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and what software version? there are two versions listed.
http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/index.php/Technical/download
SPP or (LS-B,LS-BP,LS-BPL,DCCP-DPR,VS-BN,Tracer-BN,iTracer)
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 01:58pm 10 Mar 2015
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Doesn't it have a RJ45 connector?
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 02:07pm 10 Mar 2015
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Just downloaded the manual. It looks like the 40A version of the unit I have.
The MT5 is connected with a piece of CAT5 cable. I am not aware of any PC programs or software versions available for this unit.
Also, I can only change the battery type using the MT5 ... so if you work out how to do it from the Tracer 4210RN itself, I would be interested!
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 02:09pm 10 Mar 2015
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I should say, all the settings can be done using the MT5 and some of them can be done from the MPPT controller front panel. Edited by davef 2015-03-12
rgormley Senior Member Joined: 22/02/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 245
Posted: 02:25pm 10 Mar 2015
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if both the old and new series tracers communicate to the MT5 panel, would it be safe to assume that the protocols are the same (RS-485) and thus a usb to RS485 converter cable may work?
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 02:38pm 10 Mar 2015
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I am not aware of an old and new series, however to be compatible with the MT5 they would need to have the same protocol. Do you have more than one Tracer?
Don't know where "RS-485" is mentioned.
I had considered trying to reverse-engineer the protocol so that I could tie it into my home automation system. I would suggest that maybe connecting the Tracer to an ethernet hub, the PC to another port running Wireshark and the MT5 connected to another port ... that you could find out what the commands and responses are. Edited by davef 2015-03-12
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 02:59pm 10 Mar 2015
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Thought it would be a good idea to look at your "link" in the first post.
The cable says USB to PC, but does mention RS-485. I think this implies that although a RJ45 connector is used, that the physical interface is RS-485 or pseudo-RS485.
You could use that cable to plug into a USB hub, but then you would need another one for the MT5 and then a PC connected to the hub as described above.
rgormley Senior Member Joined: 22/02/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 245
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 08:31pm 10 Mar 2015
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I see the new units use a different meter MT50, so I change my answer to "probably not".
Also, the old unit uses TTL232 / 8 pin RJ45 versus RS485 / RJ45 interface for the new unit.
I believe TTL232 is RS232 but at TTL levels, ie 5Volts whereas real RS232 levels are higher (15Volts). RS232 and RS485 are different physical interfaces.
"RS-485 ports via the open standard Modbus protocol are supported" in the new unit.
I see that there is PC software available for the newer unit. Seems they have just made the new units smarter.
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 08:37pm 10 Mar 2015
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Yikes, I see they say NOT to connect the RJ45 to a PC directly (or probably not to an ethernet switch) as the interface levels must be inappropriate. This probably applies to both series, so ignore my previous comment about connecting either series directly to an ethernet hub or switch or PC.
Only use a RS485 to USB converter on the new series!! As the old series is TTL232 you might not even get the RS485 to USB converter to work.
Seems to me to be a rather brave move to have a industry standard connector used in a commercial product with potentially damaging interface levels ... if plugged into other equipment using RJ45 connectors. Edited by davef 2015-03-12
rgormley Senior Member Joined: 22/02/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 245
Posted: 11:33pm 10 Mar 2015
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ok i may just back away from trying to hook my unit (when it arrives) to my computer...
until there has been more investigation...???? or someone chimes in who has played with the interface..
based on my last "oops" while probing an interface connector.....well you get the idea
rgormley Senior Member Joined: 22/02/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 245
Posted: 11:28am 12 Mar 2015
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go the unit yesterday arvo...
wired it in, all good!!
played around in the arvo sun (6-7pm)
measured figures roughly of
14~15 amps in from panels and 18~19 going into batts.
so yup it`s mppt ing happily...!!
davef Guru Joined: 14/05/2006 Location: New ZealandPosts: 499
Posted: 01:49pm 12 Mar 2015
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Good to hear. They are a well-built unit.
The only "problem" I have had was ... I also feed a microhydro straight into the battery and I accidentally disconnected the battery. That put about 90Volts on the 24V output!
Fortunately, it just blew a little regulator chip.
Ray of Sunshine Newbie Joined: 04/04/2016 Location: United KingdomPosts: 1
Posted: 02:45am 05 Apr 2016
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It's a rj45 to usb converter with electronics in it.
In windows it appears as XR21B1411 USB UART device in device manger.
you can get one from
http://www.bimblesolar.com/offgrid/mppt/TracerUSB
There is a usb driver included with the pc software from here.
http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/uploads/news/201508/1438913384728329.rar
I had to run the software in windows 8 compatibility mode as I am on windows 10 and make sure you check the RJ-485 mode on the device in device manager.
The software doesn't really tell you anything new but makes customising the settings a bit easier
Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
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