Digital Loggers

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 06/30/2021

DIN 4



Download the online manual.   Download a printable manual.    Check the spec sheet.   What accessories are available?

See the overview here - or call (408) 330-5599 for a free trial

What are the latest new features?  
Setup  
Is there a keypad reference? 
How do I set up network with the keypad?
How do I set up the WiFi network?
How do I set up network access in Windows? From a Mac? - Thanks to John McClintock for these Mac tips.
How do I set up port forwarding?  Router Port Forwarding example. - Kudos to Mike G
What is the default IP address?  How do I reset to defaults?  What is the default password?
Where can I find the most complete help and documentation?
Hardware

How can I control higher-current loads?
What is the polarity of the connectors?
How can I power the DIN relay itself?
Basics: What's a relay? How can I wire it up? Applications?  Do you have a mechanical drawing?
How do I connect the ADC inputs?
What are the connector specifications?
What is the power dissipation?  
What are the power requirements?
What pluggable mating terminals / connectors should I use?
What wiring gauge should I use?
I'd like to build a DC / solar powered IP Cam, WiFi AP, or similar DC powered system.  What components do I need?
What are the contact ratings?
What wire should I use?
Where are the safety fuses located?
Do you have a ruggedized version? Something suitable for mobile use?

General FAQs  
Where can I find the manual or spec sheet for the earlier (DIN3) model?
What is the current version of firmware?
Where can I find more extensive and detailed help?
The session timeout is too short. Can I make the session longer?
Can I increase the internal system log size?
How can I get a dry contact relay output?
What's the new Lua Language and Scripting all about?
How do I enable autoping?  Explain the autoping settings
What's syslog?  How can I keep an event log?
Can you develop custom firmware or custom hardware for my app?
What are the CRITICAL and PROTECT functions?
How do I set up event notifications?
How do I change the NTP servers?
What is the command-line interface in the SSH shell?
How can I update the firmware via the SSH shell?
I can't access the controller from another network. Cannot autoping an external server such as 8.8.8.8. How do I fix cross network access?
External APIs - Communicating with the power controller  
 How can I connect to Amazon Echo, Alexa, Dot or Tap products?
How can I connect to Google Assistant or Google Home?
How can I access the switch from my own application or remote script?  What's the cURL API?
Is this product compatible with legacy plaintext scripts and http control?
How can I control the switch from my own applications? 
What is the recommended REST API?
Have any SNMP setup tips?
Do you support MQTT?
How can I set up IFTTT?
Do you have a Visual Basic.NET example program?  Thanks to Alan Holmes
Do you have a C++ programming example?
Do you have a .NET programming example?
Do you have a Java programming example?
Do you have a compiled Windows command line tool or a Perl example?
Do you have a Python programming example?
Do you have a Crestron control module?
How can I run a Perl script from LabView?
Where can I find iPhone, iPad, or Android apps for Digital Loggers?
Do you support PowerMan?
Question:  I have a different model: DIN2,DIN3, Web Power Switch 7, Ethernet Power Controller II, III, V, or  PC-8000 model.  Where can I find information?
Answer:  Jump to the support page here. Don't see what you need?  Just give us a call (408) 330-5599.
Question:      What's the Hardware Revision History?
Answer:  In our second version, DIN Relay II, with serial numbers DIN22000 and higher, we added these features:
  • Relay anti-chatter protection.  Maximum relay switching frequency is limited to ~2Hz for safety and longevity.
  • Variable coil current control.  Relay holding and pull-in currents are regulated for improved efficiency.  Power consumption has been reduced by more than 40% from earlier models.
  • Watchdog supervisor.  We've added a second processor which continuously monitors the microcontroller and reboots it gracefully if necessary.
  • Increased memory. Non-volatile memory has been increased from 16kb to 256kb.  No memory expansion board is required for script storage.
    •

In of  DIN Relay III, we added these features:

  • DC input voltage rating now increased to 48VDC
  • Added audio alarm-beeper
  • Added 2x16 LCD display to display status and help with setup.
  • Added internal real-time-clock with NTP and local time synchronization
  • Numerous firmware upgrades including scheduling feature , increased AutoPing speed limit and added more scripting commands.
  • Increased relay contact rating and durability
  • Added keypad for local control
  • Updated rating, testing, and specifications for higher DC input voltages
  • Eliminated the internal RJ-45 bulkhead for more reliable connection to unshielded RJ-45 plastic plugs. Connection status displayed on LCD.
  • Case color has changed, manual and box are updated, power consumption has increased slightly

