OmniViz Epever Bluetooth adapters explained: eBox-BLE-01, BLE RJ45 and WiFi
Epever controllers have no Bluetooth inside: a small adapter on the RJ45 port does the job. Here is how they differ and how to get the best from yours.
The adapters
- eBox-BLE-01: the older Bluetooth adapter, a small box on a cable, plugged into the controller's RJ45 (COM) port.
- EPEVER BLE RJ45 (and similar recent models): a compact adapter that plugs straight into the RJ45 port. Its Bluetooth name often starts with HN_ followed by its address.
- WiFi adapters (eBox-WIFI-01, WiFi 2.4G RJ45): they connect the controller to a WiFi network, mostly for Epever's cloud. The newest one works only with Epever's cloud service.
Connecting
Plug the adapter into the controller's COM port: the controller powers it through the cable. Then connect from the app, never from the phone's Bluetooth settings. Bluetooth adapters use Bluetooth Low Energy and connect without pairing.
Range and placement
Epever gives about 10 metres. Metal is the enemy: a steel cabinet, the van body or the battery bank between you and the adapter can cut the range to a couple of metres.
One phone at a time
The adapter accepts a single connection and stops advertising while connected. If a second phone cannot find it, the first one (or an app in the background) is still connected.
Security: no password
Epever's Bluetooth adapters have no password and the link is not encrypted. Anyone within range with a compatible app can connect when your phone is not connected, read the data and change the settings. At a busy campsite, unplug the adapter when you don't need it. OmniViz Solar asks you to confirm every change and backs up your settings, but it cannot add a password to Epever's adapter.
Which adapters work with OmniViz Solar?
OmniViz Solar recognises Epever Bluetooth adapters whose name starts with HN_, EPEVER, SolarG or BLE-RS485, and is tested with the HN_ series. WiFi adapters are not supported yet.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Epever Bluetooth adapter need a PIN?
No, it has no password or PIN. You connect from the app, without pairing.
Why can't I find my Epever adapter?
It is probably connected to another phone or app (it then stops advertising), out of range, or not powered. Close other apps, get closer, and unplug and replug it.
Can I use the Epever WiFi adapter with a local app?
The newest Epever WiFi adapter works only with Epever's cloud. The older eBox-WIFI-01 can be reached on the local network, but OmniViz Solar does not support WiFi adapters yet.