Operating Instructions
USB 4-Channel Relay Card
Item No. 2256179
Intended Use
The relay card contains four potential-free relays with changeover contacts in order to switch
electrical devices connected to it.
The relays are controlled via USB (requires Windows operating system from Windows XP).
The control software (available by free download) enables the on/off switching of the relays,
switch state detection, presence simulation (random switching of the relays) and timer function
with 10 adjustable switch times (daily and weekly programme).
The source code examples (Visual Basic.net, VC++), which are also available by download,
can be adjusted and expanded according to the requirements. Moreover, the control of the
relays is illustrated using the CP210xRuntimeDLL. The examples do not show all options;
rather, they should only clarify the functioning principle of the control commands.
It is imperative that you observe the safety instructions as well as the maximum allowable
operating and environmental conditions given in the technical data.
It is intended for indoor use only. Do not use it outdoors. Contact with moisture, e.g. in
bathrooms, must be avoided under all circumstances.
For safety and approval purposes, you must not rebuild and/or modify this product. If you use
the product for purposes other than those described above, the product may be damaged. In
addition, improper use can result in short circuits, fires, electric shocks or other hazards. Read
the instructions carefully and store them in a safe place. Make this product available to third
parties only together with its operating instructions.
This product complies with the statutory national and European requirements. All company
names and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Delivery Content
• USB 4-channel relay card
• Operating instructions
Up-to-date Operating Instructions
Download the latest operating instructions at www.conrad.com/downloads or
scan the QR code shown. Follow the instructions on the website.
Explanation of Symbols
The symbol with the lightning in the triangle is used if there is a risk to your health,
e.g. due to an electric shock.
The symbol with the exclamation mark in the triangle is used to indicate important
information in these operating instructions. Always read this information carefully.
The arrow symbol indicates special information and advice on operation.
Safety Instructions
Read the operating instructions carefully and especially observe the safety
information. If you do not follow the safety instructions and information on
proper handling in this manual, we assume no liability for any resulting
personal injury or damage to property. Such cases will invalidate the warranty/
guarantee.
• The device is not a toy. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not leave packaging material lying around carelessly. This may become
dangerous playing material for children.
• Protect the appliance from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, strong jolts, high
humidity, moisture, flammable gases, steam and solvents.
• Do not place the product under any mechanical stress.
• If it is no longer possible to operate the product safely, take it out of operation and
protect it from any accidental use. Safe operation can no longer be guaranteed
if the product:
- is visibly damaged,
- is no longer working properly,
- has been stored for extended periods in poor ambient conditions or
- has been subjected to any serious transport-related stresses.
• Please handle the product carefully. Jolts, impacts or a fall even from a low height
can damage the product.
• The relay card consists of sensitive electronic components. An improper handling
can lead to their destruction. Particularly damaging are electrostatic discharges,
induced voltage spikes and equalising currents between different voltage
potentials.
Before handling the card, touch an electrically earthed object, e.g. a metal PC
housing. Grasp the card only at the edges. Never touch electronic components
or conducting paths to the card. Before connecting or disconnecting power
cords,always switch off the power supply of the relay card and of the connected
devices or separate the relay card from the PC.
• For the purpose of touch and function protection, install the relay card in a
housing. The mounting enclosure "Phoenix Contact" of the series UMK is provided
for installation on a DIN rail (see chapter "Recommended Accessories"at the end
of these operating instructions).
• Do not overload the relay contacts. Never connect a higher voltage than 24 V/DC
to the relay contact; the current may be at most 8 A.
• Consult an expert when in doubt about the operation, safety or connection of the
appliance.
• Maintenance, modifications and repairs must only be completed by a technician
or an authorised repair centre.
• If you have questions which remain unanswered by these operating instructions,
contact our technical support service or other technical personnel.
Operation
a) Connections and Control Elements
USB:
USB (Type B socket): Interface for communication and power supply
UB EXT:
Screw terminals for external power supply if no sufficient power supply is available
over USB
VREL:
Jumper for selecting the power supply (via USB or screw terminals UB EXT)
UB 5V/DC
+
USB
EXT
UB EXT
VREL
LED1
LED2
K1
K2
COM NC NO COM NC NO COM NC NO COM NC NO
REL1
REL2
b) Installation of Software/Driver
Before the relay card is connected to the PC, first install the software and the driver.
To ensure that the most recent version is used, this is not included in the package;
rather, you can find the corresponding software in the product's download at
www.conrad.com.
The following files are available for download:
• Software for use of the relay card as timer switch and presence simulator
• Sample source code for VB2010 and Visual C++ 6.0
• Documentation for use of CP210xRuntimeDLL
• Driver
After the download, start the downloaded software. After the programme files are copied, the
driver installation is called up automatically. Follow the respective instructions. You can find
current drivers at www.Silabs.com if needed.
It is recommended to restart the PC afterward.
Now connect the relay card with a free USB port of your computer. For this purpose, the relay
card has a USB interface (USB-B socket). Upon initial connection, Windows recognizes the
new hardware and completes the driver installation. Depending on the operating system, this
process can require several minutes.
76mm
68mm
USB
LED3
LED4
K3
K4
REL3
REL4