Using a serial communications converter to set up RS-485

You can use a communications converter (USB to RS-485 or RS-232 to RS-485) to connect to the meter.

NOTE: Configuring the serial communications settings using this method may cause ION Setup to lose communications when the changes are sent to your meter. You must reconfigure ION Setup to match the new settings to re-establish communications with your meter.

Configure the serial communications converter’s settings to be compatible with the meter’s default communications settings.
Connect the meter’s RS-485 port to the serial communications converter.
Connect the communications converter to the computer.
Start ION Setup in Network mode.
Add a serial site and set its properties:
- Comm link = Serial
- Comm port = select which serial (or USB) port the communications converter is attached to
- Baud rate = 19200
- Format = select a format with even parity
Add a meter to the site and set its properties:
- Type = Device name
- Unit ID = 1
Use the setup screens to modify the meter’s setup parameters.
Use the RS-485 Base Comm setup screen to modify the meter’s serial communication settings.
Click Send to save your changes to the meter. You need to reconfigure ION Setup to match the changed settings in order to re-establish communications with your meter.
Exit ION Setup.

RS-485 port settings

Parameter	Values	Description
Protocol	Modbus RTU	Select the communications format used to transmit data. The protocol must be the same for all devices in a communications loop. ION Setup does not support ASCII 8, ASCII 7 or JBus protocols.
Address	1 to 247	Set the address for this device. The address must be unique for each device in a communications loop.
Baud rate	4800, 9600, 19200, 38400	Select the speed for data transmission. The baud rate must be the same for all devices in a communications loop.
Parity	Even, Odd, None	Select None if the parity bit is not used. The parity setting must be the same for all devices in a communications loop.