FAQ: KanEL KF1 — General questions
This article covers common questions about the KanEL KF1 control unit, its hardware indicators, the data logger, inverters, and the KanFLEX Installer App.
KanEL KF1 control unit
Where can I find the QR code if the KF1 is already mounted on the wall?
It is important to complete the onboarding process before permanently mounting the KF1 to the wall. If the unit has already been mounted without scanning the QR code, try the following options in order:
Scan the unit while installed: the QR code is printed on the front of the unit
Check the packaging: the QR code is also printed on the box the unit was delivered in
Remove and scan the unit: it takes about a minute to carefully remove the device from the wall to access and scan the QR code
Can the data logger be located far from the KF1 and connected wirelessly?
No. The data logger must be directly connected to the KF1 control unit via a network cable. A wireless connection is not supported and must not be used.
Can the KF1 act as communication hub for inverter accessories (adapter boxes, charge/master/slave configurations)?
This depends on how the accessories communicate. To get guidance:
Send a technical drawing of how the accessories are normally connected without a control computer
Indicate which accessories communicate via Modbus RS485 and which use network cables between units
Contact support at [email protected] with this information.
What can the LAN ports on the KF1 be used for?
The LAN ports on the KF1 unit are exclusively used for:
Inverters
Data loggers
Batteries
The ports must not be connected to anything else. Once the plant goes into production, the ports are blocked by the KF1's internal firewall.
I have a broken KF1 unit. What should I do?
Contact support at [email protected].
My KF1 seems functional but I cannot access it. What should I do?
Start by checking the LED indicators on the unit — they provide information about connectivity and power status (see the LED reference tables in the section below).
You can also consult the troubleshooting article on alternatives for the KanFLEX primary internet connection: https://support.kanel.se/alternatives-for-kanflex-primary-internet-connection
If you still cannot reach the device, contact support at [email protected].
What are the connectors and LEDs on the KF1 used for?
The tables below describe the behaviour of each LED indicator on the KF1.
#### Power LED
Action | Description |
LED on (green) | KF1 is powered up |
LED off (black) | KF1 is not powered up |
#### LAN and WAN LEDs
Action | Description |
LED on (green) | Operating as 10/100 Mbps connection |
LED off (black) | No link established |
LED blinking | Connection established and data being transferred |
#### Mobile connection status LED
Action | Description |
Green and red blinking alternately every 500 ms | No SIM card or bad PIN |
Green, red and orange blinking alternately every 500 ms | Connecting to GSM |
Red blinking every 1 sec | Connected to 2G, no data session established |
Orange blinking every 1 sec | Connected to 3G, no data session established |
Green blinking every 1 sec | Connected to 4G, no data session established |
Red lit and blinking rapidly while data is being transferred | Connected to 2G with active data session |
Orange lit and blinking rapidly while data is being transferred | Connected to 3G with active data session |
Green lit and blinking rapidly while data is being transferred | Connected to 4G with active data session |
#### Mobile signal strength LEDs
The number of lit LEDs indicates signal strength:
Number of lit LEDs | Signal strength |
0 | ≤ −111 dBm |
1 | −110 dBm to −97 dBm |
2 | −96 dBm to −82 dBm |
3 | −81 dBm to −67 dBm |
4 | −66 dBm to −52 dBm |
5 | ≥ −51 dBm |
Data logger
Should the data logger have a dynamic IP address?
No. Currently the IP address is assigned manually after installation is completed. In the future the installer app will show the final static IP address so it can be used from the start.
Can the data logger be located far from the KF1 and connected wirelessly?
No. The data logger must be directly connected to the KF1 control unit via a network cable regardless of the site layout. A wireless connection is not supported.
Inverters
Can the installer test-run the installation to verify everything works?
Currently KanEL's tech team must perform this verification manually. Going forward it will be possible to test-run installations directly through the installer app.
Is a specific software version required for the inverter or battery management system (BMS)?
Always upgrade to the latest software available from the manufacturer before completing the installation. This applies to both inverters and BMS units.
For Solis inverters: follow the Solis installation guide
For WeCo BMS units: follow the WeCo installation guide at https://support.kanel.se/weco-bess-manufacturer-installation-guides
If any special software version is required beyond the latest available, KanEL will communicate this clearly.
Can SolaX systems be used without an additional data logger, relying only on the SolaX smart meter?
No — not during the pre-qualification phase. Here is the process:
Before and during pre-qualification: Both KanEL's data logger and the SolaX smart meter must be installed. The data logger is required to ensure accuracy of pre-qualification test results; the SolaX smart meter is required to prevent inverter error messages.
After pre-qualification: KanEL's data logger is removed and the SolaX smart meter is sufficient.
Do inverter settings or parameters need to be changed?
Other than setting the baud rate as high as possible, hybrid inverters with batteries should be installed according to the standard manufacturer specification. No additional parameter changes are required unless specifically requested by KanEL.
Other
How do I remove my KanFLEX Installer App account?
Contact support at [email protected] and the team will assist you.