SwitchBox - antrax.de

antrax Datentechnik GmbH 

info@antrax.de - www.antrax.de 

SwitchBox 

• relay version 

• parallel interface (LPT) 

• serial interface (COM) 

• external control voltage via laboratory plug 

• 12V trigger signal, Model 'Type T12' 

Manual 

18.07.2005 

- 1 - 

Hasenbrink 4, 32052 Herford, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 5221 929660 Fax +49 (0) 5221 9296628



General 

The SwitchBox allows the input and switching off a electronic device via the parallel or serial 

port on a PC or any other external voltage (control voltage 3VDC ... 30VDC). Timer-controlled 

switching operations by the parallel and serial interfaces via the free of charge SwitchBox 

service program (download on the antrax homepage). 

Please read this manual carefully and completely before initial operation, it describes the 

assigned use and contains important information about the installation/operation of the 

SwitchBox. The manufacturer assumes no liability for consequences of usage violation, all 

warranty claims omitted. 

Use of the SwitchBox 

The SwitchBox is intended for switching of resistive and inductive loads up to maximum 2000W 

(230V/8.5A) in dry and closed housing space and offices. Activation may only be set up with a 

DC voltage up to maximum 30V DC. Operating instructions of the connected electronic devices 

and their safety regulations must be respected. 

Safety Instructions 

Caution 

� Do not open the SwitchBox. It contains no parts to be serviced by you. 

� Only use the SwitchBox indoors and do not subject the unit to moisture or 

humidity. 

� Only connect the SwitchBox to properly installed 230V AC outlets. 

� Only clean the exterior of the SwitchBox with a dry cloth after unplugging it from 

the electrical outlet and removal of the interface cable. 

� Do not overload the SwitchBox above its load specification level. An overload can 

lead to the SwitchBox being destroyed. 

� Do not use the SwitchBox in areas used by children. 

� Do not connect the SwitchBox to a computer that is already switched on. This 

can lead to computer components becoming damaged or destroyed. 

� Do not use the SwitchBox if one or several parts (case, cable, plug) are damaged 

or damage may be caused by its location (e.g., falling down). 

� The SwitchBox may only be repaired by authorized service personnel. 

� Only connect electrical appliances that have no limit to their switched-on time (i.e. 

all connected electrical appliances must be able to take continuous current without 

sustaining damage in the case of a default to the permanently “ON” position). 

� The load circuit is switched about a single-pole electrical relay, therefore even when the 

SwitchBox outlet is switched to off there can still be a mains voltage on one of the outlet 

sockets! 

� When the SwitchBox is controlled via a PC/computer, this device determines the switching 

state of the load circuit during and after booting of the system. Depending on the behaviour 

of the used computer (or the BIOS), the operating system, device drivers for the interfaces 

and other programs, while booting short-term or permanent switching of the load is 

- 2 - 




possible. The decisive switching state of the load is only achieved by starting the SwitchBox 

service program. 

� The interface used must remain reserved for the SwitchBox and can not be addressed by 

other programs. 

� Very fast ON/OFF switching sequences can be controlled with the SwitchBox. The duration 

of the switching cycles is to be adjusted to the controlled device. Not all electronic devices 

tolerate rapid switching sequences 

Package Content 

� SwitchBox 

� (optional) 1 pcs. Connector cable 

- connector cable for the parallel interface of a PC (25-pole SUB-D, connector at the PC) 

- or connector cable for the serial interface of a PC (9-pole SUB-D, connector at the PC) 

- or laboratory plug (4 mm banana plug)# 

� this manual 

Installation of the SwitchBox 

to PC/computer: 

� Turn off the PC/computer. 

� Connect the supplied cable to the SwitchBox and the serial or parallel port of the 

PC/Computer. 

� Insert the SwitchBox into a 230V outlet. 

� Connect the control device to the SwitchBox. 

� When operating on the parallel or serial interface: 

The SwitchBox can be activated by using of the SwitchBoxSet driver program (available in 

the download area of our homepage, www.antrax.de). 

� When operating via USB (power only!) or game-port interface (power only!): 

The load connected to the SwitchBox is activated by switching on the PC/computer and 

turned off by switching off the PC/computer. Control via software is not possible hardware 

wise. 

External control via laboratory/measuring set-up, and similar: 

� Stress-relieve the proposed switching source. 

� Connect the supplied cable to the SwitchBox and the switching source. Please respect 

polarity: 

- red banana plug → PLUS = control voltage 

- blue banana plug → MINUS = ground 

� Insert the SwitchBox into a 230V outlet. 

� Connect the electronic device to the SwitchBox. 

� Connect control voltage (please only use DC): 

- 3V … 30V → ON 

- 0V … 1 V → OFF 

(In passive state the SwitchBox, without connection to the PC/computer or without external 

control, the load circuit is switched off) 

- 3 - 




Software 

Please find free of charge software for controlling of the SwitchBox at www.antrax.de 

Physical Characteristics 

General: 

• Protection class: IP20, in dry rooms only 

• Connector system: safety plug (CEE 714) 

• Current switching state is indicated by green/red LED 

• Load and control circuit have a safe electronic isolation over an optotriac 

• Ambient temperature 0 ... +40°C 

• Storage temperature -10 ... +70°C 

Load Circuit: 

• Operating voltage: 230/240V~ 50/60Hz 

• Single pole electronic switch (relay) 

• Maximum switching power: 2000W (8.5A at 230/240V) 

Control Circuit: 

• Maximum value of the control voltage: 30VDC 

• Switching ranges: 0VDC … 1VDC and 3VDC … 30VDC 

• Control current: Live at: Pin1 = 0VDC, Pin 8 > 2.6V DC 

• Pins on connectors: WARNING: Please respect polarity! 

Switched off when: all other combinations 

CE Marking 

In accordance with the low-voltage and EMC directive. 

- 4 -

SwitchBox - antrax.de

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?