ITECH 8500+ Series (IT8511+/IT8512+/...) (also BK8500?)  Serial (TTL) connection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: sequoia
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 10, 2017, 11:56:26 pm
content: Hi,It would seem ITECH 8500plus series DC electronic loads all have Serial interface (high end models have USB and/or RS-232 connectors) but cheaper models appear to have TTL level serial connector (DB9) that is labeled as "COM (TTL)".Do these units support SCPI commands or is it some proprietary protocol? (User manual doesn't really say much)Anyone found specs/pinouts for this connector?I'd assume if its indeed TTL-level serial connector there would be also pin with Vcc output? That would allow wiring a TTL level Bluetooth serial adapter board to that connector and have nice "air gapped" connection to the device over Bluetooth...

author: lux
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 11, 2017, 02:03:56 am
content: Hi,i have a IT8511A+ and the protocol of the units is proprietary.I use this code for python:https://github.com/mattvenn/it8512You can find the pinout here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/witch-dc-load-maynuo-9812-or-itech-8512a/And a bluetooth serial adapter should work, here is an example for the maynuo units:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/electronic-load-difference-between-m9710-and-m9711/25/

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2017, 07:59:11 am
content: I just ordered a 8500A+ (still in transit) , and considered making a DIY IF until i saw this one.For 10$ i just ordered one.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tyco-Electronics-IT-E131-RS232-Communication-Cable-New-/201812099592Apparently someone else also saw this , so no more left.Ps: The pinout i posted in that thread is from a maynuo , i haven't gotten any confirmation that the ITECH is the same./Bingo

author: sequoia
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 04:18:42 am
content: I probed the "COM (TTL)" port on a IT8511+, as labeling suggests its a serial port that uses TTL level signaling.Pinout is as follows:1 = Vcc (+5V)2 = RX (TTL 3.3V) [load receives data on this pin]3 = TX (TTL 3.3V) [load transmits data on this pin]5 = GNDSince port supplies +5V, should be easy to hookup one of those cheap Bluetooth Serial (UART )modules to this port and power it from Pin 1.

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 05:40:03 pm
content: Quote from: sequoia on February 13, 2017, 04:18:42 amThat's basically what I did (see here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/maynuo-m9812-usb-to-serial-isolated-interface/msg1004163/#msg1004163), the only difference is I used a Wifi / UART module. Works a treat.Cheers,Tom

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2017, 06:51:37 pm
content: Quote from: TurboTom on February 13, 2017, 05:40:03 pmNeat trick.I've used ESP-Link , but it looses chars at high speeds (115.200) due to no handshake signaling implemented yetI just got my IT8512a+ load today , still waiting for the cable./Bingo

author: sequoia
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2017, 08:03:52 am
content: Quote from: bingo600 on February 13, 2017, 06:51:37 pmTake it apart when you get itInteresting to see if its fully isolated, etc...

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2017, 07:24:04 pm
content: Quote from: sequoia on February 15, 2017, 08:03:52 amMight do that , if there's no cal sticker on it./Bingo

author: oh2hyt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 04:07:25 pm
content: Has anyone tried how many measurements per second you can get to PC from load?