The Ebyte MA01 series is an industrial-grade RS485 Remote I/O module supporting the standard Modbus-RTU protocol, offering scalable configurations from 1DI/1DO to 4DI/4DO, and featuring an 8-28V DC wide-voltage input range, genuine Hongfa relays, and a robust triple-proof coated enclosure for reliable performance in harsh -40 to +85 degree Celsius environments.
| Model SKU | Digital Inputs (DI) | Relay Outputs (DO) |
|---|---|---|
| MA01-AXCX1010-V2/V2P | 1 | 1 |
| MA01-AXCX2020-V2/V2P | 2 | 2 |
| MA01-AXCX3030-V2/V2P | 3 | 3 |
| MA01-AXCX4040-V2/V2P | 4 | 4 |
| Common Specifications: RS485 Interface, Modbus-RTU, 8-28V DC, Triple-proof Coating | ||
Model Selection & Specifications
| Model | DI Channels | DO Channels | Size (mm) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA01-AXCX1010-V2P | 1 | 1 | 54×90×32 | 75±5g |
| MA01-AXCX2020-V2P | 2 | 2 | 90×90×40 | 123±5g |
| MA01-AXCX3030-V2P | 3 | 3 | 90×90×40 | 134±5g |
| MA01-AXCX4040-V2P | 4 | 4 | 115×90×40 | 165±5g |
| MA01-AXCX1010-V2 | 1 | 1 | 54×90×32 | 74±5g |
| MA01-AXCX2020-V2 | 2 | 2 | 90×90×40 | 121±5g |
| MA01-AXCX3030-V2 | 3 | 3 | 90×90×40 | 133±5g |
| MA01-AXCX4040-V2 | 4 | 4 | 115×90×40 | 164±5g |
V2P = triple-proof coating version; V2 = standard version
Technical Specifications
| Category | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Power Supply | Operating Voltage | DC 8–28V |
| Working Current | 50mA @12V | |
| Power Indicator | Green LED | |
| RS485 Serial Port | Communication Interface | RS485 |
| Baud Rate | 1200–115200 bps (default 9600 bps) | |
| Data Bits | 8 (fixed) | |
| Parity | None / Odd / Even (default: None) | |
| Stop Bits | 1 (fixed) | |
| Protocol | ModBus RTU | |
| Device Address | 0–255 (default 1; 0 = broadcast) | |
| Comm Indicator | Red LED flashes at 60ms period | |
| DI Input | Channels | 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 (model-dependent) |
| Interface Type | Dry contact | |
| Trigger Mode | Rising edge / Falling edge / Level (default: rising edge) | |
| Filter Parameter | 1–16 (default 6) | |
| Sampling Frequency | 1 kHz | |
| DO Output | Channels | 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 (model-dependent) |
| Output Type | C-type relay (NO + NC), Hongfa genuine | |
| Output Mode | Level / Pulse / Follow / Cycle | |
| Contact Capacity | 30V/10A DC; 250V/10A AC | |
| Output Indicator | Red LED per channel | |
| Environment | Operating Temp/Humidity | -40–+85℃, 5–95%RH (non-condensing) |
| Storage Temp/Humidity | -60–+125℃, 5–95%RH (non-condensing) | |
| Installation | DIN rail + positioning hole |
Key Features
Standard ModBus-RTU Protocol — Plug-and-Play Integration
Fully compliant with the ModBus-RTU standard. Directly readable by mainstream PLCs (Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron), SCADA systems, and configuration software without custom drivers. Device address range 0–255 supports multi-drop RS485 bus topology.
Hongfa Genuine Relay — High-Reliability DO Output
Each DO channel uses an authentic Hongfa C-type relay rated at 30V/10A DC or 250V/10A AC. Supports four output modes: Level, Pulse, Follow, and Cycle — covering the full range of industrial switching scenarios.
High Protection & Strong Isolation Design
V2P variants are coated with triple-proof paint (anti-mold, anti-humidity, anti-salt spray). Optical isolation between RS485 bus and I/O channels prevents ground loops and surge damage in harsh industrial environments.
Four DO Output Modes for Flexible Control
Level mode for sustained on/off; Pulse mode for timed momentary switching; Follow mode mirrors DI input state; Cycle mode for periodic toggling — all configurable via ModBus registers without firmware changes.
Built-in Watchdog & Communication Timeout Reset
Hardware watchdog prevents system lockup. Configurable communication interruption timeout automatically resets DO outputs to a safe state when the host loses connection — critical for unattended remote installations.
Industrial-Grade Quality & Easy Maintenance
Rated -40℃ to +85℃ for full industrial temperature range. One-button parameter reset restores factory defaults. Supports in-field firmware upgrade via RS485 without disassembly.
DIN Rail & Positioning Hole Mounting
Standard DIN rail clip plus positioning holes for panel or cabinet mounting. Compact footprint from 54×90×32mm (1010) to 115×90×40mm (4040) fits standard control enclosures.
Practical Application Scenarios
1. Decentralized Industrial Automation and PLC Expansion
In large-scale manufacturing plants, physical I/O ports on a primary PLC are often exhausted. The MA01 series acts as a distributed I/O node, allowing engineers to expand digital sensing and relay control capabilities across the facility using a simple RS485 bus, drastically reducing field wiring costs and complexity.
2. Smart Grid and Power Distribution Monitoring
Utilized in substations and power distribution cabinets, these modules provide reliable status acquisition of breakers (DI) and remote tripping/switching control (DO). The triple-proof coating (anti-salt spray, anti-humidity) ensures stable operation in semi-outdoor environments where traditional electronics might fail due to environmental corrosion.
3. Smart Agriculture Greenhouse Management
Integrated with Ebyte’s wireless telemetry systems, the MA01 manages automated environmental controls such as irrigation pumps, ventilation fans, and lighting arrays. By connecting to a local HMI or wireless DTU, the system enables precise closed-loop automation based on real-time soil moisture and ambient temperature sensor data.
FAQ
Q: Is the MA01 compatible with Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron PLCs?
A: Yes. The MA01 implements standard ModBus-RTU over RS485. Any PLC or master device with a ModBus-RTU master function can read DI status and write DO commands directly using the published register map — no custom driver required.
Q: What is the difference between V2 and V2P variants?
A: V2P adds a triple-proof conformal coating (anti-mold, anti-humidity, anti-salt spray) over the PCB, making it suitable for outdoor enclosures, coastal environments, or high-humidity industrial sites. Electrically and functionally identical to V2.
Q: How many MA01 modules can be connected on one RS485 bus?
A: Up to 255 devices (addresses 1–255) can share one RS485 bus. Address 0 is reserved as the broadcast address. Recommended maximum bus length is 1200m at 9600 bps with proper termination resistors.
Q: What happens to the relay outputs if RS485 communication is lost?
A: The built-in communication timeout watchdog detects bus silence and automatically resets all DO outputs to a configurable safe state (default: all relays open). This prevents uncontrolled actuator states during network faults.
Q: Can the baud rate and device address be changed in the field?
A: Yes. Baud rate (1200–115200 bps) and device address (1–255) are configurable via ModBus holding registers or the Ebyte configuration tool over RS485. A hardware reset button restores factory defaults (9600 bps, address 1) without a PC.
