I am frustrated that this line was discontinued. When I purchased this and the e-panel not that long ago, it was being sold as a line that was going to get development, certification enhancements (through the e-panel I think), etc. I had multiple conversations about all of this back then with Midnite. A bit of a bait and switch but that's a topic I am sure has been beaten to death on here.
To be honest, so far the MN3024 is running just fine. No complaints that way. It's my first system so I don't have anything to compare it to but it is running my little critical loads panel without issue (knock on wood). I think I've got my little 1.2kw array and the settings wired and running well (I haven't had to touch the grid in the two weeks I've had this running).
Sorry - to the question:
I am using the SmartESS app through the Wifi dongle. The app is okay. I also have the battery bank connected to a Victron SmartShunt using a Pi to run Solar Assistant. I'd love to connect the inverter itself to Solar Assistant through the USB port. From the manual and reading about other same model SRNE clones, people have been successful using that USB port with SA. I've been able to see the port/cable a couple of times in Solar Assistant when trying to set this up but I've never been able to connect to it. More often than not, it doesn't find the port/cable at all.
Anyone running a DIY been successful in connecting SA through the USB port? Any magic sauce needed to make that happen?
Thanks
I don't remember if there is data available on the USB port but the RS485 port has MODBUS data available. I was able to access it before the MNCOMBOX project was cancelled. I don't use SA so I can't comment on its interface abilities but seems like all you need is a RS485 to USB cable and the proper coding in SA.
Quote from: Wizbandit on April 21, 2025, 02:11:07 PMI don't remember if there is data available on the USB port but the RS485 port has MODBUS data available. I was able to access it before the MNCOMBOX project was cancelled. I don't use SA so I can't comment on its interface abilities but seems like all you need is a RS485 to USB cable and the proper coding in SA.
I appreciate the help. Thank you. I was afraid of that I'd have to pick from the WiFi dongle and SA. I was hoping to be able to use the USB as the manual lists its potential usage and save/compare that to SmartESS.
I do have a USB/RS485 adapter I can use. If I understand the MN3024 manual correctly (sorry, I am new at all of this, learning along the way), I need to use Pin 7 for RS485-A, and Pin 8 for RS485-B. It notes Pin 2 as ground - do you know if the ground is needed? It also lists a pin for 5V power but I don't think my adapter has a slot for that and I believe it's not needed as the Pi has its own power? It's not like the WiFi dongle that needs a power source. So just the two wires on 7 & 8?
Apologies - an unrelated question. While discontinued, is Midnite offering any firmware updates on these units? I don't know if any update is needed or if the firmware is unique to Midnite Solar. Just had the thought while trying to figure this out. Is it running the same SRNE firmware as their other same model clones?
Quote from: Idaho Solar Enthusiast on April 21, 2025, 05:52:57 PMApologies - an unrelated question. While discontinued, is Midnite offering any firmware updates on these units? I don't know if any update is needed or if the firmware is unique to Midnite Solar. Just had the thought while trying to figure this out. Is it running the same SRNE firmware as their other same model clones?
No updates. I think the only thing we were working on for custom code was adding our BTS (Battery Temp Sensor) to the units and maybe WBjr interface.