APsystems ECU-3 Instruction Manual

Installation/User Manual
APsystems ECU-3
Energy Communication Unit (ECU)
Version 8.0 1/16
© All Rights Reserved APsystems.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
HARDWARE INSTALLATION 5
Preparation
Selecting an Installation Location for the ECU
Using Electrical Mounting Din Rail
Using Wall Mount 6
Cable Ports 7
Cable Connections
Internet Connection 8
Direct CAT5 Connection
Wireless Connection
Power Up ECU 9
ECU INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE 10
USING THE ECU MENU BUTTON 13
RESETTING THE ECU TO FACTORY DEFAULTS 15
TROUBLESHOOTING ECU OPERATION 16
LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACE 17
Connecting to the ECU via the LAN 18
Connecting Directly to the ECU
Using a Windows-based PC
Using an Apple Mac 19
Viewing the ECU’s Home Page 20
Managing Inverter UIDs 22
Initial Programming of the ECU with the Inverter UIDs
If Manually Entering the UIDs into the ECU 23
If Using a Scanning Gun to Enter the UIDs into the ECU
Adding Additional Inverter UIDs 25
Deleting an Existing Inverter UID
Changing the Date, Time Zone 25
Changing the ECU Language 27
Managing the Network Connection 28
Assigning a Static IP Address to the ECU
Managing The Wlan/Wifi Connection 30
To Change the ECU to WLAN Mode
REMOTE ECU MANAGEMENT 34
ECU Configuration 36
Setting the ECU Time Zone 37
Managing Inverter UIDs and Updating the Inverter UID List 38
TECHNICAL DATA 41
APsystems ECU-3 V7.0 Installation/User Manual

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 3 3
INTRODUCTION
The APsystems Communicator, our state-of-the-art Energy
Communication Unit (ECU), is the information gateway for our
microinverters. The unit collects module performance data from each
individual microinverter and transfers this information to an Internet
database in real time, requiring only a single data and power cable.
Through the APsystems Monitor software, the APsystems Communicator
gives you precise analysis of each microinverter and module in your
solar installation from any web-connected device. The APsystems
Communicator’s integrated http webserver offers the simplest and most
exible network integration of any data logger on the market. The user-
friendly browser-based interface lets you access your solar array in
seconds.
ECU functions as a gateway and monitors the microinverters that are
connected to the PV modules. Therefore, the communication between
inverters and ECU does not affect inverter performance, even if ECU fails
to communicate with the inverters. The ECU is NOT a revenue grade
metering device. Power production data collected by ECU is for reference
only, please check the power meter for the real power production of the
whole system.
Figure 1

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 4 4
Features
• Collects individual module and microinverter statistics
• Communicates in real time
• Requires no additional wiring
The APsystems Microinverter is used in utility-interactive grid-tied appli-
cations, and is made up of three key elements:
• APsystems Microinverter
• APsystems Energy Communication Unit (ECU)
• APsystems Energy Monitor and Analysis (EMA) web-based moni-
toring and analysis system
Figure 2
Diagram of a typical residential system
INTRODUCTION

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 5 5
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
PREPARATION
Make sure you have the following things taken care of before attempting
to install the ECU:
• A dedicated standard AC electrical outlet (located as close
electrically to the array as is possible).
• A broadband Internet connection is available for your use.
• A broadband router with either a CAT5 Ethernet, or wireless
router is available for your use.
• A laptop with a web browser (to view the APsystems EMA online
monitoring application).
• An ECU.
SELECTING AN INSTALLATION LOCATION FOR THE ECU
• A location that is as close electrically to the array as is possible –
preferably a dedicated outlet installed directly to the solar system
sub-panel or combiner box.
• The ECU is NOT rated for outdoor use, so if installing outdoors
near a junction box or breaker panel, making sure that you enclose
it in an appropriate weather proof NEMA electrical box.
Using Electrical Mounting Din Rail
1. Loosen the two (2) M3 mounting screws on the back of the ECU
and rotate the two (2) rail holders so that the holders are above the
ECU.
2. Attach the ECU to the mounting rail with machine screws.
Figure 3
Figure 4

