monitoring the Xantrex XW6048

leeelson
leeelson Registered Users Posts: 18
Sorry if this was covered elsewhere, but couldn't find anything relevant.

I have a new (2014) XW6048 and want to monitor it remotely. Xantrex sells a box (USB-to-Xantrex Xanbus™ adapter) for $550 and offers software for this purpose. I gather from some posts that others have used some sort of serial adapter (rs232) and some freeware instead. Questions:

1) Do the newer XW's have a serial interface? I can find no mention of this in the manual. Where is it?
2) Where can I find specs on how to do the interface (required hardware, etc)?

Comments

  • SkiDoo55
    SkiDoo55 Solar Expert Posts: 414 ✭✭✭
    Re: monitoring the Xantrex XW6048

    XW's have ZanBus. Best way to monitor and do any programming, setting parameters etc. Is to get the ComBox for it. @ $351 on this host's site. That will connect to your network and you can set it up for remote access and it can send you emails of problems or daily production etc. It also, has logging built into it. Capacity of logging depends on the MicroSD card you insert, I have a 32GB and it shows 10+ years of logging.
    it will replace the SCP also, just need the ComBox.

    The Conext TX grid inverters have ZanBus and RS232 Communication.

    i think they were giving the same information as the MSRP of the ComBox is $550 but Host NAWS has it for less.
    GT3.8 w/4600W Trina 230W, TX5000 w/5000W ET-250W, XW4024 w/1500W ET-250W, 4 L16, 5500W Gen. (never had to use) Yet!!
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,590 admin
    Re: monitoring the Xantrex XW6048

    I believe this is the box SkiDoo was referring to:

    Schneider Electric Conext Combox for Network Monitoring and Remote Access


    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • SkiDoo55
    SkiDoo55 Solar Expert Posts: 414 ✭✭✭
    Re: monitoring the Xantrex XW6048

    Exactly would have done link if I had been on desk pc.

    Thanks

    getting ready to buy XW4024, MidNight XW E-panel. Have new MPPT60-150 charger. Doing a grid/gen support backup sort of system. Probably CostCo batteries. Need to put in service the 6 spare 250W panels that are on patio. Need something to do, keeps me busy and out of wife's hair.
    GT3.8 w/4600W Trina 230W, TX5000 w/5000W ET-250W, XW4024 w/1500W ET-250W, 4 L16, 5500W Gen. (never had to use) Yet!!
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,590 admin
    Re: monitoring the Xantrex XW6048

    No problem--I was on my home computer.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Re: monitoring the Xantrex XW6048

    I use the ComBox wired into a wireless router.

    BUT the combox does not cover EVERY SINGLE parameter the SCP does, gen support+ being one.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • SkiDoo55
    SkiDoo55 Solar Expert Posts: 414 ✭✭✭
    Re: monitoring the Xantrex XW6048
    mike95490 wrote: »
    I use the ComBox wired into a wireless router. BUT the combox does not cover EVERY SINGLE parameter the SCP does, gen support+ being one.
    I will have to check that out when it gets here. Not a super concern for me as I have a 5KW 6.5KW surge noise maker, so right on the not recommended range. Is a neat feature and should be working if it's in the XW it should be a choice option on the ComBox.Thanks for pointing that out!
    GT3.8 w/4600W Trina 230W, TX5000 w/5000W ET-250W, XW4024 w/1500W ET-250W, 4 L16, 5500W Gen. (never had to use) Yet!!