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Why would I want or need an RS485
to RS232 adapter cable?
The RS485 to RS232 adapter has been primarily designed
to be used with the Actisense Active
DST Module and Active
Transducer, and future
Actisense NMEA 0183 sensors.
It enables these Actisense product's Flash
to be updated with the latest software, whenever it becomes available
on this website (please refer to the Software section
for latest details).
This adapter cable allows easy, safe and low-cost connection of an Actisense
NMEA product to a laptop or PC, by matching
a standard RS232 D-type 9-pin serial port to an NMEA 0183 type marine bus
link.
It needs no external power supply as the interface takes all the power
it needs from the computer port. Once the cable is wired to the NMEA interface
and the connector is plugged into the computer, the Actisense product
will be ready to be reprogrammed.
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This adapter contains a full RS485 (automatic) bi-directional interface
using just 2 wires. With built in protection against electrostatic discharge
(up to 3000 volts), this does not provide the complete protection of the
Opto-isolator product, as the ground connection is still common between
input and output. However, it will protect a computer against most
common noise spikes present on a boats wiring network.
Alternative uses for this adapter cable are possible, although only in
2-wire systems that also require the automatic switchover between receive
and transmit modes.
For a more compatible 4-wire adapter between RS422 / RS485 and RS232, with
the added benefit of full Galvanic Opto-isolation, please view the NMEA
Opto-isolator adapter. |
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