Solis Datalogger : port on inverter is broken

shoehorn · 03-03-2023 3:21pm #1

Datalogger was losing connection and reset button wasn't working, so I pulled the datalogger out of the inverter (solis hybrid 6kw). But did it too roughly (I didn't realise it had to be screwed out). The green datalogger port on the inverter is now loose, and I must have broken the connections inside the inverter, as the datalogger doesn't show any lights when I plug it in.

Installer say they don't open the inverter (invalidates warranty) and that warranty won't cover this problem, because I unplugged it the wrong way, so the only option is a new inverter, but it's not worth it.

Any other options for getting that fixed, or ways to track usage? I know inverter screen shows usage data, but it's up in the attic. We have an EDDI in hotpress. I think EDDI seems to show whether we are importing or exporting at any one time? That would be useful to know if's a good time to put on a wash etc. but not as good as solis app.

SD_DRACULA · 03-03-2023 3:36pm

I don't think there is another way of getting data out except that port.

Are you sure the pins inside of the inverter are broken? They are sturdy enough, maybe you only damaged the wifi dongle.

I'd say open up the dongle and see if that's where the damage is and if you can try another dongle, maybe you get lucky and it's just that.

shoehorn · 03-03-2023 3:59pm

Thanks for the advice.

The dongle looks fine and it slots into the inverter port's pins no problem. The trouble is the port itself is able to twist freely through 360 degrees, so I'm guessing I snapped it away from its wires on the inside? I think when I remove it, I pulled it at first, and then realised it was a twisty job, but I ended up twisting the entire port around a few times without realising it. made a right hames of it.

I'll try checking the dongle or another dongle.

To check the port, should I get a multi-meter and check for voltage coming through the pins?

SD_DRACULA · 03-03-2023 4:21pm

Try it sure: https://solis-service.solisinverters.com/support/solutions/articles/44002383408-troubleshooting-rs485-communication-on-the-4-pin-com-port

nicholasmark · 05-03-2023 11:53pm

I have exactly same issue. Any update?

shoehorn · 07-03-2023 11:27am

No update. I have neither another datalogger nor a multimeter to check where exactly the problem is. I'll get around to it at some point and update.

In the meantime, if we need to know whether we're exporting, we just check EDDI.

Been without the datalogger about a month now and sort of come to terms with not having it. With the obsessive compulsion to keep checking it now gone, it's truly a 'set it and forget it'! Apart from the nice feeling of checking the stats on a sunny day, I don't think we truly needed it, except for checking if it's a good time to put on a load, which the EDDI can tell us. And I'll use the meter to check units used every few months.

The only thing might be missing out on alarms? If there's a serious fault does the inverter itself start beeping I wonder?

SD_DRACULA · 07-03-2023 11:29am

Never heard it beep when an alarm is on but the alarm LED does turn red.

shoehorn · 05-05-2023 4:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120319132#Comment_120319132

Update:

I got the lend of a multimeter and the voltage on both pairs of pins is zero. So unfortunately it's the inverter port that has the problem, not the datalogger. I'm told it can't be fixed without replacing the inverter!

I've been using the myenergi app a bit lately. It's blind to my panels and battery, so just shows import/export data. I see a green 'consumed' value which is always zero. Is it possible to get the myenergi app to 'see' the panels and battery? Something about extra CT clamps? If so, how expensive to get that done?

Big Lar · 05-05-2023 10:05am

See pic below with the arrow pointing towards connector on the inside of the inverter, it should be a simple fix or simple replacement if you ever get around to opening the inverter. Or perhaps you would not have to open the inverter if you could get the existing plug out and solder in a new plug, I believe this would be the replacement item here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195668989940

Then on the other hand what you have is working and trying to fix may make it worse

Scoobydoobydoo101 · 05-05-2023 10:31am

What is the purpose of the white doughnut plastic piece with the wire wrapped around it?

graememk · 05-05-2023 10:45am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120557977#Comment_120557977

