Foo - RS485 - a few questions

A friend of mine has acquired some electrical devices that have an RS485 connection, as opposed to an RS232 which I, and most people, are accustomed to. Several versions of the electrical device are made, and most have an RS232 connection because frankly not enough data is sent that it exceeds the capabilities of the 232.

So when they have different RS cables, your RSXXX, is that just a different style of cable? So it still has the parallel port connection with your computer, just the orientation of the wires that make up the entire cable is different? Or is it a bit more complicated than that?

Basically these cables will just be having 5vDC signals pass through them many times per second. So could I simply modify the actual RS485 cable to fit an RS232 connection?

...RS485...RS232...232...RSXXX...5vDC...RS232...

R2D2

http://projects.roboclub.ru/images/r2d2.jpg

C3PO

http://www.martinwildig.com/pictures/c3po.jpg

Hope this helps. :rolleyes:

I would use genuine RS485, it's at least 253 better than RS232, if not more better.

R2D2
C3PO
Hope this helps. :rolleyes:

I always wondered, wouldn't it be easier asking someone on a machining forum (in fact, candlepowerforums has a specific machining section) about some of these questions. It makes about as much sense as me asking you guys how to restart a stalled turbofan (of which I got 1 valid answer) instead of on a plane mechanics forum. But it does make me feel better about myself asking it here. ;)

Well this has nothing to do with machining at all. It's just a cable connection question.

485 and 232 are not the same. As far as my trade is concerned there is no 485 cable. There are 485 connections that use 2 wires from any type of cable. They usually connect by a screw terminal style connector where a 232 port would normally be. You can use a 485-232 converter to make it easier on you if you don't have a 485 port on the remote device. 485 transmits and receives on the same wire whereas 232 has separate conductors for transmit and receive.

They're not compatible so don't bother trying it without the converter.

Thanks,
Do you know how a 485 typically interfaces with a computer?

USB -> RS-485 adaptor. You'll need to check on driver-compatibility with the software you want to use.

Why RS-485? Do you have a need for long-distance cable-runs or something? I just hook up an old 486 PC directly to the mill with RS-232 and control that remotely through wireless from a laptop.

So I need a USB adapter? alright.
I wish it was not RS485, but RS485 is only used for one thing - setup. I am getting some p7000 stepper motor drivers from Danaher motion. You need to have it connected to your computer and software via RS485. Here you enter your information like inductance, microsteps, motor current. You never actually use the 485 for operation. FOr whatever the reason, these drives I am getting need the 485 connection. Most manufactured do not.