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IronHorse GSDA-CM-8 User Manual – 1st Ed. Rev. A – 10/15/19
Communications and Networking
The GSDA-CM-8 can be connected through its built-in RS-232/422/485 serial port to a terminal,
computer, process controller, or various other devices to greatly expand its ability to report in many
ways. Communication with the GSDA-CM-8 requires only an ordinary serial port, rather than special
network hardware or “transporter” cards. A convenient jumper block in the GSDA-CM-8 is used
to select either RS-232 or RS-422/485 communications. This section discusses the hardware and
software issues involved in communicating with the GSDA-CM-8.
Commonly Used Software
When using a computer to configure the GSDA-CM-8 series controls, the following are required:
•
A computer with either an RS-232 or RS-485 communications port or with a USB serial adapter. The
RS-232 or RS-485 port will typically be either a DB-9 or DB-25 male connector.
•
A software package that allows the computer to communicate with a selected com port.
You will need to configure the software to allow it to communicate with the GSDA-CM-8 Serial Card.
These products ship with their serial communications port set at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, and 1 stop
bit. Setting the terminal program to half duplex—sometimes called local echo—will allow the user to
see the text as they type. It is also very important that the flow-control setting be set to OFF.
Read the next several pages for more information on serial communications.
Hardware - Jumper Selection
RS-232 - RS-422/485 Jumper Selection
To choose between RS-232 or RS-422/485 communications, make sure the 232/485 “Jumper” (JP1) is
in the correct position. The drawing showing the location of this jumper is on page 6.
Once you have found the jumper, move it like this:
•
RS-422/485: Place the “jumper block” on pins 1 & 2 (Marked RS-485)
•
RS-232:
Place the “jumper block” on pins 2 & 3 (Marked RS-232)
Connect the cable to the RJ45 “Modular” Jack. Now that you have selected which communications
standard you wish to use, see following pages to help you wire the Modular Cable properly for RS-232
or RS-422/485 operation.
