# Mastervolt data retrieval with rs485
**URL:** https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306
**Category:** General
**Created:** [20 May 2019 04:57 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306 "2019-05-20T04:57:53Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Thewaver](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Thewaver)
#### Post date: [20 May 2019 04:57 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306/1 "2019-05-20T04:57:53Z")
Hi, I'm a newbie and starting to learn how to use node-red. I'm hoping to eventually understand this enough so I can design a flow that will enable me to pull data from my mastervolt xs3200 inverter. It use a rs485 interface to communicate with the outside world. Any suggestions on where i would be able to start. Best method to learn node-red??
Kind regards Don...
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### Author:  [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)
#### Post date: [20 May 2019 07:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306/2 "2019-05-20T07:59:06Z")
Hi - firstly most computers don't have an RS485 interface so you will need some sort of adapter. After that the chances are it will then show up like a serial port so you can most likely use the serial port nodes to send and receive data to it.
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### Author:  [@Thewaver](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Thewaver)
#### Post date: [20 May 2019 10:01 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306/3 "2019-05-20T10:01:04Z")
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I currently have it connected to a laptop with a RS485 adapter and some software that is installed on the laptop. I can view everything but i have to go to the laptop to this and i would like it somehow connect to mqtt which in turn would control other electrical devices when there is enough solar power available. Im guessing that i could install node-red on the laptop to connect to mqtt...or am i barking up the wrong tree??
Cheers Don....
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### Author:  [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)
#### Post date: [20 May 2019 13:50 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306/4 "2019-05-20T13:50:33Z")
sounds like you're barking up the right tree.
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### Author:  [@Thewaver](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/Thewaver)
#### Post date: [21 May 2019 06:59 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306/5 "2019-05-21T06:59:53Z")
Woof, thanks. Is there any examples of how to read a PC serial port with node red. I can program the output with php but need help getting the data direct from the serial port?? Regards Don...
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### Author:  [@dceejay](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/dceejay)
#### Post date: [21 May 2019 11:52 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/mastervolt-data-retrieval-with-rs485/11306/6 "2019-05-21T11:52:02Z")
depends how it works. If it just sends data just use a serial in node set to the correct speed/settings. If you need to send it commands then maybe the serial-request node would be a better place to start. Just have a play and see what happens.