Prerequisites: 

• eGauge meter with a minimum firmware version of v4.6.6
• RS-485/USB converter

Instructions: 

Step 1: For best results, the 3S-IS-LR sensor must be installed in the same plane as the solar array. The sensor window should be clean and clear of any obstructions. Follow the mounting instructions included with the sensor manual, and contact the manufacturer directly with any questions regarding unique installation environments.

Step 2:  Follow the diagram below to wire the 3S-IS sensor to your RS-485/USB converter.

Step 3:  Connect the RS-485/USB converter to one of the eGauge meter's two USB accessory ports.  Take note of which port is used as that information  will be needed for configuration.

Step 4:  Follow the steps below to configure the EG4xxx meter to read from the 3S-IS sensor. As a supported device, the 3S-IS sensor has a predefined map built into the eGauge meter. This makes addressing and configuration very simple when using a RS485-USB adapter.

Configuration Steps

Step 1: From the main menu, navigate to Setup → Other Settings. Then, at the Left click on Installation.

Step 2: Under the "Remote Devices" section, click Add Device to add a new remote device.

Step 3: Enter a suitable device name. This field is arbitrary, but should make sense to the end user.

Step 4: Click the Edit button, and set the protocol to Serial

Step 5: Enter the device address. This will be modbus://3s-is-lr.1@USBX where X is the USB port (1 or 2). 

The number after the dot in the example above is the Modbus ID of the sensor.  If you've changed it using the manufacturer's software utility you'll need to include it correctly there.  

Example: if the Modbus ID of the sensor was changed to 5 the definition will be: modbus://3s-is-lr.5@USBX

 

 

Step 6: Click Done.  If the device is detected a green check mark will show.

Step 7: Under the Registers section click Add Register. Name your register, then click on the register type dropdown which default to a P. 

Step 8: Change the register type from P to the remote device name given to the 3s-is-LR sensor in step 3.  The next dropdown will show ‘Irradiance’.

Step 8: Save your changes to the configuration and check that the readings look as expected.

 

 

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Issue: When I try to configure the sensor, it does not resolve
  • Solution: If the remote device is timing out check that your wiring is correct and that there are no loose connections.
  • Solution: Check that your device address is correct. Be sure to use the correct Modbus address and USB port.