PRECISION DIGITAL PDA1200 User manual

PRECISION DIGITAL CORPORATION
89 October Hill Road • Holliston MA 01746 USA
Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.predig.com
SERIAL COMMUNICATION
CONVERTERS & ADAPTERS
Instruction Manual
•RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter
•Isolated RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter
•USB to RS-232 Converter
•USB to RS-422/485 Converter
•Isolated USB to RS-422/485 Converter
•Trident RS-232 & RS-485 Multi-Input Isolated Adapter Board
•Trident Serial Communication RS-232 Adapter
•Trident Serial Communication RS-422/485 Adapter
•P
ROVUSerial Communication RS-232 Adapter
•PROVU Serial Communication RS-422/485 Adapter

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
2
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice. Precision Digital makes no representations or warranties with
respect to the contents hereof, and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Registered Trademarks
MeterView®and ConsoliDator®are registered trademarks of Precision
Digital Corporation, Modbus®is a registered trademark of Schneider
Automation Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are
the property of their respective owners.
© 2008 Precision Digital Corporation. All rights reserved.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Model Description
PDA1200 ProVu Meter Copy Cable, 3' (0.9 m)
PDA1232 ProVu RS-232 Serial Adapter
PDA1485 ProVu RS-422/485 Serial Adapter
PDA7420 Trident Meter Copy Cable, 7' (2.1 m)
PDA7232 Trident RS-232 Serial Adapter, PDA7420 included
PDA7422 Trident RS-422/485 Serial Adapter, PDA7420 included
PDA7485-I RS-232 to RS-422/485 Isolated Converter
PDA7485-N RS-232 to RS-422/485 Non-Isolated Converter
PDA7488 Trident RS-232 & RS-485 Isolated Multi-Input Adapter
PDA8232-N USB to RS-232 Non-Isolated Converter
PDA8485-I USB to RS-422/485 Isolated Converter
PDA8485-N USB to RS-422/485 Non-Isolated Converter
MeterView®
MeterView
®
Software for Trident Meters
FREE Download available at
www.predig.com/meterview

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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SAFETY INFORMATION
!
CAUTION: Read complete
instructions prior to instal-
lation and operation of the
equipment.
WARNING: Risk of
electric shock.
WARNING
Hazardous voltages could exist on serial communication wiring
networks. Installation and service should be performed only by
trained service personnel.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Table of Contents
ORDERING INFORMATION --------------------------------------------- 2
SAFETY INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------- 3
SPECIFICATIONS---------------------------------------------------------- 7
PDA1232 PROVURS-232 Serial Adapter ----------------------------------7
PDA1485 PROVURS-422/485 Serial Adapter ----------------------------7
PDA7232 Trident RS-232 Serial Adapter----------------------------------7
PDA7422 Trident RS-422/485 Serial Adapter ----------------------------8
PDA7485 RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter ------------------------------ 8
PDA7488 Trident RS-232 & RS-485 Multi-Input Adapter-------------9
PDA8232 USB to RS-232 Converter ----------------------------------------9
PDA8485 USB to RS-422/485 Converter -------------------------------- 10
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW -------------------------11
PDA1232 PROVURS-232 SERIAL ADAPTER ---------------------13
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
PROVUSerial Communication Address (serial) -------------------- 15
PDA1485 PROVURS-422/485 SERIAL ADAPTER ---------------16
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17
PROVUSerial Communication Address (serIAl) -------------------- 17
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
PDA7232 TRIDENT RS-232 SERIAL ADAPTER -----------------21
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 23
PD765 Serial Communication Address (serl)------------------------ 23
PDA7422 TRIDENT RS-422/485 SERIAL ADAPTER -----------24
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 25
PD765 Serial Communication Address (serl)------------------------ 25
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
PDA7485 RS-232 TO RS-422/485 CONVERTER-----------------29

