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SX-IO — Modbus RTU Serial Data Collection

The SMX-RNS20 has a built-in RS-485 serial port that SX-IO can use as a Modbus RTU master. This allows the device to collect data from RS-485 bus devices (energy meters, variable frequency drives, sensors) without needing a separate serial server.

The RS-485 port is available on the SMX-RNS20’s rear panel and uses a 2-wire half-duplex configuration (A+/B−).

SMX-RNS20 TerminalRS-485 Device
A+ (positive)A+ (D+)
B− (negative)B− (D−)
GNDGND (shield/reference)

Terminate the bus at both ends with 120 Ω resistors if the cable runs are long (> 10 m).

  1. Log in to the SMX-RNS20 web interface → SX-IO → Sources → Add Source → Modbus RTU.
  2. Configure the serial port parameters: baud rate (e.g., 9600 or 19200), data bits (8), parity (None/Even), stop bits (1). These must match the slave device settings.
  3. Enter the slave address (Unit ID) of the target device (1–247).
  4. Add register definitions: function code, start address, quantity, and data type.
  5. Set the scan interval and save. Monitor live values under SX-IO → Monitor.

SX-IO main page — Modules menu Step 1 — Modules → Driver

SX-IO Driver page Step 2 — Add new driver

SX-IO — Modbus RTU driver configuration Step 3 — Driver settings: Name, Endpoint, Type = MODBUS RTU, serial parameters

SX-IO — saving Modbus RTU driver Step 4 — Save driver

SX-IO Status — Modbus RTU driver connected Step 5 — Status → Driver: green indicator confirms RS-485 connection

SX-IO Tag page Step 6 — Modules → Tag: add new tag

SX-IO — Modbus RTU tag configuration Step 7 — Tag configuration: address, type, driver

SX-IO — saving tag Step 8 — Save tag

SX-IO Status — tag showing live RTU value Step 9 — Status → Tag: live register value from RTU slave

Modbus Poll — RTU connection setup Troubleshooting — Modbus Poll: set up Serial/RTU connection

Modbus Poll — RTU mode Troubleshooting — Modbus Poll: RTU mode configuration

SX-IO driver status with Modbus Poll active Troubleshooting — SX-IO driver status with Modbus Poll running as slave simulator

Modbus Poll — live values from RTU slave Troubleshooting — Modbus Poll showing live register values