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TriStar MPPT Operator’s Manual
5.3 Serial RS-232
The serial port connection on the TriStar MPPT is a standard 9-pin isolated RS-232 port. See
fi
g-
ure 3-5 for the port location.The TriStar MPPT communicates through the serial port via the open
standard MODBUS
TM
protocol.
Connect the TriStar MPPT 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
• con
fi
gure ethernet settings
• update controller
fi
rmware with MSLoad
TM
fi
rmware 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.
The serial connection is ideal for con
fi
guring custom settings or monitoring a single TriStar MPPT
controller. Figure 5-2 shows a serial connection between the controller and a PC with MSView
TM
PC software.
Figure 5-2. A serial connection between a PC and the TriStar MPPT