Serial to usb on Kunkin KP184 electronic load

[interflexo]

Well done. It all depends on your USB to serial adapter DB-9 connector pinout. When the gender (male or female) of the DB-9 connector changes the 2 and 3 pin functions also swap.

[larrybud]

Not sure I know what you mean? It's a single cable. The KP184 has a male db connector on it, so the cable is female.

[interflexo]

A standard DB-9 DTE (male port) RS-232 pinout is:
2 RXD
3 TXD
5 GND

A standard DB-9 DCE (female port) RS-232 pinout is:
2 TXD
3 RXD
5 GND

KP184 DB-9 (male port) RS-232 pinout is:
2 TXD
3 RXD
5 GND

Pins 2 and 3 are swapped from the normal DTE standard.

When the user connects the DB-9 female - DB-9 female straight through cable that comes with the device (KP184):

KP184 DB-9 (male port) + DB-9 F-F straight cable = standard DB-9 DCE (female port):
2 TXD -------------------------------------------------------> 2 TXD
3 RXD -------------------------------------------------------> 3 RXD
5 GND -------------------------------------------------------> 5 GND

You end up with a standard DB-9 DCE (female port). That's why Kunkin supplied this cable.

If your USB to Serial RS232 adapter has a male DB-9 port you should be good to go.

On the other hand if your USB to Serial RS232 adapter has a female DB-9 port you need to cross pins 2 to 3 and 3 to 2.

You can do this with those short DB-9 M-M adapters (they cross pins 2 and 3, image below) and add it at the end of the supplied straight F-F cable or
replace the DB-9 F-F straight through supplied cable with a DB-9 F-M crossed cable:
(cable diagram)
2 ------------> 3
3 ------------> 2
5 ------------> 5

That's why you can't connect a USB to Serial RS232 adapter with a female DB-9 port directly to KP184 RS232 DB-9 male port:
This will not work:
KP184 (M)                 USB to Serial Adapter (F)
2 TXD -----------------> 2 TXD
3 RXD -----------------> 3 RXD
5 GND ----------------> 5 GND

This will work:
KP184 (M)                 USB to Serial Adapter (F)
2 TXD -----------------> 3 RXD
3 RXD -----------------> 2 TXD
5 GND ----------------> 5 GND

You just have to hope if you buy a dodgy USB to Serial adapter that it does not come with a non standard port pinout. In all cases documentation and this forum are your friends.
Buy USB to Serial adapters from reputable and well documented sources. KP184 is a bit picky on the serial adapters. Avoid very low cost Prolific (Ex: PL2303) and WCH (Ex: CH340) chipset based USB to Serial Adapters. Go for a FTDI/FT232RL chipset based adapter, it won't break the bank and save you countless headaches and lost hours.

[Pfriemler]

Interflexo just did the answer I planned 
I thought we had this just in this thread before.

But my experiences are slightly different.

For an additional understanding: In my opinion, there's nothing like a strictly standard male/female port. In fact, you must think rather of host and device.
A PC is a host. The standard is the male connector. And: This is what all my USB-RS232 have, too.
You do not have to tell between a generic PC serial port or a USB-connected serial port: The have the same pinout. (Anything else would be stupid).

(There are DB25 and DB9 connectors with different pin numbers, and tons of adapters. DB9 is sufficient, mostly.)
Any device (back in the past: mouse, modem, printer, any device to be controlled - like the KP184) should have a DB9 female connector.
When connecting host to device, any sender/transmitter line (TX) should be connected to the corresponding receiving line (RX). This is done when the device female connector has 2-TxD and 3-RxD.
A standard serial connection cable has a male and a female side, connected 1:1. You may chain several cables in line from host to the device. As it is a 1:1 connection (and the necessary crossing is done inside the device), it is no difference if you have a PC generic host port with a standard cable  to connect or if you plug the USB-serial adapter straight onto the device (and use a USB prolongation, if the adapter has no cable).
That's the theory 

KP184 is the only device I know with a DB male - but it has the correct pinout for a device. To heal the KP184's fault, you only need a so called "gender changer" in the picture in Interflexos Answer. They have two female or two male with a 1:1 pinout. The Kunkin cable is a gender changer with a cable, pinout 1:1.

You only have to think about any line crossing, if you connect a host to a host. Then, you need a female-female cable with crossed lines. That is: if you have suche a cable, it will not work with the Kunkin.

