> 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-a800.md).

# Upgrading an A800

## Disassembly & Installation

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

![](/files/jk6zjzj4fzFDH1H2po2z)

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

3\. Loosen the 1 screw holding in the top cover.

![](/files/yHTWWZSBpRu7rTp6nVSa)

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

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

![](/files/NrvcH3mSyjQO36VAwlOH)

6\. Using a small screwdriver, press the white tabs above each terminal and insert a 680Ω resistor between the VCC and TXD +; repeat to insert a 680Ω resistor between GND and TXD-.

![](/files/MVcOnL7qHVTMI3bsOcDv)

![](/files/CmEKsMaaQRuKbMpcbRrJ)

{% hint style="warning" %}
**IMPORTANT** make sure the resistors are not touching each other. You should be able to gently tug on the resistors and they should not come out of the VFD. Plug the cat5 cable back into the VFD.
{% endhint %}

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

9\. Confirm RDX Connections: RDX+ = BROWN RDX- = WHITE with BROWN

10\. Remove all foreign materials from the Stagehand

11\. Plug in a motor

12\. Plug in and power on the Stagehand.

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

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

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

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

17\. Scroll down to the drive section.

18\. Next to Drive Model you should see either A800 Series or FR-A8 followed by other letters and numbers. If this is not the case jump to [troubleshooting](/docs/spikemark/drive-communication/rs-485-upgrade/drive-communication-troubleshooting.md).

## Drive Parameters

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th width="341.32405294386126"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Parameter</td><td>Description</td><td>A800 Value</td></tr><tr><td>79</td><td>Operation mode selection</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>117</td><td>PU communication station number</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>118</td><td>PU communication speed</td><td>384</td></tr><tr><td>119</td><td>PU communication stop bit length</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>120</td><td>PU communication parity check</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>331</td><td>RS-485 communication station number</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>332</td><td>RS-485 communication speed</td><td>384</td></tr><tr><td>334</td><td>RS-485 communication parity check selection</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>338</td><td>Communication operation command source</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>339</td><td>Communication speed command source</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>340</td><td>Communication startup mode selection</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>549</td><td>Protocol selection</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>550</td><td>NET mode operation command source selection</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>551</td><td>PU mode operation command source selection</td><td>9999</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Reassembly

1. Unplug the Stagehand.
2. Unplug the cat5 cable from the VFD.
3. Replace taller VFD cover by snapping it into place and screwing in the screw

![](/files/yHTWWZSBpRu7rTp6nVSa)

4\. Replace smaller VFD cover by snapping it into place and screwing in the screws.

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

![](/files/jk6zjzj4fzFDH1H2po2z)

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

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


---

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