In version 3.1, we added these features:

  • Added RS-232 web console for remote machine control. The +5 supply has been removed.  RS-232 has 2.5kv isolation and is brought out to three screw terminals in the upper right hand corner.
  • Added internal UVLO (Under Voltage Lock Out) for more reliable operation on battery power.  UVLO starts at 11.5V and shuts off at 10V to prevent battery damage.  This feature is designed to augment an existing UVLO/OVP charge controller in battery powered applications.  It is not a substitute for a solar/wind charge controller and doesn't guarantee proper reset of attached devices in the event that a battery is highly discharged.
  • Minor internal improvements.

In version 4, we completely redesigned the unit and added a host of new features:

  • Pluggable Pheonix connectors on all lines
  • Fuses on relay common lines
  • Power supply OVP with replaceable fuse
  • WiFi
  • SSL, SSH, RestAPI, extensive logging.
  • Lua scripting
  • OVP with replaceable fuse
  • Temp/humidity sensor port for DH11 or DS18B20 type sensors
  • Two ADC inputs scaled 0-10V and 0-100V
Note: version 4 supports input supply voltages from 12 to 28VDC. If you require 48V or AC mains power, please contact sales for a variant product.
RS-232 has been removed in lieu of the sensor port and ADC inputs.


Tell us what you'd like to see in the next version - engineering@digital-loggers.com

Question:  Whch temperature sensors are compatible?
Answer:  The DS18B20 or DHT-11 sensors with 3.5mm plugs are compatible and in stock. The pinout is shield=ground, ring=5V VCC, tip=data. Find a Lua thermostat code example here.
Question:  What is the polarity of the connectors?
Answer:  The polarity is stamped above the conenctor. It may be eeasier to see if they are removed.

Question:  What are the contact ratings?
Answer:  All eight internal T-90 Relays have the following ratings:

Relay Contact Ratings

Voltage

NO

NC

240VAC

40A

30A

277VAC

30A

15A

30VDC

20A

10A

250VAC

1HP

1/2HP

Relays are rated at 250,000 operations MTBF at 50% load.  Case terminals are rated at 8-12A, depending on agency.  Only stranded wire of appropriate gauge should be used.  Terminals must be well torqued, but not over 10in/lbs.  It is wise to recheck torque after completing the installation.  Heavy traces and gold plating are used to minimize internal resistance between the terminals and relay contacts, typically 25m Ohms, so internal contact power dissipation is not normally a consideration. For maximum flexibility, relay contacts are unprotected.  For high current inductive switching, consider adding an external snubber circuit to extend contact life. Download contact protection information from relaycare.pdf

Question:  How do I connect the ADC inputs?
Answer:  Remove the accessory hatch. The plastic hatch on the right side of the relay can be opened to add a WiFi antenna or to connect analog inputs. Using a small screwdriver, press gently on the lower edge of the hatch. Push towards the buttons The hatch will flex and pop open.


The antenna and/or ADC connector may be attached when the hatch is removed. A three pin connector is provided for ADC input. The upper pin is scaled for 0-100VDC, and the lower pin is 0-10VDC. The center pin is a ground reference bonded to the negative power input.
Question:  Where are the safety fuses in the unit?
Answer:  On the bottom of the relay circuit board are over-current protection fuses on all relay common lines for safety. If one of these fuses blow, the relay will still "click", but power will not pass through. They are 12A fast-blow fuses.  Fuse specs are here.
P/N DIN4-FUSE 10-pack available from DLI $7.95. Call 408-330-5599 option 1 to order.


Question:  What are the power requirements?
Answer:  The relay dissipates an absolute maximum of 5.8W during switching with all relays on.   Typical dissipation with relays off is 1.2W.  Although the case is well ventilated, ambient air temperature should not exceed 170°F for maximum reliability.  Surges over 35V may trip the safety fuse. 

