Dean wrote:
How can CC16's be connected to a RS485 network?
Glad you asked!
Sitting on my desk is a prototype of the TL485. This is a simple RS485 adaptor designed specifically for the CC16.
It plugs directly onto the CC16 board's Comms connector, and gets its power from the CC16. The picture shows it fitted to a CC16.
Features:
- Easy to install
- 2-wire RS485
- Up to 32 devices on a single RS485 circuit
- Automatic transmit/receive (line direction) control
- ModBus compatible
This device is intended primarily for Proof of Concept work. It does not contain protection circuitry for use in an industrial environment, and is only loosely mounted to the CC16 by a friction lock connector.
The main thing about this is that it switches from receive mode to transmit mode automatically when the CC16 starts sending something, and then reverts to receive one-and-a-bit character times after the last data transition. This eliminates the need for a direction control line. Because RS485 is essentially a party line circuit, only one device may transmit at a time.
We are in the process of "productizing" this device, along with a companion adaptor for the PC, which also does automatic Rx/Tx control. Productizing is what we call the whole business of documenting, pricing, displaying on our website, etc., etc. If you are in a hurry contact me and we will do our best to help.
