USG-1-A-485 User Manual issue 1.01.indd
Contents
1. jos m B g aa o Cy Cy _ C1 o O GND SEARCH LTD oe j Figure 1 Inside the USG 1 case Figure 1 shows an internal view of the USG 1 Printed Circuit Board PCB The USG 1 has both micro connectors and screw terminal Phoenix type connectors 1 A micro connector attached to the standard data cable that comes with the USG 1 485 This cable should be sufficient for most installations The colour codes used for this cable are ee ee This cable also has a screen connection This is not connected inside the USG 1 in most instances simply connect this to ground at the instrument end and this will provide correct screening of the signals on the USG 1 485 data cable HABA B A B Z H 2 i Ei2. i EARCH LTD 2006 Oo 4 2 3 An RS485 bidirectional connection Two sets of screw terminal Phoenix style connectors 2 amp 3 in figure 1 are provided to connect the RS485 network These connectors are provided for use when the customer needs to use their own cable 2007 Active Research Limited The bottom set of three screw terminal Phoenix style connectors provide a second set of connections to the RS485 network along with a reference to the floating ground of the USG 1 485 driver circuitry to use where required Both sets of connections provide connections A B This allows the USG 1 485 to interface to various different devices that require any combination of these outputs Both sets are connected in parallel on the board This allows a network to be created by allowing a connection in from the RS485 network and the second set used to connect to further devices on the network Note The connection marked GND on the connection block 3 is not USB or PC ground it is connected to the isolated ground of the ISO Drive circuit In most installations this GND should be left disconnected It is only for use in special circumstances where an RS485 3 terminal type connection is required and is reserved only for specialist installations No damage w
3. Select lower settings to correct connection problems Select higher settings for faster performance Defaults Receive Buffer Low 1 y High 14 14 Transmit Buffer Low 1 YJ High 16 16 COM Port Number COM4 2007 Active Research Limited Page 13 Actisense Troubleshooting guide This guide will concentrate on all relevant troubleshooting issues above simple cable connection faults Therefore the cables between the USG 1 hardware and any other devices should be checked as a matter of course before continuing with this guide Diagnostic LED The USG 1 hardware has a bright LED that can be seen through the case to indicate when data is either received or transmitted It can be used to debug potential problems If you have both a talker and a listener connected then you can analyse which is working by disconnecting one of them or by stopping the PC from sending data Required user response LED does not flash when the Check that the PC program is sending data and that it has opened the comms port PC is sending data assigned by user or allocated by Windows Device Manager to the USG 1 Check that the Talker device is correctly connected to the USG 1 485 that it is LED does not flash when the powered on and that it is sending data In addition the USB driver must be Talker is sending data correctly installed and the PC software must have the assigned comms port open for the LED to flash Check
4. 1 485 solves this by using ingenious circuitry unique to Actisense in its bi directional transmitter circuit Please refer to the Interfacing section for more information 2007 Active Research Limited Solution 3 PC has no serial port Many laptop and desktop PCs do not come equipped with RS232 type serial ports which could be converted to an RS485 type using a simple converter any more The USG 1 485 solves this by creating a standard RS485 port from any PC USB port This port appears on the PC system as a regular COM port and so can be used with all standard navigation and display software Features Standard USB connection Equipped with a type A USB connector to connect to a USB port or hub USB v1 1 or v2 0 compliant Opto isolated ISO Drive transceiver technology creates a transceiver unique to Actisense that is isolated to 1500 volts say goodbye to ground loop issues ISO Drive allows a completely floating output to be created making a safe connection to a PC an easy task You can use the ISO Drive output to safely transfer data to an RS485 device or to another PC The output automatically changes between differential and single ended drive depending upon the type of instrument it is connected to When not transmitting the USG 1 485 automatically switches to receive mode The output becomes a differential input fully compliant with the RS485 specification This allows the USG 1 485 to w
