Novastar MFN300-B

NovaStar MFN300-B — the MFN300 as a standalone box, mains powered

The MFN300-B takes the MFN300 card functions into a standalone box powered directly from the mains. Eight relays, two RS485 sensor ports, an audio output and a programmable timer. It is the version to choose when the cabinet has no free card slot, or when a separate, identifiable unit that can be replaced without opening the screen structure is preferred.

Specifications

Relays: 8 channels, AC 250 V / DC 30 V, 3 A per channel
Sensors: 2 RS485 ports
Audio: 1 output
Communication: RS232 or Gigabit Ethernet
Power: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.05 A, 5 W
Dimensions: 204.0 × 163.0 × 48.0 mm — Weight: 1,154.6 g
Temperature: −20 °C to +75 °C
Certifications: FCC, IC

NovaStar MFN300-B — technical analysis

The difference from the MFN300 card comes down to two points, and the second is the decisive one. First the power: the box plugs into the mains, the card needs 3.3 to 5.5 V DC taken from the cabinet. Second the number of sensor ports: two on the box against four on the card. For a project planning one temperature probe and one light sensor, two ports are enough. Beyond that, take the card.

The box format has an operational advantage the datasheet does not state: it sits in the electrical cabinet, next to the breakers, and not inside the screen structure. On a façade or a totem, that means ground-level maintenance rather than a cherry picker. Across several screens, the difference in intervention cost quickly exceeds the price difference between the two versions.

• Remote electrical cabinet — control from ground level without opening the screen.
• Retrofit — adding the functions without touching existing cabinets.
• Totems and street furniture — maintenance without a cherry picker.
• Outdoor screens with scheduled shutdown — built-in timer and relays.
• Two-sensor projects — temperature and light, the most common configuration.

• Only two sensor ports — against four on the MFN300 card: count the probes before choosing.
• Mains powered — no need to take DC from the cabinet.
• Location — sits in the electrical cabinet: ground-level maintenance rather than at height.
• Relay rating — 3 A per channel; it drives contactors, it does not switch the screen power.
• Footprint — 204 × 163 × 48 mm and 1.15 kg: plan the space in the cabinet.