SPYDER MODEL 7 VAV CONTROLLER  INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
21 31-00475-01
NETWORK CONCEPTS
The RS-485 Standard
According to the RS-485 standard (TIA/EIA 485: 
“Electrical Characteristics of Generators and Receivers 
for Use in Balanced Digital Multipoint Systems”), only 
one driver communicating via an RS-485 interface may 
transmit data at a time. Further, according to U.L. 
requirements, each RS-485 interface may be loaded 
with a max. of 32 unit loads. For example, if a controller 
utilizes as little as 1/8 unit load each, up to 256 devices 
can be connected.
BACnet connections to the RS-485 interfaces must 
comply with the RS-485 standard. Thus, it is 
recommended that each end of every bus be equipped 
with a termination resistor (not included in shipment) 
with a resistance equal to the cable impedance (120Ω; 
the wattage should be in the range of 0.25 – 0.5W).
RS-485 systems frequently lack a separate signal 
ground wire. However, the laws of physics still require 
that a solid ground connection be provided to ensure 
error-free communication between drivers and 
receivers unless all of the devices are electrically 
isolated and no earth grounding exists.
CAUTION
CAUTION
A separate signal ground wire must be used. 
Failing to obey this requirement can lead to 
unpredictable behavior if other electrically non-
isolated devices are connected, and the potential 
difference is too high.
TIA/EIA 485 Cable Specifications
The following cable specification is valid for BACnet 
MSTP EIA 485 buses.
The Honeywell tested and recommended MSTP cable is 
Honeywell Cable 3322 (18 AWG, 1-Pair, Shielded, 
Plenum cable). Alternatively, Honeywell Cable 3251 (22 
AWG, 1-Pair, Shielded, Plenum cable) is available and 
meets the BACnet Standard requirements.
IP Network Topologies
• Recommended cable: CAT5, CAT6.
• Maximum distance between two controllers or 
controller and switch should be less than 328 ft 
(100 m).
Daisy Chain
In the daisy chain connection type, if any of the devices 
in the network fails, the devices beyond the failed device 
also fail.
Suppose there are 10 devices in a network, and device 
number 1 is the client, connected to device number 2, 
and device number 2 is connected to device number 3, 
and so on. If device 5 fails to function, device 6, 7, 8, 9, 
and 10 also fails to communicate with the client device.
In a daisy chain configuration, 100 Spyder Model 7 
BACnet IP VAV and 40 Spyder Model 7 BACnet MSTP 
VAV controllers are recommended.
Fig. 21  Daisy Chain Topology
Ring Topology
If the Spyder Model 7 BACnet IP VAV controllers are 
connected in a ring, you must have one rapid spanning 
tree protocol supported Ethernet switch as part of the 
ring. Spyder Model 7 BACnet IP VAV supports Ethernet 
switch for 10/100 Mbps IP connection. 
The ring topology eliminates broadcast storms and 
duplicate frame transmissions. The loop supports 39 
Spyder Model 7 BACnet IP VAV controllers with 1 RSTP 
switch. The switch manages the connection of the loop.
Fig. 22  Ring Topology
Table 16. TIA/EIA 485 Cable Specifications
Maximum Length 4000 ft (9.6–76.8 kbps) 
Cable Type
Twisted shielded pair (foil 
or braided shields are 
acceptable)
Characteristic 
Impedance
100-130 Ω
Distributed 
Capacitance Between 
Conductors
Less than 30 pF per foot 
(100 pF per meter)
Distributed Cap. 
Between Conductors 
and Shield
Less than 200 pF per foot 
(60 pF per meter)
Daisy Chain Topology 
#3
#2
#N
#1
#4
Supervisor/
Web Browser
Ring Topology (39 controllers recommended)
Supervisor /
eb Browser
#2
#3
Multi Port (RSTP)