Is the waveshare WI-FI version suitable

[magichew]

Hi

I found this on Amazon (Waveshare RS485 to WiFi/Ethernet Module Rail-Mount Serial Server Modbus MQTT Gateway Supports Transparent Transmission Mode https://amzn.eu/d/3fveYKC)

Would this work for those who are having a hard time getting network cable to and fro but have power handy?

[alienatedsec]

Hi @magichew

While not tested by myself, I would not recommend it the same way as it is described on the SolaX Integration website.
https://github.com/wills106/homeassistant-solax-modbus/wiki/Compatible-RS485-Adaptors#waveshare-rs485-to-wifieth

I hope that helps.

However, may be worth investing in some Powerline Adaptors.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=powerline+adapter

[alienatedsec]

Waveshare RS485 to WIFI/ETH
This RS485 adaptor is very problematic:

• There seems to be delayed communications,
• Struggles to read more than 7 registers at a time,
• Modbus Error: [Input/Output] Unable to decode request,
• No ability to set "Auto query storage type" for Sofar Inverters (also needed for the TCP Server)

[magichew]

I actually received two of the POE versions of the RS45 to ETH yesterday but had something shaking around inside of it, sure enough when I plugged it in it was dead so I need a replacement. Was going to try the WIFI version but I'll steer clear now.

[magichew]

Thanks for the tip. Is there a difference between setting a DHCP reservation and setting a static IP?

[alienatedsec]

@magichew The static IP is set and does not change. The IP reservation requires a device to ask for an IP.

Mine seems to be consistent and works all the time. It may be related to a DHCP server. @hazbot72 made some points and it could be worth considering.

[hazbot72]

I guess it depends on your network setup and which device(s) provide DHCP and DNS. In my case I use Pi-hole which acts as both. Only problem with that is as above ... Pi-hole only maintains DNS entries for each device for as long as there is also a DHCP lease for that device.

If a device allows its DHCP lease to expire and doesn't renew it, then the DNS entry pointing to that device also expires.

[magichew]

I believe I've set static IP on the Waveshare and also set DHCP reservation in my router. Should mean that they get the same IP address every time yes?

I have blue link light on each unit now. Now I need to work on the Home Assistant side of things.

[hazbot72]

Yes, setting static IP on the Waveshares themselves means they won't even request a DHCP address and just use the given IP all the time.

But it is good to also have the fixed DHCP reservation on your router, because it means no other device could be accidentally given the same IP as either of the Waveshares.