Bin Master C-100MB Operator's Manual page 13

Wiring
All devices on an RS-485 network must be connected directly to the network cable with no splits,
taps or branch lines. The overall length of the cable must not exceed 4,000 feet or about 1,220
meters. Use a quality twisted-pair cable with shield and connect as per the wiring diagram in
section 3.5. Observe the polarity of the wiring between all devices on the network, making sure
that the wire connected to the + terminal at the C-100MB SmartBob control console is also
connected to the + terminal on all other devices. Likewise, make sure that the wires connected to
the – and SH terminals at the C-100MB SmartBob control console are also connected to the –
and SH terminals, respectively, on all other devices. Do not connect the wires or shield to
anything other than that specified.
Termination
All BinMaster RS-485 networks must be terminated at both ends with a 120 resistor for proper
operation and reliability. Normally this is done by the two devices connected at the very ends of
the network cable. On some devices the termination is set ON or OFF by a slide switch labeled
"NTR" and on other devices this may be set IN or OUT of circuit through a software menu.
The C-100MB console uses a software menu titled "SB-485 Termination" for switching the
termination resistor IN or OUT on the SB-485 port. For the EX-485 port, the C-100MB console
has the termination resistor permanently switched in and therefore the C-100MB console must be
located at one end of the network. Refer to the manual of the other devices for instructions on
how to switch their termination.
Bias Resistors
All BinMaster RS-485 networks must have bias resistors installed or switched in for proper
operation and reliability. This must be done at only one device but anywhere along the network
cable.
The C-100MB SmartBob control console has bias resistors permanently switched in for both the
SB-485 port and the EX-485 port, so for all other devices connected to either of these networks
make sure that the bias resistors are turned OFF or switched OUT of circuit. Refer to the manual
of these other devices for instructions on how to do so.
Protocol
All devices on an RS-485 network must be configured to use the same protocol. BinMaster
supports two protocols for the SmartBob network. Protocol A is newer, more reliable and more
efficient while protocol B is older and supported for legacy products. It is recommended to use
protocol A if all the devices on the SmartBob network support it; otherwise use protocol B.
Depending on the device, selecting the SmartBob protocol may be done with a switch, a jumper
position or a software menu. The C-100MB SmartBob control console uses a software menu
titled "SB-485 Protocol" for configuration between SmartBobs protocol A or B. Refer to the
manual of the other devices for instructions on how to set or configure their SmartBob protocol.
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