USB to RS485

[Matt_Edwards]

I recently purchased a couple of these (http://www.sigma-shop.com/manuals/usb_rs485_manual.pdf) adaptors.
I have to say I was very impressed. the unit is well made and mounting it inside the show computer is a snack.

The device uses RTS to control TX/RX enable, just like the Enttec Open.

I am using one of these to control my Trix-C boards.:cool:

I bought my from Ebay: USB to RS485 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120461925539)

Cheers
Matt

[RPM]

I happened to have the same adapter that I bought from the same seller.

I also found another similar device from a different seller that costs a couple of dollars more, but seems to be about the same circuit and it also has an RS232 output connector.

I bought one of each and tested them with Vixen and they both seem to work well enough.

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-to-RS485-FTDI-interface-Board-75176-tranceiver_W0QQitemZ120461925539
At $18.45 shipped this one was cheaper, but the problem I had with this is shipping time; it took about 7 weeks to arrive.

and

http://cgi.ebay.com/PC-USB-to-RS232-RS485-UART-TTL-Signal-Converter-New_W0QQitemZ250488302870QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item3a52442d16&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
This one got here within 3 weeks, but was a little more than the first. At $22.98 shipped it's still a deal.

The problem that both of these had was a lack of drivers on CD, but these are easily downloaded from the FTDI website.
The first unit had no instructions at all, but the second one at least mentioned the FTDI website for the drivers.

As always, your mileage will vary...

Robert

[Macrosill]

....

The device uses RTS to control TX/RX enable, just like the Enttec Open.

.....
Does this mean you can use this as a dmx dongle?

[RPM]

Does this mean you can use this as a dmx dongle?

Yes, it does.

It will work much the same as an Enttec DMX Open dongle would, as well as the two other devices (one which is the same unit) I posted about.

I have tested both devices with Vixen and they seem to function just as well as an Enttec Open DMX dongle.

Robert

[Macrosill]

But not like the Entec Pro or your design, those perform better at the faster refresh rates?

[RPM]

But not like the Entec Pro or your design, those perform better at the faster refresh rates?


Correct. The Enttec Pro dongle as well as my dongle design will work at 25ms timing in Vixen, where the Open dongle will not.

Robert

[budude]

I did not know that! I had heard there were some timing issues with it but not the specifics. I got the Open a while back to run my LOR boxes but haven't done any sequencing with it yet (I used LOR2 SW last year). Good thing I'm in your coop I guess!!


Uhhh -- anyone need a very very lightly used Enttec Open DMX dongle? :(

[RPM]

I did not know that! I had heard there were some timing issues with it but not the specifics. I got the Open a while back to run my LOR boxes but haven't done any sequencing with it yet (I used LOR2 SW last year). Good thing I'm in your coop I guess!!


Uhhh -- anyone need a very very lightly used Enttec Open DMX dongle? :(

The Open dongle also does not have an isolated DMX output, while the Enttec Pro and my design does.

[Matt_Edwards]

Uhhh -- anyone need a very very lightly used Enttec Open DMX dongle? :(

Why not keep it for your Trix-C Panel? That is what i am using my unit for.

[budude]

That's a funny thing actually... I got the Open dongle to use instead of my LOR dongle to run my LOR boxes as DMX dimmers. I'm guessing I could have probably used my LOR dongle as a DMX dongle but I wasn't sure about Vixen recognizing it properly (thought it only recognized certain DMX dongles like the Enttecs?)...

Anyway - I was using my LOR dongle to run my LEDTriks panel but since I need yet another dongle to run my Renard 16 Simple controller(s) I could use the Enttec to run the LEDTriks as you are, use the LOR dongle for my Rens and use Roberts new fangled dongle for my LOR boxes (and future DMX goodies).

I'll figure something out I guess...