Database? 
 More like databeast

  • With tons of nonvolatile memory, the RC‑FLEXair has enough space to handle the most challenging applications now and in the future. It automatically logs all input, output, value, calendar, loop, and schedule objects, which can each store more than 2,000 records. That’s enough for over 1 million data points! It also has space for 64 control programs, each large enough to run advanced energy sequencing, integrated fault detection and diagnostics, and much more.

Backward compatible, future ready

  • Reliable Controls tests every product it manufactures to ensure compatibility with previous-generation controllers. The RC‑FLEXair is no different! You can add it to networks that host previous-generation controllers without the need to purchase costly third-party gateways or accessories. To further future-proof your investment, the RC‑FLEXair features an open-source Linux operating system renowned for its cybersecurity resilience and global community of programming support.

Ultimate flexibility

  • With many available models and options, the RC‑FLEXair is suited to a wide variety of projects. You can order models with one or three universal inputs and up to six outputs with a mix of universal or solid-state relay outputs. Better still, the RC-FLEXair can communicate with up to eight Reliable Controls SMART‑Net™ devices and expand the controller’s capability without consuming inputs or outputs. You can connect temperature, humidity, gas detection, or occupancy sensors; a SMART‑Sensor™ EnOcean Accesspoint; or even the SMART‑Net Relay with up to five heavy-duty mechanical relays.

Ideal for terminal control

  • The RC‑FLEXair features an optional precision-airflow sensor and a brushless DC damper actuator, making it ideal for many types of terminal control applications. The pressure sensor ports are highly resilient and made from die-cast aluminum; combined with the aluminum enclosure and steel baseplate, this controller is rugged and built to last.

Better by design

  • RC-FLEX Ethernet models are equipped with a versatile USB application port that provides convenient access to a technician today and extended capabilities tomorrow. You can power the controller via USB from a laptop to permit configuration, firmware updates, programming, and graphics creation. As a bonus, if no Ethernet ports are free, you can also use the USB port as an Ethernet bridge to the IP subnetwork.
  • All input, output, and communication ports are hardware‑protected against transient surges and spikes, which hardens the controller against field-wiring mistakes and improves resilience.

Network resilience

  • To improve Ethernet network resilience and safeguard against common failures, all RC-FLEX family controllers come standard with Copper Switch™ technology and support for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). Copper Switch ensures that data can still pass through if a controller loses power, maintaining uptime. RSTP lets you connect controllers in a ring topology, which provides inherent redundancy with a duplicate network path; controllers can maintain communications even if one part of the ring is severed.

Sustainable hardware

  • Reliable Controls rigorously engineers its products to minimize their impact on the environment and provide years of dependable, high-performance service. The RC‑FLEXair is manufactured in an ISO 9001 and 14001‑certified facility and features an industry‑recognized 5‑year warranty. Made from highly recyclable materials, it also complies with RoHS 3, WEEE, and R2 directives to ensure easy, clean disposal at the end of its useful life.

Product features

Database? More like databeast

  • With tons of nonvolatile memory, the RC‑FLEXair has enough space to handle the most challenging applications now and in the future. It automatically logs all input, output, value, calendar, loop, and schedule objects, which can each store more than 2,000 records. That’s enough for over 1 million data points! It also has space for 64 control programs, each large enough to run advanced energy sequencing, integrated fault detection and diagnostics, and much more.

Backward compatible, future ready

  • Reliable Controls tests every product it manufactures to ensure compatibility with previous-generation controllers. The RC‑FLEXair is no different! You can add it to networks that host previous-generation controllers without the need to purchase costly third-party gateways or accessories. To further future-proof your investment, the RC‑FLEXair features an open-source Linux operating system renowned for its cybersecurity resilience and global community of programming support.

Ultimate flexibility

  • With many available models and options, the RC‑FLEXair is suited to a wide variety of projects. You can order models with one or three universal inputs and up to six outputs with a mix of universal or solid-state relay outputs. Better still, the RC-FLEXair can communicate with up to eight Reliable Controls SMART‑Net™ devices and expand the controller’s capability without consuming inputs or outputs. You can connect temperature, humidity, gas detection, or occupancy sensors; a SMART‑Sensor™ EnOcean Accesspoint; or even the SMART‑Net Relay with up to five heavy-duty mechanical relays.

Ideal for terminal control

  • The RC‑FLEXair features an optional precision-airflow sensor and a brushless DC damper actuator, making it ideal for many types of terminal control applications. The pressure sensor ports are highly resilient and made from die-cast aluminum; combined with the aluminum enclosure and steel baseplate, this controller is rugged and built to last.

Better by design

  • RC-FLEX Ethernet models are equipped with a versatile USB application port that provides convenient access to a technician today and extended capabilities tomorrow. You can power the controller via USB from a laptop to permit configuration, firmware updates, programming, and graphics creation. As a bonus, if no Ethernet ports are free, you can also use the USB port as an Ethernet bridge to the IP subnetwork.
  • All input, output, and communication ports are hardware‑protected against transient surges and spikes, which hardens the controller against field-wiring mistakes and improves resilience.

