Monitoring cable question

[netblindpaul]

You can run RS232 over Ethernet, but you need converters either end, similar to the idea behind the USB to serial adaptor shown above.

 

[shanky887614]

All I want achieve is monitor the inverter on the PC rather than have to go into the loft to look at it's display panel.
Samil provide their SolarPower Browser software application to do this, the difficulty is establishing a hardwired connection.
Someone on another forum did it with a short RS232 to USB cable into a laptop, and that got me wondering if I could get it to work over a longer distance to my PC.
Samil inverters rock!
Thanks a lot.

Dont you have a generation meter next to your consumer unit?

Wouldn't that be easier?

 

[herb]

Software has an option to connect through a network, might be worth trying USB over ethernet first?


Yes and yes to generation meter, but it's not what I want.
Thanks a lot

 

[Worcester]

Just use the USB to Serial converter (listed above) in the USB port on your PC/Laptop, now you are into serial comms and you can use a "9 Pin Serial RS232 Com Male to Female Extension Cable Lead DB9 M TO DB9 F" cable over (quite) long distances to connect other serial devices (i.e your inverter) depending upon the baud rate you choose (Lengths of serial cables )- there won't be a lot of data buzzing about so a baud rate of 4800bps would probably be adequate.

Then use the software shown above.

So to summarise to keep it as simple as possible, you need:
1) A USB to RS232 Adapter
2) A serial cable of the length to suit (PC to Inverter)
3) The Samil Monitoring Software

When you've got it all wokring you can then start to add other complications in like Serial over ethernet.
4) A PC / Laptop to run it on

 

[herb]

Thank you for that.
But why bother with ethernet after getting it working over serial, there would be no point.
I already have all hardware, except RS232 to USB converter, so why not try it.

PC, and router already connected.
Software already installed.
Buy RS232 to USB converter.
Already have USB extension cable long enough to go between converter and router.
Try it, USB over ethernet.

If it won't work forget ethernet.

Then buy and install the long serial cable.
It's the installation of the cable I want to avoid if I possibly can.
Thanks a lot.

 

[Worcester]

Because you're making life difficult for yourself..

Always start with the least complications first, that is pretty much proven to work, then go for the more complicated set up.

USB is serial --- Universal Serial Bus, just high speed
so USB to RS232 is a simple translation

USB over ethernet involves protocol changes and hardware addressing.

Start simple, get it working FIRST, when you know it works you then know where the problems are when you change something. Otherwise you have too many things that can go wrong.

This is my last post until my earlier advise has been followed.

 

[herb]

Thank you for that, but I disagree about making my life difficult.
I am trying to making my life easier, let me try to explain.

From a technical point of view I agree, go for the easier option, indeed that was what I meant in my last post when I asked you why bother with ethernet after getting it working over serial.

If a serial cable already existed I would use it and not think about running USB over ethernet, but unfortunately it doesn't.

It's far easier to try it with existing hardware than chasing out walls and re decorating after installing the new serial cable that I would have to get.

Let me try it, if it won't work and I can't get it to work nothing is lost.

I hope I have explained it well enough so that you can see it from my point of view.
Sorry if this means you don't want to post anymore, however I respect your decision and thank you for your help.

 

[netblindpaul]

What is the issue with running a serial cable, if needed you can run serial RS232 over 1km.
Why do you have a requirement to look for another solution?

 

[herb]

This.

It's far easier to try it with existing hardware than chasing out walls and re decorating after installing the new serial cable that I would have to get.

 

[Worcester]

This. It's far easier to try it with existing hardware than chasing out walls and re decorating after installing the new serial cable that I would have to get.

Kind of explains why I wont post anymore..... Sorry, your whole thinking process about how to go about this project is wrong.

 

[herb]

OK, don't post.
My thought process is not wrong at all.

Once I have the converter it will take a few minutes to connect into what is already here.
Try it, if I can't get it to work it doesn't matter that I tried, that is not wrong.

Meanwhile more options.

Samil have suggested the hardware with FP4All-SamilLogger should do what I want.
FP4all.org solar system monitoring apparently its less than £100 (have to email for price) so worth finding more info about.

I have also had a laptop given, so using an existing USB extension and the converter when it arrives, I will be able to monitor the inverter without going into the loft, not as good as getting the signal to the PC but it will make my life easier, and I might decide to leave it at that.

When the time comes to decorate I will make provision to get more cables down the wall and of course install a serial cable if it is still required, but not right now.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Gavin A]

why do you actually need to monitor the inverter directly?

If you're just wanting to be able to check that it's working ok, then something like the current cost wireless remote display unit is going to be by far the simplest and most cost effective option.

Current Cost - Reducing your energy bills so you can live a greener life!

 

[tazz]

Totally give up on this post.....I also will not repost.....this guy knows all his own answers.....and cannot be helped

 

[herb]

Hi Gavin A
Thank you for that.

Why, well mostly out of interest, because it's something new, and I have time to do it.

It was installed mid December, and I like to see how its output is increasing as the light levels increase over time.

When its a clear day I have been noting its output and the time, then do the same again the next time there is a clear day and compare the differences, also its peak output, ok I know its sad but you did ask.

Perhaps I should just make do with the daily kw output on the generation meter, and probably will when we get past the longest day.

I have a similar device to the one in your post, so I can see the system is working, but it's not very accurate. Thanks for mentioning it though.

tazz,
Sorry you feel that way, I respect your decision not to post anymore, and I thank you for your help.

You guys have helped me with this, remember what I was asking about pinouts, and if electronics were involved, the differences in the protocols.
Well the correct converter cable is ordered because of that, and if I don't get past inverter to laptop you have still been a big help to me, thanks to all of you.

 

[herb]

Meanwhile (again)

As long as I hide it next time we decorate, wife's agreed to a cable running down the wall.
If necessary it's now practical to install a serial cable, then decorate as and when.
I'm happy with that, plus I got the laptop given, so things have turned out quite well.

Thanks a lot.