m1xrf2h Newbie question

[randytester]

So i finally got my M1Gold up and running (with no sensors yet!).  Got the M1XEP working, the Navigator Keypad working, and now am attempting to install the M1XRF2H for my wireless sensors.
 
Ive read the manual and am a bit confused on the wiring connection,
 
Do i run it parallel to the Keypad and hook it up to data bus on the bottom right?
or
Do i buy a cable to hook it up to J3
or 
Do i have to buy a Data Bus Expander
 
thanks for any help before i blow it up!
 
 

 

[tmbrown97]

The databus has a lot of flexibility... but remember it's a daisy chain with a terminator at the end - so if you just have 4 conductors to the keypad with a termination, that's kinda the end of that leg - but if you have 2 more conductors available, you can "loop back" to the next device - your new wireless expander; or you could use the second leg off the M1 (it can have 2 legs) and again terminate at the expander... or you could invest in a DBH or DBHR depending on the kind of wiring you have in place.
 
It's best to read the manual and try to get a good understanding of how the RS485 bus works on the M1 - once that makes sense, you'll see that you have a ton of options and flexibility - you can use any combination of the two databus legs, a DBH/DBHR (or multiple), you can daisy chain devices off a leg, etc - it's very versatile.
 
IIRC, J3 is just for testing and not intended for permanent connections - it should state so in the manual.
 
The DBH is never *required* - but it does make things easier especially for a novice... the DBHR is sometimes required if you need to have multiple branches other than the normal two onboard and only have 4 conductor wiring to the field... need to assess your current situation to know what's best for you.
 
What do you have hooked up today - just the keypad? How far away? What kind of wiring to it?  Where do you have the termination (jumper at the keypad?)?

 

[randytester]

Thanks Work2Play,
 
Right now the only things i have hooked up to the RS-485 data bus is the Navigator Keypad, its only about 6 feet away right now (just testing, but will be about 50 feet away when installed), and its wired with 18-4 wiring.
 
The manual shows 2 home runs, but then shows 4 devices with the last two being terminated (which i understand).  What im a bit confused about is since i only have 2 devices that are wired in parallel, do i have to terminate each device.   I kinda think so, but there is a warning in there stating (DO NOT jumper terminate these devices, which im assuming is because you can only have 2 terminations total, and they have to be at the last device of that chain)
 
So just to make sure, if only have one Keypad, is it ok if i connected the M1XRF2H 
 
               ---18-4 wiring-----Navi Keypad (terminated)
RS-485  |
               ---18-4 wiring----M1XRF2H (terminated)
 
Thanks again for your patience and help!

 

[RAL]

Yes, you have it right.  Both the keypad and the M1XRF2H need to be terminated if you wire them as you have shown.
 
There are some good examples of data bus wiring in this ELK training video here, starting at about the 30 minute mark.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI5NeNpk5cM

 

[randytester]

Thanks RAL!!  I actually saw that during my research, but it was the perfect refresher