The relay will shut down at input voltages below 10.5VDC. If you expect to encounter brown-out conditions in your application, set the Power-on-Recovery Mode on the setup page for safest operation.  To prevent oscillation, a brown-out re-latch function is also provided on the Setup page. In the event of a brown-out, you may specify a time period after which the relay will attempt to re-latch the contacts. This function is disabled by default and has no effect if the relay is properly powered.   Please read the UVLO and OVP suggestions below.

Add an external MOV or other protection device across the power input terminals in noisy environments.  We are working hard to make this the most efficient product in its class.


DIN IV Power Requirements - Idle
DC Volts I (Amps) Power (W)
<10.5 UVLO 0.001
12 0.100 1.200
14 0.086 1.204
16 0.076 1.216
18 0.073 1.314
20 0.063 1.260
22 0.060 1.320
24 0.056 1.344
26 0.055 1.430

DIN IV Power Requirements - All On
DC Volts I (Amps) Power (W)
<10.5 UVLO 0.001
12 0.515 6.180
14 0.440 6.160
16 0.385 6.160
18 0.344 6.192
20 0.312 6.240
22 0.284 6.280
24 0.260 6.240
26 0.241 6.266

 The input is protected by a PTC thermal fuse and SCR crowbar which trips around 35V.  If the fuse blows, correct the over-voltage condition and let the PTC cool to reset.
Question:  How can I momentarily trigger (pulse) a relay?
Answer:  Three Examples:

Hardware
Just wire a capacitor in series with the circuit (assuming a DC load).  Simple.

Click "Cycle"
Press the existing cycle button in combination using the NC contact (instead of NO):


Custom Script
Name your circuit here:
 Create a button that starts a script starting on line #2:

Clicking "Open the Blinds" toggles pulses the relay per this script:. 

-- Open the Blinds
function open_blinds()
  outlet[1].on()
  delay(1)
  outlet[1].off()  
end
Try it at pro.digital-loggers.com:5002  admin/4321

You can also trigger scripts remotely. More on that here. REST API and MQTT.   The BASIC scripting language has been replaced by Lua.  A much more powerful watchdog supervisory processor has been added.  Most important, there's good news on price: the new, more powerful ICs are less expensive. Here's a feature matrix comparing the older Taifatech and newer Atheros power models.
Question:  Can I invert AutoPing or the Web Page to use NC contacts?
Answer:  or safety reasons and to prevent support issues, we have not implemented an "invert relay" function in either the web UI or AutoPing.  You can drive the relays in reverse by:

You can also use the programmable web links to start a script. 

Question:  What are the mounting dimensions and physical size? Do you have drawings?
Answer:   Download a top-level print here (.pdf).  Here are graphics of the front of the relay.
Question:  What components do I need to build a remotely powered DC site using the DIN relay as a power controller?
Answer:  In addition to the load (ie. APCam, PtP link, AP, etc), you'll need a battery, some source of power, ie wind or solar, and most importantly a charge controller with OVP and UVLO features.  Over Voltage Protection is needed for reasonable battery life.  Under Voltage Lockout is needed to correctly reset attached devices as well as the DIN relay and to prevent oscillation when the battery is deeply discharged.
Question:  Wiring and terminal information?
Answer:  Use stranded wire from 28AWG to 14AWG.  Find information on Phoenix connectors here.
Question:  What's a relay?  How can I wire it up?
Answer:  The DIN relay has dry contact FORM-C outputs.  They provide whatever output voltage you connect to them.  For example, if you connect a wire from the positive side of your 24V supply to the COM terminal, then the NO terminal will provide 24 volts when the relay is switched on, and the NC terminal will provide 24V when the relay is off.  You can operate the DIN relay on a different voltage than the relay contacts.  For example, the DIN relay could run on 12VDC, but switch 220VAC.  You can also use the relay to switch data, communications lines, or other electrical signals.  In a relay, contacts are electrically isolated from the coil.  The DIN relay controls the coil in the diagram below:


 
N.O. means Normally Open
N.C. means Normally Closed
COM means COMmon

Each relay is fully isolated, there is no internal connection between the relays. The word "common" describes the wiper of the relay itself which shares the NO and NC contacts in common. The COM pins on the DIN relay are not connected each other unless you elect to do so externally. Put simply, all relays are fully isolated.
 

