Ziewnic Inverter Wi-Fi App Setup Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Ziewnic Wifi Plug Pro datalogger typically uses '12345678' as its default Wi-Fi AP password for initial setup, though some third-party dongles may vary.
• Always connect the datalogger to a 2.4 GHz home Wi-Fi network; 5 GHz networks are not supported.
• Ensure the datalogger is securely plugged into the inverter's communication port and its power LED is solid before configuration.
• Exercise extreme caution when wiring custom BMS cables, as incorrect pinouts can damage battery communication circuits. Always disconnect all AC, DC, and battery power sources to the inverter before connecting or disconnecting any cables, and wait at least 5 minutes for internal capacitors to discharge. Failure to do so can result in lethal electric shock, severe burns from short circuits, or damage to equipment.

How to Set Up Your Ziewnic Inverter Wi-Fi App?

Setting up the Wi-Fi monitoring for your Ziewnic inverter allows you to track system performance, view energy data, and receive alerts remotely. The process involves connecting a Wi-Fi datalogger to your inverter and configuring it through a smartphone app. The most common cause of setup issues is an incorrect Wi-Fi password or attempting to connect to a 5 GHz network. The first step is to ensure your physical datalogger is correctly installed and powered.

Diagnosis

To troubleshoot Wi-Fi app setup issues, follow these steps:

1. Check Datalogger Power: Verify the Wifi Plug Pro or internal Wi-Fi module is receiving power. The PWR LED on the Wifi Plug Pro should illuminate solid once plugged into the inverter's communication port. If the LED is off, ensure the datalogger is fully seated and the inverter is powered on.
2. Scan for Datalogger AP: On your smartphone, go to Wi-Fi settings and scan for available networks. Look for an SSID matching the Wi-Fi module's Part Number (PN), often starting with WIFI_PN... or AP_.... If this network does not appear, the datalogger may not be broadcasting its access point, indicating a power or hardware issue.
3. Verify Home Wi-Fi Band: Confirm that your home Wi-Fi router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network. The Ziewnic Wi-Fi datalogger does not support 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts both, ensure you select the 2.4 GHz option during configuration.
4. Check Cloud Sync Status: After configuration, the NET and SRV LEDs on the datalogger should illuminate solid, and a Wi-Fi icon on the inverter's LCD should also be solid. If these indicators are flashing or off, the datalogger is not successfully communicating with the cloud server.

Cause/fix table

Ziewnic Inverter Wi-Fi App Setup Procedure

Setting up your Ziewnic inverter for Wi-Fi monitoring involves a few key steps, from physically connecting the datalogger to configuring it with your home network. This guide covers the process for most Ziewnic inverters that use the external Wifi Plug Pro datalogger or similar built-in Wi-Fi modules. For a broader overview of inverter monitoring, see our inverter Wi-Fi monitoring setup guide.

1. Physical Datalogger Connection

The first step is to securely connect the Wi-Fi datalogger to your Ziewnic inverter. Before proceeding, ensure all AC, DC, and battery power sources to the inverter are completely disconnected, and wait at least 5 minutes for internal capacitors to discharge. Failure to do so can result in lethal electric shock, severe burns from short circuits, or damage to equipment.

• Locate the Communication Port: Find the designated 4-pin aviation or DB9/RS232/RS485 communication port at the bottom of your inverter. For external dataloggers like the Wifi Plug Pro, this is where it will connect.
• Plug In the Datalogger: Carefully insert the Wifi Plug Pro or Wi-Fi module into the port.
• Secure the Connection: Fasten any locking screw collar to ensure a stable connection.
• Restore Power: Re-connect the battery/AC supplies and switch the inverter back on before checking the datalogger LEDs.
• Verify Power: Check that the power LED (PWR) on the datalogger illuminates solid, indicating it is receiving power from the inverter.

2. App Installation and Account Creation

Next, install the appropriate monitoring app on your smartphone and create an account.

• Download the App: Download the "ZIEWNIC Inverter" or "SmartESS" app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. For Lenox series inverters, use "Solarman Smart" or "Solarman Business" for monitoring. You can compare these with other inverter monitoring apps.
• Register an Account: Open the app and register a new account using a valid email address. You will typically be prompted to fill in required information and scan the Wi-Fi module's Part Number (PN) during registration. Tap "Register" to complete the process.

3. Direct Smartphone Connection to Datalogger AP

Your smartphone needs to connect directly to the datalogger's temporary Wi-Fi access point (AP) for initial configuration.

• Access Smartphone Wi-Fi Settings: Go to your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings.
• Scan for Datalogger Network: Scan for available Wi-Fi networks. You should see a network named after the Wi-Fi module's Part Number (PN), such as WIFI_PN... or AP_....
• Connect to Datalogger AP: Select this network and enter the default password: '12345678'. (Note: some third-party aftermarket dongles distributed by regional dealers in Pakistan may use '123456789' or an open AP.)

