Hardware Installation

Connect the device between the host and Liberty* MDrive as shown below. The device is pre-wired and ready to use for a single host-to-LMD connection.

The MD-CC404/5-000 consists of two components:

1. USB to RS422/485 converter body, which plugs directly into your host computer USB port.
2. 2 meter (6 ‘) interface cable which will interface to the DB9 (male) connector on the converter to either:
   • Liberty* MDrive P3: DB9 (male) connector (MD-CC404-000).
   • Liberty* MDrive P3: M12 circular (male) connector (MD-CC405-000).

Driver Installation

The MD-CC404/5-000 USB to RS-422/485 Converter is a plug-n-play device, which uses a Virtual COM Port (VCP). Drivers will typically automatically install on an Internet-connected PC notebook or Windows tablet when the device is connected to a free USB port. If automatic installation fails, or if you need to download drivers for a non-connected PC, or for an alternate operating system, the drivers may be downloaded from the web at MD-CC404/5-000 Drivers (FTDI VCP Drivers)

Driver Installation (Automatic)

1. On an Internet-connected Windows PC or Notebook, plug the MD-CC404/5-000 into an open USB port on your PC.
2. The device driver software should automatically install.

Driver Installation (Manual)

1. Download the FTDI VCP Drivers from the FTDI web site will open in a new browser tab).
2. Follow the instructions located at the FTDI Installation page appropriate to your operating system.

Verify installation (Windows 7/8.x)

3. Record the COM port number for later use, either from the notification balloon on the lower right of your desktop or from the Windows device manager, accessible by right-clicking on “My Computer” and selecting manage (Windows 7) or by pressing the WIN+X keys on your keyboard (Windows 8).

   

   

You may proceed to the setting up the software and initiate communication with your Liberty* MDrive Motion Control step of this tutorial.

Hardware Installation

Connect the device between the host and Liberty* MDrive as shown below. The device is pre-wired and ready to use for a single host-to-motion controller connection.

The MD-CC40x-001 consists of three components:

1. Standard USB cable which plugs directly into your host computer USB port.
2. USB to RS422/485 inline converter body.
3. Interface cable which will interface to the P2 connector of the MDrive/MForce product.

The overall length of the cable is 12 feet (3.6 meters).

Driver Installation

The MD-CC40x-001 USB to RS-422/485 Converter is a plug-n-play device, which uses a Virtual COM Port (VCP). Drivers will typically automatically install on an Internet-connected PC, notebook or Windows tablet when the device is connected to a free USB port. If automatic installation fails, or if you need to download drivers for a non-connected PC, or for an alternate operating system, the drivers may be downloaded from the web at Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers

Driver Installation (Automatic)

1. On an Internet-connected Windows PC or Notebook, plug the MD-CC40x-001 into an open USB port on your PC.
2. The device driver software should automatically install.

Driver Installation (Manual)

1. Download the Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers from the Silicon Labs web site (will open in a new browser tab).
2. Extract the driver *.zip file to a location on your PC.
3. Double click the executable file appropriate to your operating system x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit).
4. Follow the dialogs and prompts to install the drivers.

Verify installation (Windows 7/8.x)

3. Record the COM port number for later use, either from the notification balloon on the lower right of your desktop or from the Windows device manager, accessible by right-clicking on “My Computer” and selecting manage (Windows 7) or by pressing the WIN+X keys on your keyboard (Windows 8).

You may proceed to the setting up the software and initiate communication with your MDrivePlus or MForce.

Installation failure Q & A

Q:  I installed the device, and the driver installation failed. My error message and device manager show the part number “MD-CC400-000”. What do I do?

Installation Error

A: If you see this part number it means that you have an older MD-CC40x. This converter has a legacy device ID and will ONLY function on x86 (32-bit) Windows systems. The legacy drivers and installation instructions may be found at:

Driver Package | Installation Instructions

Q: I only have access to a 64-bit system.

A: Please contact Applications Support for assistance.

The Novanta IMS Liberty* MDrive product will function with any third party RS-422/485 converter or PC card. See the manufacturer documentation for driver installation. Reference the Hardware: wiring and cabling tab for connection information.

Notes and checkpoints

• Ensure that the adapter being used is set to 9600 kbps, the default BAUD rate for Liberty* MDrive products.
• Ensure that full duplex (RS-422) is used to communicate with single units, half duplex (RS-485) will only function in multi-drop mode.