rule.box USB

rule.box USB from Wiesemann & Theis

The rule.box USB from Wiesemann & Theis is a compact and versatile control center for automation tasks in building automation and Industry 4.0. With the pre-installed graphical development tool Node-RED, it enables easy creation of automation workflows by dragging connections in the browser-based editor. HID devices, USB-serial converters, and storage media can be connected to the USB interface of the rule.box, with their data available in applications via Node-RED. Pre-installed nodes allow reading and controlling Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers from Wiesemann & Theis. The extensive range of installable additional nodes allows extension of processing functions as well as connection of devices from other manufacturers. The rule.box executes the created workflows (flows) in an energy-saving and reliable manner, while integration of non-public nodes is possible upon request. With a network interface, flexible power supply via Power over Ethernet (PoE) or screw terminal connection, web-based management, and standard compliance, the rule.box USB offers a flexible solution for professional applications. This article highlights the technical features, applications, and benefits of the rule.box USB.

Node-RED: Intuitive Automation with USB Interface

The rule.box USB comes pre-installed with Node-RED, an open-source development tool that has been used since 2013 for IoT and automation applications. Node-RED enables creation of automation workflows by dragging connections between input, output, and processing nodes in a browser-based editor. This intuitive user interface requires no deep programming knowledge, making the rule.box especially attractive to users without extensive programming experience. The USB interface enables connection of HID devices (e.g., keyboards or barcode scanners), USB-serial converters (e.g., for RS232 devices), and storage media (e.g., USB sticks). Data from these devices can be directly processed in Node-RED, for example, to evaluate inputs from a barcode scanner or to save data on a USB stick. Pre-installed nodes enable connection of Wiesemann & Theis devices such as Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers to read and control data like temperature, switch states, or serial signals. For example, users can use a USB-serial converter to read sensor data or an HID device to integrate manual inputs into automation processes. The range of installable additional nodes allows integration of devices from other manufacturers, such as IoT sensors, cloud services, or protocols like MQTT. The created flows are executed energy-efficiently and reliably, making the rule.box an efficient solution for complex automation tasks.

Interfaces and Connectivity

The rule.box USB features a network interface that enables easy integration into existing networks. This interface supports communication with a wide variety of devices and systems, making the rule.box a central control center for IoT and automation projects. The USB interface expands connectivity by supporting HID devices, USB-serial converters, and storage media. HID devices such as barcode scanners or keyboards enable capturing user inputs, while USB-serial converters allow connection of devices with serial protocols (e.g., RS232). Storage media like USB sticks can be used for data storage or data transfer. Pre-installed nodes for Web-IOs, Web thermometers, and Com servers from Wiesemann & Theis enable seamless connection of these devices. Installable nodes extend compatibility to devices from other manufacturers such as sensors or cloud services. Integration of non-public nodes is available upon request, increasing flexibility for specific applications. Data access and configuration are performed via an internal web server that provides web-based management. Commissioning is quick via WuTility, a tool that enables configuration in just three clicks.

Power Supply and Energy Efficiency

The rule.box USB offers flexible options for power supply, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) and external supply via screw terminal connection. PoE supports phantom power over data pairs as well as power supply over unused wire pairs, simplifying installation in networks without separate power. Buffer capacitors ensure controlled shutdown when disconnecting from the power supply, preventing data loss. The energy-saving architecture, supported by Node-RED’s efficient flow execution, minimizes power consumption and makes the device environmentally friendly. These features are especially advantageous in applications where energy efficiency and reliability are decisive, such as building automation or production environments.

Please note: NO power supply is included in the scope of delivery.

Data Processing and Visualization

The rule.box USB enables data storage via a file system, MariaDB, or SQLite, allowing flexible data management for automation projects. For example, data from a USB-serial converter or inputs from HID devices can be stored in a database and used for analysis or long-term monitoring. The Node-RED dashboard offers a user-friendly way to visualize data and automation workflows. Users can create dashboards to display real-time data such as sensor data, switch states, or HID device inputs and control devices directly via the interface. This functionality makes the rule.box ideal for applications requiring both data processing and user interaction, such as in smart buildings or Industry 4.0.

Standard Compliance and Reliability

The rule.box USB meets stringent standards for immunity (EN 61000-6-2) and emissions (EN 55032:2015 + A1 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3), qualifying it for use in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. The high immunity ensures reliable operation even in environments with electromagnetic interference, such as production facilities. The CE marking and UL approval confirm suitability for international applications, while the robust design is engineered for continuous operation. With a five-year warranty, the rule.box offers a low-maintenance and durable solution for professional users.

Versatile Applications

The rule.box USB is ideal for automation in building automation and Industry 4.0. It is especially suitable for scenarios where USB devices such as HID devices, USB-serial converters, or storage media need to be centrally controlled or read. For example, users can evaluate data from a barcode scanner to automate inventory processes or read sensor data via a USB-serial converter to monitor process parameters. The connection of Web-IOs, Web thermometers, or Com servers as well as devices from other manufacturers via installable nodes makes the rule.box a universal control center for IoT projects. The wide operating temperature range and flexible power supply enable use in demanding environments such as production halls or data centers. Easy commissioning via WuTility and web-based management significantly reduce configuration effort.

Flexible and Efficient Automation Solution

The rule.box USB from Wiesemann & Theis impresses with its ease of use, high flexibility, and standards compliance. With Node-RED, a USB interface, flexible power supply, and extensive data processing capabilities, it is the ideal solution for central automation tasks in building automation and Industry 4.0. The five-year warranty emphasizes the reliability and longevity of this control center.