In an existing building, adding a control point or retrieving the status of a piece of equipment can quickly require several dozen meters of cable, drilling, and work in occupied areas. A LoRa input/output module allows this information and these commands to be transmitted wirelessly, making it easier to integrate remote equipment into a BMS.
With its 2 dry contact inputs and 4 relay outputs, the Enless TX IO 600-040 allows you to both report status information and control equipment remotely. It can also operate autonomously, without always requiring communication with the BMS.
What is a LoRa input/output module?
An input/output module, also known as an I/O module, acts as an interface between field devices and a supervisory control system.
Its inputs are used to retrieve binary information, such as an open or closed state, authorization, a fault, or an operational status. Its outputs are used to send a command to a relay or to the control input of a piece of equipment.
When this module communicates via LoRa radio, information and commands can be transmitted without creating a new wired connection between the equipment and the BMS. This architecture is particularly useful in renovation projects, in large buildings, or when running cables would be complex, costly, or disruptive to occupants.
How do you integrate a LoRa I/O module into a web BMS ?
In a LoRa Easy Enless architecture, the TX IO communicates via radio with a receiver installed near the BMS :
- The field equipment is connected to the TX IO's inputs or outputs
- The TX IO exchanges status information and commands via Easy LoRa radio
- An Enless receiver transmits the information to the BMS via Modbus or BACnet
- BMS supervises the states and executes the control scenarios specified by the integrator.
The TX IO can be paired with the Modbus RX MODBUS 500-302 receiver or the BACnet RX BACNET 500-312 receiver. In remote control mode, the BMS can control the relays via the receiver’s Modbus registers or BACnet objects.
This architecture allows the overall control logic to remain in the BMS while eliminating control wiring in the field. To learn more about the complete architecture, visit the page dedicated to LoRa Easy receivers.
Three operating modes for different scenarios
The TX IO is more than just a simple remote relay controller. It offers three operating modes tailored to different automation needs.
1. Remote control from the BMS
In this mode, the control logic remains centralized in the BMS. The TX IO reports the status of its two dry-contact inputs to the receiver and receives in return the commands intended for its four relay outputs.
This allows the integrator to create scenarios for scheduling, energy management, or automation without running control cables between the web BMS r and the equipment. The minimum interval between two successive commands sent to the TX IO is 2 seconds.
2. Autonomous local control
In local control mode, the TX IO controls its outputs based on the status of its own inputs. It can therefore execute simple logic as close to the equipment as possible, even without constant communication with a BMS.
Each relay can be assigned to one of the two inputs, configured for normally open or normally closed operation, and then activated after a specified delay. The available delay times are 1, 5, 10, 30, 60, or 120 seconds. This delay prevents a very brief change in state from causing the relay to switch immediately.
3. Device-to-Device Communication
In D2D mode, the TX IO can directly receive data from up to 4 Enless sensors and control its outputs based on the alarm thresholds configured on those sensors.
For example, a high temperature threshold can trigger one of the module’s outputs without the decision being made by the BMS. This mode allows you to create a simple local control loop between Enless wireless sensors and the TX IO.
What devices can be controlled using a LoRa input/output module?
In a building, the TX IO can be used to send an on/off command or receive status feedback from a wide range of technical equipment, such as:
- a valve
- a pump
- a forced-air heater;
- an air handling unit
- a heated floor
- an authorization relay or a control input.
This module should not be confused with a power contactor. Its outputs are non-polarized MOSFET electronic relays rated for a maximum voltage of 48 VDC and a maximum current of 500 mA. The power rating and interfaces must therefore be adapted to the equipment being controlled.
To explore other applications, visit the Enless page dedicated to controlling equipment via LoRa radio.
The TX IO 600-040 at a glance
The TX IO is an input/output module designed for “ BMS ” projects that use the LoRa Easy Enless protocol.
| Feature | TX IO 600-040 |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | 2 dry contact inputs |
| Outings | 4 electronic relay outputs |
| Output Capacity | 48 VDC, 500 mA maximum |
| Modes | Remote control, local control, D2D |
| Interfaces BMS | Modbus or BACnet via a LoRa Easy receiver |
| Power Supply | 7.5 to 24 VDC |
| Mounting | DIN rail or screw-mounted |
| Protection Rating | IP60 |
| Frequency | EU868 |
| Certifications | CE, UKCA |
This product is compatible exclusively with the LoRa Easy protocol. It does not work with LoRaWAN. This distinction is important when choosing the radio architecture and the associated gateway or receiver.
LoRa Input/Output Module: What Factors Should You Consider Before Making a Choice?
Before selecting a wireless I/O module, several points must be verified:
- the type and number of entries required;
- the number of outputs and their electrical characteristics;
- the protocol required by the BMS, such as Modbus or BACnet;
- the ability to keep the logic in the web BMS , or to run locally;
- the radio frequency authorized at the installation site;
- the power supply available in the cabinet or near the equipment;
- the mounting and protective requirements for the housing.
It is also important to distinguish between LoRa—which refers to the radio technology—and LoRaWAN, which refers to a network protocol. The TX IO 600-040 uses LoRa radio within the proprietary LoRa Easy Enless protocol and communicates with LoRa Easy receivers in the product line.
Simplifying equipment control in existing buildings
A LoRa input/output module is particularly useful when a system integrator needs to add monitoring or control points without having to perform new wiring work. It allows the inputs and outputs of field equipment to be brought closer together while continuing to operate within the BMS.
With its three operating modes, the TX IO 600-040 can meet the needs of centralized control, local automation, or direct interaction with Enless sensors.
Check out the LoRa Easy TX IO 600-040 I/O module or view its installation and configuration guide.
FAQ
Is the TX IO 600-040 LoRaWAN-compatible?
No. The TX IO 600-040 operates exclusively with the LoRa Easy Enless protocol on the EU868 frequency. It must be paired with a LoRa Easy receiver for integration with the BMS.
Can it work without BMS ?
Yes. In local control mode, its inputs can control its outputs based on logic configured within the module. In D2D mode, it can also respond to alarm thresholds from compatible Enless sensors.
How many inputs and outputs does the TX IO have?
The TX IO has 2 dry-contact inputs and 4 electronic relay outputs.
Can it be integrated into a Modbus or BACnet- BMS ?
Yes. Integration is achieved using a LoRa Easy Modbus RX MODBUS 500-302 or BACnet RX BACNET 500-312 receiver.
How many sensors can communicate directly with the TX IO?
In D2D mode, the TX IO can communicate with up to 4 Enless sensors.
