Many of Digi’s stand-alone RF modems have the ability to interface with either RS-232 or RS-485 enabled devices. When using the radios in an installation, it is possible to set one radio to RS-232 and the other to RS-485 and still have the radios communicate properly. Both RS-232 and RS-485 require the input data to come in with an asynchronous serial format—usually at one of the standard baud rates. A typical computer serial port will use RS-232, while many industrial controllers will use RS-485 because it allows for longer cable runs.

In situations where a PC is wired to communicate with an RS-485 device, an RS-232 to RS-485 converter must be used. Since the radios wirelessly communicate serial data, they eliminate the need to add an RS-232 to RS-485 converter.