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General Questions

FAQs

Where can I find software for my Sealevel product?

Dec 9th 2009

Following is a list of the software to use based on product type.Base Part Number RangeProduct TypesWindows DriverLinux Driver100-199, 400-699, 8100-8199, 8220-8239Se … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

Will a standard RS-232 DB25 to DB9 adapter or cable work with my RS-422, RS-485 board?

Dec 9th 2009

No. Standard DB25 to DB9 adapters and cables are made to convert an RS-232 DB25 pin out to an RS-232 DB9 pin out. As such, they do not pass the correct signals throug … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

Do you have sample Windows programs for writing to a serial port?

Dec 9th 2009

We offer serial programming samples with source code in the archive link below.Examples of programming samples include: a simple terminal program; a program to toggle … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

Why do I need optical isolation?

Dec 9th 2009

Optical isolation improves the reliability of I/O applications in industrial, marine, mobile or similar environments, thus alleviating the problems caused by gro … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

What is the maximum distance I can communicate using a standard RS-232 serial cable?

Dec 9th 2009

Practically, it depends on your application and environment.The RS-232 standard specifies transmitting data up to 50 feet at 9600 bits per second (bps). … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

Do I need to terminate modem control signals if I’m not using them?

Dec 9th 2009

It is always a good idea to terminate any unused signal lines. Floating signals can generate interrupts and drastically degrade system performance. The Sealevel Sea … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

Why do I need to connect a ground line when using RS-422 or RS-485 communications?

Dec 9th 2009

By connecting the ground wire, you avoid potential communication problems. Differential serial communications such as RS-422 and RS-485 use the ground as a refere … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

How does the Sealevel SeaCOM serial driver differ from the Microsoft serial driver?

Dec 9th 2009

The SeaCOM serial driver looks exactly like the Windows driver to your application. SeaCOM uses the same API and calls as the Microsoft driver. However, SeaCOM … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

What are some common concerns when installing serial cables?

Dec 9th 2009

Make sure connections are clean and secure and thumbscrews are tightenedIf running long distances, choose a low capacitance cableAvoid running communication cables ne … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

Can I change the COM number assignment for my Sealevel serial card?

Dec 9th 2009

There are only a few cases where you would want to change a COM number assignment. Your application only works at COM1 through COM4 and the Sealevel serial device y … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

What is “Serial Tunneling”?

Dec 9th 2009

Serial tunneling works by pairing two Sealevel Ethernet Serial Servers (located on the same subnet) together by configuring each other’s IP addresses. When one serial … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

I’m having problems with my USB serial device under Windows XP.

Dec 9th 2009

There are known issues with the USB driver built into Windows XP SP1 (Service Pack 1) that affect suspend, hibernation, and restarting. This issue potentially affec … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

What kind of cable should I use for RS-485 communications?

Dec 9th 2009

A good economical solution for field wiring is to use CAT5 or CAT6 twisted pair cable. Connect each twisted pair to the same set of signal pins – TX+/TX- would be one … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

How do you connect an RS-232 serial device that is more than 50 feet away from the computer?

Dec 9th 2009

The most convenient method is to use a Sealevel Interface Converter to convert the electrical interface from RS-232 to RS-422 or RS-485. Use one of our interface conv … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

What are the advantages of using an advanced UART?

Dec 9th 2009

The primary benefit of a 16850 UART (standard on most Sealevel products) is a 128-byte FIFO buffer that prevents data loss in high-speed serial communications.T … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

What are the differences between RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 communication standards?

Dec 9th 2009

RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 are serial communication methods for computers and devices. There are two articles in the Driver Downloads & Software section of the Seal … View More

Asynchronous Serial Faqs

FAQs

I have to reinstall a Sealevel serial product. What is the best way?

Dec 9th 2009

For Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP/Vista, use Device Manager to uninstall the product prior to removing it from the computer or unplugging it, as in the case with USB seria … View More

General Questions

FAQs

How do I contact Sealevel Systems?

Dec 9th 2009

 TelephoneSwitchboard Operator: 864.843.4343FaxMain fax: 864.843.3067E-mailSales: [email protected] Support: [email protected] AddressSealeve … View More