{"product_id":"rs-232-to-rs-485-converter-port-powered-115-2k-baud","title":"RS-232 to RS-485 Converter - Port-Powered, 115.2k baud","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the B\u0026amp;B Electronics port-powered RS-232 to RS-485 converter finds it a focused, practical tool for technicians who need a simple, reliable interface between legacy RS-232 equipment and 2-wire RS-485 networks. The single biggest reason to buy is its port-powered design: it draws power from RS-232 data and handshake lines so no external supply is required when those signals are available, which simplifies installation in tight or retrofitted environments. For projects that demand long run communications and automatic direction control, this unit offers a compact, no-frills solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePort-powered operation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The converter runs without an external power supply when RS-232 handshake lines are available, reducing cable clutter and installation steps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo-channel conversion:\u003c\/strong\u003e It converts transmit and receive RS-232 lines to balanced half-duplex RS-485, enabling communication with standard 2-wire RS-485 networks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic transmit control:\u003c\/strong\u003e The built-in control circuit enables the RS-485 driver only when transmitting to prevent bus contention and simplify wiring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReceiver disable on transmit:\u003c\/strong\u003e The receiver is disabled during transmission to avoid echo back to the RS-232 device, keeping data clean on the serial link.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong distance capability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Depending on port power, the converter will transmit up to 4000 ft at lower baud rates, useful for industrial or remote serial runs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe converter is aimed at technicians, integrators, and hobbyists who need to bridge legacy RS-232 equipment to RS-485 networks without adding a power adapter. It is particularly useful in industrial automation, building controls, and retrofit jobs where space and access for a power supply are limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you require multi-drop RS-485 networks with full-duplex communication, or need isolated interfaces or surge protection for harsh electrical environments, this simple port-powered unit may be too basic; look for dedicated isolated or powered converters instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCompact DB-9 female connectors on both sides make it easy to plug into existing RS-232 and RS-485 cabling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePort-powered design removes the need for an external power source when handshake lines are present, simplifying installs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAutomatic direction control and receiver disable during transmit prevent echo and bus conflicts without manual control wiring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSupports up to 115.2k baud for use with faster serial equipment when cabling and distance permit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBecause it relies on RS-232 handshake lines for power, some hosts without those outputs may require an alternative power solution.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHalf-duplex 2-wire operation only, so it is not suitable where full-duplex RS-485 is required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB\u0026amp;B Electronics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePort-powered RS-232 to RS-485 converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnectors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDB-9 female on RS-232 and DB-9 female on RS-485\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eData rates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 115.2 k baud\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 4000 ft (depending on port power and baud rate)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-wire half-duplex with automatic transmit control\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.50 x 1.30 x 0.80 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe B\u0026amp;B Electronics RS-232 to RS-485 port-powered converter is a practical, compact choice for converting single RS-232 ports to 2-wire RS-485 when you want minimal wiring and no external power. It is good value for integrators who need automatic direction control, reliable echo prevention, and the ability to span long distances at modest baud rates, but those needing isolation, surge protection, or full-duplex operation should consider purpose-built alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the converter need an external power supply?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt does not require external power if two RS-232 handshake or output lines are available; otherwise a powered alternative is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it do full-duplex RS-485?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the unit supports 2-wire half-duplex RS-485 only with automatic driver control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow far will it transmit?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDistance depends on available port power and baud rate; the device can transmit up to 4000 ft at lower speeds such as 19,200 baud.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"B\u0026B Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48667598684379,"sku":"B005X9WQ7I","price":103.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51Up88Slc9L._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1778703025","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/rs-232-to-rs-485-converter-port-powered-115-2k-baud","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}