Modbus connection - any more real time than latest app?

[aplant]

Hey all,

Wondering if there's any value getting the modbus connection setup if my main goal is to view REAL real time usage. As it is the app gives me updates every few seconds - does modbus give you faster updates than that?

[Dave Foster]

The app only gives you fast updates when you have it open and are viewing the home page and that only covers a handful of sensors, a modbus connection gives you similar update intervals but all the time for every sensor the inverter exposes.

The biggest selling point for modbus is local control i.e. no cloud needed, no reliance on apps schedules or how Fox choose to allow work modes to operate, but it does require a crash course in home assistant which can become very addictive.

[aplant]

The app only gives you fast updates when you have it open and are viewing the home page and that only covers a handful of sensors, a modbus connection gives you similar update intervals but all the time for every sensor the inverter exposes.

The biggest selling point for modbus is local control i.e. no cloud needed, no reliance on apps schedules or how Fox choose to allow work modes to operate, but it does require a crash course in home assistant which can become very addictive.

Thanks for the speedy reply! So with modbus, what is the interval that data refreshes at? I'll probably end up doing it anyway as I like to tinker with these things. The only annoying thing I've got to contend with is that the existing cable for the ct clamp (a cat 6 cable) had all other pairs cut off, so I'll have to either re run another wire, or expose two other pairs then run a mini extension to those on both ends

[Dave Foster]

Thanks for the speedy reply! So with modbus, what is the interval that data refreshes at? I'll probably end up doing it anyway as I like to tinker with these things. The only annoying thing I've got to contend with is that the existing cable for the ct clamp (a cat 6 cable) had all other pairs cut off, so I'll have to either re run another wire, or expose two other pairs then run a mini extension to those on both ends

The update interval depends a lot on the adapter you use and whether it is wifi, USB or ethernet connected - the latter 2 can comfortably poll at 6 seconds, ~ flat out possibly as low as 2 seconds but you will be creating a lot of data at those speeds - I have my polling speed set to 6 seconds.

[aplant]

Thanks for the speedy reply! So with modbus, what is the interval that data refreshes at? I'll probably end up doing it anyway as I like to tinker with these things. The only annoying thing I've got to contend with is that the existing cable for the ct clamp (a cat 6 cable) had all other pairs cut off, so I'll have to either re run another wire, or expose two other pairs then run a mini extension to those on both ends

The update interval depends a lot on the adapter you use and whether it is wifi, USB or ethernet connected - the latter 2 can comfortably poll at 6 seconds, ~ flat out possibly as low as 2 seconds but you will be creating a lot of data at those speeds - I have my polling speed set to 6 seconds.

I see! Is there a recommendation on specific devices for each?

[Dave Foster]

I see! Is there a recommendation on specific devices for each?

This is the wiki page for the modbus home assistant integration https://github.com/nathanmarlor/foxess ... ring-Guide, you’ll see a number of different types of adaptors listed on the menu - they’re more a list of tested / working adaptors. I’ve personally tested the DSD Tech USB and the Waveshare ethernet adaptor, both of which I can recommend for reliable high speed operation.

[aplant]

I see! Is there a recommendation on specific devices for each?

This is the wiki page for the modbus home assistant integration https://github.com/nathanmarlor/foxess ... ring-Guide, you’ll see a number of different types of adaptors listed on the menu - they’re more a list of tested / working adaptors. I’ve personally tested the DSD Tech USB and the Waveshare ethernet adaptor, both of which I can recommend for reliable high speed operation.

Amazing, thanks so much again for the info!

[MaterialBarracuda48]

Whatever way you go, you are looking at going down rabbit holes.
There exists "Shelly EM" or some name like that, that can give you the realtime metering that you might be looking at.

The Shelly EM is a WiFi-operated, dual-channel energy meter designed to monitor electricity consumption for two circuits simultaneously (up to 120A each) in real time. It features built-in 365-day history, contactor control (2A relay), and works with the Shelly App, MQTT, or home automation systems like Home Assistant.

Forum user Wyndstryke I believes uses this IRL, and might be able to let you know better (or anyone else utilising this)
It is something that you can add to Home Assistant if you find the refresh rate is not enough for you.