PC Connectivity Options...

[pjr300]

Hi folks. I'm hoping that you can provide advice on connectitiy for my controller.

The provided serial cable will not reach my PC, hence I am looking for alternatives.

In its current location, my ProfiLux has easy access to a Internet drop.

My PC is in the room. I could drop a cable from its front USB ports to the ProfiLux for a few minutes, but that will require some cables and converters.

Also, Mrs. PJR300 will not allow a 12 foot cable to be strung across the middle of the room for any significant length of time.

I also have a wireless router next to the PC.

Any words of wisdom?

 

[Tony Romano]

wireless card

 

[AQD_ottawa]

as above WLAN this then opens you up to all the remote access functionality as well

 

[boboxx]

go with the hard wired nic, it changes less and is more reliab (as a technology)! plus it's cheaper.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

You mean the PLM-LAN expansion I guess, yes this is much more for the majority of us that dont have networking knowledge.

 

[Harry_Fish]

You could extend the RS-232 cable as well

 

[boboxx]

yes the PLM-LAN would be the one :c)

 

[pjr300]

Where can ifind out more about each of these cards and the functionality (i.e. remote access)?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

would do you need to know?

They are both ehternet cards so react the same way, one is Wireless and the other is hard wired to your router.

The LAN is very much plug and play and the WLAN requires a bit of support if you are not familiar with network topology.

They both allow the same functionality and allow global access to your system.

 

[pjr300]

Oh! That works! From the post above, I got the sense that the wireless card had more remote functionality.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Nope both the same just one allows the profilux to be sited anywhere within range of the wireless router.

 

[jpduton]

I was going to get the wireless card, but ended up finding an old laptop for less money, so I just setup the laptop beside the Profilux and connect with the RS232 Serial cable.

 

[pjr300]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12511417#post12511417 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Harry_Fish
You could extend the RS-232 cable as well

Great idea!

GHL Team: Can I use a generic serial cable to extend as long as I start with your serial cable that came with my kit?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12515927#post12515927 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jpduton
I was going to get the wireless card, but ended up finding an old laptop for less money, so I just setup the laptop beside the Profilux and connect with the RS232 Serial cable.

Another good idea! There's a used PC store near my office; maybe I'll try to score one, especially if I can't extend.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

You need to use a GHL extender R3232 cable as not all wires are linked the same as generic RS232's, this will be noticed when you try to do an update

 

[pjr300]

I have the GHL 232 that came with my package. Shouldn't I be able to use that in combination with a generic serial cable?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Basic answer, no, reason being due to cross overs and also the GHL one is actually cheaper

 

[Stoneyscoral]

Patrick, I have two 5 meter RS232 coming in next week. One is for me, you can have the other.

 

[pjr300]

I used the GHL serial cable, and extended it to my PC with a straight-thru serial cable ($10 thank you ebay). It works! Yippee!

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Just dont do software updates through a generic cable, other than that your good to go

 

[Harry_Fish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12549022#post12549022 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pjr300
I used the GHL serial cable, and extended it to my PC with a straight-thru serial cable ($10 thank you ebay). It works! Yippee!

Yes this makes total sense as your just extending the serial
port on the PC's end to meet up with the cable coming from
the profilux controller.

If I remember right the max length for serial is 50'

But....

I have run them over 300' using cat3 cable.