Our USB Converter, translates the RS-485 signal from the meters to a signal that can be understood by your computer and our EKM Dash software. This is an inexpensive device that will work well if you want to read your meters locally (on-site). You can connect up to 256 meters on 4000 feet of twisted pair wire to this converter.
We recommend this USB converter to all customers who purchase any of our v.3 Omnimeters or v.4 Omnimeters. It is really handy for making meter settings (in particular) and for reading your meters directly. We especially recommend it for users of the EKM Push system which cannot yet make meter settings.
This converter uses a chip which is maded by FTDI, which is much more robust, reliable, and easier to use than competing chips. The terminal blocks are tiny, so we include a small screwdriver with each USB Converter so that they can be opened and closed more easily.
This new model of USB Converter has a transparent case, which allows it to show a visual indication of successful meter reads. This is shown with a red blinking LED bulb, that flashes as successful reads are made.
In order to use this converter please download and install the USB driver. Works with most modern (Mac OSX, Windows, Linux) operating systems.
Check out the Communication Diagram showing the USB converter connected to up to 256 meters.
Works with all of our RS-485 smart meters including our v.3 Omnimeters and the v.4 Omnimeter Pulse.
These are very easy to connect and wire up (requires a tiny 2mm flat head screwdriver). Be sure that you have the FTDI USB Drivers installed. Connect a twisted pair wire from A+ on the USB converter to "RS-485 A" on up to 256 EKM Meters, connect B- to "RS485 B" on the same meters.
