Hello everyone.
My inverter is currently connected to the internet via a 3G/4G USB dongle but I would like to replace it with a WiFi dongle instead.
Is this something I would be able to do myself or does it need someone with commissioning privileges?
What inverter do you have
SteveCook
I've got the Gen1 Hybrid 3.6kW.
https://kb.givenergy.cloud/article.php?id=1&oid=1
I think the dongle is connecting to your wifi and then to GivEnergy.
I dont think it is 3G/4G and it contains a lot more than just the wifi bit. The inverter needs a lot of stuff that is on it.
I dont think you can replace it and you cannot use a USB/LAN connection in its place.
If you search there are plenty of posts on this
Regards
Steve
you can get a mobile data dongle but they are £150 extra so you would know if you requested one.
if you didn't then it is the standard wifi dongle the inverters are supplied with.
You would need GE to sync the new dongle serial with your inverter otherwise the portal won't know which inverter it is connected to (it'll still be looking for the old 3G one and show your inverter as offline).
If you speak to support they can do it similar to those who've had faulty dongles essentially.
danielnepomuceno My inverter is currently connected to the internet via a 3G/4G USB dongle but I would like to replace it with a WiFi dongle instead.
Out of interest, what's the experience been with the 3g dongle and Why are you looking to change?
SteveCook
I have checked my dongle and I don't have a reset button on it, but a SIM slot instead. Also if it were the wifi version I would be able to see it with an IP assigned in my router settings - it's not the case.
@hoggy
I suspected that this would be case, seeing that during commissioning I've seen that the dongles have to be manually assigned to the inverter. If this is something GE themselves can do on request then that sounds reasonable.
rjp
I don't know which network it's running on but the connection is spotty, as often enough I can see my inverter in the portal showing up as "Offline", sometimes for 30 consecutive minutes, leaving a gap in the data.
I'd also like to play around with some integrations using Home Assistant, which doesn't work with the 3G/4G dongle.
I should add that the wifi dongles pop up on eBay regularly for £30/£35.
The 3G ones are much more rare so you may actually make a small profit swapping over.
Not 100% sure but I think the serial number of the dongle is in a text file on the dongle that can easily be read by plugging it into a PC.
Presuming this file isn't read only you may be able to simply change the serial number in the new WiFi dongle to the same as your existing 3G.
This may not work - make a backup of all files before changing anything and check with support if it's a good idea.
danielnepomuceno
Thanks. Sorry I did not realize there was such an animal as a 3G/4G dongle
Doh...