KF1 to Sinexcel installation guide
This guide covers communication setup between the KanEL KF1 and Sinexcel inverters. It applies to most Sinexcel bi-directional DCDC and DCAC inverter systems.
Prerequisites
Before commissioning KanEL KF1, the following steps must be completed:
Batteries have been charged to 100% and full power charge and discharge has been tested
The data logger and current transformers have been mounted and installed per the data logger installation guide
Step 1: Power on the KF1
The image above shows the front panel of the KF1 unit with ports labelled PWR (bottom-left), LAN1, LAN2, LAN3, WAN (top row), RS232 (bottom-centre with DB-9 connector), RS485 (top-right, 6-pin terminal), and I/O (bottom-right). The PWR port is a 2-pin DC barrel connector.
The KF1 is delivered with a power supply and a 2-metre cable. Several installation options are available:
Standard installation: connect the included 240 Vac / 9 Vdc power supply to the KF1 port labelled PWR, then plug into a regular wall socket
Fixed installation: use any DIN-mounted 12-24 V power supply
Inside WeCo cabinet: use the built-in power supply from WeCo -- order a power plug from KanEL, or build one by cutting the cord from the included power adapter
After powering on, check the KF1 status light:
Status light | Meaning |
Solid green | KF1 is working correctly -- proceed to step 2 |
Any other state | Contact KanEL support |
Step 2: Connect KF1 to the internet
The image above shows the KF1 front panel with the WAN port highlighted. The WAN port is the fourth RJ45 port from the left in the top row, used for wired internet connection.
See the dedicated KF1 internet connection guide for full instructions covering wired, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi bridge, and mobile connections.
Key recommendation: use a wired fibre connection whenever possible. It is the most reliable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance option.
Connection type | Minimum speed | Minimum latency |
Fibre (wired) | 1/1 Mbit/s | No requirement |
Wi-Fi or 4G | 20/20 Mbit/s | < 50 ms |
Step 3: Register the KF1
The image above shows the back of the KF1 unit with a QR code label and MAC address printed on it, used for device registration.
The KF1 must be registered so KanEL can configure it remotely. The device should be connected to the internet before registering.
With Installer App: navigate to the correct asset in the list, then scan the QR code on the back of the KF1 unit
Without Installer App: share the MAC address (printed on the back of the unit) with KanEL through Slack
Step 4: Connect KF1 to data logger
The image above shows the KF1 front panel with the LAN1 port highlighted. LAN1 is the first RJ45 port from the left in the top row, used for the data logger connection.
Communication between the KF1 and the data logger uses a standard network cable.
1. Mount the 3 CTs (current transformers) included with the KanEL data logger on the incoming phases
2. Connect a network cable between the data logger and the LAN1 port on the KF1
See the data logger installation guide for detailed instructions.
Step 5: Connect KF1 to inverter
The image above shows the KF1 front panel with a red rectangle highlighting the LAN2 port and the label "LAN 2 port (reserved for inverter)". LAN2 is the second RJ45 port from the left in the top row.
Communication between the KF1 and the Sinexcel inverter uses a standard network cable included in the delivery.
1. Connect the included network cable to the KF1 port labelled LAN2
2. Connect the other end of the network cable to the LAN port on the Sinexcel inverter
Step 6: Connect KF1 to BMS
The image above shows the KF1 front panel with a red rectangle highlighting the LAN3 port. LAN3 is the third RJ45 port from the left in the top row, used for the BMS connection.
Communication between the KF1 and the BMS uses a standard network cable included in the delivery.
1. Connect the included network cable to the KF1 port labelled LAN3
2. Connect the other end of the network cable to the LAN port on the BMS
Step 7: Set up backup internet connection
The image above shows the KF1 unit from behind/above, with the two SMA antenna connectors labelled MOBILE visible on the outer edges, and mobile signal strength LEDs on the right side of the front panel.
The KF1 has a built-in modem and SIM card that activates automatically as a backup if the primary internet connection fails. No configuration is needed.
Antenna installation
Mount the 2 included SMA antennas labelled MOBILE into the two outer ports on the KF1 labelled MOBILE
If using only one antenna: it must be connected to the main mobile antenna connector (left port when viewing the unit from the front)
If installing in a location with poor reception (e.g. a container): mount an external antenna in a suitable location and connect:
Verify mobile connection
After mounting antennas, wait a few minutes for the device to connect, then check:
Indicator | Expected state |
Mobile connection light | Solid or rapidly blinking green |
Signal strength LEDs | 3 or more lit |
Installer app | No error messages |
If the connection does not work as expected, see the KF1 internet connection guide for troubleshooting.
Step 8: Final assembly
Once all steps are completed, secure the KF1 in its permanent position:
Wall mounting: screw the unit to the wall through the 4 holes at top and bottom of the chassis. For concrete or brick walls, pre-drill and use appropriate wall plugs.
DIN-rail mounting: use the built-in DIN-rail clip on the back of the KF1
Important: when assembling the unit, take care not to pinch or clamp any cables.
Post-installation checklist
After completing all steps, confirm:
[ ] KF1 status light is solid green
[ ] KF1 is connected to the internet (wired preferred)
[ ] KF1 is registered with KanEL (MAC address shared or QR scanned)
[ ] Data logger CTs installed correctly
[ ] KF1 connected to inverter via LAN2
[ ] KF1 connected to BMS via LAN3
[ ] Mobile backup antennas mounted and connection verified
[ ] KF1 physically secured (wall or DIN-rail mounted)
[ ] KF1 MAC, inverter type, and battery type noted down for reference