Solis S2-WL-ST MODBUS TCP Communication

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Solis S2-WL-ST MODBUS TCP Communication

Introduction

Modbus TCP, a widely adopted protocol based on the TCP/IP suite, facilitates seamless data exchange over Ethernet networks. This article provides a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for utilizing Modbus TCP with the S2 Logger, specifically focusing on the integration with Solis inverters.

When a customer is on-site and needs to test reading inverter data via the Modbus TCP protocol, the Solis S2-WL-ST offers a robust solution. This manual will guide you through the detailed steps necessary to set up, configure, and operate the S2 Logger with Modbus TCP, ensuring accurate and efficient data retrieval from your Solis inverter.

NOTE: Enabling TCP/IP results in the logger being disconnected from Soliscloud.

Content

1. Applicable Scenarios
   • 1.1 Material Preparation
   • 1.2 Debugging Tools
   • 1.3 Installation Instructions

2. Method to Confirm the IP Address of the S2-WL-ST Data Logger
   • 2.1 Default IP Address
   • 2.2 Static IP Address

3. Introduction to Modbus Poll
   • 3.1 Installation and Registration
   • 3.2 Parameter Setting
   • 3.3 Display Setting
   • 3.4 Serial Connection
   • 3.5 View Communication Data Frames
   • 3.6 Disconnect

1. Applicable Scenarios

Modbus TCP is a Modbus protocol based on the TCP/IP protocol, usually using Ethernet as the physical layer transmission medium. When a customer is using a Solis inverter on site and needs to test reading the inverter data via the MODBUS TCP protocol, the Solis S2-WL-ST can be used. Refer to the operation method in this manual.

1.1 Material Preparation:

- Protocol and Specification: Solis inverter MODBUS RS485 communication protocol, inverter manual, S2-WL-ST data logger manual.

- Devices: One computer (or other terminal device that can be plugged into a network cable), one router/switch that can provide multiple network ports, and two network cables (choose network cables without a protection cover).

1.2 Debugging Tools:

- Download and install the debugging tool Modbus Poll from the link below. Other MODBUS TCP communication software can also be used.

https://modbustools.com/download.html

1.3 Installation Instructions:

- According to the S2-WL-ST logger instructions, insert the S2-WL-ST data logger into the COM port of the inverter, and connect the network cable to the rear network port to link the router or computer.

- The specific operation method may vary depending on the device model and network topology. Refer to the device manual or consult with technical personnel for details.

2. Method to Confirm the IP Address of the S2-WL-ST Data Logger

2.1 Default IP Address:

1. The default IP address of the S2-WL-ST logger is 10.10.100.254.
2. Cable Connection: Insert a network cable into the S2-WL-ST logger port, and connect the other end of the network cable to the computer.
3. Set the Internet Protocol Version 4 in your computer's Ethernet connection properties to automatically obtain an IP address.
4. In this case, regardless of whether the data logger is configured with a wireless network, you can use this IP address to test the TCP connection.

  2.2 Static IP Address:

• By default, the S2-WL-ST logger uses a dynamic IP address to access the LAN. You can obtain the IP address on the logger details page of the SolisCloud platform. You do not need to use network cables to connect the TCP. You only need to ensure that the PC and logger are on the same LAN.

You can set it to a static IP address in the following ways:

    1. Initial Cable Connection: Insert a network cable into the data logger port, and connect the other end of the network 

        cable to the computer.

    2: Set the Internet Protocol Version 4 in your computer's Ethernet connection properties to automatically obtain an IP

        address.

    3. Enter the URL 10.10.100.254 in the browser, log in to the built-in web page of the S2-WL-ST logger. The username is

        admin. You will need to set a password for the first login and then re-login as prompted.

    4. Click the "LAN Settings" option under "Advanced" and enter the static IP address information (ensure that the IP address

        does not conflict with that of the computer). Click "Save" to apply the settings, and the page will prompt you of

        successful configuration.

    5. Switch the wiring mode: Connect the S2-WL-ST logger and the computer to the same router network port, ensuring the

        data logger is connected to the network using the configured static IP address.

    6. Utilize the Modbus TCP tool on the computer to establish a TCP connection through the static IP of the S2-WL-ST

        logger.

3. Introduction to Modbus Poll 

3.1 Installation and registration:

    1. After completing the installation, open the software. The main window interface is displayed as shown in the following

        figure.

     2. Click “Connect” in the “Connection” menu on the menu bar. A registration window will pop up. Click "Order" to navigate

        to the official website registration page. Purchase the service to obtain the registration key, return to the page to enter

        the key, and click OK to complete the registration. (If you only need temporary use, you can close this prompt box to

        obtain 30-day trial permission).

3. After registration, directly enter the main window, as shown below. Close the dialog box and proceed to the next step.

3.2 Parameter setting:

1. Click "Read/Write Definition" in the "Setup" menu to set parameters, and a parameter settings dialog box will appear.

2. Set up as defined below:

• Slave: Address of the Modbus slave machine to be accessed, corresponding to the ID value in the main window. The default value is 1.
• Function: Select the 03 function code (read hold register) for this demonstration.
• Address: Set the register initial address. For this demonstration, set the starting address to 3000.
• Length: Select the number of consecutive registers to display. For this demonstration, display 50 consecutive addresses.

• Scan Rate: Set the read data cycle. Default is 1000ms.

3. Click OK, and the simulation window will display a list of defined registers as shown here.

3.3 Display setting: 

        By default, register data is displayed in Signed mode (hexadecimal unsigned binary), with a data range of -32768 to

        32767. To display data in other numerical formats, select the "display" menu, as shown in the following picture:

3.4 Serial connection:

1. Click “Connect” in the “Connection” menu to make a serial connection. The connection settings dialog box will appear.

2. Set as follows:

• Connection: Select Modbus TCP/IP mode.
• Response Timeout: Read timeout period. Default is 1000ms. If the slave station does not return data within the timeout period, the communication is considered to have failed.
• Delay between Polls: Minimum interval between polls. Default value is 10ms. 
• Remote Modbus Server: Network setting of the terminal slave device in TCP/IP mode.
• IP Address: Slave IP address in TCP/IP mode (S2-WL-ST logger IP address).
• Port: Slave network port in TCP mode. Default port number for S2-WL-ST logger is 502.

3. Click OK to confirm the settings. If connected and read correctly, the main window will display information about the read register.

3.5 Viewing communication data frames: 

To access the communication data frames:

• Click on “Communication” in the “Display” menu.
• A dialog box titled "Communication Traffic" will appear, providing monitoring information for sending and receiving data frames. This feature allows users to view and analyze the data frames that are sent and received.
• Refer to the image below for a visual representation:

In this dialog box:

• The first 6 bits indicate the sequence number of the data frame.
• "Rx" represents the received data frame.
• "Tx" represents the sent data frame.

3.6 Disconnect: 

To disconnect and end the test:

• Click on “Disconnect” in the “Connection” menu.
• This action will terminate the connection, and the main window will display a red "No Connection" indicator, signaling that the connection is disconnected.

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