A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Inverters => MN15-12KW-AIO => Topic started by: KF3K on October 04, 2024, 06:46:11 PM

Title: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: KF3K on October 04, 2024, 06:46:11 PM
I'm spec'ing components for a solar install, and the AIO looks very appealing, other than I'm incredibly uncomfortable with wireless networking on any of my home's critical infrastructure.  Thus, a few questions:

1. Is it possible to disable the Bluetooth interface?

2. If yes, can all of the Bluetooth functions be accomplished over the hardwired (RS-485 or CAN) interfaces instead?

3. If the answer to 1 or 2 is "no," then are the results of an independent cybersecurity audit available anywhere?
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: boB on October 04, 2024, 07:29:17 PM

I highly doubt #3 auditing.  The communications over wire would be simple comms anyone could use.

Ryan or Wizbandit can answer the Bluetooth questions.

boB
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: FNG on October 07, 2024, 07:26:18 AM
At this time I am not aware of any way to disable BT unfortunately.
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: qrper on October 07, 2024, 11:34:19 AM
Quote from: FNG on October 07, 2024, 07:26:18 AMAt this time I am not aware of any way to disable BT unfortunately.

I guess if you really wanted to disable BT, I wonder if a Fariday cage would work provided you encase the entire inverter, on all sides, to block BT.

Mike
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: KF3K on October 07, 2024, 12:32:18 PM
Is the Bluetooth antenna via a connector to which a dummy load could be attached, or is it built into the circuit board?
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: KF3K on October 21, 2024, 06:09:18 PM
Quote from: KF3K on October 07, 2024, 12:32:18 PMIs the Bluetooth antenna via a connector to which a dummy load could be attached, or is it built into the circuit board?

Answering my own question from this teardown video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQF4peNdtlY&t=440s

I believe the Bluetooth module is the daughterboard with castellated pins soldered to the lower-right hand corner of the communications board (below the grey connector).

The module could be removed, but I don't know if the AIO would function without it—most Bluetooth modules like that (ESP8266 or similar) also feature a MCU, which may be performing other functions.  It's possible one could cut the antenna circuit board traces on the module (or bodge some sort of dummy load) and then re-solder it onto the communications board, but I doubt the warranty would be honored in that case.

Suggestion to MidNite: If the Bluetooth functions are also available via RS485, I would gladly pay extra for a version of this communication board without the module populated.
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: jahyde on October 25, 2024, 12:23:42 AM
FYI - the casing destroys the BT signal, if you are more than 5 feet away it dont reach... in fact if I am inside my house directly behind the inverter, it will not connect thru the drywall+stucco wall.

Wifi and ethernet identify as Espressif, probably same on BT.
Title: Re: Disable Bluetooth?
Post by: goldserve on October 28, 2024, 06:20:32 PM
That is what I noticed too. If there is no external antenna port used by the ESP32 or similar chipsets, BT will suck. Is there a difference connecting to the ethernet port in terms of functionality and when the lan enabled app is available, will it work via ethernet as well?