5. Ge Keyboards Mice and other pointing devices Modems 2 Monitors BB Network adapters B 1394 Net Adapter 2 5 Intel R PRO Wireless 2200BG Network Connection E9 Realtek RTL8169 8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC PCMCIA adapters Y Ports COM amp LPT gt Oy Actisense USG COM4 wo Communications Port COM1 a ECP Printer Port LPT1 Processors amp SCSI and RAID controllers Sound video and game controllers 4 System devices Page 12 USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 3 Double click on the port icon for the Actisense USG and the port properties window will appear Click on the Port Settings tab Here you can set the default settings for the USG 1 device It is not necessary to change the default settings here as each software program will define these settings itself Actisense USG COM4 Properties p General Port Settings Driver Details Bits per second Data bits Parity Stop bits 1 Flow control Restore Defaults 4 Click on the Advanced button and choose a different COM Port number if required to make it compatible with the software requiring the USG 1 RS485 data The other settings are already optimised for the Actisense USG 1 and should be left in the default values Click on OK button to save the new settings Advanced Settings for COM4 Use FIFO buffers requires 16550 compatible UART
6. as the PC ground it is the isolated ground used by the RS485 transceiver on the USG 1 485 Notes 1 It is recommended that all device interconnection 2 Throughout these connection diagrams the wire cables used should meet the two conductor shielded colours represent those actually used on the supplied twisted pair configuration specification The shield Actisense USG 1 485 data cable When using the connection of these wires should be connected at supplied cable simply use the colours indicated to the instrument end only to prevent ground loops connect to your network or instrument 3 Refer to the Specifications section for the full details on input output specifications 2007 Active Research Limited Page 8 USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 Connecting to a 3 pin RS485 Listener or Talker IEC 61162 2 O Listener or Talker Be l EARCH LTD 2006 Figure 3 RS485 IEC 61162 2 port connections The USG 1 transceiver can be connected to an IEC61162 2 Listener or Talker that requires a differential drive plus ground as shown in figure 3 The USG 1 serial port will default automatically to listen mode when no data is being se
7. grommets need to be slid off the top of the case in order to access the internal connections You will be left with the USG 1 485 circuitry attached to the base of the unit and the two supplied cables attached to their connectors Note When opening the USG 1 485 case be aware that the circuitry inside is not 100 protected against static electricity Please ensure that when opening the case you use precautions against static damage by only touching the connector block and by holding the unit by its base In this way the risks of static damage will be minimised Page 6 USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 USG 1 connections io fmi E O am aaa mohn N IN A B FI IW E OUT OUT IN A B al z cn 2 BG d ajo hi3
8. ground Logical 1 under no load Logical 0 At maximum load differential drive voltage reduces to 2 1v Output short circuit current note 1 Due to short circuit protection Output current at max load of 100 ohm Galvanic isolation From USB ground Static discharge protection Yes PC Communication settings Both input amp output Baud rates are set saud rate by the PC software settings aou een bps General Ambient temperature 20 70 C Table 2 USG 1 485 specifications All specifications are taken with reference to an ambient temperature T of 25 C Note 1 Short circuit may be applied indefinitely The RS485 transceiver input output may be short circuited directly to a 30 volt battery supply without damage A maximum current of 50mA will flow due to polyfuse auto resetting fuse technology being used 2007 Active Research Limited Page 15 Actisense Company Information Active Research Limited TM 5 Wessex Trade Centre T Achsense Poole Dorset UK BH12 3PF Telephone 01202 746682 International 44 1202 746682 Fax 01202 746683 International 44 1202 746683 Actisense on the Web For advice support and product details E mail support actisense com Website www actisense com Active Research on the Web For specialist consultancy and customisation E mail support activer com Website www activer com 2007 Active Research Limited Pa
9. that the Listener device is correctly connected to the USG 1 485 that it is powered on and that it is set to receive data at the Baud rate of the PC comms port No data is being received by the Listener but LED is If there is a cable problem that has activated the short circuit protection the flashing as PC is sending protective poly fuses will have activated to protect the USG 1 485 from damage In this case remove the cable fault and wait 1 minute before reconnecting the USG 1 to the RS485 network If the error persists the USG 1 485 unit should be returned to Actisense refer to the Company Information section Please contact Actisense before returning the unit in order to obtain a Returns Number Any returns sent without a Returns Number will incur a delay in being processed Any returns that are not found to be faulty will incur the minimum servicing charge Table 1 Diagnostic LED colours 2007 Active Research Limited Page 14 USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 Specifications Fearon Semaine oe u Supply Supply voltage From USB port 4 75 5 25 V Supply voltage 5v no load 40 46 mA Supply current drawn from USB port Supply voltage 5v output shorted 75 80 RS485 Transceiver Input Output Logical 1 2 0 Input voltage between Logical 0 Input current Differential input voltage Required level for data to be detected Output voltage between and
