Page 26
Networking instructions for the older proprietary equipment
Installing the required USB RS422/485 adapter on the PC
DO NOT USE THE CD THAT COMES WITH THE ADAPTER, BUT
INSTEAD USE THE A3 CD WHEN PROMPTED FOR A CD.
The installation is very easy.
1. Insert the A3 CD and click “cancel setup” when setup starts.
2. Remove the USB adapter from the box and plug it into a free USB port on the PC.
3. Windows will find the hardware automatically, keep clicking next until you see
“finish”. Windows will find 2 separate items when you plug the adapter in, so you will
have to repeat this step a few times until it says that your new hardware is ready to
use.
Wiring the interconnection cables
You will need to wire a Belden 8103 type cable (2-twisted pair, shielded) between the
PC and the first blender, then from the first to the third, and so on until you reach the
end. This network cannot be a “Star” type network. A “Start” type network is where you
have several branches coming out of a junction box. The distance between the “Tap”
and each blender cannot exceed 1 foot. The “Tap” is the location at which the cable
passes by the blender before proceeding to the next blender. To connect the cable to
each blender you will need 1 DB9 Male solder type connector. To connect the cable to
the PC you will need 1 DB9 Female solder type connector. The “Tap” can be made in
several different ways. Some solder 2 wires into each solder cup (this is difficult and
can easily be done incorrectly), while others solder 1 set of wires to the DB9 Male and
connect these wires to 2 other sets using a standard terminal block (4 connections) that
is inside of a j-box. The third method is to purchase pre-made “Taps” from Black Box
Corporation (part number: FA149A, cost around $22 each and can be ordered from
www.blackbox.com).