4
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Connecting the Multi-Drop Box to a Computer for RS-485 Communications
Connect the included serial cable (or another appropriate serial cable if the included
cable is too short) to the 9 pin D-SUB connector labeled “COM PORT”. Connect the
other end to a valid serial port on your computer.
If you will be making your own cable, or you wish to run the RS-485 Input/Output off to
another device, you can bypass the 9 pin D-SUB connector and simply use the terminal
block on the front of the device.
To do this, you must;
1.
Connect the RS-485 network “” to the “Sig +” on the terminal block,
2.
Connect the RS-485 network “Signal –” to the “Sig –” on the terminal block,
3.
Connect the RS-485 network “Ground” to the “Ground” on the terminal block,
For these devices, the power and signal grounds are common and will be connected to
the same socket on the terminal block.
Caution: Please note that while the RS-485 signals are present on the DB-9 port
and cable, there are no accepted industry standards for this interface. Please verify
pin-out capability before connecting.
To connect a wire to the terminal block:
1.
Strip approximately 3/16 (0.312) of an inch of insulation from the end of the wire.
2.
Turn the screw on the socket to which you will be attaching the wire counter-
clockwise.
3.
Turn the screw until the socket is opened enough to fit the stripped end of the wire
into the socket.
4.
Insert the wire into the open socket and gently turn the screw clockwise until it is
snug.
5.
Visually inspect the connection to make sure the socket is closed on the conductive
part of the wire and not on the insulation.
6. Gently tug the wire to make sure it does not come out.