[interflexo]

KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.89.0 for Linux - Ubuntu:

Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual

User manual pages 11 to 14 explain the Linux installation procedure.

Installation bash script help:

Synopsis:
./kp184_install.sh
./kp184_install.sh [Option] [--output "install folder"]
./kp184_install.sh [--input "archive filename"] [--output "install folder"]
./kp184_install.sh [-i "archive filename"] [-o "install folder"]

Description:
Bash script file to install the KP184 electronic load data acquisition and control Modbus application software on Ubuntu. The bash script handles new installations as well as upgrades preserving the user application configuration.The application calls this bash script whenever needs to upgrade.
A .desktop file is added to the folder /home/username/.local/share/applications to add the application icon to the desktop application menu.
The archive (tar.gz) file is deleted at the end of the installation.

Options:

-h | --help
Displays this help

-V | --version
Displays the installation bash script file version.

-u | --uninstall
Uninstalls the application from your system, leaving all the application user data files (images, pdf reports and csv data files).

-y | --yes
The script does not stop to ask for y/n to proceed.

-i | --input "archive path and filename"
Specifies path and filename for the installation archive. (Ex: /home/username/Downloads/setup_kp184_10890_64-bit.tar.gz)

-o | --output "installation folder name" (Ex: kp184)
Specifies a name for the application installation folder

Examples:
./kp184_install.sh
Searches https://www.interflexo.com//kp184// for the latest 64-bit Linux release and downloads the archive installation (tar.gz) file to /home/username/Downloads then installs the application on folder /home/username/.local/kp184
This is the simpler method for installation.

./kp184_install.sh -i ~/Downloads/setup_kp184_10890_64-bit.tar.gz
Uses the provided archive file and installs the application on folder /home/username/.local/kp184

./kp184_install.sh -o kp184_modbus
Searches https://www.interflexo.com//kp184// for the latest 64-bit Linux release and downloads the archive installation (tar.gz) file to /home/username/Downloads then installs the application on folder /home/username/.local/kp184_modbus

./kp184_install.sh -u
Performs the application uninstallation. It first looks for the /home/username/.local/kp184 installation folder. If it’s not found then a recursive search is made inside the /home/username/.local folder.

./kp184_install.sh -u -o “kp184 modbus”
Performs the application uninstallation. It first looks for the /home/username/.local/kp184 modbus installation folder. If it’s not found then a recursive search is made inside the /home/username/.local folder. Folder names with spaces should be enclosed in double quotes.

[larrybud]

Just note that my KP184 didn't come with a cable. I did buy an FTDI, but obviously the pinout was incorrect. I did buy a null model adapter which swapped 2/3 and everything works great!

[interflexo]

What was your FTDI USB to Serial adapter DB-9 connector gender (male or female)?

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.90.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.92.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.92.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Added icons for the configuration, reports, emails, sounds, registration and updates dialog windows.

2. Added DUT (device under test) customer field on the test PDF reports.

3. Added Open, Save and Append buttons to the battery internal resistance tests list dialog.

4. On the battery internal resistance tests list PDF report the tests are now grouped by customer.

5. Added page header corporate customization on test PDF reports.

6. Added a serial connection troubleshoot section to the user manual.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.91.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.92.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.92.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Corrected an issue when saving the KP184 registers to a file.

[korjaa]

In case it might help others, I ended up buying both variations of this cable https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32922249681.html and the option "Standard Pinout" seemed to work, as should be expected based on the earlier discussion:

Standard pinout:
2-RXD(yellow),
3-TXD(orange),
5-GND(GND),
7-RTS(green),
8-CTS(brown),
1/4/6/9-NC

The seller claims that it uses genuine FTDI. When plugged in, it identifies as follows in my Ubuntu 24.04, no drivers required:

Code: [Select]

