@paulfjujo
it is a step-down transformer, no link between primary and secondary... I'm attaching a block diagram of the setup
@xenos
1) the relay controller supplies 24VAC for pumps/valves etc
2)attached block diagram
3)the 24VAC supplied from the relay board is AC not rectified, however i do have a bridge rectifier on my board before the LM2596 section
4)the diagram shows the connections
5)DC from the relay board is not provided, have to use 24VAC only
@KlausST
I have not connected the grounds of the 2 boards! I thought that 485 only needs 2 wires, I'll try your suggestion and report back
If this is ground related what would be the easiest way to solve without connecting the grounds? The problem is that the relay board doesnt give out a ground... just 2 wire RS485
Also given that I'm only using one pic, one max485 and one max232 is there a simpler way to power my board then using the LM2596 circuit?
Thanks everyone, really appreciate it