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 6 6
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Using Wall Mount
When mounting the ECU to a wall, make sure to select a cool, dry, indoor
location.
1. Depending on the wall surface you are mounting the ECU to, use
either two (2) #8 drywall screws or wall anchors, installed 130 mm
apart. The drywall screws and wall anchors are NOT included in
the ECU kit.
2. Align and slide the ECU onto the mounting screws.
Best Practice: Install and connect the ECU to the Internet (see below
instructions) while the rest of the array is being installed. Doing so allows
the ECU to automatically update its internal software while the rest of the
physical installation is underway. The ECU will then communicate with
the inverters when the installation is complete and the array is energized.
Figure 5

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 7 7
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Cable Ports
Power Connection Port:
The power connection port is used to both supply the ECU with power, and
communicate with the inverters using the Power Line Communications
(PLC) protocol.
RS232 Serial Port:
The RS232 serial port can be used to connect the ECU to the Internet
using General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS is a cell technology
that is not available in all areas. Check with your cell phone service
provider for details regarding availability and service pricing.
Network Port (RJ45):
The network port (RJ45) is used to connect the ECU to your local network
via a CAT5 cable. This port can be used to connect directly to the network
router, or through a wi extender or PLC bridge.
USB Port:
The USB port can be used as a power source (5VDC) for a wi bridge if
necessary. It is NOT a two-way communication port, and is therefore
incompatible with external wi devices such as wi dongles or thumb
drives.
Figure 6
Power Connection Port Network Port
Network Port (RJ45)
RS232 Serial Port
CABLE CONNECTIONS
1. Connect the supplied power cable to the power connection port on
the bottom of the ECU.
NOTE: As noted in the previous section, the ECU communicates with the
inverters using the Power Line Communications (PLC) protocol through
the power connection port.
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APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 8 8
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2. Connect the supplied CAT5 cable to the network port (RJ45) on the
bottom of the ECU.
INTERNET CONNECTION
There are two different approaches to connecting the ECU to the Internet:
• Direct CAT5 network connection to a broadband router.
• Wireless connection to a wireless broadband router.
NOTE: The ECU is NOT a wireless device and requires a wi extender or
bridge to make the connection to a wireless router.
NOTE: Make sure the ECU is connected to a router device – NOT a
modem or network switching device.
Direct CAT5 Connection
1. Make sure the CAT5 cable is connected to the network port on the
bottom of the ECU.
2. Connect the CAT5 cable into a spare port on the broadband router.
Wireless Connection
Using a wi extender:
1. Make sure the CAT5 cable is connected to the network port on the
bottom of the ECU.
2. Connect the CAT5 cable into the wi extender.
3. Join the wi extender to the site’s LAN.
Figure 7
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APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 9 9
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Using a PLC bridge:
NOTE: A PLC bridge uses the power line to communicate and requires
both a “send” and “receive” unit.
1. Make sure the CAT5 cable is connected to the network port on the
bottom of the ECU.
2. Connect the CAT5 cable into the “send” unit of the PLC bridge.
3. Connect a CAT5 cable from the “receive” unit of the PLC bridge
into a spare port on the broadband router (refer to bridge users
manual for specic operating instructions).
POWER UP ECU
1. Make sure the power cable is correctly connected to the power
connection port on the bottom of the ECU.
2. Plug the power cable into a dedicated standard AC electrical outlet.
WARNING: Make sure to use a dedicated outlet for the ECU. Do NOT
plug any other devices into the same outlet as the ECU.
WARNING: Do NOT plug the ECU into a power strip, surge protector,
or uninterruptable power supply (UPS). The surge suppression and/
or ltering on these sorts of devices will substantially diminish PLC
performance.
Figure 8
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Figure 9
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ECU INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE
Once power is supplied to the ECU it automatically steps through a series
of initialization screens on its LED display.
ECU INITIALIZATION
1. Loading the software rmware.
2. Searching for the inverters.
A word about network communication protocols. The ECU needs to have
access to the router via an IP address. The ECU will only search for and
obtain a DHCP IP address during its powering up sequence.
For example, the LED screen on the front of the ECU displays an
IP address such as “192.168.2.101” if the connection to the router is
successful (the IP address will vary based on router supplier, so check
with the user manual for specics). If, however, the LED displays
“60.190.131.228”, the ECU-router connection has not been successful, in
which case you’ll need to check all of the cabling connections and reboot
the ECU by removing the power cable for a few seconds and reconnecting.
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
LED Display
Firmware Version
Router IP Address

