The only way to put your async RS-232 devices
on an RS-485 network!
The only way to put your async RS-232 devices
on an RS-485 network!
SmartNode 485
© 2007. All rights reserved. Black Box Corporation.
FREE 24-hour Tech Support: 724-746-5500
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FEA TURES
• Poll “dumb” RS-232 devices on your
multidrop RS-485 line.
• Place your RS-232 devices up to 5000 ft.
(1524 m) from each other.
• 253 addresses for each network.
• Send commands to individual
SmartNode 485s or broadcast messages
over the entire network.
• No need to modify your RS-232 device
or your RS-485 line.
Add RS-232 devices to your RS-485 environment or create an RS-232 multidrop network.
OVERVIEW
SmartNode 485 is the first device to allow async RS-232
printers, terminals, scales, lathes, bar code readers—
any “dumb” RS-232 device—to function in a multidrop
RS-485 network.
An RS-485 network consists of a master device polling
slaving devices for information. RS-485 devices already
have the “smarts” needed to follow the rules for orderly
communication. In contrast, RS-232 devices are “dumb”—
unaided, they can’t follow the rules of a multipoint protocol.
And that’s where SmartNode 485 comes in.
SmartNode 485 does two jobs. It converts your RS-232
signals to the RS-485 interface so your async ASCII devices
can operate in an RS-485 polled environment.
It also acts as the address node for your RS-232 device,
allowing it to communicate with a master device on a
multidrop network.
SmartNode 485 lets you combine the variety of RS-232
devices with the advantages of RS-485. For example, the
superb noise immunity of RS-485 enables your RS-232 devices
to send data at rates up to 38.4 kbps, while residing on the
network up to 5000 ft. (1524 m) away from one another.
And SmartNode 485 does not require you to modify your
RS-232 device. Instead, you configure SmartNode 485 for
your device’s requirements through internal DIP switches.
Each RS-485 network segment can consist of 32 devices.
And up to 253 device addresses are available to SmartNode
485s on a network. Using repeaters, your SmartNode 485
network can be as complex as your application demands.
SmartNode 485 is available in either standalone or
rackmount card versions. A 230-VAC model is also available.
TYPICAL APPLICA TIONS
Add RS-232 devices to your existing RS-485 network. Your
unmodified RS-232 devices operate along side your RS-485
machines.
Create a multidrop network of RS-232 devices. Place RS232 printers, terminals, and bar code readers up to 5000 ft.
(1524 m) apart. Control them with an RS-232 host controlling
the network via an RS-232÷RS-485 Interface Converter.
SmartNode
485
Logic
controller
Conveyor Lathe
Master PCs
Terminal
Printer
Scale
Bar-code reader
Terminal
RS-232↔RS-422/
485 Interface
Converter
Printer
Industrial controller RS-232 pump
SmartNode
485
SmartNode
485
SmartNode
485
SmartNode
485
SmartNode
485
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TECH SPECS
Altitude (Maximum) — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Leads Supported — RS-232: pins 1 through 9 (TD, RD, CTS, RTS, DSR,
CD, SG, DTR, RI);
RS-485: TD, RD
MTBF — 50,000 hours
Speed — 50 bps to 38.4 kbps
Connectors — (1) DB9 F DTE; (1) 4-wire terminal block
Indicators — Both ports: RD, TD
Temperatur e Ranges — Storage: -4 to +158°F (-20 to +70°C);
Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Power — Primary: 115 VAC/60 Hz or 230 VAC/50 Hz;
Secondary: 17-VAC center tap, 750 mA
Size — Standalone: 1.8"H x 5.5"W x 8.5"D (4.6 x 14 x 21.6 cm);
Card: 4.5"H x 7.3"L (11.4 x 18.4 cm)
Weight — 2 lb. (0.9 kg)
Item Code
SmartNode 485
115-VAC
Standalone IC150A
Rackmount Card IC150C
230-VAC
Standalone IC150AE
You may also need…
12-Card Rack for SmartNode RM010-SN
9-Pin to DTE Cable EHN023
9-Pin to Modem Cable EHN024
9-Pin to AT Cable EHN025
9-Pin to PC Cable EHN026
DB9 Extension Cable EDN12H-0010-MF
• SmartNode 485 responds to master-device polls using
the unique SmartNode protocol.
• Each of the SmartNode 485’s ports are user-configurable.
Set each port for speed, parity, and data code of the device
to which it is attached.
• Use inexpensive, twisted-pair cable to connect the devices
on your RS-485 network.
• RS-485’s exceptional noise immunity enables you to
network RS-232 devices in electrically noisy environments
like machine shops, hospitals, and factories.
• An 8K buffer is available either to store data from the
RS-232 device until the master asks for it, or to spool
master-device requests until the RS-232 device can respond.
• To use a PC in your network, try our PC↔422/485 Card
(IC030C-R2). It fits right inside your PC to enable
communication with RS-422/485 devices.
• To place an RS-232 master on your RS-485 line, you’ll need
an interface converter. Try our RS-232↔RS-422/485
Interface Converter (IC007A)
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED
Technically Speaking
IC150A
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Don’t waste time and money—call Black Box today.
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