1. Introduction
The Growatt ShineWiFi-X is a wireless USB data logger designed for Growatt grid-tie inverters, specifically compatible with models like MOD 10-40KTL3-X. It enables wireless data monitoring and maintenance of your solar PV system, offering cable-free installation and built-in storage for up to one month of data. This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of your ShineWiFi-X module.
Video 1: Product demonstration of the Growatt ShineWiFi-X.
2. Setup and Installation
2.1. Connection to Inverter
Follow these steps to connect the ShineWiFi-X module to your Growatt inverter:
- Locate the RS-232 port on your inverter.
- For Inverter RS-232 Type A: Remove the RS-232 cover. Switch the DIP switch to "ON". Plug the ShineWiFi-X into the RS-232 port and secure it with screws.
- For Inverter RS-232 Type B: Remove the rubber plug. Plug the ShineWiFi-X into the RS-232 port and secure it with screws.
2.2. Initial Power-On and LED Check
After installing the ShineWiFi-X module, turn on the inverter. Observe the LED indicators on the ShineWiFi-X to confirm proper communication:
| LED State | Indication |
|---|---|
| All three LEDs off | ShineWiFi-X not connected well with inverter RS232 port |
| Only Red LED flashes | ShineWiFi-X and inverter communication is OK |
| Only Green LED flashes | ShineWiFi-X, inverter and router communication is OK |
| Only Blue LED flashes | ShineWiFi-X, inverter, router and Shine Server communication is OK |
2.3. App Registration and Device Addition
To monitor your inverter, you need to register and add your ShineWiFi-X to the ShinePhone app:
- Download ShinePhone App: Scan the QR code on the device or search for "ShinePhone" in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Download and install the latest version.
- Connect to Home WiFi: Ensure your mobile phone is connected to the same home router's WiFi network that the ShineWiFi-X module will connect to.
- The router name should consist of English letters and numbers only (no special symbols).
- Use an encrypted wireless network for security.
- Public networks requiring secondary authentication are not supported.
- Bridge networks are not supported.
- Register Account: Open the ShinePhone app, click "Register" on the login page. Select your country and city, then click "Next". (Note: Incorrect country/city selection may lead to wrong system time.)
- Fill Information: Complete the required registration information and click "Next". This will guide you to the "Add datalogger" page.
- Add Datalogger: Scan or manually input the ShineWiFi-X barcode and check code. Click "Register". This will take you to the "Set Shine WiFi" page.
- Configure WiFi: Enter your home WiFi network name and password. Click "Configuration". Upon successful configuration, a "Configured successfully" message will appear, and you will be directed to the "my plant" page.
- Note: A successful connection to the router and Growatt Shine Server is indicated when only the Blue LED on the ShineWiFi-X flashes.
- Troubleshooting Configuration Failure: If a "Failed" message appears, refer to the Troubleshooting section (Section 4) for solutions. After resolving the issue, log in to your account, click the "+" sign on the top right, select "Datalogger list", long-press the datalogger's serial number for 3 seconds, and select "Configure datalogger". Re-enter your home router's name and password, then click "Set".
- Verify Inverter Data: After successful configuration, navigate to the "my plant" page and select your inverter from the device list to check its updated information.
3. Operation
Once your ShineWiFi-X is set up and connected, you can manage your datalogger and monitor your inverter through the ShinePhone app.
3.1. Managing Dataloggers in ShinePhone App
On the "my plant" page, click the "+" sign on the top right to access datalogger management options. Long-press a datalogger's serial number to reveal additional actions:
- Add datalogger: Use this option to add a new ShineWiFi-X module to your account.
- Edit datalogger: Assign an alias name to your ShineWiFi-X module for easier identification.
- Delete datalogger: Remove a ShineWiFi-X module from your account.
- Configure datalogger: Reconfigure the connection of the ShineWiFi-X module to your router, for example, if your WiFi password changes.
4. Maintenance
4.1. Resetting to Factory Settings
If you change your home router's password or replace your router, you will need to reset the ShineWiFi-X to factory settings and reconfigure it:
- Remove the rubber plug from the ShineWiFi-X module.
- Press and hold the KEY button for more than 6 seconds until all three LEDs light up continuously. This indicates the device has been reset to factory settings.
- Log in to your ShinePhone account.