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 30
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
PDA7488 TRIDENT RS-232 & RS-485 MULTI-INPUT
ADAPTER -------------------------------------------------------------------33
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34
Mounting ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34
PD765 Serial Communication Address (serl)------------------------ 34
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 36
PDA8232 USB TO RS-232 CONVERTER --------------------------37
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 37
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 38
PDA8485 USB TO RS-422/485 CONVERTER---------------------39
Description ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 39
Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 40
Connections-------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
TROUBLESHOOTING----------------------------------------------------43

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Table of Figures
Figure 1. General Four-Wire Network Connection .......................... 12
Figure 2. General Two-Wire Network Connection ...........................12
Figure 3. RS-232 Adapter Connections ............................................14
Figure 4. RS-422 or RS-485 Wiring ...................................................18
Figure 5. RS-485 Two-Wire Multi-Drop Wiring ................................. 19
Figure 6. Connections for PDA1485 to Serial Converter................. 20
Figure 7. RS-232 Adapter Connections ............................................22
Figure 8. Standard Modular Cable Wiring ........................................23
Figure 9. RS-422 or RS-485 Wiring ...................................................26
Figure 10. RS-485 Two-Wire Multi-Drop Wiring ...............................27
Figure 11. Standard Modular Cable Wiring ......................................28
Figure 12. Connections for PDA7422 to Serial Converter...............28
Figure 13. PDA7485 Terminal Connectors and DIP Switch ............30
Figure 14. PDA7485 DIP Switch Settings .........................................30
Figure 15. RS-485 Two-Wire Multi-Drop Wiring ...............................31
Figure 16. Connections for PDA7485 in a Four-Wire Network ....... 32
Figure 17. Connections for PDA7485 in a Two-Wire Network ........32
Figure 18. PDA7488 Mounting...........................................................34
Figure 19. RS-422 or RS-485 Wiring .................................................35
Figure 20. Standard Modular Cable Wiring ......................................36
Figure 21. Connections for PDA8232 to serial device.....................38
Figure 22. PDA8485 DIP Switch Location.........................................40
Figure 23. PDA8485 DIP Switch Settings .........................................40
Figure 24. Connections for PDA8485 in a Four-Wire Network ....... 41
Figure 25. Connections for PDA8485 in a Two-Wire Network ........41
Figure 26. RS-485 Two-Wire Multi-Drop Wiring ...............................42

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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SPECIFICATIONS
PDA1232 PROVURS-232 Serial Adapter
COMPATIBILITY EIA-232
CONNECTORS PC compatible 9-pin D subminiature connector (DB9) and
RJ45 (adapter to meter)
CABLE 6' (1.8 m) standard Cat5e cable provided with adapter
DISTANCE Adapter to PROVUmeter: 6' (1.8 m) max; Adapter to com-
puter: 50' (15 m) max; serial interface cable not provided
POWER Powered by PROVU meter M-Link connection
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for Power (P), Transmit (TX), and
Receive (RX)
PDA1485 PROVURS-422/485 Serial Adapter
COMPATIBILITY EIA-422 and EIA-485
CONNECTORS Removable screw terminal connector and RJ11 (adapter to
meter)
CABLE 6' (1.8 m) standard Cat5e cable provided with adapter
DISTANCE Adapter to to PROVUmeter: 6' (1.8 m) max; Adapter to com-
puter: 3,937' (1,200 m) max
POWER Powered by PROVU meter M-Link connection
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for Power (P), Transmit (TX), and
Receive (RX)
PDA7232 Trident RS-232 Serial Adapter
COMPATIBILITY EIA-232
CONNECTORS PC compatible 9-pin D subminiature connector (DB9) and
RJ11 (adapter to meter)
CABLE 7' (2.1 m) standard modular cable provided with adapter
DISTANCE Adapter to PD765 meter: 7' (2.1 m) max; Adapter to com-
puter: 50' (15 m) max; serial interface cable not provided
POWER Powered by Trident PD765 RJ11 connection
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for Power (P), Transmit (TX), and
Receive (RX)

