Updating firmware on Conext XW6848+ w/ Conext AGS

ELYNN4
ELYNN4 Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
When trying to update the firmware on my Conext hardware I’m having some challenges.  Schneider instructions state that the inverter needs to be put in bypass mode on the PDP, so that the generator is carrying the loads.  Then the instructions call for placing the system in standby and then uploading the firmware to the device that is being updated.

The problem I’m having is that once the system is in standby the AGS shuts the generator off after two minutes, which is not enough time to update the firmware.  I’ve tried starting the generator without using the SCP or Gateway interface, but the AGS still shuts the generator down after two minutes. 

Has anyone found a workaround for this?

I’m trying to update the firmware for the AGS, I finally got the firmware uploaded, but now the AGS is acting up and I think the firmware file may be corrupted.

thanks in advance,

Elynn4
Off Grid, 4.5KW array, 9&6KW Gens, 6848XW inverter, Midnite Classic 150, 2 strings - 48V - Trojan FLA L16 2V, located in Talkeetna, Alaska
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  • Graham Parkinson
    Graham Parkinson Registered Users Posts: 167 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Have you tried disabling the AGS function in settings while you do the update?  There must be a way to toggle the AGS off -
     I'd think?   That would help with this problem.

    Offgrid in cloudy PNW

    Full Schneider system with 18 REC 420W panels, 100A-600V controller, XWPro, Insight Home, six Discover AES Rackmount 5kW batteries, Slimline enclosure, Lynk II, AGS, H650,  H2200, H3000, Kubota 4500, Onan 7500.

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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    I always wonder why people offgrid do firmware in winter?  What is the reason you are doing the firmware? Did you read the release notes?

    Almost all firmware is fine for Offgrid all the way back to when I did the Field beta test for XWP. Unless you have a specific reason I always wonder Why?
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • ELYNN4
    ELYNN4 Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭
    #4
    I was trying to get rid of the W202  Event that was being triggered every time the generator starts.  This began when I upgraded the firmware on the XW+ last year.  When I saw your post about the newer firmware 1.17 I thought that it might fix the issue.  It didn’t… I updated the AGS firmware thinking maybe they weren’t working well together.  Now the system can’t start the generator at all.  I need to go back to the previous firmware, but the Schneider web site is down - again.  Oh well, you’re right Dave, I shouldn’t have tried to fix this minor issue - the anal side of me trips me up from time to time…
    Off Grid, 4.5KW array, 9&6KW Gens, 6848XW inverter, Midnite Classic 150, 2 strings - 48V - Trojan FLA L16 2V, located in Talkeetna, Alaska
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  • ELYNN4
    ELYNN4 Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭
    #5

    Graham Parkinson said:
    Have you tried disabling the AGS function in settings while you do the update?  There must be a way to toggle the AGS off -
     I'd think?   That would help with this problem.
    Thanks Graham - you can put the AGS in Standby, which you would think would work.  But when you upload the new firmware the whole system goes into standby, which means that communication is lost to the Gateway.  The good news is that I was able to manually override the Standby setting on the XW+ and re-establish communication with the Gateway and proceed with updating the firmware.  Seems like there ought to be a better way to skin this cat…
    Off Grid, 4.5KW array, 9&6KW Gens, 6848XW inverter, Midnite Classic 150, 2 strings - 48V - Trojan FLA L16 2V, located in Talkeetna, Alaska
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  • ELYNN4
    ELYNN4 Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭
    #6


    I ran in to this last month - it lasted three or four days, then the web site started working again.  Funny thing is the web site worked on my phone, but not on my IPad or laptop - go figure…
    Off Grid, 4.5KW array, 9&6KW Gens, 6848XW inverter, Midnite Classic 150, 2 strings - 48V - Trojan FLA L16 2V, located in Talkeetna, Alaska
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #7
    I go to the SE site all the time and have never seen it down.  Ask your ISP.  

    On some AGS, place it in standby and disconnect the xanbus to AGS. That should stop the network from interrupting the genset.

    Be careful, as you know, XW+ is susceptible during firmware upgrade to damage (no AC power out OR A BRICK)  if power is interrupted to your modem or the Insight device during firmware upgrade process.
    XWpro is quite a bit safer for this particular issue.

    Anyone reading this Offgrid needs to know that firmware from Schneider comes with release notes that have the current issues and fixes.
    The release notes also have a history back to day one. You should read both the inverter/charger and the gateway or Home device  firmware release notes.  Know exactly why you want to do firmware. Most all of the changes are for grid-tie back-up based out of Hawaii and California.
    Some of the changes are for unintended consequences in previous revisions. This can open a new can of worms in a well functioning Offgrid power system.


    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • ELYNN4
    ELYNN4 Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭
    #8
    Thanks for the great info Dave.  Couple of questions:

    is it better/safer to unplug the control wires leading from the AGS to the generator or the Zanbus lead?

    is there a library of old firmware that would allow to go back a few generations to try to regain functionality?

    thanks again for your guidance - 
    Off Grid, 4.5KW array, 9&6KW Gens, 6848XW inverter, Midnite Classic 150, 2 strings - 48V - Trojan FLA L16 2V, located in Talkeetna, Alaska
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  • ELYNN4
    ELYNN4 Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭
    #9
    Quick update for those following:

    Murphy is alive and well - when I updated the firmware on the AGS the relay on the starter circuit failed.  So what I thought was a firmware issue turned out to be a mechanical issue.

    The AGS still creates an Event “Unable to start generator”, but I’ll deal with that next summer.

    Elynn4
    Off Grid, 4.5KW array, 9&6KW Gens, 6848XW inverter, Midnite Classic 150, 2 strings - 48V - Trojan FLA L16 2V, located in Talkeetna, Alaska
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