Specifications

Chromalox 2104 Technical Manual 71
Section 9
Digital Communications
The Digital Communications option is provided on
the following controllers:
Model Communications
2104 - ***2* RS232
2104 - ***5* RS232
2104 - ***1* RS485/422
2104 - ***4* RS485/422
The Digital Communications option gives the 2104
the ability to interface with computers using either
Chromalox’s Computer Interface mode or ASCII Line
mode. These modes implement communications that
can address up to 255 Chromalox controllers on an
RS422A/RS485 multidrop line. The protocols for
these two modes are described in the Digital
Communications User’s Manual (P/N 0037-75129)
that is supplied with controllers containing the Digital
Communication option.
ChromaSoft™
If a prepackaged software program is preferred for
multidrop digital communication with up to 255
Chromalox controllers, Chromalox offers ChromaSoft
remote operator interface software. ChromaSoft is
DOS-based and communicates with the controllers via
a serial interface port. Instructions for using
ChromaSoft are given in the User’s Manual provided
with the software.
Hardware Setup
RS232 can be used to connect a computer or modem
to a single 2104 controller. RS232 lines can be run
over distances up to 50 feet.
RS422 and RS485 provide multidrop network
communications where up to 255 controllers can
communicate with a single computer at a distance of
up to 4000 feet.