- Click the "+" sign on the top right of the "my plant" page.
- Long-press the serial number of the datalogger you wish to reconfigure and follow the steps for "Configure datalogger" as described in Section 2.3.
4.2. KEY Button Description
The KEY button on the ShineWiFi-X module has multiple functions:
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| When ShineWiFi-X is powered on, remove the rubber plug, and press the KEY button. (ShineWiFi-X LED will change from flash to always ON) | ShineWiFi-X will enter AP mode. (AP mode is a debug mode, only allowed for professionals) |
| When ShineWiFi-X in AP mode, press the KEY button of ShineWiFi-X (ShineWiFi-X LED will change from always ON to flash) | Quit AP mode |
| Long press the KEY button for more than 6 sec (ShineWiFi-X all LEDs always ON) | Reset ShineWiFi-X to factory settings |
5. Troubleshooting
Refer to the table below for common issues and their solutions:
| LED State | Indicate | Troubleshooting |
|---|---|---|
| All three LEDs are dark | ShineWiFi-X cannot find inverter via RS232 port | 1. Check if the DIP switch beside inverter's RS232 port is switched DEP1 to "ON". 2. Try to reconnect ShineWiFi-X to the inverter RS232 port. |
| After configuration, Only Green LED flashes | ShineWiFi-X already connected to the home router, but not connected to Growatt Shine Server | 1. Check if home router is connected to the internet. 2. Check if the router firewall allows to select port 5279 and 5280. |
| After configuration, Only Blue LED flashes | ShineWiFi-X communication OK with inverter, home router, and Growatt Shine Server | Normal working state. |
| Red LED always ON | ShineWiFi-X module error | Need to replace with a new ShineWiFi-X. |
| Green LED always ON | ShineWiFi-X cannot connect to the home router | 1. Check router information: a) Router name should consist of English letters and numbers, it does not support special symbols. b) For safety reasons, use an encrypted wireless network. c) It does not support public networks that use secondary authentication. 2. Check if you filled in the correct name and password of the home router when configuring it. |
| Blue LED always ON | ShineWiFi-X module is in AP mode | Debug mode, short press the KEY button to quit. |
6. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Growatt ShineWiFi-X module:
| Datasheet - ShineWiFi-X | |
|---|---|
| Wireless Parameters | |
| Wireless standard | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Frequency range | 2.4G-2.5G (2412M-2484M) |
| Transmit power | 802.11 b: 16±2 dBm (@11Mbps) 802.11 g: 14±2 dBm (@54Mbps) 802.11 n: 13±2 dBm (@HT20, MCS7) |
| Receiver sensitivity | CCK, 1 Mbps: -90dBm CCK, 11 Mbps: -85dBm 6 Mbps (1/2 BPSK): -88dBm 54 Mbps (3/4 64-QAM): -70dBm HT20, MCS7 (65 Mbps, 72.2 Mbps): -67dBm |
| Hardware Parameters | |
| Data interface | USB |
| Operation voltage | 5V (+/-5%) |
| Max. power consumption@transmit | 1.2W |
| Display | LED |
| Application Parameters | |
| Supported servers | ShineServer |
| Inverter communication | USB (Modbus RTU protocol) |
| Server communication | TCP (Modbus TCP protocol) |
| Max. communication range | 50m |
| Configure type | APP configure |
| Data transfer interval | 5 Minutes |
| Default server URL | server.growatt.com |
| General Data | |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 135/79/29 mm |
| Weight | 60g |
| Operating temperature range | -20 °C ~ +65 °C |
| Warranty | 1 year |
7. User Tips
- Always ensure your home router's WiFi name and password are correct during configuration to avoid connection issues.
- For optimal performance, place the ShineWiFi-X within a reasonable range of your WiFi router.
- Regularly check the LED indicators on the ShineWiFi-X to quickly identify any communication problems.
- Keep the ShinePhone app updated to the latest version for new features and improved stability.
- If experiencing persistent connection issues, try restarting both your home router and the inverter before attempting to reconfigure the ShineWiFi-X.
8. Warranty and Support
The Growatt ShineWiFi-X module comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. For technical support, further information, or to access the full user manual in PDF format, please visit the official Growatt website: growatt.com.
A detailed user manual (PDF) is also available for download: ShineWiFi-X User Manual (PDF).
