Quote from: Halfcrazy on December 23, 2016, 09:34:32 AM
One of the issues is the Local App is only for the classic, So moving forward we have a bunch of new inverters and charge controllers coming out and we did not want to rethink everyone of them. We have decided to work on a very low cost communications box that will talk to all the Midnite devices and will then have the ethernet connection in it. We plan to have this be a webserver as well so that will eliminate the issues with platforms
Thought I would start a new topic on this item from Ryan.
Robin has mentioned it will have "We felt that some form of communications was desired so BT won out. We will make it so it can be disabled. For those of you that want the ultimate in communications, our upcoming Linux Comm box has Wi-FI and BT standard as well as Ethernet and a bunch of USB ports etc."
So what else can MN tell us about this project?
Quote from: Resthome on January 16, 2017, 01:54:32 AM
Quote from: Halfcrazy on December 23, 2016, 09:34:32 AM
a very low cost communications box that will talk to all the Midnite devices and will then have the ethernet connection in it. We plan to have this be a webserver as well so that will eliminate the issues with platforms
Robin said "We felt that some form of communications was desired so BT won out. We will make it so it can be disabled. For those of you that want the ultimate in communications, our upcoming Linux Comm box has Wi-FI and BT standard as well as Ethernet and a bunch of USB ports etc."
I have to hope it will be
very power MIZERLY, Can it be down in the BBB or rPi territory? :o.... 8) :)
Looking forward to more info.
Quote from: Westbranch on January 16, 2017, 11:52:29 AM
Quote from: Resthome on January 16, 2017, 01:54:32 AM
Quote from: Halfcrazy on December 23, 2016, 09:34:32 AM
a very low cost communications box that will talk to all the Midnite devices and will then have the ethernet connection in it. We plan to have this be a webserver as well so that will eliminate the issues with platforms
Robin said "We felt that some form of communications was desired so BT won out. We will make it so it can be disabled. For those of you that want the ultimate in communications, our upcoming Linux Comm box has Wi-FI and BT standard as well as Ethernet and a bunch of USB ports etc."
I have to hope it will be very power MIZERLY, Can it be down in the BBB or rPi territory? :o.... 8) :)
Looking forward to more info.
You may have to have 2 or 3 B17s invertors to run it.. Good for B17 sales. ;D
Lol:-) :-)
score: John +2 ;D ;)
Any thing new here? Specifically monitoring a Kid remotely?
- Jeff
Cool hardware, no software yet :(
RS232
RS485
DUAL CANBUS
Ethernet
Mini OLED Display
WiFi
Quote from: Wizbandit on September 27, 2021, 12:55:01 PM
Cool hardware, no software yet :(
RS232
RS485
DUAL CANBUS
Ethernet
Mini OLED Display
WiFi
CAN Bus gives me a headache.....but boB likes it! :)
0,01;41;1;7A;3;0;0;0;0;0;0;;
0,02;50;1;0;20;90;B0;FF;FF;FF;FF;;
0,03;0D0;1;B5;20;0;8;0D;90;FF;FF;;
0,04;1A0;1;0;40;0;0;FE;FE;0;0E;;
0,05;280;1;1;22;CC;0C;22;0;17;19;;
0,06;288;1;8A;7B;10;0;0;53;93;0F;;
CAN I get some 11bit format to go please...? Just the cheap stuff, ok?
(1579876676.199507) slcan0 2DE#0000000000000050
(1579876676.199539) slcan0 358#000A800000000000
(1579876676.199547) slcan0 1CA#0000000005005055
(1579876676.199553) slcan0 1CB#00000000000185
...you want fries with that ?
~kop
Quote from: Wizbandit on September 27, 2021, 12:55:01 PM
Cool hardware, no software yet :(
RS232
RS485
DUAL CANBUS
Ethernet
Mini OLED Display
WiFi
Well, there is SOME software but not ready for prime time quite yet.
Getting there !
It runs on Linux too !
