This adapter is used in conjunction with the RscMgr SDK to create iOS apps that communicate with a serial device. It is licensed through the Made for iPhone (MFI) program for use in private deployments under the terms of an enterprise, education or personal iOS developers license. Under current Apple policy this cable may not be used with apps sold on the App Store.
The Serial+Power Adapter includes a power supply and power cord.
Part #: L4-SERP
Price: $99
UPC #: 013964221251
Warranty: 1 year
Length: 9 feet
Serial Connector: Male DB9
Power Connector: DC power jack
(barrel style 2.5×5.5x11mm)
LIGHTNING SERIAL+POWER PRODUCT FAQ
Q: What kinds of devices have serial ports these days?
A: Point of sale devices, scientific instrumentation, data loggers, RFID readers, automobile engines, routers and other networking devices, glucose meters, fire alarm panels, irrigation controllers, weather stations, specialty printers, scales, temperature sensors, flight loggers, satellite radios, ham radios, model cars (models boats, planes and rockets too), CNC machines and more…
Q: What version of iOS is required?
A: iOS 10.x or later.
Q: Is there a way to connect to serial devices using TTL (logc level)?
A: Yes, by connecting an external RS-232 to TTL adapter to the DB-9 connector on the Adapter.
Q: What is the maximum baud rate supported by this adapter?
A: 460 Kbps
Q: How does the adapter connect to an iOS device?
A: The adapter provides a USB A port. A standard Lightning to USB cable is used to connect the adapter to an iOS device.
Q: Why isn’t a Lightning to USB cable included with the adapter?
A: Leaving the choice of cable up to the user allows the user to select the length, color and style of Lightning cable that best fits the use case. Note: Always use an Apple branded Lightning cable or a Lightning cable that is MFi-certified.
Q: What are the specifications of the power supply provided with this adapter?
A: The power supply that is provided with the Serial+Power Adapter is a 12V 19.2W power supply. Many factors including ripple and noise, switching frequency and efficiency were critical to the selection of this power supply. (You should not assume that any 12V power source is acceptable.)
Q: Doesn’t the iOS device require a 5V power source?
A: Yes. The Serial+Power Adapter converts the incoming 12V power to 5V in order to charge the iOS device.
Q: Can the power adapter be used in markets outside of the United States?
A: Yes, the power supply is a switching power supply (100-240v). In the United States the Serial+Power Adapter is shipped with a USA style power cord. Our reseller partners in other markets (i.e. Europe, Japan, Australia) offer power cords that are appropriate for their local markets.
Q: Can the adapter be used without the power supply?
A: No. The adapter must be connected to power in order to operate.
Q: Can I provide power to the serial device using this Adapter?
A: Power is not supplied through the RS232 connection. Some very low power devices make use of the RS232 signal lines to supply power. This usage of the RS232 connection is outside of the RS232 specification and may not work in every instance. It is left up to the user to determine if the RS232 output signals will supply enough power for a particular application. Currently, the L4-SERP uses a MAX3243 or similar driver to convert logic level signals to RS232 level signals. The specifications for the MAX3243 may be used as a rough guide to determine if the signal levels are appropriate for your application. Redpark reserves the right to change the RS232 driver circuitry at any time.
Q: What apps does this adapter work with?
A: The adapter and SDK are provided to you so that you may write your own apps.
Q: Does the cable work with apps available at the App Store?
A: Not at this time. This will depend upon Apple policy.
Q: How can I tell if my iOS device recognizes the adapter?
A: Open the “Settings” app on your iOS device. Select “General”, then “About”. If the Serial+Power Adapter is connected properly, it will appear in the list shown.
Q: How do I know what version of firmware the adapter is using?
A: Once you have located the Serial+Power Adapter in the “Settings” App, select the Serial+Power Adapter to view its parameters.
Q: What are the pinouts of the DB-9 connector?
A: This is provided in the SDK User Guide.