[  421.687585] usb 1-8.1.3: new full-speed USB device number 10 using xhci_hcd
[  421.782826] usb 1-8.1.3: New USB device found, idVendor=0403, idProduct=6001, bcdDevice= 6.00
[  421.782845] usb 1-8.1.3: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=3
[  421.782847] usb 1-8.1.3: Product: FT232R USB UART
[  421.782848] usb 1-8.1.3: Manufacturer: FTDI
[  421.782849] usb 1-8.1.3: SerialNumber: ABSCDPCI
[  421.815787] usbcore: registered new interface driver usbserial_generic
[  421.815796] usbserial: USB Serial support registered for generic
[  421.817695] usbcore: registered new interface driver ftdi_sio
[  421.817704] usbserial: USB Serial support registered for FTDI USB Serial Device
[  421.817794] ftdi_sio 1-8.1.3:1.0: FTDI USB Serial Device converter detected
[  421.817830] usb 1-8.1.3: Detected FT232R
[  421.818365] usb 1-8.1.3: FTDI USB Serial Device converter now attached to ttyUSB0

As the cable uses female connector and correct pinout for KP184, it plugs directly with no adapters required. This means the tightening screws also work which might not be the case with a gender changer. All gender changers I saw had female threads on both sides, so it cannot be secured to the KP184.

The cable markets is self as a "PC Control TV Cable", so maybe this style RS232 connector is common there.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.92.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.92.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.92.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Corrected a cosmetic issue on the main window Report tab.
2. Several Python support modules were updated.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.93.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.93.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.93.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Added a new menu option to send the battery capacity discharge test PDF report file attached to the test end email notification.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.94.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.94.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.94.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Corrected a bug regarding __DUT_CUSTOMER__ string not being replaced on the file names during runtime by the Report tab DUT customer field.

[homico]

Well,,, this is tryal version program works for a few minutes and then asks for a registration key...

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.95.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.95.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.95.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Several Python support modules were updated.

2. Eliminated a recent delay on the application startup time.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.96.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.96.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.96.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Handled the exotic case of the Windows system reported Downloads folder location does not exist with proper error messages and logs.

[UnstableMolEE]

Hello,

I purchased a Star tech RS232 to USB Null cable. It doesn't seem to work with the executable shown here? I tried setting up everything previously mentioned and with a 9600 baud rate but no luck. The LED for the Tx/Rx on the back doesn't light up.

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/startechcom/1P3FFCNB-USB-SERIAL/23351046?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20476884656&gbraid=0AAAAADrbLlg12KRGYiIJGTQ75zgvMKhxm&gclid=CjwKCAjwmenCBhA4EiwAtVjzmtnZVjMkkyewK5LTEigzbHwzhJxf1VCuD5UAsFFSpjS4tLB2M8grmRoC-vUQAvD_BwE

 I also have a ftdi uart chip but that doesn't seem to work either since I need the level shifter. However this one when I cross the Tx/Rx and plug in ground the LED does turn on.

EDIT: Actually Null modem was not the way to go here. When I manually cross the Rx/Tx on my Star tech cable with jumpers from the Kunkin I am able to get it to work. Seems like I should've ordered a female RS232 to male USB straight through cable. The manual messed me up as it says pin 2 (Tx) should go to "Rx of upper computer"

When the connection is made properly the LED on the back of the Kunkin should blink red and green.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.97.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.97.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.97.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Handled an exotic case exception during the startup check for the latest software version.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.98.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.98.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.98.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Handled timeout during the startup check for the latest software version.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.99.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.99.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.99.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. PDF report comment lines at the bottom now suffer word wrapping when more than 90 characters are used in a single line.

2. PDF report DUT (Device under test) serial number character string size limit was changed from 20 to 24.

3. PDF Internal Resistance Test List Report portrait page table was reformatted to accommodate the previous change.

4. Current PDF report comment lines are now saved as defaults on application exit.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.1.00.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.1.00.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.1.00.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Command response timeout in ms and maximum retries are now configurable.

2. Adjustments were made to play nice with more sluggish TCP/IP to serial port software re-directors.

[interflexo]

TCP/IP Virtual COM port redirection

TCP/IP virtual COM port redirection is a software process that allows serial devices connected to one computer to be accessed over a TCP/IP network, making them appear as a local COM port on another computer. This is achieved by creating a virtual COM port on one PC that redirects data to a network address and port, where another PC can connect to it and see the data as if it were coming from a physical serial port. This technology is useful for modernizing legacy equipment, allowing access to serial devices from anywhere on the network without direct physical connection.

One possible solution: Null-modem emulator (com0com)

 The Null-modem emulator (com0com) is an open source kernel-mode virtual serial port driver for Windows, available freely under GPL license.

Download files here.

Some quick PDF document with instructions.

