I would like to build a device that outputs from UART and connects to RS485. What is the best way to connect from the Hydra socket? Can I connect directly from a socket that supports UART to my prototype board? Or do I need to use/build a module? Looking at the NET Gadgeteer Module Builder’s Guide version 1.8 at http://gadgeteer.codeplex.com/releases/view/72208#DownloadId=273356 it appears I can connect directly to the coresponding pins.
If you have an extender module or the MakeBread (community) module, you get easy breadboard access to pins you want.
Then all you need is something to connect it to - in your case it might be a MAXxxxx chip to do RS485, in one of my examples its a MAX2232 for rs232 
Awesome. Thanks for your help.