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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PDA7422 Trident RS-422/485 Serial Adapter
COMPATIBILITY EIA-422 and EIA-485
CONNECTORS Removable screw terminal connector and RJ11 (adapter to
meter)
CABLE 7' (2.1 m) standard modular cable provided with adapter
DISTANCE Adapter to PD765 meter: 7' (2.1 m) max; Adapter to com-
puter: 3,937' (1,200 m) max
POWER Powered by Trident PD765 RJ11 connection
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for Power (P), Transmit (TX), and
Receive (RX)
PDA7485 RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter
COMPATIBILITY EIA-232, EIA-422, and EIA-485
CONNECTORS Screw terminal connector and DB9
DISTANCE RS-232 connection: 50' (15 m) max; RS-422/485 connec-
tion: 3,937' (1,200 m) max
NUMBER OF
UNITS
Up to 31 RS-485 compatible devices
POWER 9-12 VDC; 115 VAC/12 VDC adapter included
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for Power (P), Transmit (TX), and
Receive (RX)
ISOLATION PDA7485-I: 1500 VAC between data lines; 700 VDC
input/output-to-power
PDA7485-N: 1500 VAC between data lines only

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PDA7488 Trident RS-232 & RS-485 Multi-Input Adapter
COMPATIBILITY EIA-232, EIA-422, and EIA-485
CONNECTORS Screw terminal connector, RJ11, and DB9
CABLE Six 3.5' (1 m) standard modular cables provided with adap-
ter
DISTANCE Adapter board to PD765 meter: 7' (2.1 m) max; RS-232
connection: 50' (15 m) max; RS-422/485 connection: 3,937'
(1,200 m) max
NUMBER OF
UNITS
Up to 6 Trident meters
POWER Powered by 1 PD765 RJ11 connection
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for power (POWER), transmit (DATA OUT),
and receive (DATA IN)
ISOLATION 1500 VAC input-to-output, TX-to-RX line;
500 VAC meter-to-meter
DIMENSIONS 4.0" x 5.5" x 0.9" (H x W x D)
PDA8232 USB to RS-232 Converter
COMPATIBILITY USB 1.1, USB 2.0, EIA-232
CONNECTORS PC compatible 9-pin D subminiature connector (DB9) and
USB Type A
DRIVERS Windows
®
98/2000/ME/XP
DISTANCE USB connection: 10' (3 m) max; RS-232 connection: 50'
(15m) max
POWER USB port

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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PDA8485 USB to RS-422/485 Converter
COMPATIBILITY USB 1.1, USB 2.0, EIA-422, and EIA-485
CONNECTORS Screw terminal connector and USB Type B
DRIVERS Windows
®
98/2000/ME/XP, Linux 2.4 & greater
DISTANCE USB connection: 10' (3 m) max; RS-422/485 connection:
3,937' (1,200 m) max
NUMBER OF
UNITS
Up to 31 RS-485 compatible devices
POWER USB port
STATUS
INDICIATION
Separate LEDs for Power (P), Transmit (TX), and
Receive (RX)
ISOLATION PDA8485-I: 1500 VAC between data lines; 700 VDC
input/output-to-power
PDA8485-N: 1500 VAC between data lines only

