DRAFT USER MANUAL
PL-485-BT USER MANUAL
BLUETOOTH 4.0 LE TO RS485 CONVERTER
DRAFT
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
CON TENTS
Product Overview .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
System Requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Minimum Operating System ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Windows ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
iOS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
MacOS .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Android .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Package Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Installing ProLon Focus Software ................................................................................................................................... 4
Windows & MacOS ................................................................................................................................................ 4
iOS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Android .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Connecting USING Bluetooth 4.0 LE .............................................................................................................................. 6
Windows & MacOS ................................................................................................................................................ 6
iOS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Android .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Connecting Over USB ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Windows ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
MacOS .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
iOS and Android ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
CONNECTING THE RS485 SIDE ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Operating Tips & Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 7
POWER & CHARGING ................................................................................................................................................. 7
LEDS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Changing the Passkey ................................................................................................................................................ 8
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Regulatory and Safety Notices ....................................................................................................................................... 9
USA: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement................................................................................... 9
Canada: Industry Canada (IC) Statement ................................................................................................................. 10
Built-in Battery Precautions ......................................................................................................................................... 10
PRO DUCT OVE RVIE W
THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THE PROLON PL-485-BT.
The PL-485-BT is a Bluetooth 4.0 to RS485 converter. Its main purpose is to wirelessly transmit the messages
generated by the ProLon Focus software via Bluetooth to a standard RS485 network. This allows any smartphone
or tablet to view and configure a ProLon Control System directly, without requiring Wi-Fi or Ethernet access to the
system. (A ProLon NC2000 Network Controller is NO LONGER REQUIRED for access).
The PL-485-BT uses Bluetooth 4.0, otherwise known as Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) or SMART. It is an extremely
optimized version of Bluetooth, allowing for considerably reduced battery power consumption while maintaining a
similar communication range. Most operating systems (iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows 10) natively support
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
Bluetooth 4.0. However it is NOT COMPATIBLE with Classic Bluetooth. Please note that this converter does NOT
create a Bluetooth virtual serial port and cannot be used as such.
The PL-485-BT also acts as a general purpose USB to RS485 converter. Computers equipped with a USB port will
recognize it as an additional serial port and can use it for any serial protocol or purpose. When plugged in via USB,
the converter is powered by the port and the internal battery will charge up. Please note that smartphones and
tablets are limited to Bluetooth 4.0 LE connections only and cannot connect over USB.
The PL-485-BT is the ideal tool for contractors and end users due to its simplicity and ease of use. The PL-485-BT
can be used as a portable, battery-powered communication tool, or it can be fixed in place and powered via USB
for permanent installation.
SYSTEM REQU IREM ENTS
The PL-485-BT can be used from various platforms, but in all cases, the following is required:
• ProLon Focus Application (free - see below for details)
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE capable (integrated or via dongle)
MINIMUM OPERATING SY STEM
Windows
Windows 10 (Rev 10.0.14393 – August 2016)
iOS
Version 9.0
Mac OS
OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Android
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
PAC KAGE CONT ENTS
• PL-485-BT Converter
• USB Cable
• CAT5 Cable
INS TALL I NG P ROLO N FO CUS SOFT WARE
First obtain the ProLon Focus App (free) from the appropriate source:
Windows & M acOS
From ProLon’s website: http://www.proloncontrols.com/product/10-focus-software.html
Find the appropriate link at the bottom of the web page:
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
iOS
Apple App Store:
For more information, please refer to the Focus User Guide:
http://www.proloncontrols.com/uploads/Focus%20App%20IOS_V.6.1.1.pdf
Android
Google Play Store:
For more information, please refer to the Focus User Guide:
http://www.proloncontrols.com/uploads/Focus%20App%20Androids_V.6.1.1.pdf
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
CON NECTI NG U SING BLU ETOO TH 4. 0 LE
Pairing
Range: 100 m (330 ft)
Windows & M acOS
TBD
iOS
TBD
Android
TBD
CON NECTI NG O VER USB
Windows
The PL-485-BT requires certain drivers to be installed on the computer for it to function. The drivers are installed
on the computer at the same time that the Focus Software is installed. If your computer still cannot locate the
drivers, please direct it to manually search in the ProLon installation folder, in the ‘Drivers’ subfolder.