It has both live and neutral so likely some sort of earth leakage detector

Shar! · 09-12-2023 10:18am

I’m so glad I found this’ I did the same thing with my Datalogger a month ago , absolutely raging cos system is only installed a year . Cannot believe there is not a simple fix for this without as u say replacing the inverter . I may invest in Eddi hub as I only have one Ariel on my Eddi and hope this helps to say get dishwasher and washing machine on .

ddonq1412 · 09-12-2023 4:52pm

If you open a ticket to solis support they will tell you to open the inverter or get a spark to do it. There is 10 torx25 screws holds the plate. More likely the cable has popped off board. 5 min fix.

shoehorn · 01-02-2024 9:39am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121475875#Comment_121475875

Yes! They advised me to open the inverter, but I got stuck at step 1 - shutting off AC and DC supply. I don't know what those switches look like - probably something that would be good to know - any pointers?

"1) First switch off the AC supply of inverter and then switch off the DC supply of inverter."

ddonq1412 · 01-02-2024 9:46am

The should be twistable knobs close to inverter.

__Alex · 04-04-2024 8:11pm

I encountered a similar situation while troubleshooting a Wifi issue. The datalogger lost power, and to make matters worse, I accidentally broke one of the port pins.

The first thing to do is disconnect and open the inverter very carefully and check for any loose or disconnected components inside. In my case, I found the com cable was disconnected.

I also had to replace the green part. I ordered it here: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/234961826970 and used a soldering iron kit.

This took me 90 minutes.
I hope this helps!

1.JPG

2.jpg

3.JPG

omathum2 · 18-05-2024 1:32pm

I made this mistake as well, really bad design that can break the port that easily when trying to disconnect the data logger!

omathum2 · 18-05-2024 1:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121704214#Comment_121704214

@shoehorn did you ever manage to do this? I'm debating whether it's worth the risk?

Reason I attempted to disconnect the datalogger was I couldn't get it to connect to wifi in the 1st place.

Anyone else have any issues with this?

ColemanY2K · 19-05-2024 6:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122153192#Comment_122153192

My datalogger stopped connecting to the WiFi at the end of last month. I've tried everything from resetting it to actually turning off the AC isolator, switching off the inverter etc etc but to no avail.

I'm now thinking the datalogger has perhaps given up the ghost after only 4 months of operation.

graememk · 19-05-2024 7:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122158231#Comment_122158231

Is there a light on it?

Does it put up a hotspot when you turn your WiFi off?

ColemanY2K · 19-05-2024 8:38pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122158332#Comment_122158332

Net light is flashing with com and pwr both constant.

I'm thinking of plugging into a socket beside the inverter a tp link av1000 and connect a cable from it to the com port on the inverter. That could in theory connect the inverter to the WiFi mesh network. Not sure if it'll work.

graememk · 19-05-2024 8:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122158618#Comment_122158618

Can you connect to its hotspot and check it's settings?

ColemanY2K · 19-05-2024 10:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122158657#Comment_122158657

I'll double check tomorrow when I'm back from work 👍

jkforde · 19-05-2024 10:24pm

sounds like it may need to be fully reset..

https://youtu.be/6KlpJMFPu60

Press the reset button for 10s until Net & Com both go off (full reset)

On your phone, connect to the Solis wifi, pw 123456789

Open 10.10.100.254 in your browser: admin, 123456789

Choose Quick Set.

Select your home wifi and connect.

> Save

------------------

hopefully that might sort the connection for you.

...Ghost... · 26-06-2024 11:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122158618#Comment_122158618

Was it the orange light constantly flashing? This is happening to mine and I can't find any solutions. Would love to try another logger to see if it's an inverter or logger issue. Wi-Fi is connected, but logger is not communicating with inverter.

ColemanY2K · 28-06-2024 9:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122308538#Comment_122308538

I'm colourblind so can't tell you what the colour is. Its still out of action and since the zappi has been installed i've just relied on the myenergi app for my solar data.

...Ghost... · 28-06-2024 10:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122316125#Comment_122316125

The orange light is the middle one. I've gone back to the installers. They've been onto solis who will try do an update. Hoping it will be just a replacement logger. Expecting to hear back Mon/Tue.

Solis Datalogger : port on inverter is broken

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