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12000xp - install & commissioning Q & A and comments

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(@dtbaker61)
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Joined: 1 year ago

I installed my first 12000xp yesterday, and have two more coming up soon. I have some comments and Questions that I hope either @Jared or people that have installed several of there can Answer.

Comment 1: The 4 tiny screws on the side holding on the front panel cover are a total PIA for an Installer. I'd MUCH rather have a door with hinges and latches like MidNite Solar AIO. Minor complaint, but if screws are used, they should be "captured" so you can't drop them when taking the cover on and off during install.

Comment 2: setting parameters with the front display is POSSIBLE, which is nice, but moving around the settings with the arrows is slow and difficult to review all parameters. It would be appreciated if there were separate "quick install/commissioning guides" for the typical most common scenarios to review defaults, and highlight the parameters that need to be changed/set for a good site-specific implementation

Question 1 - any quick written document on step by step getting the wifi dongle set up so it can be used for BT "local access" with the phone app for commissioning and review/set all the settings before attempting to power up the home ?

Question 2 - any written "sample" parameter settings for a typical common scenerio ?

               - off-grid, no AC in, single inverter, US 120/240 output, Generator in, and OPEN LINK battery com to non-eg4 Lithium batteries. (i.e. charge/discharge control by Voltage, not %.... and setting bulk and float voltages hopefully with NO equalization or EQ=Bulk. Also critical is settings possible for "warning" and low-voltage disconnect/reconnect and recovery.

               - tips/examples of Generator/settings that work, considerations for auto-start/auto-stop Gen at low voltage, etc

               - tips/examples of how "smart-load" output (60a circuit) interacts with regular Load output (100a ) in an off-grid setting ?


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EG4 Eric
(@eg4eric)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 680

Posted by: @dtbaker61

Question 1 - any quick written document on step by step getting the wifi dongle set up so it can be used for BT "local access" with the phone app for commissioning and review/set all the settings before attempting to power up the home ?

Question 2 - any written "sample" parameter settings for a typical common scenerio ?

 

1.

image

 
2. There isn't really a sample, but the inverter does come with default settings. It comes in Self-consumption which is mostly what people use and if you need further assistance with configuring the settings please let me know. 

 


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(@dtbaker61)
Joined: 1 year ago

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@eg4eric thanks! This page is not what is in the 12000xp manual.... what document did this come from ? I will certainly give this a try as it make be quicker and easier than review/setting parameters with the display screen and buttons!

 


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EG4 Eric
(@eg4eric)
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@dtbaker61 
That is from the 18kPV manual, but it does also mention it on the 6000XP manual. 


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(@dtbaker61)
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@eg4eric , as I said, this is a 12000xp install, and not in that manual. I would highly suggest this one-pager be added to ALL eg4 shipments as part of a "quick-start" configuration guide for ALL models that use the same phone app

 


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(@dtbaker61)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 66

@eg4eric I tried the one pager you sent, and this did not work at all. The 12000xp manual has a section on dongle setup beginning on page 47, which also does not work at all... maybe the documents are out of sync with versions of Dongles that are shipping, or versions of the EG4 phone app ?


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EG4 Eric
(@eg4eric)
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@dtbaker61 
Here is a video on how to connect using bluetooth.

How Good Is The EG4 Inverter Bluetooth App?


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(@dtbaker61)
Joined: 1 year ago

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@eg4eric , this little video skips over some really important steps for first "local connect" by BT. It also mentions you can get notifications with low voltage warnings, but I don't see anywhere in the App to set them. I also note that there are several settings available via the 12000xp front display that are NOT available in the App... such as RSD enable/disable and a few other key settings required for proper commissioning.

The App may be good for Users at this point, but I'd say the install/commissioning documentation and functionality needs a lot of work.


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Posts: 66
Topic starter
(@dtbaker61)
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Joined: 1 year ago

This 12000 xp will be replacing an old tired system using 2x Outback 3048s

20251010 03 2x existing outback 3048
20251010 12c temp running w charger installed

 


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Posts: 66
Topic starter
(@dtbaker61)
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Joined: 1 year ago

...getting very frustrated now...

I cannot get thru setting up a brand new 12000xp for a client in my shop with either a local connection, BT, or Wifi. As an installer I would like to pre-configure the inverters as much as possible where I have a known wifi network, deliver the unit, and help User set up phone app and User login.

Hardware= 12000xp

Dongle SN = DJxxxxxxxx

EG4 monitor App v 1.6.2

As an installer, I would LIKE to have an installer account, and be able to check in on all my installed accounts that (may) have wifi.

I am not having any luck with any local access enabling speedy setup of parameters, or reasonable way to get a new client hooked up.

 

QUESTION: do I have to "register" a new unit before configuring Dongle?

Question: do I need a unique email for each site, or can I have one "installer account" I can see all EG4 installs?

Question: what is the quickest way to access LOCALLY, without wifi, to review/set parameters ?

Question: what should I doto pre-register User accounts, and then "teach" the dongle the home wifi SSID if wifi is available?

 


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Topic starter
(@dtbaker61)
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Joined: 1 year ago

OK, after much back and forth, testing, and speaking with SignatureSolar support.....

1. The EG4 Monitor App really cannot be used for Installer initial setup/commissioning  because it does not display all important parameters needed for setup. The App is useful for Users, but not really for Installers.

2. Installers should use either the front display LCD buttons for sites that do NOT have local wifi access, or use the web-based portal interface at https://monitor.eg4electronics.com/ for install/commissioning, settings, and monitoring.

3. The steps for successful "Dongle Connect" to teach the dongle the Home wifi SSID and password are:

================================================

A. teach dongle the Home's wifi SSID and password.... must be done on site with 'EG4 Monitor' phone app !

- install dongle on inverter
- be within 5' of dongle and have access to wifi
- power up eg4 inverter
- turn on phone bluetooth
- disconnect/select/re-connect phone wifi to Dongle hotspot wifi
- open eg4 app on phone, don't login, click on "dongle connect", Click 'connect w bluetooth'
- set the Home SSID and password
- save and exit App
- disconnect/select/re-connect phone wifi to Home wifi

2. 'register' unit as User while on-site

- open App on phone (while connected to Home wifi)
- click "Register"
- enter user info for registration of inverter, user installer code = xxxxxxxxx , dongle and PIN
- create username, Owner <first>.<last>
- station name - street address

3. THEN, you can return to main screen and login as registered User
- web = go to https://monitor.eg4electronics.com or, open
- phone app and login w user name and password

 


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(@frugal-farmer)
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Joined: 1 year ago

Thanks for your elaborating on what's involved. I am considering a 12Kxp but concerned at the moment about using a different vendors battery.  


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(@dtbaker61)
Joined: 1 year ago

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Posts: 66

@frugal-farmer 

I don't mind using a different mfg battery since I prefer "open loop" charge control with voltage setpoints I can see and control. I don't like to rely on comm ports long term. I like MNS batteries in particular because they have nice big battery posts you can string with 2/0 cable with normal lugs rather than special lugs or an expensive BUSS bar.

 


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