FoxESS H1 5kW and Waveshare modbus - External install

[willrodbard]

Hi, long time listening, first time caller!

I have a few questions if anyone would be good enough to help me out.
First, I will say that I've watched numerous Youtube videos from various folks, including JIAmEccles and read up on the Modbus Github pages from nathonmarlor, but I am still left with questions.

My set up is all external, so I need to ensure I have a weatherproof solution
I initially looked into the new LAN adapter from FoxESS to see if that would work, but it will not, it's basically just a more stable version of the WiFi Datalogger, by the fact of it being LAN.
So, I have decided to get a "Waveshare RS485 to RJ45 Ethernet Module with PoE" - but this is clearly designed for internal use, so perhaps I either bring that inside and use a longer CAT6 cable back to the inverter, I assume this will not cause any issues?

If I install the waveshare device, does it plug into the same port as the current datalogger and therefore remove the ability to use FoxCloud entirely? If this is the case, how with FoxESS/or my installer update my firmware?
if it does not plug into the same port which of the ports, is it the "METER/CT/RS485" portthat I plug into, if that's the case, won't this cause an issue with the job the CT clamp was performing??

Thanks in advance
Will

[Dave Foster]

Hi welcome to the forum.

The Waveshare adapter is an excellent product but as you say it is not really meant to be located externally unless you mount in a waterproof ABS box.
It can just as easily be mounted indoors and wired to the inverter, it is wired using a single pair (RS485) which will run over a reasonable distance but do use good quality twisted pair or cat6 for it.

The RS485 connects to the meter/CT connector and not the datalogger - you will still need one of those installed so you can see your inverter in the Foxcloud and it will let them do direct firmware updates or diagnostics.

The Meter/CT connector has a number of different connections for the CT, an RS485 meter connection if not using CT and the RS485 connections for the modbus control - depending on the inverter it will be an 8 or 16 pin connector.

[willrodbard]

Hi @Dave Foster
Thanks for the warm welcome and the additional info.
Are you aware of any guides on wiring the waveshare to the Meter/CT connection?
I have the H1-5.0-E-G2 inverter
Thanks in advance
Will.

[Dave Foster]

Hi @Dave Foster
Thanks for the warm welcome and the additional info.
Are you aware of any guides on wiring the waveshare to the Meter/CT connection?
I have the H1-5.0-E-G2 inverter
Thanks in advance
Will.

There is this one, not sure if you’ve seen it yet https://github.com/nathanmarlor/foxess ... ring-Guide

[willrodbard]

Apologies @Dave Foster
I forgot to say thanks for the link, so...


Thank you

[calum]

Make sure the jacket of the cable you run outside is UV rated, or even better ideally put it inside external rated conduit. Normal PVC jacketed cabling won't last too well if it's in strong sun, although you'd probably get away with it if it was on a north facing wall.