📋 Overview
The CHIPSEN RCPORT-TD400 Series is a family of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless serial adapters that replace a physical RS232, RS422, or RS485 cable with a wireless link. Plug one adapter into your serial equipment and another into your PC, phone, or a second piece of equipment, and the two communicate wirelessly over distances of up to 1,000 feet.
This guide covers all four models in the series — the RCPORT-TD400, RCPORT-TD410, RCPORT-TD420, and RCPORT-TD450. They share the same Bluetooth engine, dial controls, and operating modes, and differ mainly in connector type, power source, and serial protocol.
⚠️ Important: These adapters use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) — not Bluetooth Classic (the type used by older wireless headphones, speakers, and most phone audio connections). An RCPORT-TD400 Series adapter will only pair with other BLE-capable devices, including other units in this series. It will not connect to a Bluetooth Classic-only device, even though both are technically "Bluetooth."
⭐ Key Features
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.3 wireless link — replaces a physical serial cable with a wireless connection
- 1,000 ft transmission distance with the default antenna (+1 dBi)
- Three operating modes — 1:1 Auto Pairing, 1:1 Node Switching, and 1:7 Multi Connection (up to 7 Slave devices)
- Cross-model compatible — any RCPORT-TD400 Series adapter can wirelessly communicate with any other, regardless of connector type
- Baud rate support from 9,600 to 115,200 bps
- Master/Slave operating roles, set with a physical switch — no software required for basic 1:1 pairing
📡 How the Operating Modes Work
Each adapter is set to either Master or Slave using its Operation Switch, then connects using one of three modes:
- 1:1 Auto Pairing — Set one adapter to Master and one to Slave, keep them close together, and they connect automatically. No configuration software needed.
- 1:1 Node Switching — Multiple Slave devices are registered to number positions (1–7) using the configuration software. The Master's Device Selection Dial is turned to the number of the specific Slave you want to talk to.
- 1:7 Multi Connection — With multiple Slaves registered, turning the Master's Device Selection Dial to "M" communicates with all registered Slave devices simultaneously.
📝 Note: Node Switching and Multi Connection modes require the free CHIPSEN configuration software (see Resources & Downloads below) to register Slave devices. Auto Pairing does not.
⚖️ Model Comparison — Which One Do I Have?
All four models share the same Bluetooth engine and dial controls. Use this table to confirm which one you have:
| Model | Connector | Serial Protocol | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCPORT-TD400 | D-SUB9 (Female) | RS232 | DC 5–24V |
| RCPORT-TD410 | D-SUB9 (Female) | RS232 | DC 5–24V, plus built-in battery |
| RCPORT-TD420 | USB-A | Virtual Serial (RS232 over USB) | DC 5V (via USB) |
| RCPORT-TD450 | D-SUB9 (Male) | RS422 / RS485 | DC 5–24V |
📊 Specifications
| Spec | TD400 | TD410 | TD420 | TD450 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 | |||
| Transmission Distance | 1,000 ft with default antenna | |||
| Antenna | +1 dBi | |||
| Baud Rate | 9,600–115,200 bps | |||
| Operating Humidity | 0–85% | |||
| Max. Connected Devices | Up to 7 (Master/Slave) | |||
| Input Voltage | DC 5–24V | DC 5–24V | DC 5V | DC 5–24V |
| Battery | — | Built-in | — | — |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 85°C | -20°C to 60°C | -20°C to 85°C | -20°C to 85°C |
| Dimensions | Approx. 80.3 x 34.3 x 17.4 mm (3.16 x 1.35 x 0.69 inches) L x W x H | Approx. 80.3 x 34.3 x 23.7 mm (3.16 x 1.35 x 0.93 inches) L x W x H | Approx. 70 x 21.6 x 14.3 mm (2.76 x 0.85 x 0.56 inches) L x W x H | Approx. 80.3 x 34.3 x 17.4 mm (3.16 x 1.35 x 0.69 inches) L x W x H |
| Certifications | Bluetooth SIG, CE, FCC, Japan MIC, KC | |||
🔧 Configuration — Dial Settings
Each adapter has three physical controls used to set it up:
Baud Rate / Interface Dial
On the TD400, TD410, and TD420, this dial selects the baud rate or puts the unit into configuration ("Set") mode. On the TD450, this same dial position instead selects the serial mode — RS422, RS485, or "Set" (configuration) mode.
Device Selection Dial (Master units only)
Selects which registered Slave device (1–7) the Master should communicate with in Node Switching mode, or "M" for Multi Connection mode.
Operation Switch
A three-position switch: Master / Power Off / Slave.