10. the user This is very useful when the USG 1 is working in unison with a software program that is set up to use a particular COM port as the user does not need to re select a different COM port every time the PC re boots or the cable is swapped between two USB ports 2007 Active Research Limited Step by step guide 1 Make sure the Actisense USG 1 is connected to an available USB port on the PC From the Windows Control Panel open the System Properties window and click on the Hardware tab System Properties Remote Advanced System Restore General Automatic Updates Computer Name Hardware Device Manager x The Device Manager lists all the hardware devices installed on your computer Use the Device Manager to change the properties of any device Drivers Driver Signing lets you make sure that installed drivers are compatible with Windows Windows Update lets you set up how Windows connects to Windows Update for drivers Driver Signing Windows Update Hardware Profiles Hardware profiles provide a way for you to set up and store different hardware configurations Hardware Profiles 2 Click on Device Manager and expand the Ports COM amp LPT list by clicking on the sign next to it You will find the Actisense USG in the list followed by the allocated COM port number Peles Device Manager File Action View Help m amp e a
11. Actisense USB to Serial Gateway User Manual USG 1 A 485 For use with RS485 Industrial Interfaces and Maritime IEC 61162 2 connections Issue 1 01 e Create a safe serial port connection to an RS485 network or an IEC61162 2 compliant marine connection that may be on a different power circuit e Provide a fully compliant RS485 port from a USB port e Receive low level differential signals that are too small to be received directly by a PC serial port USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 Contents Important Notices Notices ee Foreword Introduction RS485 amp IEC61162 2 USG 1 solutions eee Solution 1 Ground loops Solution 2 Different standards Solution 3 PC has no serial port Features Software updates RS485 Interfacing The basics The RS485 signals Opening the USG 1 USG 1 connections Connecting Devices RS485 Connections Connecting to a 3 pin RS485 Listener or Talker IEC 61162 2 Connecting to a Personal Computer RS232 port USB Driver Installation Step by step guide USB Configuration Step by step guide Troubleshooting guide Diagnostic LED Specifications Company Information ooo 0O NI ODA OOO KQuuua Wh A A HP A L_a N N gt D A m O 0l 2007 Active Research Limited Page 3 Actisense Important Notices The Actisense USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 485 is intended for use in a marine envir
12. from the USG 1 485 returns back to the PC This link is factory set to no echo Actisense produces a full range of products to solve many marine and other interfacing requirements Please visit the Actisense website for full details on these and other Actisense interfacing products NMEA Multiplexers NMEA Buffers and NMEA Autoswitches as well as Depth sounders The RS485 signals RS485 uses a differential signalling scheme whereby two wires are used to transmit the data These connections will be labelled as either A and B or and respectively depending on the instrument and manufacturer When connecting between different manufacturers there can be some confusion but it is simple and easy to remember A connects to and B connects to 2007 Active Research Limited Opening the USG 1 The USG 1 comes supplied with a factory installed connection cable with tinned solder wire ends Using this cable means that you will not need to open the USG 1 485 case to make your connections If you need to use your own cable Phoenix style connectors are provided within the USG 1 485 to allow you to connect it A separate grommet is also provided for this purpose simply slide it over your own cable before connecting it to the Phoenix style connectors To open the USG 1 485 remove the two screws in the base of the USG 1 then slide off the top of the case The
