55TriStar MPPT Operator’s Manual
54
Networking and Communication
Serial Port Settings
Adjust the serial port settings as follows:
• 9600 BAUD
• 8 data bits
• 1 or 2 stop bits
• no parity
The serial RS-232 connection provides a direct connection between a TriStar MPPT 150V and a PC
(or other serial device). Firmware updates can only be programmed through the RS-232 connec-
tion. The serial connection is not typically used for multi-controller networking. However, networking
is possible using a USB hub and USB-Serial cables. For more information, refer to the “Morningstar
Communications Document” at:
www.morningstarcorp.com/support
5.4 EIA-485 (formerly RS-485)
NOTE:
The EIA-485 connection is only available on the TS-MPPT-60/M model.
NOTE:
The RS-232 and EIA-485 ports share hardware. Both ports cannot be used simultaneously.
EIA-485 is a networking standard for serial communication between multiple devices on a bus. The
TriStar MPPT 150V communicates over an EIA-485 network via the open standard MODBUS
TM
proto-
col. Use EIA-485 networking to:
• connect multiple TriStar MPPT 150V controllers on a network to log and view real-time
data using MSView
TM
PC software
• program each controller on the network with custom charge settings using MSView
TM
PC
software
• connect the TriStar MPPT 150V to other Morningstar controllers with the RSC-1 Serial to
EIA-485 Adapter (sold separately)
• bridge an Ethernet connection through a TriStar MPPT 150V to an EIA-485 network
The EIA-485 port has four (4) connections: Power, Data A, Data B, and Ground. Data A & B are dier-
entially driven data lines that carry the network data. Power and Ground connections provide power
to the network. The TriStar MPPT 150V does not supply power to the EIA-485 network, therefore an
external power source is required. The source voltage must be between 8-16 Vdc. For 12 Volt sys-
tems, the network can be powered directly from the system battery. Use a DC-DC converter for 24,
36, and 48 Volt systems.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Tapping power o of individual batteries in a series string of batteries can cause a
voltage imbalance. Damage to the batteries may result. Always use a DC-DC converter
to power the EIA-485 network if the nominal system voltage is greater than 12 volts.
PRUDENCE : Endommagement de l’équipement
L’arrêt progressif de batteries individuelles dans une série de batteries peut provoquer
un déséquilibre de tension. Les batteries peuvent être endommagées. Utilisez toujours
un convertisseur CC-CC pour convertir l’alimentation au réseau EIA-485 si la tension
nominale du système est supérieure à 12 V.
For more information on EIA-485 networking, refer to the “Morningstar Communications Document”
on our website at:
morningstarcorp.com/support
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