BBV Starcard, Manual, Page: 7 / 20

7
Technical Specification
Power Requirements 12Vdc 1000mA
Inputs 2 or 4 wire RS485 (switch selectable)
Outputs 8 x 2 or 4 wire RS485/422 (switch selectable – DEFAULT 4 WIRE)
Maximum cable run approx. 4000 Feet/1200M
Facilities LED as power and data indication
Other Outputs RS232 monitor output via chassis mounted DB9 connector
Boxed Dimensions Available to mount in BBV TX1500 sub rack or fitted in 19” 1 U rack 100mm deep rack
mountable case
Options
A Starcard can be converted to a Starcard Converter by purchasing a unique unlock code - this can
be done instantaneously when in-the-field. Please contact our technical support team for assistance.
Please refer to the additional Starcard Converter addendum for details.
Introduction
General
The RS485/422 Starcard is designed to simplify the installation of RS485/422 telemetry systems.
Eight individual outputs are provided. Each output can be connected to a single dome/receiver or up to 32 domes/receivers
wired as a daisy chain. When the domes/receivers are wired as a daisy chain, the last unit’s RS485/422 must be terminated and
the intermediate units must be un-terminated. With a single dome connected to each output, the RS485/422 must be terminated.
The Starcard can be used with either 2 wire, half duplex; 4 wire, full duplex or simplex systems.
It has been tested with the Panasonic FS616 multiplexer in 2 and 4 wire modes and with the SX350 video matrix in 2 wire mode.
The Starcard can also be used with simplex RS485/422 links, for example the RS485 output of DM System Sprite and Digital
Sprite range of multiplexers, Integral Technologies DVX range amongst others.
The Starcard is not protocol independent and will work at up to 19200 baud. It is recommended that when used with extended
cable distances and/or noisy environments 9600 baud is used to prevent control problems.
A RS232 serial output is provided via a DB9F to aid with diagnostic and trouble shooting.
What is 2 wire and 4 wire
2 wire is used with half duplex (command and response) systems. Generally telemetry uses simplex telemetry, i.e. command
only. In this case the Starcard will be set to 4 wire. This allows use with both simplex (using 2 wire) or full duplex (using 4 wire)
systems. Unless you are using a known half duplex, 2 wire, system then set the Starcard to 4 wire.
The following pages showing wiring details when used in 2 and 4 wire systems.
Manual Version
V27.5