Serial Port over Ethernet

[Lershac]

Hi everyone.

I have a question about serial ports over ethernet.

I have two "dumb" devices that have serial ports. Normally The way they work is to just connect a serial cable between them.

I would like to use two serial port -> ethernet connectors to create a "virtual" serial cable over the ethernet to connect the two devices. They are neither one computers in the windows/other operating sense, one is a sensor and one is a control system run by a primitive board (proprietary) system.

Anyone have any experience doing something like this?

The sensor is a mile or two away, but we have ethernet connectivity via fiber between the two sites.

 

[jaysonc]

I know that you can do this with two IP-232 products from ELK. They have specific settings that allow you to set one up a server and the other one as a client that auto-connects to the first.

 

[hucker]

I use Lantronix UDS100 and UDS200's and they do what you describe. For me it is not so much about distance or wiring but about COM ports on the PC. I have network switches with many ports available but I don't have too many COM ports on my PC so it works pretty well. Keep an eye on ebay and here on the boards, I got mine for about 25 bucks each. Full retail is spendy.

I'm using them for 2way communication with a Russound device and 1way communication with some RFID receivers.

 

[JayH]

I've been using Digi One SP's for years both commercially and in my house for thermostats and now the ECM-1240 (both com ports and distance). Check ebay, watch the models (there are several) and like the others are pricey when new. One thing in particular about these is they are +12VDC, so I piggyback off existing power instead of adding a wall wart.

Since your in a custom environment, watch that the 'sensor' isn't depending on control leads for operating power - some devices may handle it well, others not.

Jay