Monitoring cable question

[netblindpaul]

So you already have an ethernet cable from the inverter to your PC then?
If not what is the difference?

 

[herb]

netblindpaul, thanks for asking and I have a question for you at the end of this.

At the moment no connection between inverter and PC.
No connection between inverter and router.

Inverter is directly above router, one floor higher.
PC on same floor as router but at other end of house.

Ethernet connection exists between PC and router only.

It's easy (physically) to put a cable between inverter and router.
Difficulties, converting RS232/485 signal into ethernet.

Will have RS232 to USB converter cable this week so very easy to make physical connection between inverter and router (router has USB ports) unlikely to work but worth a try.

Now it's become easier to install a serial cable between inverter and PC, serial to USB converter into PC, extend it with new cable up to inverter.

netblindpaul, do you have a link to the converters you mentioned in your post number 16?

I am thinking long term will there be drivers available for newer operating systems to allow the use of RS232 to USB converters, one I ordered will work with Win 8 so ok for now.

Even though RS232 to USB is now going to be quite easy, it might be better long term to try and get it working over ethernet.
Thanks a lot.

 

[netblindpaul]

Here is one:
Buy Interface Adapters RS232 over Ethernet Adapter RS 15.06.0015 online from RS for next day delivery.

There are LOADS of them, but they do take some technical knowledge to configure.

 

[herb]

That's great, thank you very much.

 

[SibertSolar]

USB to serial (RS232/485) adaptor cables are easy enough to find, but most will require some form of generic driver to be installed. Not entirely sure that your router is going to be able to manage the task to be honest but no doubt you will find out soon enough. Would something like this be of any practical benefit to you perhaps?

 

[herb]

Yes, I really think it would be beneficial.
It looks like that would be the best way to go, no driver issues, no cable to install.
Thank you very much.

 

[herb]

Got the RS232 - USB converter, or adapter as the makers call it, connected it to the inverter, added a USB extension, plugged it into the laptop and it works fine.

From where I can reach with the laptop I have a better view of the sky than if I were to connect this to the PC, I think I will get most benefit from it if I leave it at that. It's great to be able to look from the laptop to the sky, compared to being in the loft with no windows to look out of.

I had to try it through the router though, an Asus RT-N56U, connected it up and updated the firmware as it's never been used before.

Plugged in the USB extension from the inverter and could see the adapter's name in the routers browser on PC.
As expected it wouldn't connect with Samil's software, out of curiosity I sent an email off to Asus asking about the possibilities of this. Reply said router does not support RS232, it had been suggested before with developers, is under consideration, but no plans to introduce it at this time..

If at some point I decide there would be a benefit of monitoring to the PC I would like to try with something like that suggested by SibertSolar in his post number 35, I will come back with the results if I do.

If anyone is wanting to do go RS232 to USB I can confirm this works, it also has a DB25 connector.
StarTech.com USB to RS232 DB9/DB25 Serial Adapter.. | Ebuyer.com

Thanks a lot.