Industrial 8-Channel Wireless I/O Module (8DI/8AI/8DO), Isolation Protection

The 8CH-IO-WF Wireless Remote I/O Module lets you get digital and analog data over Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections that are always reliable. This remote I/O node connects to your network without any problems and has built-in Modbus TCP to Modbus RTU conversion.

It simultaneously monitors 8 digital inputs (DI) and 8 analog inputs (AI), while actively controlling 8 relay outputs (DO). The built-in Wi-Fi can work in both Access Point (AP) and Station (STA) modes, so you can connect your existing industrial routers and data acquisition systems wirelessly in a variety of ways.

Q: Can I install this Wi-Fi module inside a closed metal control cabinet?

A: If you place the module inside a sealed metal enclosure, it will act as a Faraday cage and severely degrade the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal. For optimal performance, you should either use a non-metallic (polycarbonate/fiberglass) enclosure or route an external Wi-Fi antenna with a magnetic base to the outside of your metal cabinet.

Q: What is the practical difference between AP (Access Point) and STA (Station) modes for my SCADA setup?

A: * STA Mode (Most Common): The module acts like a client (just like your smartphone) and connects to your factory’s existing wireless network. This is ideal when you want multiple I/O nodes reporting back to a central SCADA server via a central router.

• AP Mode: The module creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot. This is useful for localized troubleshooting, allowing an engineer with a laptop or Wi-Fi HMI to connect directly to the I/O module in the field without needing a broader factory network.

Q: Is the Wi-Fi connection fast and reliable enough for real-time PLC control loops?

A: For data acquisition, monitoring (temperature, tank levels), and slow-response control (turning on a pump), it is highly reliable. However, because Wi-Fi inherently involves minor packet jitter and latency (typically 10-50ms), we do not recommend using any wireless I/O for high-speed, deterministic safety loops or fast motion control. Keep your SCADA polling rates above 100ms for stable wireless telemetry.

Q: I have three older RS485 power meters at the same remote site. Can this module transmit their data over Wi-Fi too?

A: Yes. The 8CH-IO-WF features a built-in Modbus TCP-to-RTU gateway. You can daisy-chain those existing meters to the module’s RS485 serial port. The module will bridge their RTU data over your Wi-Fi network to the SCADA system, eliminating the need to pull hundreds of feet of new serial cables. (If you have multiple branches of meters, consider using an [Isolated RS485 Hub] to organize the local wiring before connecting to the I/O node).

Q: Does it support Wi-Fi roaming if installed on a moving vehicle like an AGV?

A: The standard 802.11b/g protocol supports basic connection handoffs, but it isn’t designed for seamless roaming between different factory routers with no delay. If your app uses fast-moving AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), we suggest making sure that there is strong, overlapping Wi-Fi coverage or asking us for help with AGV networking solutions.

📥Documents

[User Manual] Valtoris-8CH-IO-WF User Manual

⚙️Utilities

[Setup Software] VirCom7.22

📖 Definitive Guide: [ The Ultimate Guide to Remote I/O: Basics, Specs, and Selection ]

🔄 Concerned about severe wireless interference? If your factory environment cannot support Wi-Fi reliably, discover our [ Wired Ethernet Remote I/O Modules ] for rock-solid, cable-based Modbus communication.