> **Source:** Core Electronics is an Australian maker-electronics retailer and manufacturer based in Newcastle, NSW, run by a team of makers and educators. We design and manufacture our own product lines (PiicoDev, CE originals) and are official retailers for iconic maker and industrial brands including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Adafruit, SparkFun and DFRobot. Orders ship Australia-wide from our Newcastle warehouse. Prices are in AUD and include GST. Pricing, stock and dispatch on this page are generated from the store's live catalog. Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt

# RainbowLink 4 Channel USB to Serial Converter (RS485 / RS232 / TTL)

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** TEL0185 · **Brand:** [DFRobot](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/dfrobot-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/rainbowlink-4-channel-usb-serial-converter-rs485-rs232-ttl.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/rainbowlink-4-channel-usb-serial-converter-rs485-rs232-ttl.html.md))

RainbowLink USB protocol converter with 4 independent channels (RS485, RS232, 2 TTL) designed for efficient multi-channel serial communication. It offers...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $23.20 (inc GST) — $21.09 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 6+ $20.04 (exc GST) · 12+ $19.19 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM (Australia/Sydney).
- We can dispatch 4 today, and up to 500 more in 8–12 days.

## How to buy

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- **Checkout** is completed on-site and includes a captcha at the payment step. Share the cart link; checkout takes it from there.
- **Search the catalogue:** `https://core-electronics.com.au/search/{query}.md` (URL-encode the query; pages 2-3 at `search/{query}/{page}.md`; `search.md?q=` also works)
- **Payment methods, purchase orders, policies and contact details:** https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt
## Description

###  Introduction 

RainbowLink is an advanced USB protocol converter designed for efficient multi-channel serial communication and power output, tailored for IoT and industrial applications. Featuring **4 independent channels—RS485, RS232, and 2 TTL channels**—RainbowLink serves as an all-in-one solution for engineers managing multiple communication protocols in IoT ecosystems. The device **supports Windows and Linux** operating systems, and it is compatible with devices like [LattePanda](https://www.dfrobot.com/topic-278.html) and [Raspberry Pi](https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi.html). RainbowLink is driver-free for most setups; however, installing the optional drivers enhances functionality by assigning unique device identifiers, making it even easier to manage.

**With simultaneous 12V, 5V, and 3.3V power outputs**, RainbowLink eliminates the need for multiple converters and external power supplies, making it ideal for testing and development across diverse industrial, agricultural, and laboratory environments.

**Quick-Connect Lever Terminals for Easy Wiring**

RainbowLink features lever-type quick-connect terminals, allowing for rapid, reliable wiring without the need for tools or connectors. This innovative design supports over 2000 connect-disconnect cycles and fits both pin headers and sockets, ensuring maximum flexibility. The result is a clean, organized setup that reduces preparation time and minimizes the risk of loose connections, essential for reliable test environments.

**4 Independent Channels in 1 Device**

RainbowLink combines four isolated communication channels—1×RS485, 1×RS232, and 2×TTL—within a single device. This setup allows engineers to replace multiple converters, streamlining configurations and reducing clutter on workstations. Each channel operates independently, enabling simultaneous monitoring and control of multiple serial devices, greatly simplifying complex multi-protocol setups.

**Flexible Power Output Options**

Supporting a range of testing needs, RainbowLink provides three voltage outputs: 12V (800mA), 5V (2A), and 3.3V (200mA). This versatile power solution ensures compatibility with various sensors and devices, especially in field testing where power sources are limited. With RainbowLink, external power supplies are no longer necessary, allowing for quick and convenient sensor testing even in remote or outdoor environments.

###  Applications 

11. Industrial Sensor Testing and Debugging
12. Multi-Protocol Device Debugging
13. Laboratory and Development Board Debugging
Figure: Wiring RS485 soil sensor and RainbowLink Converter to Detect Soil Moisture

###  Specification 

16. USB Interface: Type-C
17. Input Voltage: 5V
18. Baud Rate: 2400 - 128,000 bps
19. TTL Level: 3.3V
20. TTL Channels: 2
21. RS485 Channel: 1
22. RS232 Channel: 1
23. Output Voltage:
     3.3V: Rated current 200mA
     5V: Directly connected to the Type-C interface (Max 2A when connected to a Type-C port on a computer; Max 500mA when connected to a USB-A port)
     12V: Rated current 800mA
24. Compatibility: Supports Windows and Linux; compatible with LattePanda and Raspberry Pi.
25. Driver Requirements: Driver-free for basic functionality; installing drivers enhances performance with unique device identifiers.
26. Dimensions: 72mm x 47mm x 23mm
###  Documents 

28. [Product Wiki](https://wiki.dfrobot.com/_SKU_TEL0185_RainbowLink)
29. [Function Indication Diagram](https://wiki.dfrobot.com/_SKU_TEL0185_RainbowLink#target_2)
30. [Question and Answer](https://wiki.dfrobot.com/_SKU_TEL0185_RainbowLink#target_4)
31. [Driver (WINDOWS)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/6851908b819aa4f0611c9a13b152e31a_586271022c8.zip)
32. [Driver (MAC)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/19faaae13f8c9469cda31f35dc93d552_45178ae251b.ZIP)
###  Parts List 

34. RainbowLink 4 Channel USB to Serial Converter (RS485 / RS232 / TTL) x1

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/T/E/TEL0185-1.jpg)