So Raspberry PI?
Quote from: unyalli on September 27, 2021, 10:22:20 PM
So Raspberry PI?
No, rPi was too expensive for this.
Orange Pi
Although the price of those are going up too
Topless & Bottomless Combox...:)
So I have been tasked with interfacing the Classic to the COMBOX. I setup a time series database called InfluxDB and setup Grafana to build some test fixtures. I wrote code that is running on the COMBOX to read the MODBUS data from 2 of my Classic Charge Controllers. I just pulled 4 data registers as a test, Battery Voltage, PV (IN) Voltage, Classic output Amps and Daily KWh production.
I'll have to say, as a development tool it's not really that bad of a system and looks really cool. I doubt the boss will let it stay in the final release. I call it my "Classic Build-a-Bear System". Playing with Grafana I have to say you can do some pretty cool stuff and make some real nice dashboards and panels. All end user customizable.
The last picture was the last playing for the evening, I just had to add Classic MODE. I found a feature that lets you build collapsible ROWs, way cool.
Quote from: Wizbandit on September 29, 2021, 09:49:32 PM
So I have been tasked with interfacing the Classic to the COMBOX. I setup a time series database called InfluxDB and setup Grafana to build some test fixtures. I wrote code that is running on the COMBOX to read the MODBUS data from 2 of my Classic Charge Controllers. I just pulled 4 data registers as a test, Battery Voltage, PV (IN) Voltage, Classic output Amps and Daily KWh production.
I'll have to say, as a development tool it's not really that bad of a system and looks really cool. I doubt the boss will let it stay in the final release. I call it my "Classic Build-a-Bear System". Playing with Grafana I have to say you can do some pretty cool stuff and make some real nice dashboards and panels. All end user customizable.
The last picture was the last playing for the evening, I just had to add Classic MODE. I found a feature that lets you build collapsible ROWs, way cool.
LOVE it !!!
Combox with top and bottom on..:)
will this work with the SL model classic?
Looks good, glad to see the commbox is running and ready for action. Next step, Beta testing!
Quote from: wagreg on October 03, 2021, 08:15:58 AM
will this work with the SL model classic?
I'm not sure ? I had forgotten what features the Classic SL was lacking which might make a difference.
Turns out our link for that appears to be dead at the moment. Having that fixed right away
Depends on whether or not it is communicating with the Classic via either Ethernet or the modbus RS232 jacks.
If Ethernet is used, then a simple Ethernet switch is needed to add extra Ethernet connections and retain local network connectivity. At least those switches are real inexpensive... Like less than $20
Ethernet is the quickest way to communicate with a Classic and does not interfere with Classics connected in Follow-Me mode. But I'm pretty sure that Classic SLs are lacking one or the other communications method.
boB
The Classic SL, LACKS the Ethernet port, has RS232 & Modbus, the chart says:
"RS232, Modbus" Communication
Comparison chart, here:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/Classic-Lite-SL-Chart.pdf
QUESTION, boB:
Have always been hoping that the Combox might have Analog voltage input, so that it might be able to measure battery voltage (Sense leads), so, with a firmware tweak, that the Classic might know the actual battery voltage reading. Would bet that this want, is, just too obscure.
It sure IS great that the Hawkes Bay and Barcelona CCs do have battery voltage Sense.
73 Thanks, Vic
Quote from: Vic on October 03, 2021, 04:20:49 PM
The Classic SL, LACKS the Ethernet port, has RS232 & Modbus, the chart says:
"RS232, Modbus" Communication
Comparison chart, here:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/Classic-Lite-SL-Chart.pdf
QUESTION, boB:
Have always been hoping that the Combox might have Analog voltage input, so that it might be able to measure battery voltage (Sense leads), so, with a firmware tweak, that the Classic might know the actual battery voltage reading. Would bet that this want, is, just too obscure.
It sure IS great that the Hawkes Bay and Barcelona CCs do have battery voltage Sense.
