Pci To Cni

I have a PC Interface and I really cannot financially justify buying a CNI as well. Seeing that CNI is indead a PCI with a Ethernet to RS-232 Converter (Lantronix), any idea on where I could get a cheap Ethernet to RS232.

At this stage I am even considering using one of my old pcs as an Ethernet to RS-232 converter. Not really a the best of ideas, but I cannot really justify an additional CNI on top of the current PCI. I can see the CNI benefits, but still I cannot justify the costs.

 

the search function works great

http://www.cbusforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=712

http://www.cbusforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=662

Charles

 

Thanks Charles,

I had a look at those posts before, but I was hoping for a small, plug (and play) into PCI with no power cable needs, no mess, no fuss, similar to CNI. Some of the ones suggested in the posts are gigantic.

I guess I should have mentioned that

 

I ended up using a 4-Port PockePad from MultEnet. It works great and I have three ports available for things like a Video Switcher, Russound MRA and one spare. It even has one RS-232/485 port for those funny ones that need long distances.

 

The CNI requires a power cable and plug pack. The best you can hope for is a unit that support PoE (Power over Ethernet) but you would also require a hub/switch/router that supports PoE as well.

 

Gd day,

Just browsing through, but could not help but reply this:

Referring to Josh enquiry on "converting a PCI to CNI" without the hefty cost. We also faced the same problem in Singapore - especially when owners faced budget constraints and we are having hell over water on the type of cost-effective interfaces over TCP/IP.

We are currently using LANTRONIX UDS1100:
- need 5V adaptor and din rail mount kit, but are supplied) infront of the PCI to act as a CNI altogether
- you can use the C-Touch RS-232 programming cable to connect the RJ45 Serial Jack in the PCI and the D-Sub 9PIN RS232 to the LANTRONIX 25-pin via a 9pin to 25pin converter
- However, do bear in mind that you would need to specify the ports to the Toolkit or Citect to access it properly i.e. 14000 -- works like a charm.

Of course in due time this solution varies from project to project due to implementation cost -- we would switch back to CNI if budget allows, installation is way simpler.

Cheers ;-)

Justin Lee
MSN: [email protected]
email: [email protected]