4. Home Router 2.4 GHz Network Assignment

Now, you will configure the datalogger to connect to your home Wi-Fi network.

• Return to the App: Go back to the Ziewnic monitoring app.
• Navigate to Wi-Fi Configuration: Open the "Wi-Fi Config" or "Network Setting" page within the app.
• Select Home Wi-Fi: From the list of available networks, select your home Wi-Fi SSID. Crucially, this must be a 2.4 GHz band network, as 5 GHz is unsupported by the datalogger.
• Enter Password and Confirm: Enter your home Wi-Fi password and tap "Confirm" or "Save" to apply the settings.

5. Cloud Sync Verification

The final step is to verify that the datalogger has successfully connected to the cloud server for remote monitoring.

• Module Reboot: The Wi-Fi module will reboot and attempt to connect to the cloud server.
• Check Status LEDs: The NET and SRV LEDs on the datalogger should illuminate solid.
• Inverter LCD Icon: A Wi-Fi icon on your inverter's LCD display should also become solid, indicating that remote monitoring is active.

BMS Communication Port and RJ45 Pin Assignment

For Ziewnic inverters, particularly Voltronic-platform Ziewnic models (Axpert Ultra, Axpert Twin Premium +, Diamond, Max series), a dedicated BMS communication port is used. This port typically uses an RJ45 connector, and correct pin assignment is critical to avoid damage and ensure proper function. Lenox and Roux series use different platforms — confirm the pinout in your series manual before wiring. Always disconnect all AC, DC, and battery power sources to the inverter before connecting or disconnecting any cables, and wait at least 5 minutes for internal capacitors to discharge. Failure to do so can result in lethal electric shock, severe burns from short circuits, or damage to equipment.

When connecting lithium battery packs like Ziewnic Z-BOX, Li-Wall V2, Pylontech, or other compatible brands, you must use a custom RJ45 cable that matches the inverter's pin assignment. For an example of specific pinout details, refer to a Dyness BMS alarm and cable pinout guide.

The pin assignment for the BMS Communication Port is as follows:

The default RS485 baud rate for BMS communication is 9600 bps, which is typically set by DIP switch 1 being in the "ON" position.

Wiring Caution: It is crucial to understand that direct pass-through Ethernet cables should not be used without verifying the correct pin assignments. Pins 1 and 2 carry RS232 voltages, which can damage battery BMS communication circuits if incorrectly connected to RS485 or CAN pins. Always consult your battery's manual for its specific pinout requirements and ensure your custom cable matches both the inverter and battery specifications.

Safety: Always Disconnect Power First

Working with solar inverters and battery systems involves high voltages and currents. Always prioritize safety.

• Disconnect All Power: Before physically connecting or disconnecting any cables, especially the Wi-Fi datalogger or BMS communication cables, ensure that all AC, DC, and battery power sources to the inverter are completely disconnected, and wait at least 5 minutes for internal capacitors to discharge. This includes turning off solar PV breakers, battery disconnects, and AC grid input. Failure to do so can result in lethal electric shock, severe burns from short circuits, or damage to equipment.
• Internal Capacitor Discharge: High-voltage DC bus capacitors inside the inverter store significant electrical charge. Wait at least 5 minutes after disconnecting all solar PV, battery DC, and AC grid supplies before removing enclosure panels or servicing terminal blocks.
• Environmental Placement: Ziewnic inverters have specific IP ratings. IP21 rated models (e.g., Diamond II 6G, Axpert Ultra, Max Series, Roux Series) must be mounted indoors in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area, protected from rain and direct water spray. IP65 rated models (Lenox series) are suitable for outdoor installation.
• BMS Cable Verification: When creating or using custom RJ45 cables for BMS communication, double-check the pinout against both your inverter and battery manuals. Incorrect wiring can lead to component damage.

When to call a technician instead

While many Wi-Fi setup issues can be resolved with the steps above, some problems require professional intervention.

• Persistent Datalogger Failure: If the Wifi Plug Pro or internal Wi-Fi module does not power on, broadcast its AP, or connect to the cloud despite following all troubleshooting steps, it may indicate a hardware fault.
• Inverter Communication Port Damage: If the inverter's communication port appears physically damaged, or if other communication methods (like USB to PC) also fail, a service center visit is likely needed.
• BMS Communication Errors: If you have correctly wired a custom BMS cable and selected the appropriate battery type in Program 05 (e.g., PYL or Lib), but still experience a BMS communication warning (see the inverter error code glossary), there might be an internal inverter fault or a BMS issue with the battery itself.
• Warranty Concerns: Attempting internal repairs on the inverter will void its warranty. Ziewnic offers a 5-year PCBA replacement warranty on flagship hybrid lines (Lenox) and standard 3 to 5-year warranties on retail models. For any issue beyond simple cable connections or app settings, contact Ziewnic's authorized service centers in Karachi or Lahore. Internal component failures (e.g., Fault 08, 09, 53, 57) are not field-serviceable and require factory-certified repair.