Attempting to communicate with stepper motors with the M1G

[Quixote_1]

Greetings all,
I am looking for help on interfacing some stepper motors that I found online to my Elk in the simplest, most cost effective way possible.
The goal is to control the motors using RS485 or RS232 commands, presumably with ASCII strings. The stepper motors (found here: http://www.anaheimautomation.com/products/...pt=t&cID=50 ), "include built-in microstep driver electronics, eliminating the need for motor wiring and hookup. The 17MDSI series also contains a simple indexer/controller with RS485 communications."
The same company sells an RS232 to RS485 converter that enables you to send commands straight to the motors through a computer's serial port. You can daisy-chain motors from one serial converter and control them individually by using an indexer command in the string.

I would like to know if I can use the ELK-MB485 RS-232 to RS-485 Data Converter ( http://elkproducts.com/products/elk-mb485.htm ) instead of the one sold by the motor manufacturer, attached to a ELK-M1XSP serial expander ( http://elkproducts.com/products/m1/M1XSP.htm ) in order to send RS232 commands with ASCII strings.

This would open up a world of Elk-driven robotics; from motorized spice racks -- think of the WAF :rofl: -- to automated blinds or sun-tracking solar panel racks.

I look forward to any pieces of knowledge you can contribute on how the aforementioned Elk components function and whether or not my plan is even possible.

 

[gatchel]

In theory (Disclaimer) RS-485 is RS-485. The converter should not make a difference as long as you follow the speed, parity, and data format used by the manufacturer. I have used several different brands of media converters in access control and CCTV applications with out problems...as long as you set them up properly. The Elk 485 converter may be overkill. You may be able to get away with a simple B&B Electronics 232 to 485 module.

http://bb-elec.com/product_family.asp?Fami...ub&Trail=12

Good Luck. Keep us posted as to your findings.

 

[Quixote_1]

Thanks. I notice that I can get the Elk converter for around 45 bucks and the one you pointed me to is 80. Is there an advantage to using the B&B version?

 

[Mattbarrett]

It may be possible to communicate directly with the stepper controller since the M1XSP can talk RS485. You might not need the converter.

 

[Quixote_1]

It may be possible to communicate directly with the stepper controller since the M1XSP can talk RS485. You might not need the converter.

Cool. This is this first time I've heard that (though I've just now found it in the online manual). I've never actually attempted to do any serial or RS485 communications on the Elk, let alone any system at all. Based on what I find out here I'll budget myself and order the minimal amount of equipment to start testing.

So I can set an ASCII string to send out through the port of the M1XSP with Elk-RP2 rules, regardless of the protocol I am using? That's great to hear.
Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[gatchel]

Thanks. I notice that I can get the Elk converter for around 45 bucks and the one you pointed me to is 80. Is there an advantage to using the B&B version?

None. I just thought the Elk might be more expensive. I was wrong.