Skip to main content

Node-RED on IRIV PiControl

Visual programming environment for industrial automation and IoT workflows on IRIV PiControl.

Overview​

Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. On IRIV PiControl, Node-RED provides a web-based interface for creating industrial automation workflows without traditional coding.

Why Node-RED on IRIV PiControl:

  • Visual programming environment accessible via web browser
  • Real-time dashboard for monitoring and control
  • Integration with digital I/O, analog inputs, and serial interfaces
  • Pre-built nodes for industrial protocols
  • Suitable for rapid prototyping and production deployment

Role in Industrial Applications​

Node-RED serves as the primary interface for:

Monitoring:

  • Real-time sensor data visualization
  • System status dashboards
  • Alert and notification systems

Control:

  • Digital output switching
  • Process automation sequences
  • Remote device control

Data Processing:

  • Sensor data logging
  • Protocol conversion (RS485, RS232, Modbus)
  • Gateway functionality between industrial networks

Integration:

  • Cloud service connectivity
  • Database logging
  • API communication

Accessing Node-RED​

After initial setup, Node-RED is accessible via web browser:

URL: http://iriv.local:1880/ui

Dashboard: Provides real-time interface for:

  • Controlling digital outputs (buttons, LEDs, buzzer)
  • Monitoring digital inputs
  • Viewing system status
  • Executing shutdown procedures

Documentation Structure​

Getting Started​

Applications​

External Resources​

Default Dashboard Features​

The pre-configured Node-RED dashboard on IRIV PiControl includes:

Control Elements:

  • Digital output buttons (DO0-DO3)
  • LED control (LED0, LED1)
  • Buzzer activation
  • Safe shutdown button

Monitoring:

  • System status display
  • Network information
  • Device state indicators

Access Point Mode: When operating in AP mode:

  • Network SSID: iriv
  • Password: iriv1234
  • Dashboard accessible at: iriv.local:1880/ui

Integration with IRIV PiControl Hardware​

Node-RED can interface with all IRIV PiControl hardware features:

Digital I/O:

  • Read digital inputs via GPIO nodes
  • Control digital outputs for switching loads
  • Monitor button states and trigger events

Analog Inputs:

  • Read sensor data from ADS1115 ADC
  • Process voltage and current measurements
  • Implement threshold monitoring and alarms

Serial Communication:

  • RS485 device communication (/dev/ttyACM0)
  • RS232 device communication (/dev/ttyACM1)
  • Modbus RTU protocol support

System Features:

  • OLED display updates
  • RTC integration for scheduling
  • Network status monitoring

Skill Level​

Node-RED is designed for users at all skill levels:

  • Beginners: Visual drag-and-drop interface, no coding required
  • Intermediate: Custom function nodes with JavaScript
  • Advanced: Complex industrial automation workflows, custom node development

Next Steps​

  1. Install Node-RED (if not pre-installed)
  2. Build your first flow
  3. Explore industrial use cases
  4. Follow the official hands-on tutorial

Source(s):

  • IRIV PiControl Node-RED Tutorial (my.cytron.io)
  • IRIV PiControl CM4 User Manual, Rev 1.3, Nov 2025