> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.creativeconners.com/docs/spikemark/drive-communication/rs-485-upgrade/upgrading-an-a700.md).

# Upgrading an A700

## Disassembly & Installation

1. Unplug the cat5 cable going into the VFD and remove the 2 screws holding on the cover.

![](/files/bJussa9BgC3iYCbnXgY5)

2\. Once the screws are loosened (they will not come out all the way out) gently pull up from the side of the cover to remove it.

3\. Look for the communication terminal blocks located at the top of the VFD

![](/files/9SuTs2anmnP0D2J7cMCf)

4\. Using a small screwdriver loosen the 4 screws circled below

a. The lower terminal block are the VCC and GND connections

b. The middle terminal block are the TXD+ and TXD- connections

![](/files/pBWqg37y4Sj8MsyJ5pBF)

5\. Insert one leg of the first 680Ω resistor into VCC and one leg of the second 680Ω resistor into GND and tighten the screws.

![](/files/tBdyW2TJ4wokW6dC25NA)

6\. Connect the other side of the resistors

a. Insert the remaining leg from the resistor plugged into VCC into TXD +.

b. Using the remaining leg from the resistor plugged into GND insert it into TXD -. Tighten down both screws

![](/files/SB5E2Qveu1OGOvg7HTSD)

{% hint style="warning" %}
**IMPORTANT** - Make sure the resistors are not touching each other or any other components. The resistors should not cross. You should be able to gently tug on the resistors and they should not come out of the VFD.
{% endhint %}

7\. Plug the cat5 cable back into the VFD.

8\. Remove all foreign materials from the Stagehand, plug in a motor and power on the Stagehand.

9\. Using the keypad on the front of the Stagehand change the parameters to match the settings.

10\. After making all the changes cycle power on the VFD.

11\. Open Spikemark 5.0 or later, and connect to the Stagehand.

12\. Make sure it is on the latest firmware version

13\. Scroll down to the drive section.

17\. Next to Drive Family you should see A700 Series. If this is not the case jump to [troubleshooting](/docs/spikemark/drive-communication/rs-485-upgrade/drive-communication-troubleshooting.md).

## Drive Parameters

|           |                                             |            |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------- | ---------- |
| Parameter | Description                                 | A800 Value |
| 79        | Operation mode selection                    | 0          |
| 117       | PU communication station number             | 1          |
| 118       | PU communication speed                      | 384        |
| 119       | PU communication stop bit length            | 0          |
| 120       | PU communication parity check               | 0          |
| 331       | RS-485 communication station number         | 1          |
| 332       | RS-485 communication speed                  | 384        |
| 334       | RS-485 communication parity check selection | 0          |
| 338       | Communication operation command source      | 0          |
| 339       | Communication speed command source          | 0          |
| 340       | Communication startup mode selection        | 0          |
| 549       | Protocol selection                          | 1          |
| 550       | NET mode operation command source selection | 1          |
| 551       | PU mode operation command source selection  | 9999       |

## Reassembly

1. Unplug the Stagehand.
2. Replace VFD cover by snapping it into place and screwing in the three screws.

![](/files/bJussa9BgC3iYCbnXgY5)

3\. Plug the cat5 cable back into the VFD.

4\. Remove all foreign material from the Stagehand and replace the side cover.

5\. Congrats you are all done and ready to take advantage of the awesome drive communication features in Spikemark.


---

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