User manual

51TriStar MPPT Operator’s Manual

5.4 EIA-485 (formerly RS-485)

NOTE:

The EIA-485 connection is only available on the TS-MPPT-60 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 communicates over an EIA-485 network via the open standard MODBUS

protocol. Use EIA-485 networking to:

• connect multiple TriStar MPPT controllers on a network to log and view real-time data us-

ing MSView

PC software

• program each controller on the network with custom charge settings using MSView

software

• connect the TriStar MPPT to other Morningstar controllers with the RSC-1 Serial to EIA-

485 Adapter (sold separately)

• bridge an Ethernet connection through a TriStar MPPT to an EIA-485 network

The EIA-485 port has four (4) connections: Power, Data A, Data B, and Ground. Data A & B are

differentially driven data lines that carry the network data. Power and Ground connections pro-

vide power to the network. The TriStar MPPT 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 systems, 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 off 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 Docu-

ment” on our website at:

HTTP://www.morningstarcorp.com/