232 - 485 protocol converters

[scottmurphy]

Can anyone recommend any reasonable types of 232 - 485 converters.

I will eventually need 5, the drives I am talking to
only have 232, but can be addressed to be identified.

 

[jstolaruk]

Check out B&B electronics
http://www.bb-elec.com/

 

[danw]

1) Avoid "port powered" converters, use the DC power supply to ensure good performance.
2) I've had suitable converter performance from Phoenix Contact, B&B (above), but miserable experience with Black Box.

3) Spend the money for isolation. If your comm line takes a spike or close lightning strike or whatever, it's usually a lot easier and a lot cheaper to replace the isolated converter that takes the hit than it is to replace the comm card on the device/PC/PLC.

Dan

 

[hmarius]

For some good prices and various converters you may check http://www.ipc2u.de/catalog/0/cz.html

 

[BobB]

I normally use Adam 4520 isolated converters from Advantech. They are 24VDC powered and work like a charm. Have never had a problem with them.

Used some US made non isolated types once (good brand) and watched the chips "sizzle" because I had hooked the other end to a "pseudo" RS232. The voltage was not at the correct levels. This will not happen with isolated types.

 

[Tom Jenkins]

I've had excellent luck with Red Lion converters. The RS-232 side has a DB-9 port and if you set them up correctly you can just tie into your network from your laptop serial port with a null modem cable.

P.S. Don't use the work "protocol" with this device. It has nothing to do with protocol, just electrical connections. This is a source of lot's of confusion.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Link to some I have had experience with:

Interface converter

 

[DeviceMaster-UP]

232/485

While I know you specifically indicated a need for 232-485 converters, often times I have found that people use these in pairs, using the 485 to gain distance. Have you considered going Ethernet to RS-232 instead? Again, I'm simply suggesting this as another method to achieve longer distance.

DeviceMaster RTS is a low-cost, effective product for this alternate solution.

Contact me directly if interested in additional details.

 

[silva.foxx]

Go East. young man.

I purchased one off Ebay from Japan for £0.01 with £9.99 as P&P. Bargain. Superb for comms with Control Techniques Commander SE inverters and SESoft.

D9 pin RS232 - RS485 D9 pin + D9 pin to terminals. Port powered.

 

[Jim Knee]

I second the idea of using an isolated version of whatever converter you choose. I learned that the hard way. I thought I was saving $100.00 until I lost an $800.00 drive board.

 

[Rick-RTA]

Scott,
Try looking at a product we have. It takes data from any ascii device and sends it into your tag or numeric register. You may to send either as an integer or as a string. Works with all AB PLC's. Very little logic involve, maybe 2 rungs.

www.rtaautomation.com/ethernetip/435nba

Rick
Real Time Automation
414-453-5100