TCS Basys Controls QD1010b User manual

2800 Laura Lane • Middleton, WI 53562 | 800.288.9383 | www.tcsbasys.com 202301
|Installation Manual
USB to RS-485
Communications Converter
QD1010b

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Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................3
Material List.............................................................................................................................................3
Mounting.................................................................................................................................................3
Connecting the QD1010b to a Network ...........................................................................................3
RS-485 Network Wiring .......................................................................................................................4
Placing the QD1010b on a Network ..................................................................................................4
Testing Communications .....................................................................................................................5
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................5
Contents

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33
USB
RJ12
SZ Controllers
QD1010b
OR
RS-485
UbiquiSTATs / SZ Controllers
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the TCS QD1010b USB to RS-485 Converter! This manual includes all the information you will
need to properly use your QD1010b.
The QD1010b is a compact USB to RS-485 communications converter which enables TCS controllers to communicate
with a PC running TCS Insight software via the included USB-A to USB-B cable. The PC provides the power for the unit.
Use Insight to program your entire network connected to either the RJ12 jack, the RS-485 port, or both. The QD1010b
allows you to connect up to 64 devices on one network. (For networks larger than 64 controllers, use additional QD1010b
converters.)
NOTE: Instructions for the operation of TCS Insight software are beyond the scope of this manual.
If you have any questions regarding your QD1010b or the operation of TCS Insight software, contact TCS Technical
Support at 800.288.9383, ext. 2. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:00 am –7:00 pm (CST).
Material List
• QD1010b USB to RS-485 Converter
• RJ12 three-foot long, six-conductor connector cord (phone cord)
• USB-A to USB-B six-foot cable
• Two 120Ω terminating resistors for RS-485 network
• Two termination jumpers
Mounting
The QD1010b can be used as a temporary or permanent connection to an RS-485 network for programming purposes.
If desired, it can be hung on a wall via the mounting screw holes. When selecting a location to permanently mount the
QD1010b, be sure to allow space for cable connections. Locate the QD1010b away from excessive dust, heat sources,
moisture or direct sunlight. The ideal environment is a server room. The temperature of the room should not exceed 77ºF
(25ºC); proper ventilation is mandatory.
Connecting the QD1010b to a Network
Connect the QD1010b to a PC via the included USB-A to USB-B cable. Connect the QD1010b to a controller network via the
following methods:
1. Via the RJ12 phone jack (cord included with the QD1010b). The cord plugs directly into SZ-style controllers
(recommended for temporary connection only).
2. Via the RS-485 network terminal port,
which supports both UbiquiSTATs and
SZ-style controllers.
NOTE: Both RS-485 connection methods
can be used simultaneously.
Installation

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Installation
4
RS-485 Network Wiring
• Use 22 AWG, twisted shielded three-conductor cable for network wiring.
• Up to 64 controllers can be connected on one network (maximum 4000 ft. of wire). For larger networks, use
additional QD1010bs.
• Network wiring should start at one controller and go to the next, until reaching the nal controller. Use care to ensure
all connections are identical (A wires to A wires, B wires to B wires, REF wires to REF wires).
• Each controller on the network must have a unique address, and operate at the same baud rate.
• Place one of the included 120Ω resistors across the A and B wires of the last controller in the network.
• All network drain-wire shielding should be twisted together and taped to prevent accidental grounding, as more than
one ground path can cause communication failure.
• Connect one end of network drain-wire shielding to reliable earth ground.
NOTE: Do not use more than two terminating resistors on a network.
Placing the QD1010b in a Network
If you are placing the QD1010b at one end of a network, you can use its built-in 120Ω resistor by inserting one of the
included termination jumpers across the termination points on the face of the unit. If you are placing the QD1010b in the
middle of the network, or if you are using an external (also referred to as a “balancing”) resistor, do not insert a termination
jumper across the termination points on the face of the QD1010b.
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
Last in series
120 Ω Resistor
Drain Wire
Earth Ground Earth Ground
120 Ω Resistor 120 Ω Resistor
Resistor jumper
in place No resistor jumper
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
Last in series
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
A
B
REF
Last in series
A
B
REF
Drain Wire
Shield Shield
QD1010b at one end of a network QD1010b in the middle of a network

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55
Installation
Testing Communications
After completing the network wiring and connecting a PC running TCS Insight software to the QD1010b, use the software
to check to ensure all controllers are communicating. Both the RS-485 and USB indicator LEDs will alternate rapid ashes
to conrm active communication.
Using Insight software, verify all controllers on the network are showing up. If a controller is not showing up, verify that the
RS-485 wiring connections are correct (A-wires to A-wires, B-wires to B-wires, REF-wires to REF-wires.
Troubleshooting
This section discusses the most common issues users encounter when using their QD1010b communications converter.
Before contacting TCS Technical support, try the remedies shown here.
If, after reviewing this troubleshooting chart, you are still experiencing issues with your QD1010b or the network, contact
TCS Technical Support at 800.288.9383, ext. 2. Our Technical Support Department hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m.
– 7:00 p.m. (CST).
Issue Probable Cause(s) Solution
Power indicator LED does not
light up.
Unit is not receiving power from the PC. • Verify that the USB cable is plugged into an
active USB port on the PC.
• Verify both plugs on the USB cable are properly
seated.
RS-485 or USB indicator LEDs
do not light up.
• Unit is not receiving power from the PC.
• Insight software is not installed or running.
• Verify that the USB cable is plugged into an
active USB port on the PC.
• Verify both plugs on the USB cable are properly
seated.
• Verify that Insight is installed and running.
USB Indicator LED is on, and
RS-485 Indicator LED does not
light up.
Mismatched baud rates in the network. • Verify all controllers are using the same baud
rate.
RS-485 and USB indicator LEDs
are ashing simultaneously.
• Network communication error.
• Interference from a nearby power source.
• Check network wiring connections.
• Ensure network wiring is at least ve ft. away
from uorescent lights, motors, etc.
• Verify all controllers have a unique address.
RS-485 indicator LED is on
steadily (no ashing).
Network wiring issue. • Ensure that the A, B, and REF wires are not
switched or shorted.
• Use a volt meter to check the following:
⸰Ensure that there is no stray AC voltage
across the A, B, and REF wires.
⸰Ensure that A to B voltage is between 1VDC
and 4VDC.
⸰Ensure that A to REF voltage is between
0VDC and 1VDC.
⸰Ensure that B to REF voltage is between
2VDC and 5VDC.
⸰Ensure that there is no AC or DC voltage
across A to Shield Wire or B to Shield Wire.