Maximite Modular Expander Series

What Are the Maximite Modular Expanders.

The Maximite Modular Expanders are a series of smaller modules that can be purchased separately and added to over time.

These modules are separate to the full 10 channel expander modules, however some connectivity between module series is possible.

It is also possible to plug any single modular board directly into the Maximite, so if you only needed 4 outputs or 4 inputs then you don't need the Hub.

Currently the modules are as follows.

• Modular Powered I/O Hub
• 4 Channel Digital output board, with relays
• 4 Channel Digital/Analogue Input board
• RS232 Serial Communications board
•  Serial LCD & 16 Key serial, BCD or polled Keypad

Most of the boards share a common footprint, allowing them to be stacked if necessary.

Powered I/O Hub

The heart of the modular series is the "Powered Hub" which connects to the Maximite and provides 5 x 4 channel ports for other modules to connect to.

Any module can be connected to any port allowing whatever configuration is most appropriate for your application.

For example, you could have 1 output module, 1 input module, 1 Keypad Module and 1 Serial LCD module all connected to the Hub.

Or if you need lots of outputs, you could have 5 output modules giving you all 20 maximite channels as outputs with 20 relays.

The different ports on the hub are set to different Maximite I/O channels. Simply plugging in a module will automatically set it to the correct address.

The 5 ports are configured as follows;

• Port 0 To Maximite
• Port 1 Ch 1-4
• Port 2 Ch 5-8
• Port 3 Ch 9-12
• Port 4 Ch 13-20
• Port 5 Ch 17-20 (isolatable)

As you can see Port 4 has 8 I/O pins allowing modules that require more than 4 I/O pins to be used in that position. If this is the case then Port 5 should be isolated using on board DIP switches.

The Hub also has +12V and +5 V power supplies, to enable higher current loads (such as 20 relays) to be safely operated without overloading the Maximite supply.

4 Channel Digital Output Board

The 4 Channel Digital Output Board is a single board connected by ribbon cable to the Powered Hub.

This board has the following capabilities;

• 4 independently controlled channels.
• 8A Relays on all channels.
• Each channel can be configured as Digital, Open Collector or Relay using simple jumpers.

4 Channel Digital/Analogue Input Board

The 4 channel input board is a single board connected by ribbon cable to the Powered Hub.

This board has the following capabilities;

• Either digital or analogue input.
• Independent channel configuration via simple jumpers.
• Same circuit configuration as the inputs on the 10 ch expander.

RS232 Serial Communications Board

See The Dual RS-232 Interface Board here

16 Key Keypad

The 16 Key Keypad board is a single board connected by ribbon cable to the Powered Hub.

This board interfaces a 16 (or 12) key keypad to the Maximite.

It has the following features;

• Integrated controller to handle all key scanning, debounce etc.
• Various interface types -
  • Serial
  • Parallel 4 Bit BCD + Data Available Bit
  • Polled mode either serial or Parallel 
  • 2 programmable LED indicators

Still under development

Serial LCD Display

The Serial LCD Display board is a single board connected by ribbon cable to the Powered Hub.

This board Interfaces a LCD display to the Maximite via a serial connection.

It has the following features;

• Integrated controller to handle all low level LCD setup and control functionality.
• Simple serial interface
• Back light control

Still under development

Ethernet / Web Server

See The Ethernet Interface Board here

I will be adding to this page frequently, so check back regularly.

In the mean time if you would like more information on the Maximite Modular Series, you can email me at maxexp@hamfield.com.au

Regards

Rohan Hamer