COMPONENTS
MD485
RS-485 Multidrop Interface
Increases
Communication
Options
Adds data link possibilities among
dataloggers, PCs, and sensors
Overview
The MD485 is an intelligent RS-485 interface that permits a PC to communication, callback from a remote datalogger, PC-to-printer
address and communicate with one or more dataloggers over a communications, and digital camera-to-datalogger connections.
distance of up to 1200 m. It also supports datalogger-to-datalogger
Benefits and Features
Compatible with most Campbell Scientific dataloggers Extends the distance between AVW200 Vibrating Wire Interfaces
Can be used with a phone modem or spread spectrum radio for situations where wireless communication is impractical
to extend the distance between the datalogger and PC Internal buffering ensures that data is not lost during transmis-
Increases the distance allowed between a CC5MPX digital sion and allows each side to operate at different baud rates
camera and a PakBus datalogger Includes gas tubes on the RS-485 ports and a ground lug for
Communicates at rates up to 115.2 kbps better surge protection
Technical Description
The MD485 includes three ports (RS-232, CS I/O, RS-485) for con- the MD485 can emulate an MD9, the MD485 can not be added to an
necting a PC, a datalogger, or another MD485. Any two ports can be existing MD9 network. PakBus networking requires the dataloggers
used at a time. The MD485 can be configured to provide transparent to use the PakBus communications protocol. PC400 or LoggerNet
communications, MD9 emulation, and PakBus® networking. Although software is used to initiate and control the communications link.
Powering the MD485
AC power is typically used at the computer site; a #15966 wall Power Cable is required. Phone-to-MD485 and spread spectrum
charger is required. At the field site, the MD485 is powered by the radio-to-MD485 networks also require a power supply with a null
datalogger through its CS I/O port. If the MD485 is connected to modem port. An A100 adapter used with a PS150 or PS200 power
the datalogger’s RS-232 port instead of the CS I/O port, or if the supply provides this capability. The PS150 or PS200 is recharged
datalogger was purchased before December 1997, a #14291 Field via a wall charger or a solar panel.
questions & quotes: 435.227.9000
www.campbellsci.com/md485
Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Equipment
Point-to-point and point-to-multipoint networks use the following:
1. PC running PC400 or LoggerNet software 4. The CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair 22-AWG Cable connects
2. At the computer site, an MD485 is connected to the com- an MD485 to another MD485. Please note that when com-
puter via a #10873 cable. municating at maximum distances and high data rates, a
3. At each datalogger site, an MD485 is connected either cable with polyethylene insulation is recommended.
to the datalogger’s CS I/O port (not compatible with the 5. Campbell Scientific datalogger.
CR300 or CR200(X)-series) or the datalogger’s RS-232 port. 6. Power supply (see page 1)
The SC12 serial cable connects an MD485 modem to the 7. Environmental enclosure. At each field site, the datalog-
CS I/O port. The #18663 9-pin male to 9-pin male null ger, power supply, and MD485 should be housed in the
modem cable connects the MD485 to the RS-232 port. enclosure if the equipment is not located in a building.
Point-to-Point Network Example
PC running PC400 or
MD485 MD485 CR1000
LoggerNet Software
#10873 RS-232 Cable
CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair Cable
SC12 Cable
Point-to-Multipoint Network Example
PC running PC400 or
MD485 MD485 CR1000
LoggerNet Software
#10873 RS-232 Cable MD485 CR300
CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair Cable
SC12 Cable
#18663 Null Modem Cable
Combining with Other Devices
The MD485 can be combined with our AVW2000-series Vibrating housed in an environmental enclosure. The following examples show
Wire Interfaces, CC5MPX Digital Camera, phone modems (including the equipment used for these systems. Information about configur-
cellular), and spread spectrum radios. Field site equipment should be ing the other devices is provided in the user manuals.
Point-to-Point AVW200-to-MD485 Example
CR1000 MD485 MD485 AVW200
#18663 Null Modem Cable
CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair Cable
Point-to-Multipoint AVW200-to-MD485 Example
AVW200 with unique
CR1000 MD485 MD485 PakBus address
#18663 Null Modem Cable AVW200 with unique
MD485
CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair Cable PakBus address
CC5MPX Camera-to-MD485 Example
CC5MPX Camera MD485 CR1000
CC5MPXCBL1-L Power and I/O Cable
SC12 Cable
RF401A Spread Spectrum Radio-to-MD485 Example
PC running
LoggerNet Software RF401A
RF401A
Wireless Telemetry CR1000
#10873 RS-232 Cable PS150/A100
CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair Cable
SC12 Cable MD485 MD485
COM220 Phone Modem-to-MD485 Example1
PC running Hayes-Compatible
LoggerNet Software Modem
COM220
Phone Lines CR1000
CABLE2TP-L Two-Twisted-Pair Cable PS150/A100
SC12 Cable
RS-232 Cable MD485 MD485
Specifications
Baud Rate: 1200, 9600, 19.2k, 38.4k, 57.6k, 115.2k bps Power
Voltage: 12 Vdc from datalogger or #15966 wall charger Standby Mode: 14.4 mW
Surge: Complies with IEC61000-4-5, test level 3 (±2 kV, 2 Ω Communicating: 24 to 84 mW
coupling impedance)
Maximum Cable Length: 1219 m (4000 ft)
ESD
Air Discharge: Complies with IEC61000-4-2,
Dimensions: 15.88 x 6.35 x 1.91 cm (6.25 x 2.5 x 0.75 in.) test level 4 (±15 kV)
Weight: 127.6 g (4.5 oz) Contact Discharge: Complies with IEC61000-4-2,
test level 4 (±8 kV)
Current Drain
Standby Mode: 1.2 mA Temperature Range
Communicating: 2 to 7 mA Standard: -25° to +50°C
Extended: 2-55° to 85°C
If your telephone company has not installed a surge protector, Campbell Scientific recommends connecting either a #6362 or #4330 surge protector to the
1
COM220 phone modem.
2
The push button that allows customers to check/edit programmable settings while the MD485 is connected to a computer may not operate at temperatures
colder than -25°C.
Campbell Scientific, Inc. | 815 W 1800 N | Logan, UT 84321-1784 | (435) 227-9000 | www.campbellsci.com © 2004, 2016
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
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April 14, 2016