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS OVERVIEW
RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 are standard interfaces approved by the
Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) for connecting serial devices. In EIA
terms, the device (e.g. meter) that connects to the interface is called a
Data Communications Equipment (DCE) and the device to which it con-
nects (e.g. the computer) is called a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE).
The RS-422 standard was designed to replace the older RS-232 stan-
dard because it supports higher data rates and greater immunity to elec-
trical interference. RS-485 is similar to RS-422 but can support multi-
point connections per line because it uses lower-impedance drivers and
receivers.
Line drivers and receivers are used to exchange data between two or
more points (nodes) on a serial communications network. Reliable data
communications can be difficult in the presence of induced noise,
ground level differences, and other hazards associated with installation
of a network. When communicating at high data rates, or over long dis-
tances in real world environments, RS-232 is often inadequate. The
differential data transmission of RS-422 and RS-485 offers superior
performance in most applications. Differential signals can help nullify the
effects of ground shifts and induced noise signals that can appear as
common mode voltages on a network.
RS-422 was designed for greater distances and higher baud rates than
RS-232. In its simplest form, a pair of converters from RS-232 to
RS-422 (and back again) can be used to form an "RS-232 extension
cord". Data rates of up to 100 kbits/second and distances of 3,937'
(1,200 m) can be accommodated with RS-422.
RS-422 devices however cannot be used to construct a true multi-point
network. A multi-point network consists of multiple drivers and receivers
connected on a single bus, where any point (node) can transmit and/or
receive data. RS-485 is an enhanced version of the RS-422 standard,
which allows multiple drivers and receivers on the same two-wire or
four-wire system. The RS-485 standard specifies up to 32 drivers and
32 receivers on a single bus, but with the introduction of "automatic"
repeaters and high-impedance drivers/receivers, this number can be
extended to hundreds of points (nodes) on a network.
The cabling used for an RS-422 or RS-485 serial communications
network should always be a high quality cable such as Belden 8162 or

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Alpha 6203C. A two-wire system requires two twisted pairs, and a four-
wire system requires three twisted pairs (the extra twisted pair is
needed for the signal ground).
Figure 1 illustrates how to connect a general four-wire network (a four-
wire network actually contains 5 wires).
PDA8485
DO
DO
DI
DI
GND
DO
DO
DI
DI
GND
RS-422/485 DEVICE
Figure 1. General Four-Wire Network Connection
Figure 2 illustrates how to connect a general two-wire network (a two-
wire network actually contains 3 wires). Note that the PDA7485 and
PDA8485 have DIP switches that allow for two-wire connections without
the need to externally wire the DO to the DI and the /DO to the /DI (see
the converter section for complete details).
PDA8485
DATA
DATADO
DO
DI
DI
GND GND
RS-485 DEVICE
Figure 2. General Two-Wire Network Connection

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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PDA1232 PROVURS-232 SERIAL ADAPTER
P R E C IS IO N D IG IT A L
Description
The PDA1232 converts the serial output of the PROVUmeter to an un-
balanced, full-duplex RS-232 signal.
The RS-232 port has a female DB9 connector with pins 2 (RX output),
3 (TX input), and 5 (Signal Ground). Pins 7 (RTS) and 8 (CTS) are tied
together, and pins 1 (CD), 4 (DTR), and 6 (DSR) are tied together. The
adapter is powered by the PROVUmeter M-Link connection.
Baud rates are adjustable and handled by the PROVU(see the PROVU
Instruction Manual for more details).
The PDA1232 has three diagnostic LEDs: a Power (P) LED to show
when the adapter is powered properly, a Transmit Data (TX) LED to
show when the adapter is sending data out from the PC side, and a
Receive Data (RX) LED to show when the adapter is receiving data
from the PROVUmeter.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Installation
Figure 3 shows the connection of a PROVUmeter to a PC using the
PDA1232 serial adapter. The PDA1232 has an RJ45 connector to con-
nect the Cat5e cable and a PC compatible 9-pin D subminiature con-
nector (DB9). The DB9 can be connected directly to the PC or by using
a standard serial extension cable.
Cat5e Cable
(Provided)
RS-232 Adapter
Serial
Cable
(Not Provided)
Figure 3. RS-232 Adapter Connections