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14. ill be caused by connecting to this GND in error but it may result in missing or corrupted data if it is used incorrectly Always follow the connection diagrams shown in this manual to ensure correct operation A micro connector to connect to the supplied USB type A terminated cable This connector should not normally be removed it is installed at the factory and is not customer serviceable An indicator LED This LED flashes when data is sent from or received by the USG 1 485 An echo mode header Connecting the supplied link between pins 2 and 3 sets the echo mode which returns all data sent by the PC Connecting pins 1 and 2 sets the no echo mode which is the factory default Page 7 Actisense Connecting Devices O o Q BH EARCH LTD 2006 Figure 2 RS485 connections RS485 Connections Figure 2 shows a typical installation with an RS485 network connected into the lower connections of the connector connection 3 on Figure 1 and the network continuing on via the second set of connections above The USG 1 485 maintains full isolation of the PC from both ground and signal lines The ground GND connection may be connected to the network as a reference ground This is not the same
15. l may not be transferred or copied without the expressed written permission of Active Research Limited Active Research Limited will not be held responsible for any damage to the user that may result from accidents or any other reasons during operation of the user s unit according to this document 2007 Active Research Limited Foreword Actisense recognises that instructions are often skipped so we have aimed to write this document in an informative yet direct manner that will aid the user We have tried to cover all the points a typical user may need to know Please read all sections before installing and using the Actisense USB to Serial Gateway product Introduction The Actisense USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 485 product developed out of the requirement to solve three fundamental problems with interfacing the industry RS485 communications standard to a PC These are 1 Ground loops When the PC and the connected system have different ground potentials or are totally different ground altogether data can become corrupted and permanent damage can occur 2 Different standards When you buy a standard USB to serial converter they normally provide PC standard RS232 port whereas RS485 uses a differential bi directional signalling system This means that a standard USB to serial converter is incompatible with RS485 IEC61162 2 that uses the RS485 electrical driver type 3 PC has no serial port Most moder
16. n PCs do not come with serial ports any more as these are being replaced by the new standard of USB Furthermore RS485 signals are not directly compatible with standard PC serial ports Full information on the complete Actisense product range can be found on the Actisense website RS485 amp 1IEC61162 2 The port provided by the USG 1 A 485 will be referred throughout the document as RS485 although the IEC61162 2 marine standard uses the same interface and the two terms are interchangeable The IEC61162 2 interface is not normally used in a bidirectional mode however and is generally referred to as a three wire RS422 system The differential signalling method and the output driver levels are compatible between the two systems Page 4 USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 USG 1 solutions Solution 1 Ground loops The first problem encountered when using a standard USB to serial converter or a standard RS232 port is that the ground of the PC is then shared with the connected system ground PCs are often powered from a mains inverter generator set or direct from mains supply when in dock whereas the marine electronics are normally connected to the current marine battery set This means that when you connect the two systems together you are joining two different power systems This can result in no visible problems but more often it results in one of three consequences 1 Data corruption the data bec
17. nt from an RS485 Talker to the virtual serial port representing the USG 1 485 on the PC Connecting to a Personal Computer RS232 port It is possible to connect the USG 1 485 to a PC s serial communications RS232 port however the resulting PC connection would not be bidirectional as communication can only work one way either receive only or transmit only but not both It is therefore highly recommend to use an Actisense USG 1 422 model instead using the RS232 connections detailed in that user manual This method will allow full bi directional isolated connection to a PC RS232 port 2007 Active Research Limited Page 9 Actisense USB Driver Installation The Actisense USG 1 makes use of a virtual serial port driver know as the Virtual COM Port Driver to interface between the USB port on the PC and the Actisense product This driver allows software running on a PC to communicate with the Actisense USG 1 as if it was connected to a standard serial port on the PC when in fact all communication is done over the USB connection The required driver installation comes in two separate packages The first driver is a called the Serial Converter which converts the USB data packets to a serial data stream The second driver called the Actisense USB Serial Port makes the USB connection appear as a COM port in the Windows Device Manager The USG 1 with USB connection has been extensively
