Dry Contact Expansion Module
€79.00
Available, delivery time: 1-2 weeks
Dry Contact Expansion Module: Double the Capacity of the Expansion Unit
The Didactum Dry Contact Expansion Module is a compact add-on board that allows you to double the number of potential-free contacts of the Dry Contact Expansion Unit from 32 to up to 64 ports. Instead of purchasing a second complete expansion unit, this module is simply installed in the existing enclosure – a cost-effective and space-saving solution when more alarm contacts need to be monitored than the base unit alone can provide.
The module is mounted directly inside the Dry Contact Expansion Unit on three provided standoffs and connected to the main board of the enclosure via a supplied 10-core flat ribbon cable. This provides 32 additional inputs for potential-free contacts, which can be named, configured, and assigned custom alarm rules in the web interface of the connected Didactum Monitoring System as usual.
Installation requires some manual dexterity, as several pre-stamped bars in the enclosure must first be removed to route the additional terminal blocks to the outside. A detailed step-by-step guide can be found further down on this page.
Fits exclusively in the Dry Contact Expansion Unit
The Dry Contact Expansion Module is not a standalone device, but an internal add-on board. It can only be installed in the enclosure of the Didactum Dry Contact Expansion Unit and is not compatible with other Didactum devices.
Dry Contact Expansion Unit
The required base device with 32 ports, in whose enclosure the expansion module is installed to increase capacity to 64 ports.
Go to Product →Please note: This module requires an existing Dry Contact Expansion Unit (DI13001) as a base. It cannot be operated independently and cannot be connected directly to a monitoring system.
How the Expansion Module Doubles the Capacity
In its delivery state, the Dry Contact Expansion Unit provides 32 inputs for potential-free contacts. When the expansion module is additionally installed in the enclosure, 32 more inputs are added, allowing a total of up to 64 potential-free contacts to be managed through a single expansion unit. The additional contacts are transmitted via the same CAN bus connection to the monitoring system and appear in the web interface like the original 32 ports as independently configurable inputs.
Practical Example: A data center is already monitoring 30 of the 32 available alarm contacts of a Dry Contact Expansion Unit and suddenly needs additional capacity for extra air conditioning units. Instead of procuring a complete second expansion unit, the Dry Contact Expansion Module is retrofitted – the capacity doubles to 64 contacts without requiring additional rack space or another CAN bus connection.
Installation in a Few Steps
Installation takes place directly in the enclosure of the Dry Contact Expansion Unit. Since pre-stamped bars in the enclosure must be removed during this process, installation should be carried out carefully and with suitable tools.
- Disconnect the CAN bus cable from the Dry Contact Expansion Unit
- Carefully loosen the three screws of the enclosure cover and remove the cover
- Carefully cut through the six pre-stamped metal bars in the provided recess of the enclosure using fine pliers or side cutters; ensure that no burrs remain
- Place the expansion module on the three standoffs inside the enclosure and secure it with the three supplied M3 screws
- Connect the supplied 10-core BH10 flat ribbon cable to the connector on the expansion module and to the connector on the main board of the expansion unit
- Check that all cables are correctly connected. Carefully place the cover back on so that all tabs and recessions snap into place precisely, and re-secure it with the three screws. If burrs are obstructing the installation of the expansion module, remove them beforehand
- Connect the potential-free contacts via the newly accessible terminal blocks and reconnect the Dry Contact Expansion Unit to the CAN bus
Important Note: Before opening the enclosure, the Dry Contact Expansion Unit must be disconnected from the CAN bus. When cutting through the metal bars in the enclosure, ensure clean cut edges without burrs, as these could otherwise obstruct the correct fit of the new terminal blocks.
What is Included in the Package
Please check the package contents for completeness upon receipt and immediately report any missing or damaged parts to your supplier.
- Dry Contact Expansion Module (Circuit Board)1 Piece
- BH10 Flat Ribbon Cable, 10-core1 Piece
- Terminal Blocks, 6-pole, 3.5 mm8 Pieces
- Screws M3 × 5 mm3 Pieces
A Dry Contact Expansion Unit (DI13001) is required for installation and is not part of this package.
Use Cases and Practical Benefits
The expansion module is suitable wherever an existing Dry Contact Expansion Unit is reaching its capacity limits.
- Retrofitting existing alarm systems when the number of contacts to be monitored grows
- Consolidating multiple alarm collective contacts on a single expansion unit instead of additional hardware
- Space-saving capacity expansion without additional rack space or another CAN bus port
- Cost-effective alternative to purchasing a second Dry Contact Expansion Unit
By installing the Dry Contact Expansion Module, the existing investment in a Dry Contact Expansion Unit can be optimally utilized without requiring additional space or another CAN bus connection on the monitoring system.
Why the Expansion Module is the Right Choice
Capacity Doubled
Increases the number of potential-free contacts from 32 to 64 ports.
Space-Saving
No additional expansion unit, no additional rack space required.
No Second CAN Port Needed
The additional contacts run via the same CAN bus connection.
Easy Retrofit
Direct installation in an existing enclosure without rewiring the CAN bus.
Compact Accessory
Small circuit board including cable and mounting material, low weight.
Cost-Effective
Significantly cheaper than purchasing a second expansion unit.
Seamless Integration
Additional contacts appear as usual in the web interface of the monitoring system.
Made in EU
German support included, developed for Didactum monitoring solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the Dry Contact Expansion Module do?
The module is an add-on board that is installed in the enclosure of the Dry Contact Expansion Unit and increases its capacity from 32 to up to 64 potential-free contacts. It is not a standalone device.
Which devices is the module compatible with?
The module fits exclusively in the Didactum Dry Contact Expansion Unit (DI13001). It is not compatible with any other Didactum device and cannot be operated independently or connected directly to a monitoring system.
Do I need tools for installation?
Yes. In addition to a screwdriver for the enclosure screws, fine pliers or side cutters are needed to cleanly remove the pre-stamped metal bars in the enclosure for the additional terminal blocks.
Does the expansion unit need to be disconnected from the network during installation?
Before opening the enclosure, the CAN bus cable of the Dry Contact Expansion Unit should be disconnected. After installation is complete, the expansion unit is reconnected to the CAN bus and is automatically recognized by the monitoring system with the additional ports.
Do I need to configure the module separately after installation?
After installation, the additional 32 contacts appear in the web interface of the connected monitoring system like the original ports and can be individually named there, assigned a normal state (NO/NC), and configured with alarm rules.
Is the Dry Contact Expansion Unit included in the package?
No. The expansion module requires an existing Dry Contact Expansion Unit (DI13001) and is supplied exclusively as an add-on board for installation in this enclosure.
Questions about the Dry Contact Expansion Module?
Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on compatibility, installation, and configuration.
Extension for the following product:
Manufacturer information:
Didactum® Security GmbH
Im Mühlenfeld 4
48163 Münster
Deutschland
Fon:
(+49) 250 19 71 63 54 / (+49) 171 33 11 577
Email: info@didactum-security.de
