Gill Instruments Ltd
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MaxiMet
Page 18
Issue 1
Doc. No. 1957-PS-000x
March 2015
4.3.
Cabling
MaxiMet has five communication connection options:
USB (using the 1.8m MaxiMet RS232 to USB cable, Part No. 1957-10-065).
RS232
RS422
RS485 (two wire point to point)
SDI-12
It is important that the cable is appropriate for the chosen communication network. The following
sections describe the recommended types and maximum lengths of cable in each case.
4.3.1 Cable type
Wire type:
24AWG
Wire size:
7x32 AWG.
Cable outer diameter:
6-12mm (to match the connector gland).
For RS422/485 operation the cable should have twisted pairs with drain wire, screened with
aluminised tape, with an overall PVC sheath. Typical wire size 7/0.2mm (24 AWG).
The following table shows an example manufacturers’ reference; other manufacturers’ equivalents
can be used.
Recommended Belden cable types
Application
No. of
Pairs
24 AWG
Gill Ref.
24 AWG
Belden Ref.
24 awg Batt
Electronics Ref.
SDI-12
2
-
9729
-
Digital RS232 or RS485 2 wire
3
026-02660
9730
91030
Digital RS422/RS485 4 wire
4
026-03156
9728
91199
4.3.2 Cable length
The maximum cable length is dependent on the chosen communication method.
The following table shows the maximum cable lengths for the supported communication protocols
at the given baud rates, using the recommended cable. If any problems of data corruption etc. are
experienced, then a slower baud rate should be used. Alternatively, a higher specification cable
can be tried.
Suggested maximum cable lengths for supported communication networks
Communication format
Baud rate
Max. cable length
RS232
19200
6.5M
RS422/RS485
19200
1000M
SDI-12
1200
90M