18. omes garbled as the electrical data signal now floats on a noisy ground current flowing between the two power systems 2 The PC crashes intermittently as ground currents flow across its sensitive electronic circuitry This can cause permanent damage 3 In the case of large ground loop faults some components can melt catch fire fuses blow or earth leakage devices trip The USG 1 485 solves all these problems by providing a safe opto isolated barrier between the two systems Because the signal travels across this barrier as light the signals do not share the same ground and safety is assured as no current can flow between the two power systems In addition a built in power isolator completes the isolation Solution 2 Different standards PC serial or COM ports use the RS232 standard This uses a ground and a receive pin to get data from a connected system Data is sent as voltages referenced to ground on a single transmit line This type of drive is known as single ended In contrast RS485 systems use a differential system where a Positive data line and a Negative data line move in opposition to each other Many installations without isolated outputs have been seen where the negative data line on a differential drive system has been connected to the ground of the PC If you re lucky this may work but if not you will either simply get no data or at worst damage your equipment The USG
19. onment but only below decks If the unit is to be used in a more severe environment such use may be considered misuse under the seller s warranty The Actisense USG 1 485 has been certified to comply with the European directive for Electro Magnetic Compatibility EN60945 and is appropriately CE marked Operation of the unit should be in conjunction with appropriate CE approved shielded connectors and cabling used in accordance with the CE directive EN60945 Any EMC related issues should be reported to Active Research immediately to allow the company to rectify or resolve EMC related problems in accordance with its obligations under EN60945 If the unit is connected such that compliance failure occurs beyond the company s control the company shall not be held responsible for compliance failure until suitable EMC guidelines for connection are seen to have been taken Notices When using this document keep the following in mind The products described in this manual and the specifications thereof may be changed without prior notice To obtain up to date information and or specifications contact Active Research Limited or visit the Actisense website www actisense com Active Research Limited will not be liable for infringement of copyright industrial property right or other rights of a third party caused by the use of information or drawings described in this manual All rights are reserved The contents of this manua
20. ork correctly with long cable runs and in a noisy environment Typical operating voltage is 2 0v to 12 5v The unit can withstand 8 12 5v continuously and 40v transients The input is also compatible with RS232 signal levels PC USB drivers supplied on disc the drivers allow the USG 1 to appear as a standard COM port on the PC Low current consumption the USG 1 485 is powered directly from the USB port on your PC so no extra power cables are required Tough Polycarbonate case certified to IP54 Splash and dust proof when used with both supplied cables Software updates The USG 1 has no built in firmware but Actisense will be providing updates to the PC USB drivers free on our website www actisense com when they become available Page 5 Actisense RS485 Interfacing The basics RS485 interfaces are much like RS422 interfaces but with the ability for the connection to be a listener or a talker depending upon port direction The USG 1 transceiver changes direction automatically When installed on a PC the USB driver sets up a virtual communications port VCP on the host PC When data is sent to this port the USG 1 485 transceiver automatically becomes a driver and sends data to the RS485 network Once all data has been sent the transceiver automatically switches back to receive mode In addition an optional link on the USG 1 485 board can be set to echo mode where data on the bus sent
