Project:HUGnet External Hardware
From HUG Wiki
This is other hardware that can be used with or is required for HUGnet. None of this is hardware that we build. It is all off-the-shelf hardware.
Contents |
RS485 to PC Bridges
B&B Electronics USOTL4 & USOPTL4
This serial converter is the preferred converter. It is very useful to have it connect directly to USB. They are also powered by USB so they are more convient.
These isolate the computer from the RS485 network up to 2000V.
The USOPTL4 has a different USB id, which Linux doesn't find. 'ftdi_sio vendor=0x0856 product=0xac11' must be entered into the ftdi file in /etc/modules.d/. The file starts out with just 'ftdi_sio' in it. --Prices 20:43, 29 October 2008 (UTC)
Suppliers
- Part #USOTL4 or #USOPTL4
- Approximately $139
Modifications
1k resistors should be added as pull up and pull down resistors. A 120 Ohm should be attached across the 'R' terminals in the terminal block. These resistors bias the RS485 bus.
Installation
The RS485 network should be installed across the 'T' terminals on the terminal block. Connect + to + and - to -.
USOTL4 Jumper Settings
All 4 of the jumpers should be set to 'ON'. TDA and TDB should be jumpered with a 120 Ohm resistor. The RS485 connection should be made on RDA and RDB.
USOPTL4 Jumper Settings
All 4 of the jumpers should be set to 'ON'.
Inegrity Instruments XP485-9EI
This is the second choice interface. It is more convenient to get as it is built in Pine River. If you need one fast this is the place to get it. It is an RS485 to RS232 converter. If USB needs to be used a USB to serial converter must be used also. This one requires separate power. 12V off of the computer or off of the HUGnet supply can be used. Make sure NOT to connect it to more than 12 volts.
Make sure that the isolated model is bought. The 'I' in the part number means the converter is isolated.
Suppliers
- Part #XP485-9EI
- Approximately $120
Installation
This is a fully automatic unit. No changes or modifications are necessary. Just connect 12V to the voltage terminals and the RS485 to the RS485 port, then connect to the computer. It is that simple.
RS485 to Ethernet Servers
There are a number of RS485 to ethernet servers on the market. These can be both wired and wireless ethernet. This can take the place of using ser2net on a dedicated computer. The HUGnet software can work through just about any of those that support raw serial data (which most of them do).
I have used both the Vlinx products and a multiport server from digi (both acquired from B&B Electronics). They both worked flawlessly.
Suppliers
These suppliers are just suggestions.
- B&B Electronics
- Has many converters of all kinds, including RS485 to wired and wireless ethernet.
