I have two Classic 150s powering my SMA 6048 inverters. The SMA software is dated and a bit clunky, but I can see and set essentially all the Classics variables and data.
Question 1) Can I hook up the Classics with ethernet if they are already talking to the SMAs? I tried it and was not successful, but I don't know if it was user ignorance/error or simply not possible. The Classics are in "SMA mode".
Question 2) Is there any advantage to using Midnite software in addition to the SMA software?
TIA,
Rick
SMA Mode just uses serial MODBUS to access the Classics. The ethernet should work just fine, connect each Classic to a router with DHCP capabilities, download and install the Local App and you should be good to go.
Thanks, I'll try it again next time I'm there.
Any comments on software comparisons? I assume I should use the SMA software for making changes, but for viewing?
With the Classic Local Status App if you have the Whizbang installed you will be able to see how much power is going into the battery , and how much power is going to the loads - and if your inverter is the only load then you know how much power it is drawing.
If you use Grahams Classic Android app you will have the best graphic view of all the power and many of the graphics you can toggle between amps and watts. If you don't have an Android you can get Android Emulator for Windows computer - I use one called Memu that works well. You can find his app on the Playstore . There is more info on the forums about this app.
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=1589.0
Mymidnite is useful too for looking at history when you haven't had the two above apps running.
Larry