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SCN5 / SCN6 Hardware Thread

Discussion in 'SimTools compatible interfaces' started by egoexpress, Sep 29, 2008.

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  1. egoexpress

    egoexpress Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    Let's wait how well those converters work, which Ferrari_man and Thanos ordered...
  2. Fahim

    Fahim Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    Dear sirs,


    Do you mean this type of adaptor?
    This is just for reference to people who might be new to the forum.

    Kind Regards.

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  3. egoexpress

    egoexpress Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    @Sirnoname
    Yes, it is right, that one will achieve more outputs/sec with a second pc. I am just trying to tell you guys, that we will be able to deliver at least as much outputs/sec to the SCN5 with a single computer as Frex does.

    But sure, a second controlling pc for additional performance will be an option still, but not neccessary to get a good result.

    However, working out profiles with a single pc is really annoying sometimes, as most games switch into pause mode when clicking outside their active window.

    Regards
    Christian
  4. egoexpress

    egoexpress Active Member

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  5. Fahim

    Fahim Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    Dear sirs,

    This concerned me slightly.
    The cheap adaptors from Ebay are usb...

    I think maybe it is all about try and testing.
    Maybe they work for some as good as NON USB. Will not work for others as PC's all differ.

    hmmm....

    Kind Regards.
  6. tronicgr

    tronicgr

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    Wow!! You received it already!!???? :eek: NICE!! I wish my postal service was that fast too!!!! :lol:

    Anyway, Did you tested the pull-up, pull-down jumpers as well? They suppose to clean the signal in some cases and maybe will allow you achieve faster outputs.

    Also try setting the com port that it create in Serial printer mode. It will be faster and more precise in timing then for sure!

    The PCB layout photo on the first page is old and needs some repair. Here is the updated one:

    DIY_USB_to_RS485_v1_1_combined.JPG.gif
    DIY_USB_485_adapter (comb) v1.1.pdf


    Regards, Thanos
  7. Mr Burns

    Mr Burns New Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    :D
    So, these can be found on ebay from the US for $7 and are auto with good response. I would say they are good if self-making is not an option.

  8. egoexpress

    egoexpress Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    Great!

    I think the serial printer option would stabilize Mr.Burns converter with his own pc as well.

    So in the end, buy that converter whose pcb color you like the most :D
    They work all. Even the 7Dollar ones at ebay, or the DIY ones.
  9. bvillersjr

    bvillersjr Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread


    Did you use the Beta Version or the WHQL version of the FTDI driver?
  10. bvillersjr

    bvillersjr Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread


    If you are using the FT232R chip, then your drivers are old. The latest stable release is 2.04.06 and the current Beta release is 2.04.14

    The most recent drivers for any OS can be found here. http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.

    @SirNoName - I hope this doesnt distract you from investigating the SCN5 Plugin issue....lol ;)
  11. njracer

    njracer Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    hey guys, i ordered the cables with my scn5's and there are 2 cables in one. i know i saw something about that here but idk where i saw it and everything is kinda all over the place and hard to find. can i just use this one cable for both, powering and sending the data to the converter? it has two separate cables in one, 1 cable with 4 wires, and one can with 10 both going to one same 14 pin socket that attaches to the scn5. i only saw the the diagram of how to wire the 2 seperately, does anyone know the layout it would need to be to just use this one cable if its possible?

    thanks
    dave
  12. Mr Burns

    Mr Burns New Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    Yes you can. The cables are one thick with many wires and another one with 4 wires. The one with 4 wires (thin) are red,black,green and white. Connect red to +24V 2A, black to ground, and don't use the other two.
    The thick cable has many wires for controlling the scn from industrial panels and such. You need to connect the brown to +24V to have the scn5 work and put a killswitch on it (and a resistor). If you cut the 24V on this wire from the kill switch it will stop your actuator in case of emergency.

    If you use 2 power supplies how to connect them is here post11170.html#p11170
    If you use a single one the connection picture is on the first page of this thread.
    The manual for the scn5 is here http://www.automation4less.com/pdfs/cyloperationman.pdf (has the wires, voltage requirements and so on)
  13. njracer

    njracer Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    thanks mr burns, gonna try and wire these up in a little bit
  14. Mr Burns

    Mr Burns New Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    You can't connect the adapters (rs485-rs232-usb) with these wires, they are all for power. Unless you also have something else that they sell for connecting the adapters.
  15. njracer

    njracer Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    yeah i was just gonna write that i didn't see this in the manual, i was dumb for buying these cables, i should've just made my own. i might just do that instead of even usuing these cables, they are big and bulky and don't even need all these wires.

    thanks mr burns, i'll use 2 separate cables for powering and sending data.
  16. Mr Burns

    Mr Burns New Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    If you already have the power wires use them and if something breaks they can't blame it on you making power wires. You can roll them all up and zip-tie them together when you have everything in place. Unless you can get your money back. No matter what don't cut the ends of the scn5 connectors, make adapter wires.

  17. bvillersjr

    bvillersjr Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    I made my own single cable that connects inside the plastic cover on the actuator. I think it looks alot neater this way. Inside the plastic cover they have two plugs that you would need to purchase in order to make your own single cable. If you do this, you will still be able to re-connect your original cables in the event of a warrantly issue. :D
  18. Mr Burns

    Mr Burns New Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    I switched the generic $2 usb-serial cable with 2 usb-serial cables with Prolific chips in them (more expensive, $9 or so each) and now both adapters are constantly doing 205 outputs and the strange difference between them is gone (one 166, one 200). I downloaded and installed the lastest driver from the prolific webpage and use windows xp. On the webpage it says they don't have a driver for vista, don't know why - but I was able to find one with google.
  19. bvillersjr

    bvillersjr Active Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    @Mr Burns. Do you have a link to the adapters that you are referring to?
  20. Mr Burns

    Mr Burns New Member

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    Re: SCN5 Hardware Thread

    They are the same ones, I only changed the cables. Search ebay for Hexin rs232 usb (the adapter) and usb-serial prolific (for the cables).
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