I just started reviving an existing off-grid system that was put together circa 2013. Has a MNS Classic, and MagnaSine 4048 with Magnum display in the 'solar shed' which is about 75 yards from house. The house now has wifi available, smartphones with Bluetooth of course. It is likely the Classic has never had any firmware updates since install.
Q: what is the easiest/cheapest way to send data wireless and display inside on phone, or a web portal would be preferable, at least:
- battery voltage or SOC% (although % is questionable since upgrading from FLA to Lithium battery)
- pv power & kWhr for the day
- load power & kWhr for the day
Is this something I can accomplish by adding BT or wifi dongle to MNS classic, or to MS 4048 rj-11 port ?
easy way to do it is use Grahams Classic Monitoring app for android - that is available on the play store. This should work fine if you are on the same network. https://play.google.com/store/search?q=classic%20monitoring%20app&c=apps&hl=en_US&gl=US
There are some other ways to do it also
Look here https://github.com/ClassicDIY
Larry
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on November 23, 2023, 06:58:16 PMeasy way to do it is use Grahams Classic Monitoring app for android - that is available on the play store. This should work fine if you are on the same network. https://play.google.com/store/search?q=classic%20monitoring%20app&c=apps&hl=en_US&gl=US
There are some other ways to do it also
Look here https://github.com/ClassicDIY
Larry
this (read only) app looks like it will do what I want.... but how do I broadcast the info from the Classic out in the solar shed ? i.e. how do I get the Classic, or the MagnaSine, to connect to the local network where the App can see it ?
Do I need a router or access point in the shed ?
if so, are there any particular (inexpensive) recommended ones ?
connected to a port in the Classic, or in the Magnasine ?
....pardon the TOTAL ignorance in this topic, but I need an overall schematic, or document, showing me all the pieces needed.
I am NO Network Woizard, but, we link the Classic to the existing WiFi network, with a Netgear WiFi Extender ($30-ish).
One extender Port is plugged into the Classic net port
This extender sees the main wifi network, which is about 225 ft away, and is quite reliable.
Just setup the Local App, and you should be good, to monitor your Classic.
However, I know nothing about how the Magnum inverter would be wifi-ed.
Good Luck, Vic
Magnum has their own WiFi interface. It is supplied by James Jarvis of aprsworld.com
I think you can call Magnum/Sensata and get information on that interface.
boB
Quote from: Vic on November 24, 2023, 12:10:50 PMI am NO Network Woizard, but, we link the Classic to the existing WiFi network, with a Netgear WiFi Extender ($30-ish).
One extender Port is plugged into the Classic net port
This extender sees the main wifi network, which is about 225 ft away, and is quite reliable.
Just setup the Local App, and you should be good, to monitor your Classic.
However, I know nothing about how the Magnum inverter would be wifi-ed.
Good Luck, Vic
ok, so I need to get a wifi extender compatible with the existing router in the home.... and connect to the Class 'net' port, which I am assuming is under the front cover. This will also require 120vAC outlet nearby in the solar shed to run the extender power supply.
Quote from: boB on November 24, 2023, 12:23:19 PMMagnum has their own WiFi interface. It is supplied by James Jarvis of aprsworld.com
I think you can call Magnum/Sensata and get information on that interface.
boB
either way, it sounds like I have to get a network extender compatible with existing wifi, and 120vAC power in the solar shed to run it...
or the other option is to just run a cat 5 cable 75 feet to your shed. You can get outdoor rated direct burial kind.
But sounds like Vic's method of using an extender is probably easiest.
Just keep in mind that the Classic can only have one IP connection at a time so if you use the local status app that will work, but you would have to disconnect that app and then Grahams Classic Monitoring app would be able to connect and get the data - just not both at the same time.
Quote from: dtbaker61 on November 24, 2023, 12:30:49 PMQuote from: boB on November 24, 2023, 12:23:19 PMMagnum has their own WiFi interface. It is supplied by James Jarvis of aprsworld.com
I think you can call Magnum/Sensata and get information on that interface.
boB
either way, it sounds like I have to get a network extender compatible with existing wifi, and 120vAC power in the solar shed to run it...
I believe most routers operate on dc voltage. I'm not sure on voltage.
Ed
What I do for the Classic is to buy a $30 or so WiFi bridge with an Ethernet jack.
Then, put the bridge up kind of high. Set the bridge for your wifi SSID and password and things should just work.
boB
Quote from: boB on November 26, 2023, 11:22:24 AMWhat I do for the Classic is to buy a $30 or so WiFi bridge with an Ethernet jack.
Then, put the bridge up kind of high. Set the bridge for your wifi SSID and password and things should just work.
boB
yup, that's the conclusion I have reached as well... but I need to add a 120vAC outlet in the solar shed to power the bridge first..... THEN, I should be able to send the data to an App or web portal.
Wouldn't it be cool if the AC input to the WiFi bridge ran on 48V DC too ?
It would require opening it up to make sure it was safe to apply a DC voltage.
Some supplies present the wall socket with a full wave rectifier that runs a DC to DC converter.
THAT would be just too handy though, wouldn't it ? Not recommending to try this from home but the idea did cross my mind.
boB
Quote from: boB on November 26, 2023, 04:19:37 PMWouldn't it be cool if the AC input to the WiFi bridge ran on 48V DC too ?
It would require opening it up to make sure it was safe to apply a DC voltage.
Some supplies present the wall socket with a full wave rectifier that runs a DC to DC converter.
THAT would be just too handy though, wouldn't it ? Not recommending to try this from home but the idea did cross my mind.
boB
I have heard that works on some things Bob.
But like others said - many of the routers or extenders run on a DC wall wart power supply so it is easy enough to get a $2 voltage dc to dc voltage converter and set it for the DC voltage the device needs. I have replaced a lot of battery operated weather stations and monitors using those - just solder a couple wires on the battery terminals and no more battery changing needed.
Larry