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How2_SOLAR485.pdf V1.0
A First Use Guide for Solar Inclinometers Using the RS485 Serial Interface.
The name & port number that’s automatically allocated to the USB to RS485 device can vary. Make a note
of the port number that the device is allocated. Our example device is using “COM10” so this is the port
number we would use to communicate with the inclinometer.
If the COM device symbol looks like this:
then you will need to troubleshoot the device driver problem.
(A good place to start is the website for the manufacturer of the hardware).
Step 3:
Connect the Inclinometer wires to the USB COM Port:
Full RS485 connections for the SOLAR inclinometer are as follows:
SOLAR
Wire Colour
Solar Wire
Function
Connects to…
(Function)
Note
Red
+ve Power Input
+ve Supply
(12 to 30V)
Don’t connect to
power source yet
Blue
0V Power input &
RS485 GND
COM GND
& 0V Supply
Don’t connect to
power source yet
Yellow
RS485 +
RxD / D-
Green
RS485 -
TxD / D+
We’ve extended the connection from the screw terminal block of our USB device to make connection the
Inclinometer easier. This also allows us to connect the (inclinometer’s) blue wire to both the “Gnd” point of
our USB device and our Power supply 0V.