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 11 11
ECU INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE
NOTE: The complete initialization sequence can take several minutes
(up to 15 minutes depending on the complexity of the installation and the
overall number of inverters).
3. Operating Interface.
Router IP Address:
The LED screen on the front of the ECU displays an IP address such as
“192.168.2.101” if the connection to the router is successful (the IP address
will vary based on router supplier, so check with the user manual for
specics). If, however, the LED displays “60.190.131.228”, the ECU-router
connection has not been successful, in which case you’ll need to check all of
the cabling connections and reboot the ECU by removing the power cable
for a few seconds and reconnecting.
EMA Communication:
A “+Web” indicates that the ECU is communicating with the APsystems
EMA via the Internet. “-Web” is an indication that there is a problem and
the ECU is not communicating with the APsystems EMA.
PLC Signal Level:
The PLC signal strength measured from 1-5, with higher number being
stronger signal strength.
NOTE: Signal Level will not be displayed if there is no PLC, or if the ECU
has a UID less than 203000018226.
Current Power Production:
What the solar array is producing currently (in Watts).
Lifetime Production:
The lifetime power output of the system (in kWh).
Figure 13
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Router IP Address
Current Power Production
EMA Communication
Lifetime Production Reporting Inverters
192.168.2.101 +W 4
750W 11.54Kwh 12

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 12 12
ECU INITIALIZATION SEQUENCE
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Reporting Inverters:
The number of inverters reporting into the ECU. If the number is followed
by an “!”, then the number of reporting inverters does not match the
number of UIDs that have been programmed into the ECU (see Managing
Inverter UIDs pg. 22).
NOTE: The inverter UIDs MUST BE PROGRAMMED into the ECU for
the ECU to recognize the inverters. The ECU will NOT auto-sense the
inverters (see Managing Inverter UIDs pg.22).

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 13 13
USING THE ECU MENU BUTTON
Figure 14
Figure 15
You can access the ECU’s menu by pressing and holding the Menu Button
on the side of the ECU for 2 seconds.
NOTE: The Menu Button will only cycle through its menu selections once
the ECU has been successfully initialized.
The ECU has the following menu structure (displayed on LED screen):
Press and hold the MENU Button, releasing the button to gain access to
the functionality of each menu item.
Exit Menu:
Returns the ECU to the normal operating screen (see Operating Interface
Pg. 11).
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MENU Button

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 14 14
USING THE ECU MENU BUTTON
Figure 16
Figure 17
Status:
Reports both the number of inverters that should be reporting into the
ECU (Total), and the number that are actually reporting (Connected).
These numbers should match.
The Signal Level screen.
Turn off all:
Shuts down the entire system.
The Shutdown screen.
NOTE: Leaving the MENU Button untouched for one (1) minute returns
the ECU to the normal operating screen (see Operating Interface Pg. 11).
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APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 15 15
RESETTING THE ECU TO FACTORY DEFAULTS
Figure 18
Insert a paperclip, or something similar, into the reset access along the
bottom of the ECU for three (3) seconds or longer. The ECU will reset to
its factory settings.
Reset Access