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Connections
A Cat5e cable is provided to connect the PROVUmeter to the PDA1232
serial adapter.
PROVUSerial Communication Address (serial)
For the PROVUTrident meter the address may be programmed from 001
to 247. The PROVUmeter is factory set to address 001.
To change the PROVUmeter address:
1. Press and hold the Menu button for three seconds to access Ad-
vanced Features menu of the meter.
2. Press Up arrow until Serial (SEriaL) menu is displayed and press
Enter, Addres is displayed.
3. Press Enter to change meter address using Right and Up arrow
buttons. Press Enter to accept.
4. Press Menu button to exit and return to Run Mode.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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PDA1485 PROVURS-422/485 SERIAL ADAPTER
P R E C IS IO N D IG IT A L
DI
DI
DO
DO
Description
The PDA1485 converts the serial output of the PROVUmeter to ba-
lanced, full or half-duplex RS-422 or RS-485 signals.
The PD1485 has a removable screw terminal connector for the
RS-422/485 terminals which includes Transmit Data (DO) and (/DO),
Receive Data (DI) and (/DI), and Signal Ground. The adapter is pro-
vided by the PROVUmeter M-Link connection.
Baud rates are adjustable and handled by the PROVU(see the PROVU
Instruction Manual for more details).
The PDA1485 has three diagnostic LEDs: a Power (P) LED to show
when the adapter is powered properly, a Transmit Data (TX) LED to
show when the adapter is sending data out from the PC side, and a
Receive Data (RX) LED to show when the adapter is receiving data
from the PROVUmeter.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Installation
Figure 4 shows the connection of a PROVUmeter to a PC using the
PDA1485 serial adapter and a PDA7485 RS-232 to RS-422/485 conver-
ter in an RS-422 network. The PDA1485 has an RJ45 connector to
connect the Cat5e cable and a screw terminal connector to connect to
the RS-422 network. Figure 5 shows the connection of several PROVU
meters with PDA1485 serial adapters to a PC using a PDA7485 RS-232
to RS-422/485 converter in an RS-485 network.
PROVUSerial Communication Address (serIAl)
When using more than one meter in a multi-drop or multi-point mode,
each meter must be provided with its own unique address. For the
PROVUmeter the address may be programmed from 001 to 247. The
PROVUmeter is factory set to address 001.
To change the PROVUmeter address:
1. Press and hold the Menu button for three seconds to access Ad-
vanced Features menu of the meter.
2. Press Up arrow until Serial (SEriaL) menu is displayed and press
Enter, Addres is displayed.
3. Press Enter to change meter address using Right and Up arrow
buttons. Press Enter to accept.
4. Press Menu button to exit and return to Run Mode.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Shield
PDA7485
RS-232 to RS-485
Converter
RS-232 Serial
Connections
to PC
R
R
Twisted-Pair
Cat5e Cable to
Meter
(Provided)
PDA1485
RS-422/485
Adapter
DI DI DO DO
DI
DI
DO DO
Figure 4. RS-422 or RS-485 Wiring
Notes:
1. Termination resistors are optional and values depend on the cable
length and characteristic impedance. Consult the cable manufacturer
for recommendations.
2. Refer to RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter documentation for further
details.
3. Use shielded cable, twisted-pairs plus ground. Connect ground shield
only at one location.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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PDA7485
RS-232 to RS-485
Converter
RS-232 Serial
Connections
to PC
Last Adapter
R
Shield
Twisted-Pair
R
DI DI DO DO
DI DI DO DO
Cat5e Cable to
Meter
(Provided)
Adapter #1
PDA1485
RS-422/485
Adapter
DI
DI
DO DO
Figure 5. RS-485 Two-Wire Multi-Drop Wiring
Notes:
1. Termination resistors are optional and values depend on the cable
length and characteristic impedance. Consult the cable manufacturer
for recommendations.
2. Refer to RS-232 to RS-485 Converter documentation for further de-
tails.
3. Use shielded cable, twisted-pair plus ground. Connect ground shield
only at one location.

Serial Communication Converters & Adapters Instruction Manual
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Connections
A Cat5e cable is provided to connect the PROVUmeter to the PDA1485
adapter.
Figure 6 details the wiring connections from the PDA1485 to an
RS-422/485 serial converter (such as the PDA7485 or PDA8485) for a
four-wire network.
Figure 6. Connections for PDA1485 to Serial Converter
If the serial converter is configured for a two-wire network then the re-
quirement to externally wire the DO to the DI and the /DO to the /DI on
the PDA1485 screw terminal connector is needed.
PDA1485 to RS-422/485 Serial
Converter Connections
RS-422/485
Serial Converter
PDA1485
RS-422/485 Adapter
DO DI
DO DI
DI DO
DI DO