Serial A/B switch?

[PaulD]

Is there any software driven A/B switch for a serial connection that I can drive from my PC?

I want to hook up a Rain8Net irrigation control to my Omni Pro II via a serial connection for normal operation but I would like the ability to go to my PC and switch the Rain8Net serial conection over to my PC via an A/B switch....without manually moving the wire for the serial connection.. My objective is to allow me to switch the Rain8Net over to my PC when I want to reconfigure the Rain8Net or use a PC based set of software for irrigation activities. If there is no possible via the PC, I will go after a mannual A/B switch but I was hoping to come up with a more "elegant" solution to make it easier to pass the WAF test.

 

[electron]

I would like to know this answer as well. The only thing I can think of right now is an IP based solution (i.e., using those Elk RS232-IP interface, which now support both client and server mode).

 

[PaulD]

Actually I know they do exist because I found one for about $260...which is too pricy when compared to a manual switch for under $20. The one I found was triggered by a relay so it would be easy to drive from any HA system. I was hoping someone could tell me about a less expensive solution.

 

[TonyNo]

Here's one for $159. The 232MSS2.

http://www.bb-elec.com/product_family.asp?...p;TrailType=Top

If your application is only one-way, you could just make/buy a t-adapter.

http://www.bb-elec.com/product_family.asp?...ub&Trail=93

 

[PaulD]

Not sure that would work for me. Looks like those solutions are geared toward one computer talking concurrently to multiple devices. I need to connect one device to 2 computers...but only one active at a time. I want to select which computer is talking to the device. Looks like a manual switch is where I am headed.

 

[sda]

Not sure that would work for me. Looks like those solutions are geared toward one computer talking concurrently to multiple devices. I need to connect one device to 2 computers...but only one active at a time. I want to select which computer is talking to the device. Looks like a manual switch is where I am headed.

A relay board with SPDT relays might work. Hook each data line to a relay with the Rain8 as the common. I can't see how this would be any different than any other automated switch. You'll either need to switch all the relays individually, or make one relay the master and have it control the data line slaves.

You'll need to look at the RS232 interface specs of each device to determine what lines it uses and how many relays you'll need. You may only need 3 relays for TD/RD/GND.

If you can get away with 4 lines or less, a hobby boards 1-wire USB adapter and 4 port relay will set you back about $75.

For that matter, could you use a relay board on the Omni itself to do the switching and have the PC tell the Omni to switch back and forth?

 

[Directfreak]

Why don't you just add an RS-232 card to your PC?

That way you have two ports. One for each system you are trying to run.