You have a relay board on your desk and a lamp, pump or fan on the other end of it. You want the load switched on and off at set times without standing next to the PC. Relay Timer R1X is a small Windows program that does that one job: it runs a time schedule for a 1-channel relay controller board.
Quick facts
- Version: 2.5
- Built with: .Net Framework 4.5
- Windows support: includes Windows 10
- Connection: Serial Port/USB or Network
- Trial: 30-day free trial
- Boards: 1-channel boards from National Control Devices, Robot Electronics and Velleman
Key features
Switch a relay on a schedule, with recurrence options
You can set up multiple schedules with recurrence options. The relay turns on and off automatically, and you can also switch it by hand.
Know whether the board is actually connected
The program detects and shows the connection status continuously. If the board disconnects it reminds you, and it recovers automatically after reconnection. The current relay status is updated and displayed as it changes.
Return to auto control after a manual override
You can have the program switch back to auto control mode after a specified time or at a fixed time. That way a manual switch-on doesn't stay on forever.
Control the relay from another computer
The relay can be controlled remotely from other computers. A Network connection to the board is also supported, so the board doesn't have to sit next to your PC.
Start it automatically, or from a script
Set it to run after you log in to Windows. You can also launch it from the command line with a specified configuration file or schedule file. Schedules can be saved and loaded later.
Who it's for
It suits you if you already own, or plan to buy, a single-channel relay board from NCD, Robot Electronics or Velleman. It also suits you if you want a plain PC-based timer for it. The vendor says the relay board can be ordered together with the software from NCD.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Focused on one task and easy to understand.
- Pro: Connection monitoring with automatic recovery.
- Pro: Remote control and command-line launch.
- Pro: 30-day free trial.
- Con: Only for 1-channel relay boards.
- Con: The PC must stay on and running the program for schedules to execute.
- Con: Windows only, and it needs .Net Framework 4.5.
FAQs
Which relay boards does it work with?
1-channel relay controller boards from National Control Devices, Robot Electronics and Velleman.
How does it connect to the board?
Over Serial Port/USB or over a Network interface.
Can I try it first?
Yes, there is a 30-day free trial.
Can I control the relay from a different PC?
Yes. The relay can be controlled remotely from other computers.
System requirements
- Windows, including Windows 10
- .Net Framework 4.5
- A supported 1-channel relay controller board