Practical example:

One networked laptop in one room has an USB serial adapter COM3 connected to a KP184 unit.
On another room a networked desktop with no serial ports is running the KP184 Modbus software near the operator.
You want the desktop software to use the laptop serial port on another room.

Installation procedure:

1. Install  com0com and com2tcp programs on both PCs.

2. On Windows Defender Firewall (Advanced settings \ Inbound and Outbound rules) open the network connection for com2tcp.exe on both PCs.

3. On the desktop create a new virtual port pair (COM38 and COM39). They are virtually connected by software.

4. On the laptop (server side) open a CMD window on the com2tcp.exe program folder and issue the command:

com2tcp --baud 115200 --data 8 --parity n -- stop 1 --ignore-dsr COM3 23

23 is the user selected server port.
COM3 is the physical USB serial port where KP184 unit is connected.
The baud rate 115200 matches the one selected on KP184 front panel.

5. On the desktop (client) open a CMD window on the com2tcp.exe program folder and issue the command:

com2tcp \\.\COM38 192.168.1.171 23

23 is the user selected TCP server port on the laptop.
192.168.1.171 is the network IP address of the laptop.
COM38 is the desktop virtual serial port connected to the TCP side. COM39 is the virtual serial port pair where KP184 Modbus software or other is configured and connected.
The software configured baud rate may match the one selected on KP184 front panel or not (it should for good measure) but it will work either way.

It will work flawlessly. I used com2tcp v1.3.0.0. It locks to the CMD window until you hit Ctrl-C.

[interflexo]

Today I tested the Serial RS232 to Ethernet Converter model USR-TCP232-302

I pulled the documentation and setup application from the PUSR Website Downloads page.
I got the User Manual, Quick Start Guide and Setup Software USR-M0 V2.2.6.1
I powered the device with the supplied AC adapter and connected a LAN cable from the device directly to my PC.
The device comes with the default fixed IP 192.168.0.7
I setup my PC fixed IP to 192.168.0.2 and Mask to 255.255.255.0 as per the Start Guide instructions, run the device Setup software USR-M0, hit the Search Device button on the "Operate Via LAN" tab and there it was. I clicked on the device identification line and an editable properties page opened on the right.
I setup the:
IP Type: DHCP/Auto IP
Module work mode: TCP Server
Local Port: 23
and cleared the RFC2217 protocol to make it RAW and hit the "Save Config" button.
I disconnected the LAN cable from my PC and connected it to the router. The router attributed the IP 192.168.1.137 to the device. A ping command was successful.

The device serial port parameters already matched the settings on the KP184 front panel.

I connected the device DB9 serial port to the KP184 DB9 serial port with a Male-Female crossed cable (2->3; 3->2; 5->5 GND)

1. I have com0com virtual com ports software installed on my PC.

2. On Windows Defender Firewall (Advanced settings \ Inbound and Outbound rules) there is an open network connection rule for com2tcp.exe program.

3. I have a virtual interconnected port pair (COM38 and COM39) configured.

4. On the desktop (client) I opened a CMD window on the com2tcp.exe program folder and issued the command:

com2tcp \\.\COM38 192.168.1.137 23

23 is the user selected TCP server port on the device.
192.168.1.171 is the network IP address of the device( TCP server).
COM38 is the desktop PC virtual serial port connected to the TCP side. COM39 is the virtual serial port pair where KP184 Modbus software or other is configured and connected.

It worked well on the first try.

PUSR also has Virtual COM Port software that I did not use.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.1.03.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.1.03.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.1.03.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Added Peukert’s theorem lead acid battery C20 capacity estimation and calculators.

2. Added TCP client support for accessing Ethernet remote serial ports configured as TCP server. Supports remote PC with local serial port redirection and Ethernet to serial port adapters. No extra software needed.

3. Added PDF reports for simple CC/CV/CR/CW load modes and programmed current cycle profile test mode data acquisition.

4. Added a new feature to edit dynamically current plot graph both Y axes limits.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.1.05.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.1.05.0 32-bit

Setup KP184 Software V1.1.05.0 64-bit

Ubuntu Install Bash Script 64-bit

User_Manual


Changes:

1. Corrected serial port validity checks when remote serial TCP client option is selected. (Version 1.1.04.0)

2. Updates Info tab text on configuration dialog box exit.

3. Fixed log message error issue on automatic baudrate detection.

4. Several Python support modules were updated.