will allow
you to load a
previously saved
Configuration
from a File.
Sort Events will put
events in order by
time and Date. This
will be covered more
on a later page in
the manual.
Copy Event will make a
copy of the currently
highlighted Event in the list,
this is useful if you are
creating several similar
events that only need one or
two parameters changed.
Add Event will add a
new event to the list
which you can then
define.
Clear Events will remove
all events from the list.
DST Events will add
Day Light Savings Time
Events where the
controller will reset its
clock to compensate for
Daylight Savings.

13
Defining Time
Now that we have determined what an event is and how to define an event, we
can move on to how the Taralist controller keeps track of time. By default the
Taralist controller does not know what time it is so this must be defined. The
only way of doing this is from the NCD Base Station software. Once your
controller is connected to the computer and the program is launched, the first
thing to do is tell the Taralist Controller what time it is. You may do this manually
or you can Sync the time with your PC. The settings for this are located on the
right side of the ‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay Configuration’ tab. The user
can do this by simply clicking the Sync Time with PC Time button or by filling in
the Year, Month, Day, Week Day, Hour, Minute, Second parameters and then
clicking the Set Time Manually button.
Time Compensation
Another feature that must be noted is that the Taralist controller’s time may drift
by as much as a second each day. How much the controller drifts is determined
by Temperature, Power Supply, and specific application differences. This has
been accounted for in the design of the Taralist Controller and NCD Base Station
software using the ‘Time Compensation’ feature found on the ‘TARALIST Time
Activated Relay Configuration’ tab. Once this Button is clicked, a new window
will open.
Using this Feature, the user can add
or subtract a specified amount of
seconds in the Taralist Clock each
day or only on a certain day to
compensate for time drift in the
Taralist Controller.

14
Midnight Backup Buffer
The Midnight Backup Buffer is absolutely essential to the functionality of the
Taralist controller. Without it power loss would result in a useless device.
Constant power supply is recommended for all Taralist controllers and a UPS style
battery backup system is also recommended. However, no matter how many
precautions are taken, at some point a Taralist controller will lose power. For
example, if a relay is turned on a by an event on Monday and is told to turn back
off on Friday but power is lost on Wednesday, without the Midnight Backup
Buffer the relay will not turn back on until the following Monday. So now you
can see how essential this feature is.
Every night at Midnight; 0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds, the controller reads what
the status of all relays are at the exact second and stores that information into the
Midnight Backup Buffer. If a controller loses power momentarily and is powered
back up, it will scan through all events from Midnight to the exact moment it is
powered up. It will also take into account the status of all relays at Midnight to
determine what the status of all relays should be at the current time.
You can read the status of the Midnight Backup Buffer at any time by clocking the
‘Midnight Backup Buffer’ button found on the ‘TARALIST Time Activated Relay
Configuration’ tab. You may also modify the status of the Midnight Backup
Buffer stored inside the Taralist controller. This is helpful if you are working with
brand new controller and it has nothing stored in the Midnight Backup Buffer. If
the relay was supposed to be turned on Monday and turned off Friday but you got
your controller on Wednesday, you can modify the Midnight Backup Buffer to
think the Relay was on at Midnight and if no events during the day tell it to turn
off until Friday, the relay will come on until Friday. Otherwise the Relay would
not come on until Monday next week.

15
Click ‘Edit
Protected Data’ to
receive
additional
options.
Protected Data
The ‘Global Device Configuration’ tab is used to reboot the controller or edit
protected data.
Editing Protected Data
Protected Data is best described as a form of BIOS for a Taralist controller.
Under most circumstances, it is not necessary to Edit Protected Data, but there
are circumstances that may require this operation. Protected Data holds
important parameters regarding the Taralist Relay controller you are using. In
some cases, you may want to change your hardware, so Editing Protected Data
may be essential.
A Taralist Controller is allowed to interface to a computer while Runtime Mode.
The ‘Edit Protected Data’ feature is a universal resource for several different types
of controllers that National Control Device offers. For this reason there are
options under Edit Protected Data that do not apply to Taralist controllers.
Device Interface
One option that could be changed under Edit Protected Data is the computer to
device interface drop down menu shown above. You will be able to choose from
USB, 802.15.4, ZB Mesh, etc.
Charge Level
Another option that may be changed with your Taralist controller is the Charge
Level. This will control how fast the Taralist charges its onboard battery backup.
We recommend leaving the charge level as low as possible, 1 preferably, in order
to extend the life of the battery.
Other options such as number of inputs, number of relays, CPU Speed, Type of
Device, and IC number do not apply to your Taralist controller.