Waveshare 2-Channel RS485 Module for Raspberry Pi Pico
Waveshare 2-Channel RS485 Module for Raspberry Pi Pico Incorporates RS485 Transceiver SP3485 Using UART Bus
| Weight: | 20 g |
| Dimensions: | 7 x 5.1 x 2.5 cm; 20 Grams |
| Brand: | Waveshare |
| Model: | Pico-2CH-RS485 |
| Colour: | Pico-2CH-RS485 |
| Manufacture: | Waveshare |
| Dimensions: | 7 x 5.1 x 2.5 cm; 20 Grams |
If you need for 2 separate RS485 transceivers, this is a nice compact choice. While it’s designed as a Pico HAT and easily stacks (and passes through for yet another HAT), connecting to UARTs on other SBCs work fine. It does utilize both of the Pico’s onboard UARTs, so it’s not a port multiplier or multiplexer- not that that was expected, but something to beware of- especially if you need a UART for something else (GPS module for instance).
While it has transient protection, it’s not isolated like the HAT they make for the regular RPi or other 485 converters targeted for industrial applications.
Waveshare does a good job in providing useful information about their products on their website and wiki- not quite to the level or quality of Adafruit or Sparkfun, but considerably better than a lot of the other module vendors here on Amazon.
This product is an electronic component that is designed to work with a Raspberry Pi Pico miniature computer. Hobbyists love to program with these devices, and the sky is the limit as far as what you can do with them. This particular unit helps with communication between components, helps with automation, and allows the raspberry pi itself to communicate properly.
This particular one is well made, it does appear to do its job properly if installed well, and is completely compatible with the raspberry pi pico platform. The components are made of high quality, well-conducting material and it is easy to solder as well as mount in many different applications. I had an expert friend do all that for me and he assured me that it was easy to install and work with.
If you are looking into using the Raspberry Pi platform for experiments or inventions, this is one of many tools that you can add to the device to give it more abilities. It does it specific job perfectly!
Husband has this device with his other Pi technology, and says it’s a good little transceiver that’s working well with his Pi robotics projects. All preliminary testing has been successful.
This RS485 module is compact, 2-channel, easy to use and exceeds my expectations. It fits perfectly upon the Pico or a 40-pin expansion board. Sample code is found at the vendor Wiki site. I successfully tested with a hundred feet of twisted pair wiring but it supports more than a kilometer. Also, fairly fast serial rates (i.e. 500kbps) are configurable as well from each channel. I’m happy with this product and recommend it.
It is a very good solution for implementing RS485 communications for a Raspberry Pi Pico in a wired network. Support is via email with approximately a 3 day turnaround. I was expecting a little faster response but the company is located in China so that might be expected.