Sustainable hardware

  • Reliable Controls rigorously engineers its products to minimize their impact on the environment and provide years of dependable, high-performance service. The RC‑FLEXair is manufactured in an ISO 9001 and 14001‑certified facility and features an industry‑recognized 5‑year warranty. Made from highly recyclable materials, it also complies with RoHS 3, WEEE, and R2 directives to ensure easy, clean disposal at the end of its useful life.

Network resilience

  • To improve Ethernet network resilience and safeguard against common failures, all RC-FLEX family controllers come standard with Copper Switch™ technology and support for Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP). Copper Switch ensures that data can still pass through if a controller loses power, maintaining uptime. RSTP lets you connect controllers in a ring topology, which provides inherent redundancy with a duplicate network path; controllers can maintain communications even if one part of the ring is severed.
RoHS 3 Certified WEEE Compliant BTL Listed Device

Technical specifications

Processor and Memory

  • Triple-core 500 MHz high-performance 32-bit embedded microcontroller.
  • All nonvolatile flash memory with 10 years of data retention.
  • Operating system firmware can be upgraded at any time over network.
  • 2 GB database memory available; each trend log can support more than 2,000 records.
  • Device status LED indicates operational modes for field service.

Supply Voltages

  • 24 VAC ±10% 32 VA maximum, 50/60 Hz.
  • 24 VDC ±10% 12 W maximum.

Communications

  • The RC-FLEXair is a non-routing, unitary controller that requires a network host controller.
  • SMART-Net port with four-wire terminal block supports up to eight devices.
  • Ethernet models (RC-FLEXair):
    • Two IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10/100BASE-T ports, with a maximum distance of 50 m (164 ft) between Ethernet connections using Category 5, 5e, or 6 cabling. Each device uses one IP address. The second Ethernet port is a switched port; use it to line‑connect additional devices.
    • Automatic hardware coupling of Ethernet dual ports when controller loses power.
    • USB-A port with maximum cable length of 5 m (16.4 ft).
    • Routing host controllers support up to 74 additional BACnet/IP-connected devices.
    • RSTP protocol allows ring topology of up to 40 devices isolated by a managed network switch.
    • LLDP protocol provides details of up to five of the most recently discovered neighboring devices.
  • MS/TP models (RC-FLEXair -M Models):
    • One EIA-485 port that supports a baud rate up to 76.8 kbps. Auto-baud detection.
    • 24 VAC overvoltage protection with built-in resettable fuses.
    • Software-switched End-of-Line termination (EOL) with amber LED indicator.
    • Status LED illuminates green to indicate MS/TP network operation and red to indicate miswired MS/TP.

MS/TP Communications (-M Models)

The RC-FLEXair is a non-routing, unitary controller that requires a network host controller.

  • One EIA-485 port that supports a baud rate up to 76.8 kbps. Auto‑baud detection.
  • 24 VAC overvoltage protection with built-in resettable fuses.
  • Software-switched End-of-Line termination (EOL) with amber LED indicator.
  • Status LED illuminates green to indicate MS/TP network operation and red to indicate miswired MS/TP.

Ethernet Communications

The RC-FLEXair is a non-routing, unitary controller that requires a network host controller.

  • Two IEEE 802.3 Ethernet 10/100BASE-T ports, with a maximum distance of 50 m (164 ft) between Ethernet connections using Category 5, 5e, or 6 cabling. Each device uses one IP address. The second Ethernet port is a switched port; use it to line‑connect additional devices.
  • Automatic hardware coupling of Ethernet dual ports when controller loses power.
  • USB-A port with maximum cable length of 5 m (16.4 ft).
  • Routing host controllers support up to 74 additional BACnet/IP‑connected devices.
  • RSTP protocol allows ring topology of up to 40 devices isolated by a managed network switch.
  • LLDP protocol provides details of up to five of the most recently discovered neighboring devices.

SMART-Net Communications

  • SMART-Net port with four-wire terminal block supports up to eight devices.
  • SMART-Net ground terminal on the controller must be connected to earth ground.

Universal Inputs

  • Standard 16-bit A/D converter; 12-bit A/D converter on ‑12 Models and all -M Models.
  • Software selectable 0–10 VDC, 4–20 mA, or thermistor/dry-contact.
  • Impedance:
    • 3 MΩ on 0-10 VDC range.
    • 249 Ω on 4-20 mA range.
    • 20 kΩ on thermistor range.
  • Pulse counting up to 300 Hz. Supports flow meters.
  • 24 VAC overvoltage protection.

Flow Sensor (-F Models)

  • ±0-500 Pa (0"–2" WC).
  • Maximum zero point accuracy 0.2 Pa (0.0008" WC).
  • Resolution: 0.122 Pa (0.0005" WC).
  • Span accuracy 3% of reading.
  • 5.2 mm (0.2") OD fittings.
  • Suitable for 1/4" OD standard pneumatic control tubing.

