Black Box IC830A Quick Start Manual

IC830A & IC831A - 0610 pg. 1 / 2

Features

• Connects an RS-485 2-Wire or 4-Wire device to your USB Port
• USB Port Powered
• USB 2.0 Compatible
• RS-485 Data Rates up to 921.6 kbps
• Automatic Configuration on Windows 2000, XP, Vista & Windows 7

Functional Description

Universal Serial Bus (USB) has become the connectivity workhorse of today's PCs, replacing the familiar serial
ports. However, many commercial and industrial devices still use the RS-485 interface. To connect these devices
to modern PCs, you need a simple and reliable conversion solution. The IC830A and IC831A offer this solution in
a space saving, USB Port powered package. Simply plug the converter into an available USB port on your
computer or USB hub and install the drivers supplied on CD ROM. The device will show up as an additional COM
port in the Windows Device Manager which is fully compatible with your Windows applications. A one-meter USB
cable is included

Operation

•
Drivers are included on the Compact Disk included with the converter. Simply connect the converter to an
available USB port and insert the CD into the drive. The "Found New Hardware Wizard" will guide you
through the installation process. The drivers are not available via Microsoft Windows Updates. When
prompted to connect to Windows Updates to search for drivers, select "No, not at this time" and follow the
instructions for installing from the CD.
•
When the driver software is installed, the converter will show up in Windows Device Manager as the next
available COM port labeled "RS-485 Port." Configure the COM port for your application. The default
setup is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control. The converter will also be listed
under USB Controllers.
•
To uninstall the drivers, follow the instructions contained in the uninstall "read me" file.
•
Use the IC830A for RS-485 2-Wire systems. In the 2-Wire configuration, the receiver toggles with the
transmit data. Bias is provided by 4.7 KΩ pull-up and pull-down resistors.
•
Use the IC831A for RS-485 4-Wire systems. In the 4-Wire configuration, the receiver is always active.
Bias is provided by 4.7 KΩ pull-up and pull-down resistors on the receive pair. Bias should be provided on
the transmit pair by the end of line slave device.
•
In most applications, termination is not required. If your application does require termination, it must be
installed external to the converter.

Ordering Information

Model Number
IC830A
IC831A
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
To contact us about Black Box products or services:
Model IC830A & IC831A
USB to RS-485 Mini-Converter
Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: 724-746-0746
Description
USB to RS-485 2-Wire Converter
USB to RS-485 4-Wire Converter
info@blackbox.com
pn#8023-rev001