KKD

This is my first post; I wanted to add some things I have done to stabilise my wifi loggers connectivity, as it might help others in the future. My logger is deeply integrated into Home Assistant using the Solarman integration, so stable connectivity is essential. On March 14, an update was pushed to my device that totally tanked connectivity. I don't know what these guys are doing because, as I understand it, the logger is an ESP32 which is stable if appropriately implemented. I have over 50 of them running other things on my property. Anyway, I tried to find the previous firmware, but as noted by others, it is not publically hosted; I also figured a more permanent solution would be better. I run an Unifi network and have a hotspot in the room next to the Inverter; connectivity should not be an issue. I have another ESP32 device doing duty in the same room as the Inverter with no connectivity issues. My first thought was to replace it with an RJ45 logger and then use powerline extenders to get the connection to one of my network switches. It is low data, so the speed is not an issue. Unfortunately, there wasn't local stock. However, I do think a hard-wired connection via ethernet is still the best solution. Next, I thought moving the logging unit away from the Inverter might help. I bought a 1.5m RS232 cable from Mantech, unplugged the unit, and then used the cable to extend its distance from the inverter. This gave about a 4-5db increase in signal, but this still wasn't enough to ensure solid connectivity: https://www.mantech.co.za/Stock.aspx?Query=72M0509and I replaced the aerial with a Bolton Omni Desktop antenna I had lying around (I did a bit of research before plugging it in!), I had tried a standard TP-Link wifi router aerial, but that did squat. This improved my signal by another 8-10 dB. The signal was now much more stable and close to consistent connectivity. https://www.boltontechnical.co.za/products/omni-desktop-antenna On Unifi, I run an IoT network, I generally keep the Minimum Data Rate control high to avoid some devices reverting to 802.11b, but I set this to auto. This gave me excellent connectivity. I had tried this before, the extension and antenna stuff, and I didn't get that result. I would try options 3 and 4 first. Don't remove the unit; just replace the aerial with the Bolton unit, it has its cable, and the base is magnetic, so it's easy to place. If you have an Unifi network or a network where you can set the Minimum Data Rate, try it on auto before anything else. I hope this isn't old info, and I hope it helps someone.