KF1 to WeCo Hybo + 5K3 installation guide
This guide describes how to establish communication between the KanEL KF1 and WeCo Hybo inverters. It is applicable for most WeCo systems using 5K3 batteries (both stack and rack variants).
Prerequisites
Before starting the KF1 installation, ensure the following steps have been completed:
The batteries and the inverter(s) have been installed and configured according to WeCo manufacturer instructions
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 shows the KF1 front panel. The PWR port is located at the bottom-left corner (highlighted with a red box). Other visible ports on the front panel include LAN1, LAN2, LAN3, WAN (RJ45 ports across the top), RS485 (yellow, top-right), RS232 (DB-9 connector, bottom-centre), and I/O terminals (bottom-right). Status LEDs for mobile connection and signal strength are visible at the bottom-right.
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 PCS cabinet: the KF1 can be mounted on the door of the PCS cabinet. In this case:
Poor indoor reception: if the PCS cabinet is located indoors and 4G reception is poor, mount the KF1 on an exterior wall instead. Drill a hole to run a short cable to the 4G antenna(s) for improved signal strength.
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 shows the KF1 front panel with the three LAN ports (LAN1, LAN2, LAN3) highlighted in a red box on the left, and the WAN port highlighted in a separate red box on the right. The mobile connection status indicator and signal strength LEDs are highlighted at the bottom-right corner.
See the dedicated KF1 internet connection guide for full instructions covering wired, Wi-Fi, and 4G connections.
It is strongly recommended to use a wired fibre connection over Wi-Fi or 4G due to connection stability. This is the most important aspect to consider. Additional benefits include ease of setup, cost effectiveness, reliability, and avoiding future support calls.
Connection type | Minimum speed | Minimum latency |
Fibre (wired) | 1/1 Mbit/s | No requirement |
Wi-Fi or 4G | 20/20 Mbit/s | < 50 ms |
Important: if using Wi-Fi or 4G, the above requirements are only indicative. If there are recurring interruptions, the service will not work.
Step 3: Register the KF1
The image shows the back of the KF1 unit. The QR code is located in the centre (highlighted with a red circle) with the MAC address printed directly below it (example: 408F9A010001). The IMEI number and barcode are printed on the right side. Power input (9--30 VDC) and GND connectors are visible at the top.
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
> Important: it is crucial to complete the registration process early in the installation. If KanEL cannot identify the device, it cannot be configured remotely.
Step 4: Connect KF1 to data logger
The image shows the KF1 front panel with the LAN1 port highlighted in a red box. The annotation above reads "LAN 1 port (reserved for data logger)". LAN1 is the leftmost RJ45 port in the top row.
Communication between the KF1 and the data logger uses a standard network cable.
Instructions:
1. Install the KanEL data logger per the data logger installation guide
2. Mount the 3 CTs (current transformers) included in the delivery on the incoming phases
3. Connect a network cable between the data logger and the LAN1 port on the KF1
> Note: the group fuse ("gruppsäkring") to the inverter should be appropriately dimensioned. Consult the WeCo manufacturer manual for more information.
The image shows an example electrical single-line diagram illustrating proper fuse dimensioning for a BESS installation. It depicts a 400 V 3-phase 63 A (44 kW) power grid connection, a DSO meter, a Solis smart meter (Eastron/Actrel), a fusebox, and an Acuvim meter/data logger. The inverter (shown as a Solis 50 kW Master in this example) connects via an 80 A group fuse. Red annotations indicate 63 A feed-out ("utmatning"), 10 A consumption ("förbrukning"), and 73 A from the inverter ("från växelriktare"). The data logger connects to the KF1 via LAN1.
Step 5: Connect KF1 to inverter
The image shows the KF1 front panel with the LAN2 port highlighted in a red box. The annotation above reads "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 WeCo Hybo inverter uses a standard network cable (included in the delivery).
Instructions:
1. Connect the included network cable into the KF1 port labelled LAN2
2. Connect the other end of the network cable into the HMI unit LAN port on the Hybo inverter
Multiple inverter setups: if there are several Hybo inverters, the LAN cable from the HMI on each Hybo unit should be connected directly to the KF1. Do not route them through the USR router. If there are not enough LAN ports available on the KF1, use a standard network switch.
> Note: no further on-site configuration is required by the installer. The final communication setup between the KF1 and the inverter is completed remotely by KanEL.
Step 6: Prepare communication between KF1 and BMS
The image shows two views of the KF1 unit. On the left: the top of the KF1 showing the Wi-Fi antenna connectors (the two inner SMA ports, highlighted). On the right: the KF1 from the front with four SMA antennas mounted. The two inner antennas are labelled Wi-Fi and the two outer antennas are labelled MOBILE. The antenna arrangement from left to right when viewing the front is: MOBILE, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, MOBILE.
Communication between the KF1 and the WeCo BMS is achieved through the KF1 unit's internal Wi-Fi.
Instructions:
1. If not already installed, mount the 2 included SMA antennas in the bottom two ports on the KF1 labelled WiFi
2. For WeCo HV rack battery systems: plug in the included Wi-Fi modules per the manufacturer instruction
> Note: WeCo HV stack battery systems have built-in Wi-Fi. If commissioning a stack system, no external Wi-Fi modules are needed.
KanEL will configure the Wi-Fi remotely -- no further installation steps are required for this connection.
Step 7: Set up backup internet connection
The image shows two views of the KF1 unit. On the left: the top of the KF1 showing the mobile antenna connectors (the two outer SMA ports, highlighted) and the GPS antenna connector (centre port, highlighted). On the right: the KF1 from a side angle with the main mobile antenna connector circled in red at the top-left corner. A label on the unit reads "Main mobile antenna".
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 mobile 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, or contact KanEL support.
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 the 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 on incoming phases and connected to KF1 LAN1
[ ] Group fuse to inverter is appropriately dimensioned
[ ] KF1 connected to Hybo inverter HMI via LAN2 (all inverters connected for multi-inverter setups)
[ ] Wi-Fi antennas mounted for BMS communication
[ ] Wi-Fi modules installed (rack battery systems only)
[ ] Mobile backup antennas mounted and connection verified
[ ] KF1 physically secured (wall or DIN-rail mounted)
[ ] No cables pinched or clamped