Large monitoring sites become easier to wire when sensors are grouped close to the measuring point instead of pulled back individually to the data logger. This smart sensor hub concentrates up to 8 Modbus sensors in one enclosure and routes them over a shared RS-485 bus, reducing cable runs, power losses and installation complexity.
The family adapts to different site layouts with passive, active, optically isolated and radio variants. Depending on the model, it supports short runs below 25 m, cabled distances below 100 m or above 100 m, and radio links up to 5 km line-of-sight via LoRa/ZigBee. Active versions provide local 15/24 VDC sensor power from an 85–305 VAC supply, with up to 20 W available for connected sensors.
Built for exposed field installations, the polycarbonate UL-94 V0 enclosure offers ingress protection (IP68) with ingress protection (IP66) cable glands and a pressure compensator. Integrated surge protection, configurable RS-485 termination and optional signal regeneration help maintain stable communication in electrically demanding outdoor networks.
The hub connects smart Modbus sensors to a shared RS-485 line and can be used in daisy-chain configurations with multiple units along the same bus.
SB-8CH-1 is passive, SB-8CH-2 is active without isolation, SB-8CH-3 adds optical isolation and signal reconditioning, and SB-8CH-4 uses radio communication.
Each box supports up to 8 Modbus sensors. Configurations with an extension module are available depending on the selected setup.
Active models include a local 15/24 VDC power source for connected sensors and operate from an 85–305 VAC grid connection.
The SB-8CH-4 variant uses Modbus over LoRa/ZigBee for long-distance links where cabled connection to the data logger is not practical.
Configurable RS-485 termination supports correct bus setup, and connection labels document input, output and sensor terminal assignments.
The installation kit supports mounting on panels, towers, masts or walls, using mast and wall fixings made from 6060 anodized aluminum.
