Xantrex XW communication gateway adventures

System

Greetings all,
We have installed a Xantrex XW Grid Tie with back up 6 kw inverter out in south central Oregon about an hour straight east of Crater Lake as the crane flies. Grid is quite unstable and the inverter disconnects frequently (2-4 times/month).

Therefore we decided to install the Xantrex communication gateway. (Works with both GT and XWs) Link here: http://xantrex.com/gateway This should allow us to see instantaneous production and loads on the customers home computer, as well as ability to log in remotely and also, most importantly receive status e-mails to verify performance and system status.

We've got the Yahoo widget that shows performance on the home computer screen but we've had trouble with the other 2. It appears that the remote read function is blocked since the Hughesnet internet satellite service does not allow port forwarding. Still waiting on some feedback from Hughesnet to see if this is at all possible. Now we'd just be very content to be able to establish the e-mail feature.

Have tried several things. In the e-mail configuration page entered the smtp server for the mail relay. Tried the HughesNet server (smtp.hughes.net) and also a smtp server address provided us by Xantrex customer support. Then tried sending a test email with my e-mail address in the Alarm Address List, but to no avail. Have tried in several different browsers. And the firmware is up to date.

Would be very interested to hear any feedback regarding if anyone has gotten this functionality to work (specifically the status e-mail feature) and any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Will log back in the morning to check this, since we are on site, and no internet access until then.

Solar Guppy

Re: Xantrex XW communication gateway adventures

most ISP's block outgoing port 25 connections ( outside your ISP's network ), its to prevent spam.

You will also probably have to use your account credentials when having email sent to the hugesnet smtp server, again, ISP don't do anonymous relay again for spam and security reasons.

As for port forwarding, that a function of your router, not the network your connected too.

solar_dave

Re: Xantrex XW communication gateway adventures

Solar Guppy wrote: »

most ISP's block outgoing port 25 connections ( outside your ISP's network ), its to prevent spam.

You will also probably have to use your account credentials when having email sent to the hugesnet smtp server, again, ISP don't do anonymous relay again for spam and security reasons.

As for port forwarding, that a function of your router, not the network your connected too.

Actually my ISP blocks port 80 from being forwarded up stream from me someplace, hence the 8081 in my signature.

Solar Guppy

Re: Xantrex XW communication gateway adventures

The term port forwarding is local to your network as it is a WAN to LAN function. If you want to get around an WAN ISP port block, then use a redirection service, like TZO , to the outside world you can use the standard port 80 and the service will redirect to a port of your choice.