Been looking at the STRX1500 for an entry level inverter. I have been reading for the fishbowl program an opto isolator is needed to protect my equipment. The question, I have is in the documentation it claims that you can use one of two different configurations.

1) bb-elec.com - rs232 to rs232 opto isolator, that runs off an external 12 volt power source (wall wart) $80 plus adapter

or

2) Web-trionics - USB to rs232 opto isolator $117

Which one is the better unit to use, the rs232 or the USB version? I like the convience of the USB over the rs232 but you know the better setup and why? It will be running on a the 850mhz computer with either Win 2K pro or Win XP if it makes a difference.

Please feel me in on the documentation of what is better.

Thanks, Eztec4u

I no longer recommend option #2 (USB OPTO) , the reason being that puts the opto at the computer , not the inverter.

So use the rs232 to rs232 wall wart verison and place the opto in or near the Suntie as possible

would a port powered opto isolator like the 9SPOP2 from bb-elec.com work also?

No,

I looked up the 9SPOP2, this device requires DTS,DTR & DCD,CTS to be active. This are all unconnected in the Suntie configuration

You need the recommend externally powered opto

Solar Guppy,

Thanks for the reply.......

I kinda figured it out that the 9SPOP2 would not work for various reasons. I ended up getting the 9SPOP4 from bb-elec.com and it works great. I have had your "fishbowl" program running and logging the data since May this year.

Thanks, again for all the help and use of your program.

Eztec4u