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TriStar MPPT Operator’s Manual
5.4 EIA-485 (formerly RS-485)
NOTE:
The EIA-485 connection is only available on the TS-MPPT-60 model.
NOTE:
The RS-232 and EIA-485 ports share hardware. Both ports cannot be used simultaneously.
EIA-485 is a networking standard for serial communication between multiple devices on a bus.
The TriStar MPPT communicates over an EIA-485 network via the open standard MODBUS
TM
protocol. Use EIA-485 networking to:
• connect multiple TriStar MPPT controllers on a network to log and view real-time data us-
ing MSView
TM
PC software
• program each controller on the network with custom charge settings using MSView
TM
PC
software
• connect the TriStar MPPT to other Morningstar controllers with the RSC-1 Serial to EIA-
485 Adapter (sold separately)
• bridge an Ethernet connection through a TriStar MPPT to an EIA-485 network
The EIA-485 port has four (4) connections: Power, Data A, Data B, and Ground. Data A & B are
differentially driven data lines that carry the network data. Power and Ground connections pro-
vide power to the network. The TriStar MPPT does not supply power to the EIA-485 network,
therefore an external power source is required. The source voltage must be between 8-16 Vdc.
For 12 Volt systems, the network can be powered directly from the system battery. Use a DC-DC
converter for 24, 36, and 48 Volt systems.
!
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Tapping power off of individual batteries in a series string of batteries can cause a voltage imbalance.
Damage to the batteries may result. Always use a DC-DC converter to power the EIA-485 network if the
nominal system voltage is greater than 12 volts.
!
PRUDENCE : Endommagement de l’équipement
L’arrêt progressif de batteries individuelles dans une série de batteries peut provoquer un déséquilibre
de tension. Les batteries peuvent être endommagées. Utilisez toujours un convertisseur CC-CC pour
convertir l’alimentation au réseau EIA-485 si la tension nominale du système est supérieure à 12 V.
For more information on EIA-485 networking, refer to the “Morningstar Communications Docu-
ment” on our website at:
HTTP://www.morningstarcorp.com/