💡 Tip: For a first-time basic connection, you don't need the configuration software at all — just set one unit to Master, one to Slave, and power them on near each other (Auto Pairing).
🔧 Operating Modes
The TD400 Series adapters offer three operating modes: 1:1 Auto-Pairing, 1:1 Node-Switching and 1:7 Multiconnection.
🚀 Basic 1:1 Auto Pairing
The fastest way to get two adapters talking to each other.
- Set the Operation Switch on one adapter to Master and the other to Slave.
- Power on both adapters and keep them close together.
- The adapters will pair automatically — no software required.
Please see the video below for more details.
🚀 1:1 Node Switching Setup
Use this when you have one Master that needs to talk to a specific Slave out of several registered Slave devices.
- Install the CHIPSEN configuration software (see Resources & Downloads below).
- Register each Slave device to a device number (1–7).
- On the Master's Device Selection Dial, turn to the number of the Slave you want to communicate with.
Please see the video below for more details.
🚀 1:7 Multi Connection Setup
Use this when the Master needs to communicate with all registered Slave devices at the same time.
- Register up to 7 Slave devices to the Master using the configuration software.
- Turn the Master's Device Selection Dial to "M".
- The Master will now communicate with all registered Slaves simultaneously.
Please see the video below for more details.
🎯 Common Applications
- Test bench and lab equipment — eliminate long, fragile serial cables between instruments and a PC
- Industrial automation (RS422/485) — the TD450 supports multi-drop wireless links across a factory floor
- USB-only computers — the TD420 adds wireless serial connectivity to laptops with no serial port
- Portable / mobile use — the TD410's built-in battery allows operation without external power
- Multi-device monitoring — 1:7 Multi Connection mode lets one Master track several Slave devices at once
🛠️ Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Two adapters won't pair | Not both set to opposite Master/Slave roles, or too far apart | Confirm one is Master and one is Slave, and keep them close together during initial pairing |
| Adapter won't connect to my phone or PC's Bluetooth | Device does not support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) | Confirm your phone, PC, or Bluetooth dongle supports BLE, not just Bluetooth Classic |
| Garbled or no data over the serial connection | Baud rate mismatch between the two ends | Set the Baud Rate Dial to match your equipment's configured baud rate on both adapters |
| TD450 not communicating correctly | Interface Dial set to the wrong protocol | Confirm the Interface Dial is set to match your equipment: RS422 or RS485 |
| Master won't reach a specific Slave | Device Selection Dial not set to the correct registered number | Confirm the Slave's registered device number and match it on the Master's Device Selection Dial |
| Short range or dropped connection | Obstructions, distance beyond 1,000 ft, or antenna issue | Reduce obstructions/distance, or consider an optional higher-gain antenna |
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Start with Auto Pairing — Confirm basic wireless communication works before setting up Node Switching or Multi Connection modes.
- Match your baud rate on both ends — Both the equipment and the adapter's Baud Rate Dial need to agree.
- Keep firmware/config software up to date — Download the latest configuration software from CHIPSEN's website before registering Slave devices.
- Confirm BLE support before buying a Bluetooth dongle — Not all "Bluetooth" adapters support BLE.
- Label your Master and Slave units — Especially useful in Multi Connection setups with several Slaves.
⚠️ Important Notes
- These adapters use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), not Bluetooth Classic, and will only pair with other BLE-capable devices.
- Never wire an RS232 model (TD400/TD410/TD420) to RS422/485 equipment, or the TD450 to RS232 equipment — the signal levels are incompatible.
- The TD450's exact RS422/485 pin assignment is not published in CHIPSEN's printed manual; verify wiring before connecting.
- The TD410's built-in battery reduces its rated operating temperature range compared to the other models (-20°C to 60°C vs. -20°C to 85°C).
🏪 Where to Buy
Buy the CHIPSEN RCPORT-TD400 Series at Envistia Mall.
Buy TD450 (DSUB9 M, RS422/485)
- 📦 Fast US Shipping
- 🔄 Hassle-Free Returns
- 📧 Responsive Customer Support
📚 Resources & Downloads
- Installation & Usage Guide (PDF): RCPORT-TD400 Series Manual (covers all four models)
- Configuration Software & Certifications: CHIPSEN Download Page
This guide is provided by Envistia Mall for educational and technical reference purposes. The manufacturer and Envistia LLC (dba Envistia Mall) are not responsible for any damages or losses resulting from the use of this product. Always follow proper electrical safety practices when working with electronic components. Specifications are based on manufacturer data and are subject to change without notice.