In short
- CAN usually goes to the inverter; link sockets join the packs to each other.
- RS232 on the small RJ11 serves PbmsTools; RS485 next to CAN is the one a monitor uses.
- Pinouts vary between battery brands, so never trust the colours of a cable.
The layout below is the most common one on racks with a Pace board. Battery makers adapt it, so the manual of your own battery has the last word.
CAN: the conversation with the inverter
This RJ45 carries the charge limits and the state of charge to a hybrid inverter. On most systems it stays busy all the time. Leave it alone: it is what lets the inverter charge the battery properly.
Link sockets: pack to pack
Usually two RJ45 sockets, in and out, joining each pack to the next with a straight network cable. They carry the conversation inside the bank, and a monitor has no business there.
RS485 next to CAN
This is the socket for host communication, and the one Pace Monitor uses. Some firmware lets you choose its protocol in PbmsTools. Community documentation places RS485 on pins 7 and 8 of the RJ45 on many of these boards, but other brands wire the socket differently, which is why we supply a cable and check your battery first.
RS232 on the small RJ11
A narrower plug, used with a USB adapter to connect PbmsTools. It is the door to the settings, so keep it free and accessible.
The usual mistakes
- Forcing an RJ45 plug into an RJ11 socket. It does not fit, and pushing damages the socket.
- Trusting wire colours. Count the pins instead.
- Taking a link socket for RS485, because the labels are so small.
- Connecting the inverter to the first free RJ45 rather than the one its manual names.
Once the right socket is identified, the installation of the box takes about a minute. A photo of your panel is all we need to confirm the socket for you.
Common questions
Can I use an ordinary network cable?
Between packs, usually yes, with a straight cable. For the monitor, use the supplied cable: it is wired for the board.
Will the wrong socket damage anything?
A monitor on the wrong RJ45 usually just shows no data, but unplug it at once and check. Never force a plug.
My inverter uses the RS485 socket. Can I still add the box?
Tell us before ordering. We look at your setup and tell you what is possible.