73 Thanks, Vic
Well dang. I guess the SL isn't going to be compatible except that there IS RS-232 on the combox intended to talk to Classics via modbus. That will just take a bit longer I think to end up in its software.
What I would REALLY like to have is the Whizbang Junior have voltage sense as well as current. That would take another A/D on it. I think it would be a pretty cool addition. The WB Jr. is near the battery anyway so the negative connection that is one screw of the shunt could probably be the negative battery voltage sense connection. Just add one wire. Maybe a jumper so a separate battery negative could be used if needed.
I have the code running 4 Classics now with a few more data choices...
System wide tally is going to be a hit I expect...
Hi Whiz .. ,
Graphs and data looks great !! Nice work, Thanks, Vic
What about the Classic 250-CP version ? I know there used to be a page here describing it, and I thought it came with functioning ethernet? went to verify that, and the page is " either missing or off limits to you "
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=4606.0
I bought one as a backup controller, and understood several things were excluded, but I thought ethernet was present. the -CP is in a box in my shop .
Quote from: mike90045 on October 05, 2021, 02:08:17 AM
What about the Classic 250-CP version ? I know there used to be a page here describing it, and I thought it came with functioning ethernet? went to verify that, and the page is " either missing or off limits to you "
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=4606.0
I bought one as a backup controller, and understood several things were excluded, but I thought ethernet was present. the -CP is in a box in my shop .
Yes Classic 250CP and Carpoff Classics had functioning Ethernet so they would work with this just fine, We of course will eventually get RS232 comms working between the combox and Classic as well
Quote from: mike90045 on October 05, 2021, 02:08:17 AM
What about the Classic 250-CP version ? I know there used to be a page here describing it, and I thought it came with functioning ethernet? went to verify that, and the page is " either missing or off limits to you "
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=4606.0
I bought one as a backup controller, and understood several things were excluded, but I thought ethernet was present. the -CP is in a box in my shop .
Yes Classic 250CP and Carpoff Classics had functioning Ethernet so they would work with this just fine, We of course will eventually get RS232 comms working between the combox and Classic as well
Is there any guess on a release date for the combox? Any more info on it? Wouldn't happen to support SNMP by chance?
We will have 2 different comboxes, One for the DIY product line to monitor them, This one is slated for January of 22. The second one for the new products needs a lot of engineering time still, Hardware seems proven and we have ordered a small quantity of boards to verify. I dont have a feeling on a good release date but maybe Q4 of 22 or some time early 23
I am Jim Dorchak in Chile South America........ ya the deep south.
I really would like to be a part of the new MN COMBOX!!
I have 3 midnite classic 150s that I am using on two different systems here.
A small 24 volt system
and a bigger 48 volt 10Kw system.
Both of these are off grid systems.
Monitoring for me is a MUST!!!
Has anyone heard anything on the production of this new MN COMBOX?
Jim in Chile. ;D
It's been a while so I guess it's time for an update. I have been working on adding all the new products to the MNCOMBOX that use CANBUS to communicate. It has been a challenge for sure but over the last 6 months I have semi-working code. The Classic and DIY modules seem to be bug-free (ha, famous last words). That's the good news, rumor has it the MNCOMBOX project may be dead and the monitoring is moving to a CANBUS "dongle" with a phone and PC app. Also to note, I'm doing all this coding on my own time and not while on the clock at Midnite...
Here is a Rosie Inverter screen shot:
Dashboard1.JPG
looks amazing. Great work!~
THIS, in my opinion, is exactly what a dashboard for our equipment should look like !
It is AWESOME !
You are the man, W B !
Jim, this display has been looking great, and looking better all the time.
Sure could use the ability to monitor, and, especially control the Canbus products, remotely. We have a remote site, which runs two Classics, and is on the same network as the main cabin system. SO, it seems that much of the monitoring of that system could be done by the Classics, but would need to swith a Barcelona, or HB to Float, change Abosrb time settings, and few other things to be quite useful.
