Frequently asked questions

FAQ000220031

30 September 2021

Issue:
User is trying to connect PC Computer to Clipsal C-Bus system through RS232 PC Interface PCI device.  The user cannot establish a connection or open the network.

Product Line:
Clipsal C-bus 5500PC Serial Interface

Environment:
C-Bus Toolkit

Cause:
Most PC's today do not have built in RS-232 ports.  The PC must use a USB to RS-232 adaptor device or cable.    It has been our experience that some of these USB to RS232 adaptors work better than others.  The reasons for these differences is typically driver related.  

Also, it has been our experience that although a USB to serial adaptor may be known to work on one piece of equipment, it may not work on the C-Bus PCI.   For example, we have seen some adaptors successfully connect to a Powerlink G3 controller and then fail to connect to a C-Bus RS-232 PCI.   

Resolution:
It is suggested to try a USB-to-serial adaptor that is known to work with C-Bus these will need to contain the FTDI Chip set.
Cheaper brands on the market do not use this chip and will not work correctly with the Serial Library used by C-Bus Software.

Google Search: USB-RS232 FTDI

This will show results from suppliers such as Element14, RS Components etc, we've had success with these adaptors in the past.  


An alternative resolution would be to use a different device to access the C-Bus Network such as any of the following:  
USB PC Interface 5500PCU
Pascal Automation Controller 5500PACA
Ethernet Network Interface 5500CN2
Mark II Black and White Touch Screens