Will this cheapo serial to ethernet adaptor work?

[rdmpe]

I have a cable that is ethernet on one end and serial db9 on the other. It came with a router, so that the router could be accessed for initial setup. Can this work with the AC Jr for connection direcly to a PC?

 

[bbeck4x4]

there is a connector that will take a db9 connector to ethernet cable, I used two this week, for a 50 foot run, but you of course need two.

that cable might work but you would still need a adaptor to convert back to db9 at the other end.

you also want a straight through connector.

 

[Lutefisk]

I'm not exactly sure exactly what you have.

There are RS-232 to ethernet adapters but they typically aren't real cheap (as in single use for initial setup). What you might have is a DB-9 to RJ-45 adapter.

Are there any electronics in the adapter? If its just a little two piece molded plastic case with a DB9 to RJ45 it's not going to do much for you.

If it truly is a RS-232 to ethernet adapter you'll need to check to see if aquanotes will be able to access it. The typical RS-232 to ethernet adapter requires software drivers for your computer that create a virtual serial port that most communications software can access (most likely including AquaNotes).

Just having an adapter does not create the same level of connectivity as an ACIII with built-in ethernet port.

If you want to go wireless you can try shopping eBay for the serial to ethernet adapters or serial to Bluetooth adapters.

Paul

 

[rdmpe]

What I have is just a wire with a db9 at one end and an rj 45 at the other but with no electronics. So it sounds like it is not going to work. Thanks for the info though. I think I'll just have to go with a serial to usb. Saw them at radio shack for $35...

 

[bbeck4x4]

what is the max length that usb can be run? it is in the range of 18' right, I needed 50' my setup works, but I'm getting the ground loop problem.

 

[Lutefisk]

I'd run the distance with the RS-232 side of the link and add an opto-isolator ( http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=NS7115 ). RS- 232, with suitable cable, can run 50' no problem.

Or, I'd try Blue Tooth to serial (Something like this - I haven't used this one so no promises from me ;-) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16833139008). Of course you would need a Bluetooth adapter on your PC as well.

Paul

 

[rdmpe]

I got my setup running with the radioshack usb-serial adapter. Hopefully I didn't get totally ripped off for $35. I did some searching around and didn't find anything too much cheaper.

Does the ground loop problem develop right away or does it show up after some rough length of time? Right now I don't notice any difference in readings if my computer is connected vs. if it is not.

BTW Lutefisk, you and I are neighbors - I'm also in Oviedo...

 

[Lutefisk]

Randy,

I didn't remember you were in Oviedo. I think you picked up some MgCl from me.

The ground loop problem should show up right away. So, if you don't have a problem now you're probably in the clear.

Don't get too worried about getting ripped off on the adapter. I never seen them really cheap.

I splurged and got the AquaController III and part of the reason was getting the ethernet port.

Paul

 

[rdmpe]

Hey that's right - now I remember you. I'm still using that MgCl - thanks for helping me out with that! Thanks for the info on the ground loop problem - looks like I'm OK then...

 

[bbeck4x4]

hey, that is a good idea, right now I have a serial to ethernet adaptor (hard wired) then the 50" of ethernet cable then the connectors to get back to serial, bet I could just add that adapror to the pc end of this. I'll try it..

 

[bbeck4x4]

still have the ground loop problem even with the serial to usb adaptor, any solutions for this?

is there a different way that I can route wires to minimize interference?

 

[rdmpe]

There is a ground isolator that goes on the db9 end of your serial cable, you can get it from Neptune.

 

[bbeck4x4]

Thanks, I knew about it, I was hoping to avoid needing it, I thought that it was for extreme cases, not every case

I guess, I'll have to either get it or live with the problem

great controller love it otherwise.