BLACK BOX IC820A Universal RS-232 to RS-422/485 Converter - Reliable

In this review of the BLACK BOX IC820A Universal RS-232 to RS-422/485 Bidirectional Converter, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a practical, no-nonsense interface converter for technicians and integrators who need a stable serial link between RS-232 and RS-422 or RS-485 equipment. The IC820A stands out for offering solid build quality and flexible power options, and the reviewer found it delivered reliable bidirectional communication without fuss. If you need durable, field-ready protocol conversion with simple setup, this converter is worth considering.

Key Features

• Universal conversion: Converts RS-232 to 4-wire RS-422 or to 2- or 4-wire RS-485, allowing reuse of existing serial equipment across different signaling standards.
• Bidirectional support: Handles two-way communication so devices on either side can transmit and receive without additional configuration in many setups.
• Flexible power options: Can use port power or an external 120-VAC/12-VDC power supply, making it adaptable for bench, rack, or field installations.
• External form factor: The external housing keeps converter electronics separate from host equipment, simplifying replacement and troubleshooting.
• Quality construction: Built by Black Box with attention to durability, offering a product that feels robust for repeated deployment.

Who It's For

The IC820A is aimed at IT professionals, industrial automation technicians, and AV integrators who need to bridge legacy RS-232 devices with RS-422 or RS-485 networks. It is especially useful where a quick, reliable protocol conversion is required without reworking cabling or device firmware.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need integrated surge protection, DIN-rail mounting, or compact PCB modules for embedding inside custom equipment; this external transceiver is intended as a standalone converter rather than an embedded solution.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear benefit from universal protocol support, enabling reuse of varied serial devices in mixed environments.
• Flexible power choices reduce deployment friction when port power is unavailable.
• Solid construction and brand pedigree mean dependable operation in routine installations.
• External unit makes service and swap-out straightforward when troubleshooting.

Cons

• Does not include specialized mounting options like DIN-rail or rack ears, so installation may need extra hardware.
• Advanced features such as built-in surge suppression or isolation are not indicated, so environments with high electrical noise may require additional protection.

Specifications

Brand	Black Box
Model	IC820A
Product Type	Transceiver/Media Converter
Form Factor	External
Total Number of Ports	2
Power Options	Port power or external 120-VAC/12-VDC supply
Conversion Supported	RS-232 to RS-422 (4-wire) or RS-485 (2- or 4-wire)

Our Verdict

The IC820A is a sensible choice for professionals who need reliable, bidirectional serial conversion at a reasonable price. Its flexible power options and external housing make it easy to deploy and maintain, and it represents good value for routine protocol bridging tasks where advanced isolation or specialized mounting are not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IC820A be powered from the host serial port?
Yes, it can use port power when available, or an optional external 120-VAC/12-VDC supply for installations without port power.

Does it support both 2-wire and 4-wire RS-485?
Yes, the converter supports 2- or 4-wire RS-485 and also converts RS-232 to 4-wire RS-422.

Is the unit intended for embedded mounting?
No, the IC820A is an external form factor intended as a standalone transceiver rather than an internal PCB module.