Which USB to RS232 converter please?

dadamszim
dadamszim Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 4

Greetings all.

I've now bought FOUR different USB to RS232 adapters so I can update the firmware on my TS MPPT-60-150's and so far NONE of them have worked. All that's available in my part of the world is cheap Chinese crap.

So, I need to order off Amazon.

Please could someone let me know which model USB-RS232 converter actually works with the TS-MPPT-60-150 so I can order it and get my firmware upgraded. It's driving me nuts!


Thanks in advance for the help.


Dave

Comments

  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    This is the one that will work, not sure if you'll find it on Amazon though 
    https://www.solar-electric.com/morningstar-umc-1-usb-meterbus-adapter.html
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • dadamszim
    dadamszim Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 4
    mcgivor said:
    This is the one that will work, not sure if you'll find it on Amazon though 
    https://www.solar-electric.com/morningstar-umc-1-usb-meterbus-adapter.html

    Thanks for replying but I'm not sure that will work. Morningstar MPPT-60's can only have their firmware upgraded through the serial / RS232 port.
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is the manual the RS 232 adapter recommended is on page 11, hope this is helpful 

    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • mike_s
    mike_s Registered Users Posts: 155 ✭✭
    I've had good luck with one of these. I use it with a Morningstar MSC (among other things).
  • dadamszim
    dadamszim Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 4
    mike_s said:
    I've had good luck with one of these. I use it with a Morningstar MSC (among other things).

    Thank you very much for the info Mike :-)
  • dadamszim
    dadamszim Registered Users, Users Awaiting Email Confirmation Posts: 4
    mcgivor said:
    Here is the manual the RS 232 adapter recommended is on page 11, hope this is helpful 


    Thank you, it is helpful :-)
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2018 #8
    I use the Morningstar Recommended adapter :
    TrippLite U209-000-R   It has the proper DC-DC converter internally to power the 12V for RS232, from the USB power source.


    http://www.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/MS-Comm-Document-2010.pdf
    Page 12 is USB-Serial
    It has been reported that some USB to Serial adapters will not
    work with either the MSC or our controllers.
     This is usually due to the adapter output voltage being below the
    RS-232 electrical specification. Section 11.0 Troubleshooting explains this further.
    Recommended:  Tripp Lite USB / Serial DB-9 Adapter: Tripp Lite U209-000-R

    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,