Using MAX3232 + FT232RL to read L&T EM101+ meter with GXDLMS Director

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello,
I want to read an energy meter using its RS232 port with GXDLMS Director.

The meter I am using is L&T EM101+ DLMS Cat C3 IS15959.

I do not have a RS232-to-USB cable with a DB9 connector right now. I have a MAX3232 RS232-to-TTL converter and an FT232RL USB-to-TTL module.

My idea is:
Meter (RS232) → MAX3232 → TTL → FT232RL → USB → GXDLMS Director

Will this work?
Can I convert RS232 to TTL using the MAX3232, then convert TTL to USB using the FT232RL, and read the meter normally with GXDLMS Director?

This is the FT232RL USB-TTL module I have:

And this is the MAX3232 module:

I know that a simple RS232-to-USB converter cable would work and it is cheap, but I don’t have one at the moment. I also want to try this setup out of curiosity.

Please let me know if this setup is OK and if there are any special settings I should use.

Thank you.

2

Sorry but sales sites are not replacements for datasheets.

If those converting devices are bidirectional it will work in theory and likely in reality.

One approach that could work is RS232 <-> TTL <-> Rx/Tx, old fashioned serial.

3

If there are RX and TX lines, that means the communication is bidirectional, correct?

4

Probably but not necessarily

5

Those RS232 modules only have the RX/TX pins connected. If the meter needs any of the other RS232 signals like CTS/RTS then it won’t work.

6

The meters port is rj11. With 4 pins
I guess it's rx tx gnd and idk about the other one

7

Then your idea with the RS232 converter and TLL/USB converter should work.