Description

The MDR210A-485 uses an embedded 100-milliwatt, frequency-hopping wireless modem that provides communication between a local RS485 network and a remote network of RS485 connected devices. The MDR210A-485 will automatically sense the direction of data flow and switch the RS485 and Radio devices accordingly. The MDR210A-485 can be placed in a network of RS485 devices and appear as a slave repeater of remote RS485 devices or it can be placed in a network of one or many RS485 slaves and act as the RS485 repeater of a remote master. The radio operates within the 900 MHz ISM Band under Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Regulations.

The MDR210A-485 operates at 19200 Baud at either odd parity or no parity. Dipswitches select parity and one of 7 radio networks. Radios operating together must have the same radio network address (1-7 set by switches labeled A0-A2). Select a different radio network address to prevent interference from nearby networks that are not sharing information. The default radio network for Rooftop applications is 5. The user may choose another network address (1-7) if desired. While all radios in a network must have the same network address, they do not have to have the same parity. The parity is local to the RS485 serial port on the MDR210A-485 only. Parity information is not transmitted or received.

Radio network selection 0 (A0, A1, A2 all set to 0) selects a special network setup. When network address setting 0 is selected, the pre-programmed radio network parameters are used. These parameters are user and application specific and must be set at the factory for specific OEM applications.

The MDR210A-485 can also be used as a general purpose RS485 half duplex radio interface operating at 19200 Baud at either odd or no parity (dip switch selectable).

PARAMETER	MIN	TYP	MAX	UNITS
Supply Voltage	6.0	12	24	Volts
Supply Current	70	-	200	mA
Baud Rate	-	19200	-	Baud

PIN	SIGNAL	DESCRIPTION
1	TR-	RS485 transmit/receive negative I/O
2	TR+	RS485 transmit/receive positive I/O
3	GND	Common

MDR210A-485 specifications

The Black Box MDR210A-485 is a versatile and efficient solution designed for robust serial communication applications. This device serves as a serial-to-serial communication converter, enabling seamless communication across different serial protocols. It is particularly suited for industrial automation, data acquisition, and various other applications where reliable data transmission is critical.

One of the main features of the MDR210A-485 is its support for RS-232 and RS-485 serial protocols. This dual protocol capability allows users to leverage existing infrastructure while improving communication distances and network reliability. The MDR210A-485 can extend the range of serial communication up to 4,000 feet (1,200 meters), making it ideal for large industrial environments where devices are spread out over considerable distances.

The device is equipped with built-in isolation, which enhances its resilience against electrical interference, making it a perfect fit for noisy environments. This isolation protects connected devices and ensures data integrity, which is crucial in any industrial setting. Furthermore, the MDR210A-485 supports baud rates from 300 bps up to 115.2 Kbps, allowing for fast data transmission tailored to various application requirements.

In terms of usability, the MDR210A-485 features simple, plug-and-play functionality, minimizing installation time and effort. LED indicators for power and data transmission status provide instant feedback to users, ensuring that any potential connectivity issues can be identified and addressed promptly.

The device is housed in a compact, rugged enclosure that is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, which is a common requirement in industrial applications. Enhanced thermal management features help protect the device from overheating, ensuring continuous operation even in demanding environments.

Moreover, the Black Box MDR210A-485 supports multiple communication modes, including point-to-point and multi-drop configurations, making it adaptable to various network architectures. This flexibility is advantageous for system integrators and engineers who require a dependable solution that works seamlessly in diverse setups.

In summary, the Black Box MDR210A-485 combines robustness, versatility, and ease of use to facilitate reliable serial communication in industrial applications. With its extensive support for serial protocols, long-distance capabilities, and durable design, it stands out as a commendable choice for any organization looking to enhance their communication infrastructure.