21. s does not guarantee that the driver you choose will be the best match for your hardware lt Back Next gt Cancel 4 The Actisense USB Serial Converter driver is not Microsoft Windows certified but it has been tried and tested for stable and reliable operation with the Actisense USG 1 Click Continue Anyway to carry on with the installation Found New Hardware Wizard Please wait while the wizard installs the software rad Actisense USG USB Serial Gateway Hardware Installation The software you are installing for this hardware Actisense USG USB Serial Gateway has not passed Windows Logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP Tell me why this testing is important Continuing your installation of this software may impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system either immediately or in the future Microsoft strongly recommends that you stop this installation now and contact the hardware vendor for software that has passed Windows Logo testing Continue Anyway STOP Installation 2007 Active Research Limited 5 The USB Serial Converter driver is now installed click Finish to complete the wizard and wait for the Found New Hardware Wizard to appear again Found New Hardware Wizard Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard The wizard has finished installing the software for Actisense USG USB Serial Gateway Click Finish
22. site with your permission Read our privacy policy Can Windows connect to Windows Update to search for software O Yes this time only O Yes now and every time connect a device No not this time Click Next to continue 2 Insert the Actisense CD choose the Install from a list or specific location option and click Next Found New Hardware Wizard This wizard helps you install software for USG 1 4 e If your hardware came with an installation CD lt 9 or floppy disk insert it now What do you want the wizard to do O Install the software automatically Recommended Install from a list or specific location Advanced Click Next to continue Page 10 USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 A 485 3 Make sure the Include this location in the search option is ticked and use the Browse button to locate the USB Drivers directory on the Actisense CD Found New Hardware Wizard Please choose your search and installation options Sm Y Search for the best driver in these locations Use the check boxes below to limit or expand the default search which includes local paths and removable media The best driver found will be installed Search removable media floppy CD ROM Include this location in the search E AUSB Drivers v Browse Don t search will choose the driver to install Choose this option to select the device driver from a list Window
23. tested with both Windows XP and Windows 98 SE For the experienced Windows XP user who is used to installing drivers this section will be very familiar To all other Windows users the required steps are detailed below to help with installation The steps for Windows 98 SE are very similar to those of Windows XP and so are not detailed here The Actisense CD also contains the USB drivers for Windows 2000 These drivers have not been tested by Actisense but should operate in the same manner as the Windows 98 SE and XP drivers The required Linux drivers are already included in the Linux kernels from v2 4 20 and onwards However Actisense has not been able to test the compatibility of the USG 1 with USB and this driver For MAC OS 8 9 and X please contact Actisense for details refer to the Company Information section 2007 Active Research Limited Step by step guide 1 Make sure the Actisense USG 1 is connected to an available USB port on the PC The standard Windows Found New Hardware Wizard window will then appear Select the No not this time option to allow driver installation from the Actisense CD which was supplied with your Actisense product Found New Hardware Wizard Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard Windows will search for current and updated software by looking on your computer on the hardware installation CD or on the Windows Update Web
24. to close the wizard This second wizard will guide you through the USB Serial Port driver installation 6 Follow steps 1 to 5 above for the USB Serial Port driver installation and click Finish to complete Your new hardware is installed and ready to use will appear in the bottom right corner of your screen when the installation is complete See the USB Driver Configuration section for details on how to find out which COM port number has been allocated to your Actisense device as well as how to change to a different COM port and configure the Baud rate x i Found New Hardware Your new hardware is installed and ready to use Page 11 Actisense USB Configuration To communicate with the USG 1 the COM port number that Windows has allocated to the USB port needs to be determined The following guide will walk the user through this standard operation The Actisense USB to Serial Gateway USG 1 is completely USB port independent it can be easily unplugged from one USB port and connected to another available USB port on the same PC without the COM Port number changing To achieve this independent operation plug the USG 1 into each required USB port that you require it to work with in turn install the USB drivers and manually change the allocated COM port number to the same number for each USB port Once configured the COM port number will not change unless instructed to do so by
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