Universal Outputs

  • 16-bit D/A converter.
  • Analog: 0-12 VDC.
  • Binary: Software configurable between 0–12 VDC.
  • Output power: 75 mA at 12 VDC source, -10 mA sink
  • 24 VAC overvoltage and short protection.

Solid-State Relay Output

  • Switches 24 VAC/VDC.
  • 500 mA maximum.

FLEX Output

  • Use software to select as universal or solid-state relay.

Electric Actuator (-A Models)

  • Torque 5 Nm (45 in-lb).
  • Damper shaft minimum length 48 mm (1 7/8").
  • Rotation/stroke: Maximum 95 degrees for dampers with 90 degrees of rotation.
  • Actuator speed of 1 degree of rotation per second.
  • Impedance-protected brushless DC motor.
  • Compatible with 10–13 mm (3/8"–1/2") diameter round or square damper shafts.

Eight System Groups

  • Group related objects on one display.
  • System Groups accommodate up to 320 objects.
  • Host custom user interfaces for integrated fault detection and diagnostics.

16 Loops

  • Standard P, PI, or PID controllers for closed loop control.

256 Values

  • Select standard and custom ranges as well as fixed or program-driven values. Some values are automatically added by firmware.

Four Calendars

  • Designate days of the year as holidays.

16 Schedules

  • Up to 7 on/off cycles for each weekday or exception.

562 Single-point Trend Logs

  • 306 Automatically generated Single-point Trend Logs for all input, output, value, calendar, schedule, and loop objects.
  • 256 Manually defined logs.

16 Multipoint Trend Logs

  • Store up to eight objects in each trend log.
  • Record values by polling or change of value.
  • User assigned.

256 Notification Classes

  • Specify broadcast destinations.

16 Arrays

  • Up to 128 elements in a one-dimensional array.

Custom Units

  • Eight analog engineering units.
  • Eight binary engineering units.
  • Eight multistate units with eight states, 32 characters each.

64 Programs

  • Freely programmable control strategy in a readable, BASIC-like language.
  • 6,400 bytes per program.

Eight Tables

  • For creating custom scaling functions.

256 Net Ins

  • Maximum number of shares from other devices.

128 Net Outs

  • Maximum number of writes to other devices.

Optional Conduit Cover

  • 75 mm conduit cover for low-voltage wires.
  • Provides plenum rating to controller.
  • Encloses and protects all wires.
  • Accessible top cover for service.
  • Two 3/4" NPT knockouts.

Dimensions

  • Base model:
    15.4 cm L x 10.8 cm W x 8.6 cm H
    (6 1/16" L x 4 1/4" W x 3 3/8" H).
  • With actuator:
    16.9 cm L x 10.8 cm W x 8.6 cm H
    (6 5/8" L x 4 1/4" W x 3 3/8" H).
  • With conduit cover:
    23.7 cm L x 10.8 cm W x 8.6 cm H
    (9 15/16" L x 4 1/4" W x 3 3/8" H).

Mounting

  • Supplied with #8 self-tapping shoulder screw.

Weight

  • 0.7 kg (1.8 lb).

Wiring Terminals

  • 16–24 AWG (1.31–0.21 mm2).
  • Stranded or solid core.
  • Copper conductors only.
  • 5 mm (0.20") rising-cage screw terminal blocks.

Ambient Limits

  • Operating: -20°C to 55°C
    (-4°F to 131°F).
  • Shipping: -40°C to 60°C
    (-40°F to 140°F).
  • Humidity: 10%–90% RH noncondensing.

Enclosure

  • 6063-T6 aluminum extrusion with steel base plate and powder-coated die-cast aluminum end caps.

Certifications

  • BTL Listed (B-BC) (Certification pending for -M models).
  • CE.
  • CFR 47 Part 15/B Class B.
  • UL 60730-1 Open Energy Management.
  • WEEE.
  • EN 60730-1.
  • Canada ICES-003(B)/NMB-003(B).

Certification details

  • Purpose and action of control: Type 1 Operating Control.
  • Construction of control: Independently Mounted.
  • Pollution degree: 2.
  • Impulse voltage: 330 V.

Diagrams


Dual Ethernet connection

* Router-model controllers can be MACH‑Pro(Web)Com, MACH‑Pro(Web)Sys, or MACH‑ProView -R Models.


MS/TP connection

VAV reheat diagram

Terminal layouts

Terminals labeled as BO# are solid-state relay outputs.

Terminals labeled as OUT# are universal outputs.

RC-FLEXair-12 Models have solid-state relays internally connected to the 24 VAC/VDC terminal.

RC-FLEXair-34, -35, and -36 Models have solid-state relays internally connected to an R~ terminal, which allows connection to an external 24 VAC/VDC power supply.


Terminal layouts–M model

Dimensions