RS232 connection to my MC206X is unstable

Connection fails when tryng to load a project. This is usually due to using a USB to RS232 converter that does NOT have the FTDI chipset. Check which chipset the converter is based on.

The default on the MC206X is 9600, 7 data bits, 2 stop bits, even. And most other USB converters do not like the 7 data bits.

Work-arounds include:

1. Setting the baudrate to 38400, 8 data bits, one stop bit, even parity. This needs setting at BOTH ends. There is a RS232 mode parameter to set in the MC206X to force the high speed. Set in the terminal, it is saved in Flash automatically.

RS232_SPEED_MODE=0 for 9600 and 1 for 38400.

High speed mode is shown on power-up by the ok and status LEDs flashing alternately.

2. You might be able to fool the converter by setting the connection to 9600, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, even parity. Motion Perfect won’t mind and the USB converter might work better.