Ionicks AirChain485 Pro
The Wireless Daisy-Chain Revolution for Industrial RS485
The Core Innovation
AirChain485 Pro solves a fundamental problem in industrial automation: legacy RS485 wired networks are expensive, rigid, and difficult to scale. In factories, warehouses, and multi-building campuses, RS485 cables connect instruments like energy meters, drives, and sensors to a master controller. Running these cables is costly, time-consuming, and sometimes physically impractical.
AirChain485 Pro replaces the RS485 cable entirely with a wireless daisy-chain link, using a private, air-gapped Wi-Fi network. Multiple AirChain485 Pro units chain together across a facility, passing RS485 signals hop-by-hop — just as a physical cable would, but without the wire.
Technical Strengths
Hardware Architecture
- Built on ESP32 and STM32 microcontrollers.
- In-house PCB design, firmware, and software.
- Real-time data updates every 500 milliseconds.
- Built-in RTC (Real-Time Clock) for offline schedules.
Network Design
- Private, air-gapped Wi-Fi network.
- Daisy-chain topology for wide coverage.
- km-scale range possible using CPE devices.
Cloud & Software
- Self-hosted, open-source cloud stack.
- MQTT protocol for reliable messaging.
- End-to-end stack ownership.
Multi-Function Integration
Ionicks consolidated four common industrial functions into a single, cohesive device:
| Function | Typical Market Solution | Ionicks Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Over-voltage protection | Separate device | Built-in |
| Power-factor correction | Separate device | Built-in |
| Maximum demand control | Separate device | Built-in |
| Remote switching with scheduling | Smart switch (no RTC) | Built-in with RTC |
Target Audience
- Small/mid-scale factories with existing RS485 instruments.
- Industrial campuses and warehouses with large floor areas.
- Electrical panel OEMs and system integrators.
- Energy and plant managers focused on real-time data.
- Industries undergoing brownfield legacy modernization.
Promised RoI & Customer Benefits
Direct Cost Savings
- Eliminates cabling and installation costs.
- Replaces 4 devices with 1.
- No recurring cloud subscription fees.
Operational Benefits
- 500ms real-time data.
- RTC-based offline scheduling.
- Non-invasive deployment.
Strategic Benefits
- Complete data sovereignty.
- Scalable architecture.
- Future-proof design (battery planned).