SparkFun USB to RS-485 Converter
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Connect a computer to an RS-485 experiment without first building a USB interface. This converter combines an FT232RL USB UART with an SP3485 transceiver and exposes several connection styles. It is useful for robot telemetry benches, actuator-bus experiments and lessons in half-duplex communication. Students can inspect request and response timing, then investigate termination and bus wiring. The electrical interface does not supply a device-specific protocol, so software must still match the equipment being connected.
Before you buy
Install the appropriate USB drivers and review bus wiring, termination and ground/reference arrangements. An RJ-45 connector here does not mean Ethernet.
SparkFun SKU: BOB-09822 · Category: Communications & connectivity
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Official product specifications and documentation
EAR summary based on supplier documentation; this is not a hands-on review. Product identity rechecked during the October 25, 2026 sprint. SparkFun Originals eligibility evidence was recorded October 17, 2026. Affiliate eligibility remains subject to SparkFun's program terms.