USB to rs485 connection

**txag2008** · 03-20-2010, 03:26 PM

I have one of Frank's pre assembled Ren24 controllers. I have the below USB-RS485 adapter that I am using to hook it up.

On the board, neither of the 'Comm OK' or 'Comm FR' lights are lit when hooked up.(are the supposed to be?). I have attached pictures of the two different ways I have wired up to the USB-RS485 adapter based upon a few diagrams I have seen.

I've installed my 485adapter driver and have made sure too match up all of the settings as far as com ports and baud rates within vixen, so it doesn't seem like that is the issue.

Any noticeable issues? suggestions?

**oldcqr** · 03-20-2010, 04:28 PM

Shouldn't the Ren RS485 data hookup be white with blue stripe wire to the terminal marked D+ or A, and the solid blue wire to the D- or B terminal?

**budude** · 03-20-2010, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by oldcqr

Shouldn't the Ren RS485 data hookup be white with blue stripe wire to the terminal marked D+ or A, and the solid blue wire to the D- or B terminal?

Yes...

**txag2008** · 03-20-2010, 05:47 PM

alright, I guess I had the white/blue and the solid blue on the wrong slots. I now have that fixed correctly, but still no blinky flashy.

It seems odd that the 'COMM OK' led on the board isn't lit up.

**cbell** · 03-20-2010, 06:12 PM

The lights on the Ren24's (Frank's) only do what they say they on the board when the diagnostic firmware is loaded on the first PIC. Otherwise, they just correspond to if the appropriate channel is on or not.

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com...ostic_Firmware

**txag2008** · 03-20-2010, 06:16 PM

Hmm alright.
Thanks

That's going to make it tough to pinpoint my issue. Guess it could be my vixen settings, 485 adapter issue, or even a cable issue.......

**smartalec** · 03-21-2010, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by oldcqr

Shouldn't the Ren RS485 data hookup be white with blue stripe wire to the terminal marked D+ or A, and the solid blue wire to the D- or B terminal?

thats the way i wired it then goes straight to the lan plug
took me a couple of attemps first.

**Jakeleg1969** · 03-21-2010, 07:55 AM

Just taking a guess here so bear with me:

It is my understanding that the theory behind the board is identical to a Ren64 board. The Ren64 board has a shunt that is in place for RS-232 operation. If the input signal is wired for RS-484, the shunt is removed. Could this shunt be the issue?

Jerry in Louisiana

**smartalec** · 03-21-2010, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by Jakeleg1969

Just taking a guess here so bear with me:

It is my understanding that the theory behind the board is identical to a Ren64 board. The Ren64 board has a shunt that is in place for RS-232 operation. If the input signal is wired for RS-484, the shunt is removed. Could this shunt be the issue?

Jerry in Louisiana

thats only for the ren64's to my knowledge

**txag2008** · 03-21-2010, 11:33 AM

The only thing on the Ren24 board is a jumper that is for 'Zero Cross' and can either be in the ON or OFF position, currently I have no jumper in that location.