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TriStar MPPT 600V Operator’s Manual
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Networking and Communication
5.3 Serial RS-232
The serial port connection on the TriStar MPPT 600V is a standard 9-pin isolated RS-232 port.
See figure 3-5 for the port location.The TriStar MPPT 600V communicates through the serial port
via the open standard MODBUS
TM
protocol.
Connect the TriStar MPPT 600V to the serial port on a PC to:
• program custom charge settings with MSView
TM
PC software
• view real-time data with MSView
TM
PC software
• log real-time data with MSView
TM
PC software
•
configure Ethernet settings
•
update controller firmware with MSLoad
TM
firmware utility
NOTE:
The RS-232 and EIA-485 ports share hardware. Both ports cannot be used simultaneously.
NOTE:
If your PC does not have a serial port, a USB to Serial cable can be purchased at your local
electronics retailer. Tripp-Lite brand compatibility has been verified.
The serial connection is ideal for configuring custom settings or monitoring a single
TriStar MPPT 600V controller. Figure 5-2 shows a serial connection between the controller and a
PC with MSView
TM
PC software.
Serial Cable
Figure 5-2. A serial connection between a PC and the TriStar MPPT 600V
Serial Port Settings
Adjust the serial port settings as follows:
• 9600 BAUD
• 8 data bits
• 1 or 2 stop bits
• no parity
The serial RS-232 connection provides a direct connection between a TriStar MPPT 600V and a
PC (or other serial device).
Firmware updates can only be programmed through the RS-232
connection.
The serial connection is not typically used for multi-controller networking. However,
networking is possible using a USB hub and USB-Serial cables. For more information, refer to
the “Morningstar Communications Document” on our website at:
http://morningstarcorp.com/support
