USB to RS-232 adapter hacked to use RS485 instead

usb-to-rs485-hack

[André Sarmento] needed to connect a computer to an RS-485 bus. A simple converter can be sourced online, but the only thing he could find locally that was even close was a USB to RS-232 converter. He used that component to craft his own USB to RS-485 bridge. RS-485 is often used for remote sensors as it provides a method of connecting electronics over long distances. The converter which he … [Read more...]

RS-232 USB madness

If you've been amused by the lengths people go through to speak to a serial device these days. [timmeh] just took the cake. He build his own frikkin' tiny RS-232 to USB interface with the diminutive SIL CP2101. The package on it is QFN-28 (If PLCC is Darth Vader, QFN-28 is his mean little brother.) That said, if you prefer to work with stuff that talks TTL or RS-232, this could be a handy add-on … [Read more...]

Serial controlled power outlet

[Alan] sent me his simple rs-232 controlled power outlet. He built it to turn on his laser printer when a print job appeares in the queue. The relay is directly controlled by the DTR line on the serial port. Lots of espresso machine PID conversions use them to run boilers, so he could have avoided the extra mechanical relay. [I can't pick on him too much, my old laserwriter is on all the time.]He … [Read more...]