A relay schematic looks like this:
 

Find a nice group of relay application notes and wiring examples here:  https://www.digital-loggers.com/relay.html

Question:  What is the current version of firmware?
Answer:  Find the revision history here, and firmware update instructions here.
Question:  How does this model compare to the earlier wired-only models?
Answer:  These units have both hardwired Ethernet and WiFi, thanks to a more powerful 32 bit CPU from Qualcomm Atheros.  The design includes expanded memory for the Atheros including FLASH, EEPROM, and SDRAM.  Leveraging open-source code and expanded memory allowed us to add several firmware features including SNMP, HTTPS, SSL, SSH, Rest API and Alexa Compatibility, a REST API and MQTT.   The BASIC scripting language has been replaced by Lua.  A much more powerful watchdog supervisory processor has been added.  Most important, there's good news on price: the new, more powerful ICs are less expensive. Here's a feature matrix comparing the older Taifatech and newer Atheros power models. courtesy of Mike Gillen
Question:  Where can I find more extensive and detailed help?
Answer:  Click on the Help menu link on the power controller itself.


Then click on the on-line help icon.
Question:  I have a different model: Web Power Switch 7, Ethernet Power Controller II, III, V, or  PC-8000 model.  Where can I find information?
Answer:  Jump to the support page here. Don't see what you need?  Just give us a call (408) 330-5599.
Question:  How can I control and customize the LCD display?
Answer:  The LCD can be used to display settings, outlet status, or any message of your choice.  You can operate the LCD in "billboard" style, displaying a series of user defined messages.  To customize the LCD, you'll want to write a script using the Lua scripting language.   You can also use the display to send messages from remote systems (ie. service alert warnings).  To send messages remotely, write a script first, saving it in FLASH then start the script from your remote system.  Learn more about scripting here.
Question:  I can't access the controller from another network. Autoping will not ping an external server such as 8.8.8.8. How do I fix it?
Answer:  1. First make sure the "Same subnet access only" is unchecked in the General network settings



2. Next, verify that the network gateway is correct. It is usually the same gateway as your computer uses.

Gateway


If it still does not work:
3. Enable SSH
 
Login via SSH and type route
Look for a default route entry as shown here: 

#route 
Kernel IP routing table
Destination    Gateway         Genmask        Flags  Metric  Ref  Use  Iface
default        192.168.11.1    0.0.0.0         UG      0      0    0   eth0
192.168.11.0   *              255.255.255.0   U       0      0    0   eth0
Only if you don't see a default route and items 1 and 2 are verified, enter these commands into the SSH shell.

/etc/init.d/default_route_manager stop
/etc/init.d/default_route_manager disable
rm /etc/udhcpc-filters/500-divert-default-route-updates
/etc/init.d/network restart

*Let support@digital-loggers.com know that these default_route changes were made.
Question:  Is this product compatible with the older (less secure) HTTP plaintext command syntax? 
Answer:  To use the earlier HTTP commands described here and CURL scripts that use plaintext login, you'll need to enable this legacy setting on the SETUP page:
Question:  What is the default IP address? How do I reset to defaults? What is the default password? 
Answer:  If you have lost the IP address or admin password, follow this procedure to reset to the default IP address of 192.168.0.100:


    Press the reset button. After about 5 seconds, you will hear a beep, then use the up and down keys to choose the type of reset.
    The following reset modes are available:

    1. Clear lock bits: Clear protection bits only. Other settings are preserved.
    2. Reset network and scripting: Clear protection bits, reset network settings and admin login, disable autoping and scripts. Other settings are preserved.
    3. Reset network and scripting + enable WiFi: Clear protection bits, reset network settings and admin login, disable autoping and scripts, and enable open WiFi access. Other settings are preserved.
    4. Complete wipe: Reset all settings to factory defaults and remove any user files. All settings will be lost!
    5. Complete wipe + enable WiFi: Reset all settings to factory defaults and remove any user files, then enable open WiFi access. All settings are lost!

    To activate the selected reset mode, press cycle or the reset button and hold it.

     

    The default master login is "admin" and default password is "1234". 


