LockIT 8-Channel 12V-24V DC Electronic Lock Controller Board - RS485 Multi-Channel Communication

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 12V to 24V DC (Input voltage dictates output voltage for the locks)

• Output Channels: 8 x 2-Pin DC outputs (CH1 - CH8)

• Communication Protocol: RS485 (Hexadecimal command structure)

• Cascading/Addressing: 5-Bit hardware DIP switch (Supports up to 32 boards)

• Drive Capability: Designed for standard 12V or 24V 1A-2A solenoid locks

• Logic Processor: IAP series 8-bit MCU

• Power/Data Interface: 2 x 6-Pin Molex/ATX style connectors (Input and loop-through)

Downloads: 

• LockIt Control Board - RS485 Communication Protocol Manual

Key Applications and Projects

• Smart Store Cabinets: Building retail pickup systems where a central touchscreen PC opens specific cabinet doors via RS485 commands.

• Escape Room Puzzles: Creating a sequence where multiple distinct doors or hidden compartments open only when the players solve a central puzzle.

• Gym and Employee Storage: Automating locker assignments with an RFID scanner linked to a central microcontroller that assigns and pops open available doors.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• Network Expansion: Transition from a single 8-door setup to a massive 256-door array by simply linking more boards together and flipping the red DIP switches to unique binary addresses.

• Power Automation: Pair this board with a heavy-duty 24V SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply) to ensure you have enough overhead current to actuate multiple heavy solenoid locks simultaneously without browning out the logic chip.

Package Includes:

• 1 x LockIT 8CH 12V-24V Electronic Lock Controller Board (RS485)

• 1 x 4-Wire Communication Cable (Black/Red/Yellow/Green)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the main purpose of this board? It is designed to actuate (open) up to 8 separate 12V or 24V electronic cabinet locks or solenoids from a single data line.

2. What communication protocol does it use? It uses RS485 serial communication, making it highly reliable over long distances.

3. What is the operating voltage? The board requires a 12V to 24V DC power supply, which is used to power both the logic circuits and the output locks.

4. Will my 12V locks work if I use a 24V power supply? No. The board routes your input voltage directly to the outputs. If you use a 24V power supply, you must use 24V locks. If you use a 12V power supply, you must use 12V locks.

5. What are the CH1 to CH8 connectors? These are the 2-pin JST-style output headers where you plug in your 8 electronic store cabinet locks.

6. What is the red switch with numbers 1 through 5? That is a 5-position DIP switch used to set the unique hardware address of the board on the RS485 network.

7. How many boards can I connect together? With a 5-bit DIP switch, you can set up to 32 unique addresses, allowing you to daisy-chain up to 32 boards together.

8. Can it control 5V locks? No, the board routes the 12V-24V input directly to the outputs. It is specifically designed for higher-voltage solenoid locks.

9. Do I need an Arduino or PC to use this? Yes, the board is a "slave" device. It requires a "master" host (like an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or PC) to send it the RS485 commands to open the doors.

10. What is the large square chip in the center? That is the main IAP microcontroller. It listens to the RS485 data line, checks if the address matches the DIP switch, and fires the corresponding lock.

11. What are the two larger white connectors on the left? These are 6-pin power and data connectors. One is used to input the power and RS485 wires, and the other is used to loop those connections out to the next board in the chain.

12. Can I plug this directly into my computer's USB port? No, standard USB does not output RS485. You must use a USB-to-RS485 adapter.

13. Does this board tell me if the door is physically open or closed? No, these specific 2-pin CH outputs only provide power to pop the lock open. Door state feedback would require locks with 3 or 4 wires and a separate sensor input board.

14. How long can the RS485 communication cable be? RS485 can theoretically run up to 1200 meters, making it perfect for massive banks of store cabinets.

15. What is the maximum current per channel? The onboard driver components are typically rated to handle the standard 1A to 2A burst current required to pop a solenoid lock.

16. Can I open all 8 locks at the exact same time? You can, but solenoid locks draw a massive spike of current when actuating. You must ensure your power supply has enough Amperage to handle the combined load, otherwise, the board will reset.

17. What is the default baud rate? You will need to check the specific manufacturer's datasheet for the hex protocol, but these boards typically default to 9600 bps.

18. What do the inductor and large silver capacitors do? They form an onboard DC-DC buck converter. They take the incoming 12V-24V power and safely step it down to 5V to run the delicate RS485 chip and the IAP microcontroller.

19. Does the board come with the wiring harnesses? No, this listing is for the bare controller board only. You will need to acquire or crimp your own mating connectors.

20. Is there built-in reverse polarity protection? While the power regulation section has some protections, it is critical to wire your input power correctly to the 6-pin header to avoid damaging the ICs.