Thank you for all of your off-the-clock work, so far.
Great work! Vic
Vic, controlling can also be done.
I would think that would be another screen though.
For starters, this monitoring view is wonderful !
No, make that beautiful !
boB
Quote from: boB on January 28, 2023, 01:44:06 PMVic, controlling can also be done.
I would think that would be another screen though.
For starters, this monitoring view is wonderful !
No, make that beautiful !
boB
It IS Beautiful !! I cannot wait! Thanks, Vic
Actually I was working on a little bit of code to make changes. Grafana and the dashboards don't have any way to do inputs. But Python has a neat little web server that allows you to take input using HTML and populate variables. That means I can write MODBUS registers to the Classic. My HTML (Web Page building) really sucks! I did manage to throw some simple pages together. I was laid up for months with retina repairs and recovery so it got pushed to the back burner. Then came the CANBUS stuff so off I went on CANBUS code for the COMBOX.
Here are the quick graphs & gauges I made for Hawkes Bay and Barcelona. Nothing fancy just quick and easy. FYI all the gauges, graphs and dials are user customization. All I do is put the data formatted into a time series database. The user can select and build any number of these any way they want.
Hi Jim, this graphic info displays really look great!
It does look like you have made a lot of progress.
Sorry to read of your Retinal problem. Take care and heal well.
Thank you for sharing your work here. It is impressive!
The CAN bus products are a huge step foreward. Thanks again, Vic
Well, I was told the COMBOX was a dead project and to stop working on it. I had most of the code written and did fiddle on my spare time to get things cleaned up and optimized. Played with making some gauges & graphs with the available data. Made some development graphs for boB the engineer to help us root out system coordination issues between Rosie, Hawks bay and Barcelona.
I have a system with Combox in my power room that is in the garage and I have a system in my wood shop building about 60 feet from the house also with a Combox. the wood Shop system has a Rosie, HB120 and Barcelona with a Sunny Island 6K setup to sell the extra power to the grid.
The Garage has 4 Classics and a stacked set of Trace SW5548's to sell to the grid. I pulled the array off one Classic and put up a HB90 for testing in the "Power Room".
I built a "System Aggregation" ROW in Grafana to gather all the data from all the installed equipment and give me one view. What is nice about the databases I use in the Combox is you can pull data from another one on the same network and build graphs just as if it were local. Way cool.
Yeah, it is not dead !
Only some will be able to use it at first at least for outside premises monitoring if your ISP does not allow port forwarding (CGNAT) such as Star Link. At least at first.
The product is far from dead, just not on the top of the list of work that needs to be done though.
boB
Glad it is not dead. I think it will be a fantastic addition to your lineup.
The whole CGNAT stuff is a bummer, but I am sure it will be overcome someday.
I really look forward to seeing one in action. Even though I am behind a CGNAT wall, I would still love to have it for when I am at my place. The remote aspect is cool, but the flexibility and the diverse use case for the Combox would be the prime driver for me.
Hope it doesn't stay on the back burner too long. Fingers Crossed.
Have been piddling with adding Rosie Inverter stuff, boy there is a lot of things she can do...
AC GRID SUPPORT
GENERATOR CONTROL
AUX FUNCTIONS GALORE
REMOTE BATTERY SENSE
AND MORE...
Rosie_grafana1.JPGRosie_grafana2.JPG
Quote from: Wizbandit on May 18, 2023, 03:52:32 PMHave been piddling with adding Rosie Inverter stuff, boy there is a lot of things she can do...
AC GRID SUPPORT
GENERATOR CONTROL
AUX FUNCTIONS GALORE
REMOTE BATTERY SENSE
AND MORE...
[url="https://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=9918;type=preview;file"]Rosie_grafana1.JPG[/url][url="https://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=9920;type=preview;file"]Rosie_grafana2.JPG[/url]
Okay! Just take my money!
mike