    If all settings are reset (the two last 'wipe' reset modes), the Subnet Restriction will be enabled to prevent remote access using the default password. ONLY MACHINES IN THE SAME SUBNET WILL BE ABLE TO CONNECT AFTER RESETTING TO DEFAULTS.
    Besides setting your computer to a compatible network, you can also use the keypad to set it up.
    The keypad settings Pro/V222/DC3/ISO32 are slightly different from the keypad settings for the DIN and EPCR models.
Question:  On initial setup, I can't establish a Ethernet communications from a Windows PC.  Help!
Answer:  If your default Windows settings won’t access the controller, follow these steps to reach the controller’s IP.  You'll find a more extensive explanation in the user's manual. Details for setting up via the keypad can be found here.

Before adding an IP, close network programs and browsers.

Go to the Network Settings – Local Area Network or use the keyboard shortcut <Windows-R> - type “ncpa.cpl” and click OK. 

Right click on your LAN connection and choose “Properties”

Highlight “Internet Protocol” and click the “Properties” button.

Make note of the current settings.

Select "Use the following IP address".

Enter an IP address such as 192.168.0.5.

Enter a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

Delete any gateway entry.

Close all windows for the configuration to take effect.

Start your Browser and type 192.168.0.100 in the URL field. The index page should be displayed.

The default user name is "admin" (lower case) and password is “1234”

Set the IP address of the unit to your network, then restore your settings.
Question:  How can I change the NTP servers?
Answer:  Log into the unit and choose the External APIs link.
If the REST API is not enabled, check the REST API checkbox and press submit.
Either:
  Scroll down to the "Browse the REST API" link
  Select config
  Select ntp_peers
or
  enter it manually  Eg: http://192.168.0.100/restapi/config/ntp_peers/

Now you can select NTP peer #1 and edit it
Click the PUT button.
Edit or delete the other NTP peers as needed.
Question:  Can I set the session timeout longer?
Answer:  Yes
Log into the unit and choose the External APIs link.
If the REST API is not enabled, check the REST API checkbox and press submit.
Scroll down to the "Browse the REST API" link <strong>or enter it manually  Eg: http://192.168.0.100/restapi/
Select the auth (Authentication server object) link
Select Cookie timeout Eg: http://192.168.0.100/restapi/auth/cookie_timeout/

Enter a time in seconds.
3600 = 1 hour
7200 = 2 hours
86400 = 1 day
604800 = 1 week
31536000 ~ 1 year

Click the PUT button.

The next time you login, the timeout will take effect.
Question:  Can I increase the internal system log size?
Answer:  Yes, but this must be done via the SSH shell.

Log into the unit via SSH.
The default is 16KB; to make it 64, use these commands:

uci set system.@system[0].log_size=64
uci commit system
/etc/init.d/log restart

*Note that this will clear the log.
Question:  My program used to run fine on an earlier model, but won't run on this one. What can I do?
Answer:  It's possible that the program requires legacy login methods which accept plaintext authentication. Go to the Setup page and tick the "Allow legacy plaintext login methods" checkbox, then click "Submit".
If the program works, please inform the author that the preferred authentication method is by using the more secure challenge/response mechanism. Have a look at the Rest API here for new development. 
Question:  Can you develop custom firmware for my application?
Answer:  Gladly.  We've done this for many customers.  After we agree on a -very specific- project description, we can send you an estimate of the time involved to code, debug and test. In most cases, a kick-off meeting in Silicon Valley is required.
Question:  Can you develop custom hardware for my application?
Answer:  Gladly.  We've done this for many customers.   Please call with your requirements.  To amortize NRE, practical minimum order quantities are typically 100-1000 units.  In most cases, a kick-off meeting in Silicon Valley is required.
Question:  Do you support PowerMan?
Answer:  Yes, absolutely.  The latest code is added to the tarball. Download the latest User Utility here.
Question:  What is the blue LCD for?
Answer:  The blue LCD shows outlet status during power up, the IP address, netmask, outlet names, and other useful information.  Time and date stamps for significant events (such as power outages or emergency shutdowns) are also displayed. Using the keypad, you can set up some of the features such as the network settings.  You can program this display to display your own messages using the scripting feature.

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If we haven't answered your questions here, please call (408) 330-5599 or send us an email.  We'll be glad to help.


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