Mac OS
The PL-485-BT requires drivers certain drivers to be installed on the computer for it to function. The drivers are
present in the installation package.
iOS and And roid
The iOS and Android versions cannot connect to the converter over USB and are restricted to the Bluetooth 4.0 LE
mode only.
CON NECTI NG T HE R S485 SID E
Connect the A (+) and B(-) screw terminals to the wires of appropriate polarity on the RS485 bus, using appropriate
RS485 cabling. Connect the GND screw terminal to RS485 GND reference as needed.
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
Alternatively, the PL-485-BT is equipped with an RJ45 jack that carries the same
RS485 A(+), B(-) and GND signals among the eight pins within the jack (see Figure 1
for pinout). This port is very practical since it can be used to quickly connect to
ProLon controllers that are equipped with a similar RJ45 jack using standard CAT5
cable (plug-and-play). This approach saves time since there is no need to cut and
strip wires.
NOTE: The RJ45 jack is NOT an ETHERNET port. The PL-485-BT does NOT SUPPORT
Figure 1: RJ45 Pinout
ETHERNET.
OPE RATI N G TI PS & TRO UBLE SHOO TING
POW ER & CHARGIN G
The PL-485-BT is equipped with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. It charges via the USB port. It is also equipped
with an ON/OFF button. The switch must be in the ON position for the converter to operate as a communications
device (Bluetooth or USB). When the converter is not being used, switch to the OFF position to conserve battery
life. The converter’s battery can still be charged even when the switch is in the OFF position.
Upon Power-Up, the POWER LED will be ORANGE for a brief period of time (approx. 45 sec) while the battery level
is being calculated internally. After this period, the POWER LED will be:
• Blinking RED when USB unplugged
• Solid RED when USB plugged and charging
• Solid GREEN when USB plugged and the battery has been fully charged
The current battery level can be displayed anytime in the ProLon Focus Application. The POWER LED remains OFF
when the switch is set to the OFF position.
Note: While a Bluetooth connection is open, USB to RS485 communication is disabled. (The converter battery will
still continue to be charged when USB is plugged even if Bluetooth is active).
ONCE FULLY CHARGED, THE BATTERY CAN LAST APPROXIMATELY 15 HOURS WHILE ACTIVELY
COMMUNICATING TO A PROLON SYSTEM, AND UP TO 22 HOURS WHEN IDLE (POWER SWITCH LEFT ON). IF
THE POWER SWITCH IS OFF, THE CONVERTER CAN LAST FOR SEVERAL WEEKS.
THE BATTERY TAKES APPROXIMATELY 2-3 HOURS TO COMPLETELY CHARGE UP AGAIN.
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
LED S
TBD
CHANGING THE PA SSKE Y
TBD
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
SPE CIFI CATIO NS
• Environment: -40 to 85 °C (-40 to 185 °F) non-condensing
• RS485 Baud rates: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 (bps)
• USB: 2.0
• Battery: Lithium-Ion 3.7V
• Antenna: Internal (PCB Trace)
• RoHS
REG ULAT O RY A ND S AFET Y NOT ICES
Model Name: PL-485-BT
USA: FEDERA L CO MMUNICATIONS COMM ISSIO N (F CC) STATEMENT
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference and
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
FCC Warning:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by ProLon Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
To comply with FCC/IC RF exposure limits for general population / uncontrolled exposure, the antenna(s) used for
this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not
be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
FCC ID: 2AK9O-485BT20
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DRAFT USER MANUAL
CANADA: IND USTR Y CANADA (IC) STATEMENT
IC Notice to Users English/French in accordance with RSS GEN Issue 3:
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence.
L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
1. l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et
2. l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
IC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with IC RSS-102 radiation exposure limit set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body.
Déclaration d’exposition à la radiation:
Cet équipement respecte les limites d’exposition aux rayonnements IC définies pour un environnement non
contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et mis en marche à une distance minimale de 20 cm qui sépare
l’élément rayonnant de votre corps.
L’émetteur ne doit ni être utilisé avec une autre antenne ou un autre émetteur ni se trouver à leur proximité.
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
IC : 22455-485BT20
BUI LT-I N BAT TERY PRECAUT I ONS
• Do not attempt to replace the battery. It is built-in and not changeable.
• Charge your converter using a certified computer, powered hub or power supply.
• Charge the battery in accordance with the instructions supplied with this guide.
• Use only the charger cable that shipped with your product to charge the battery.
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