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 16 16
TROUBLESHOOTING ECU OPERATION
Problem: IP shows “60.190.131.228”
If the IP address displayed on the ECU’s LED shows “60.190.131.228”, the
ECU did not successfully obtain a DHCP IP address from the router.
Solution: Check network connectivity to the router or other DHCP server.
Typically this means that the ECU is not communicating with the router.
You may need to contact the Internet provider, or refer to the router’s
documentation for troubleshooting assistance.
Problem: -Web
If the ECU’s LED is displaying “-web”, the ECU is not communicating
with the APsystems monitoring system.
Solution: Reboot the ECU by unplugging the power cord for at lease
seven (7) seconds, and plugging it back in. If the LED still indicates
“-web”, check network connectivity to the router. You may need to
contact the Internet provider, or refer to the router’s documentation for
troubleshooting assistance.
Problem: “!” following Reporting Inverters number
If the reporting inverters number is followed by an “!”, then the number
of reporting inverters does not match the number of UIDs that have been
programmed into the ECU (see Managing Inverter UIDs pg. 20). This may
indicate the ECU is having difculty communicating with the inverters, or
that light levels are too low to energize the system.
Solution: Plug the ECU into a different dedicated electrical socket.

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 17 17
LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACE
Figure 19
The ECU can be congured, by connecting a computer to the ECU via the
Local Area Network (LAN), or by connecting directly to the ECU via its
Ethernet port.
CONNECTING TO THE ECU VIA THE LAN
1. Make sure both your computer and the ECU are correctly
connected by the LAN.
2. Using a standard web browser on your computer, enter the IP
Address that is displayed on your ECU in to the URL search eld.
The ECU’s Home Page is displayed.

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 18 18
LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACE
CONNECTING DIRECTLY TO THE ECU
Using a Windows-based PC
1. Connect the computer to the ECU using a CAT5 network cable.
2. Power up the ECU by connecting the power cable.
3. Open the “Network and Sharing Center” in the Control Panel on
the PC.
4. Select “Local Area Connection” for “Unidentied Network”.
5. Select “Properties” when “Local Area Connection Status” (LAC)
window is displayed.
6. Highlight “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” when the
“Local Area Connection Properties” window is displayed.
7. Select “Use the Following IP Address” radial button and the
enter IP Address and Subnet Mask as listed below. Do not enter
anything in the DNS Server address section.
IP Address: 60.190.131.190
Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0
8. Select “OK” on the IPv4 Properties window.
9. Close the LAC Properties window.
10. Close the LAC Status window.
11. Close the Network and Sharing Center.
12. Using a standard web browser on your computer, enter the IP
Address that is displayed on your ECU in to the URL search eld.
Figure 20

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 19 19
LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACE
Using an Apple Mac
1. Connect the computer to the ECU using a CAT5 network cable.
2. Power up the ECU by connecting the power cable.
3. Select the Apple icon in the menu bar to access “System
Preferences”.
4. Select “Network” in the “Internet & Wireless” section of the System
Preferences.
5. Select “Ethernet” on the left side of the Network window.
6. Select “Manually” from the “Congure IPv4” drop down menu.
7. Enter the following in the appropriate elds:
IP Address: 60.190.131.190
Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0
8. Leave the “Router” eld blank.
9. Select “Apply”.
10. Using a standard web browser on your computer, enter the IP
Address that is displayed on your ECU in to the URL search eld.
Figure 21

APsytems ECU-3 V8.0 Installation/User Manual 20 20
LOCAL NETWORK INTERFACE
Figure 22
VIEWING THE ECU’S HOME PAGE
ECU ID:
This is a unique number that identies this specic ECU.
Lifetime Generation:
Amount of power this system has generated during its lifetime.
Last System Power:
Amount of power the system was generating during its last polling cycle.
Generation of Current Day:
Amount of power that has been generated during the most current day.
Last connection to Website:
The last time the ECU checked into the central APsystems EMA database.
Number of Inverters:
Number of inverters that have programmed into the ECU.
Last Number of Inverters Online:
Number of inverters that are checking in with the ECU.
Current Software Version:
Version of software rmware.