Introduction
RainbowLink-V2 is an upgraded USB Protocol Converter of the RainbowLink series, equipped with 4 independent channels (1 isolated RS485 channel, 1 isolated RS232 channel and 2 TTL channels). The RS232 and RS485 interfaces feature full isolation, and the device comes with a fully enclosed PC plastic housing.
It can output 12V, 5V and 3.3V power simultaneously, meeting the outdoor power supply needs of industrial and agricultural sensors without requiring an external power source. Adopting lever-type quick-connect terminals, it enables easy and durable wiring operations. Both TTL and RS232 interfaces are compatible with pin headers and female headers.
With a driver-free design, users can quickly identify the corresponding relationship of COM ports via the 4 data indicator lights. When the dedicated driver is installed, the port names are directly displayed on the port numbers for straightforward selection. One unit replaces four, eliminating messy wiring hassles.
Features
- 3 Voltage Outputs (12V/5V/3.3V)
- 3 Communication Protocols (RS485/RS232/UART)
- 4 Independent Channels (1×RS485 / 1×RS232 / 2×UART)
- Full Isolation Design for RS485 and RS232 Interfaces
- Lever-type Quick-Connect Terminals for Tool-Free, Plug-and-Press Wiring
- Built-in Short-Circuit Protection and Overcurrent Protection for Power Outputs
Function Indicator Diagram
| No. | Name | Function Description |
|---|---|---|
| ① | USB TYPE-C Port | Connects to PC for communication and 5V power supply |
| ② | Power Indicator Light | 3.3V, 5V and 12V power indicator lights |
| ③ | Communication Indicator Light | 4-channel RX and TX communication indicator lights for TTL1, TTL2, RS485 and RS232 |
| ④ | PWR OUT | Power Output |
| ⑤ | TTL1, TTL2 | 2-channel TTL Communication Ports |
| ⑥ | GND | System Ground |
| ⑦ | 12V | Power Output |
| ⑧ | RS485(A) | Fully Isolated RS485 Port |
| ⑨ | RS232(B) | Fully Isolated RS232 Port |
| ⑩ | GND2 | Isolated Ground |
Driver Download
After downloading and installing the driver, the serial port will display the corresponding port name. The port name corresponds one-to-one with the hardware silk screen, eliminating the need to check each port number individually.
TEL0190-rainbowLinkv2-driver.zip
Specifications
| USB Interface | TYPE-C |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 5V |
| Baud Rate | 2400-128000 |
| TTL Level | 3.3V |
| Number of TTL Channels | 2 |
| Number of RS485 Channels (Fully Isolated) | 1 |
| Number of RS232 Channels (Fully Isolated) | 1 |
| Wire Gauge for Terminal Blocks | 12AWG-22AWG |
| 3.3V Voltage Output | Rated Current: 200mA |
| 5V Voltage Output | This power interface is directly connected to the USB port. Therefore: Maximum current 2A when connected to PC's TYPE-C port; Maximum current 500mA when connected to PC's USB-A port |
| 12V Voltage Output | Rated Current: 800mA |
| Housing Material | PC |
| Dimensions | 77mm×57mm×21mm |
RainbowLink Function Comparison
| RainbowLink | RainbowLink-V2 | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 TTL Channels | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 12V Power Output | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 5V Power Output | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 3.3V Power Output | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Windows Support | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Linux Support (e.g., Raspberry Pi) | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Housing | Acrylic Top & Bottom Covers | ✔ Fully Enclosed PC Housing | Grayish-black translucent material |
| Dedicated Driver | ❌ None | ✔ | |
| RS485 | Non-Isolated | ✔ Full Isolation for Signal & Power | Equipped with dedicated isolation chip |
| RS232 | Non-Isolated | ✔ Full Isolation for Signal & Power | Equipped with dedicated isolation chip |
FAQs
Q: Are lever-type terminal blocks easy to break?
A: The service life of lever-type terminal blocks can reach thousands of presses, so they are not easy to damage. However, the wire should not exceed 12AWG. Overly thick wires may cause deformation or damage to the compression reeds inside the terminal blocks.
Q: Are lever-type terminal blocks convenient for connecting flexible wires?
A: They can reliably connect various wires or wire ends such as solid wires, flexible wires, and pin headers.
Q: Can the power output terminal be short-circuited?
A: Although RainbowLink has built-in short-circuit protection and overcurrent protection, try to avoid short-circuiting to prevent damage.
Q: What is the total power output of the power supply?
A: The total power output of the power supply depends on the input power of the TYPE-C interface. Usually, the TYPE-C interface of a computer can provide 5V 2A output, and the USB-A port of a computer can provide 5V 0.5A output.
Q: Are the 4 data channels independent of each other and can they communicate with each other?
A: The 4 data channels are independent of each other and can communicate independently with USB, but they cannot communicate internally. For example, RS485 and TTL1 cannot communicate.
Q: What if I cannot distinguish which actual port each of the 4 COMs corresponds to on the computer?
A: There are two methods:
- Randomly select a COM port on the computer and send characters arbitrarily. You will see the corresponding indicator light on the right light up, and then you will know which port it is.
- Install the RainbowLink driver. Four port names will appear in the COM list, which are consistent with the port silk screen names on the product.