IMPORTANT
Chowmainsoft drivers will no longer be available for purchase via DriverCentral as of mid September. Integrators can continue to purchase Chowmainsoft drivers by signing up to Chowmainsoft marketplace. Existing licences will continue to operate indefiniately. DriverCentral will provide Chowmainsoft with a list of licences / mac address pairings to ensure projects have an migration path. If you have any questions please reach out to Chowmainsoft via the Chowmainsoft Support Desk.
Overview
The SainSmart NCS1 intelligent communications converter provides ethernet to serial RS232/RS485 based communications. This unit is extremely affordable, is powered via a local 9-24vdc supply (recommended 12vdc). Other solutions cost upto 4 times more. This is by far the cheapest way to integrate serial ports into Control4.
Features
- IP to RS232/RS485 Serial Output
- Two way feedback
- Extremely Affordable
FAQ
Where can i purchase this unit?
This unit can be purchased from the Sainsmart website. Direct link below
Can i use this driver with other ethernet to serial units?
If the unit sends/receives data via a TCP/IP socket then yes.
Why is the driver more expensive than the unit?
Drivers take time to develop. Unfortunately Control4 is a nische market and as such recouporating the cost of development is quite difficult. The good news is that this driver is a site licence which means you can have as many iMatic units as you want in your home. The cost of a driver and a single unit is still cheaper than buying any other relay device in Control4 by quite alot. It doesn't matter if you have 1 unit or 20 units it will still cost the same.
Can you give us some examples of how we could use this driver?
- Connect remote serial devices to Control4 such as security systems, lighting systems and other devices which exceed the recommended max distance of 15 meters for serial cable runs.
- Add additional serial ports to your Control4 system on the cheap.
Do you offer showroom discounts?
We offer dealers a free showroom licence for demonstration and educational purposes. See link below for T&C's and signup procedure.
I want to try this driver out before buying it?
All Chowmain drivers for Control4 come with a 90 day trial. Just add the driverCentral licencing driver and this driver and you're good to go. No registration required.
Do you offer other drivers?
We have hundreds of drivers. Many of which are manufacturer sponsored and free. Please visit our website to view all available drivers including FREE drivers.
Version #20221219 - 19-DEC-2022
- Upgrade to new Diagnostics system with Submit Diagnostics, and automatic troubleshooting
Version #20211112 – 12-NOV-2021
- Further Improve Debugging
Version #20211007 – 07-OCT-2021
- Improve Debugging
Version #20210119 - 19-JAN-2021
- Updated to new Driver Central licensing
Version #20170710 - 10-JUL-2017
- Migrated to driverCentral.
Version #20160309 - 09-MAR-2016
- Initial Release