Knowledge Base

The comms connector is a standard DB9. It provides an RS232 compatible interface, and is used for communications with a PC for programming and use with SPLatLink.

The RS232 interface is a basic interface with transmit data, receive data and ground. Pinouts are as follows:

PinSignal nameComments
1  
2RxDSerial data output from board
3TxDSerial data input to board
4DTRPermanent +5V via 2.2K (output)
5Gnd0V, signal ground
6  
7RTSRequest to Send signal out of board
8  
9  

The interface has a special design that allows several boards’ interfaces to be connected in parallel, like pin to like pin. This makes possible small systems of up to 5 boards in a multi-drop communications configuration, connected perhaps to a shared modem. Please contact SPLat Controls for information about suitable Firmware to support this arrangement.

See also RS232 pinouts: A primer