Simply follow the links below to sign up!
Already an Amber dealer but don't have a web login?, Register Here
If you're not a trade customer, you just need a guest account: Guest Register
New to Amber Technology and want to apply for a trade account? click here to apply.
Locate a Dealer Near You
I/O to RS-485 Modbus converter for commercial interfacing, control and home automation applications
The BARIX X8 is an I/O to RS-485 Modbus converter for commercial interfacing, control and home automation applications.
Using the industry standard Modbus protocol over 2-wire RS-485 the device can be controlled from any Modbus capable master.
Eight independent configurable inputs/outputs allow the use of the BARIX X8 in a wide range of I/O applications:
The device is configured via the serial interface using standard Modbus read/writes. If the device ID is unknown, a special command is available, which can be sent via broadcast and uses the serial number of the device to send it new configuration info.
If the address of the device is not known, it can be reset to default parameters (see chapter “Configuration”).
The supported protocol is Modbus/RTU at 19200 (default) and 9600 Baud, with even (default) or no parity.
CaseThe BARIX X8 I/O to RS-485 Modbus converter comes in an open plastic case. Two mounting brackets with 5mm holes allow mounting on surfaces but can be cut off (predetermined cut line) if not used.ConnectorsThe Power/RS-485, I/O (I/O, 5Vout,GND) and cable shield are available on 3 spring contact connector blocks for wires AWG28 - AWG16 / 0.08 - 1.3 mm2Power supply requirementsThe BARIX X8 is equipped with an universal power input and accepts both AC and DC voltage. The AC supply range is 12 to 24 Volts and 9 to 30 Volts when powered by a DC power supply.A voltage regulator controls the internally needed operating voltage of 5VDC. The BARIX X8 consumes with all outputs activated 1 Watt max. The BARIX X8 is reverse polarity protected.Attention: When powering the BARIX X8 and other BARIX devices (Barionet, IO12, R6), connected over RS-485, using a single power supply only a DC type power supply can be used as the RS-485 interfaces are not completely potential free.InputsAll I/O pins are directly connected to the CPU and the absolute rating is TTL level (0 to 5VDC). When used as digital input the signal is filtered (48 milliseconds period for debouncing) to allow for direct connection of buttons or contact closures.The analog value of each input is digitalized every 16 milliseconds (sampling rate 62.5 Hz) with a resolution of 10bit (0 to 1023) and is stored in separate Modbus registers.On each input a BARIX TS digital temperature sensor can be attached for precise temperature reading.OutputsAll I/O pins are connected to the CPU directly and the absolute rating is TTL level (0..5VDC). Each output can sink or source up to 20mA. See “5VDC output” for total current limitations !5VDC outputA regulated 5VDC output is available to provide power to small devices, LEDs etc. To prevent overheating of the voltage regulator the sourcing current of 5VDC and all used outputs combined should not exceed 24mA @ 30VDC Vin, 32mA @ 24VDC Vin, 85mA @ 12VDC Vin or 100mA@ Vin <= 11VDC.RS-485The BARIX X8 has an RS-485 host interface, available on a spring contact connector block. Besides “A” and “B” signals for the differential, bidirectional bus signal, a third connection is available, commonly referred to as “reference ground”. This signal is internally tied to signal ground via a 100 Ohm series resistor.Termination resistors are NOT provided on-board. A termination resistor may be added at each end of the RS485 bus if required.The BARIX X8, as well as other Barix I/O extension units, feature soft pull-up (B) and pull down (A) 10kOhm resistors, which force the inactive bus to a relatively high impedance, idle condition.Both A and B line signals are heavily protected against ESD (Electrostatic Discharge).Supported interface configurations are:19200 baud, 8bit, even parity, 1 stop bit (**default**)19200 baud, 8bit, no parity, 1 stop bit9600 baud, 8bit, even parity, 1 stop bit9600 baud, 8bit, no parity, 1 stop bitLED Indicators4 LED indicators on the unit show the conditions CPU heartbeat as well as RS-485 receive and transmit activity.Configuration MemoryThe BARIX X8 contains 256 bytes of non volatile configuration memory (EEPROM) which can be read and (most of it) written via standard Modbus commands.
If you have difficulty in finding a dealer please contact us directly. We can help identify the most suitable dealer for your needs.
You can place an order using guest checkout, and we’ll email your order details when we ship.
You can register by following this link. When you register, we will retain your order history and checkout information for future transactions. Registration is quick and free. We’ll never share your registration details outside Amber Technology.
Your user id is the email address that’s recorded for your account. If you don’t know or have forgotten your password, please reset it using this link.
If you need help with any login or site-related issues, please contact us here.
Orders placed though the Amber Technology website are despatched from our Sydney warehouse. Orders placed before 1.00pm Sydney time (for items in stock) will generally be shipped on the same day.
We ship using Startrack Express. We deliver Australia-wide to residential, business and PO box addresses.
Shipping is free for all orders over $275 including GST (effective 1 March 2018). There is a $22 (including GST) shipping and handling charge for all orders under $275 including GST.
You can track your shipment through the web sites of our couriers:
Star Track Express
Tracking numbers for your order can be found in the order history section of your dashboard. If you have any questions regarding shipping, please contact us.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
All items purchased from Amber Technology will be covered under warranty. The duration and terms of this warranty are specified by the manufacturer unless otherwise stated. Warranty information is available on the individual product listings on this site.
Refurbished items will include a 12 month warranty unless otherwise stated.Please contact us if you have received an item which has been damaged in transit or is otherwise not working correctly when you receive it. Subject to availability, we will arrange for a replacement item to be despatched and for the faulty item to be returned to us.
Amber Technology maintains a nation-wide network of carefully selected Authorised Service Agents to ensure that you are never far from convenient, expert technical and service support. If your item develops a problem and requires servicing under warranty, please contact your local Authorised Service Agent.
The availability of stock is communicated via the indicator of each product listing page. "Available" means that reasonable stock is in our warehouse, ready for immediate shipment. "Limited Stock" means that we have only a small number of items in stock. "Out of Stock" means this item is currently unavailable for immediate shipment - orders placed for ‘Out of Stock’ items will be fulfilled as soon as replacement stock arrives.
"Special Order” items are products that are not generally kept in stock in Australia. Lead times for Special Order items vary depending on country of origin, manufacturer’s stock levels, factory production schedules and/or incoming shipment transit times. Please contact us for an estimate as to the likely lead time. Please note that finalized sales for special order items cannot be cancelled.
If refurbished stock is available, this will be shown on the summary page for the product. If a product listing only allows you to choose refurbished stock, we are not holding new stock and we can no longer obtain new stock.
Refurbished items are always in perfect working order and will include all accessories. Refurbished items are may
Refurbished items include a 12-Month warranty unless otherwise stated.
Please visit the Get Support page to find a service agent, log a service ticket, or ask a technical question about your product.
Please contact us if you have received an item which has been damaged in transit or is otherwise not working correctly when you receive it. Subject to availability, we will arrange for a replacement item to be despatched and for the faulty item to be returned to us.