The Ethernet MeterBus Converter™ (model: EMC-1) provides the data and communications connection for Morningstar devices, between themselves, with surrounding systems, and with the outside environment through the internet. It’s simple to connect to Morningstar products equipped with an RJ-11 Meterbus port to enable remote monitoring, custom programming, and access to future cloud-based data services.
Protocols and technologies supported by the EMC-1 include:
The EMC-1 converts this connection into a fully enabled Ethernet port allowing data transfer to the internet. Once connected, the MeterBus port enables transmission of serial data to the EMC-1 for remote monitoring, configuration, and control, using any type of IP-based network connection. This way, many new, powerful integration options for Morningstar products can be activated and used in remote power systems.
They’re worth it, because they provide the faster power “tracking” that lets us engineer this much power and control into a compact design.
Combined with premium, “over-spec’d” components, this greatly improves control response which guards against system transients, regulation overshoot and overcurrent/overload conditions
Nature do your worst–this controller can take it
If you’ve ever trashed a lesser terminal during an installation, you’ll appreciate some “overkill” here
Allows the surface-mounting of critical components underneath the main board next to the heat sink, which reduces heat travel distance and keeps the controller even cooler
As opposed to cast aluminum, which is less effective in passive cooling applications
“Talks solar” with standard industry language, for system monitoring and cloud connectivity-speaks Modbus, and SNMP (with the EMC-1)
Lithium batteries are expensive and vulnerable to cold temperatures. When it gets close to freezing, the controller backs-off charging to avoid damaging batteries
All-digital calibration for high accuracy, using the same efficient technology found in advanced mobile device
Morningstar’s hallmark MPPT technology precisely seeks and locks onto the true maximum power point quickly and accurately, to ensure the highest output possible from a solar array
When you’ve been in the field installing, you appreciated being able to read a crisp, high contrast display on site
Up to 2 1/2 times longer than some competitors in this class
ProStar is smart enough to monitor and analyze system performance, and alert you when you need to know
Heat is the enemy of all electronics. That’s why Prostar’s critical components are rated to withstand temperatures right up to the boiling point of water (100°C)
Protects the precision electronics inside with an impact strength 30 times greater than the acrylic thermoplastics commonly found on lesser controllers
Just kidding. We’ve never needed them
Model | EMC-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
DC Input Supply Voltage Range | 8-80 Vdc | |||
Maximum Self Consumption | 2 Watts | |||
Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +60C | |||
Warranty | 5 Years | |||
CE and RoHS | Yes | |||
FCC Class B Part 15 Compliant | Yes | |||
Manufactured in a Certified ISO 9001 Facility | Yes |
Download the Ethernet MeterBus Converter Datasheet.
Download the Ethernet MeterBus Converter Manual.
This 3 minute video provides an overview of Morningstar’s new Ethernet MeterBus Converter (EMC-1). This device enables IP based network and internet connectivity to any Morningstar solar charge controller or inverter that features an existing MeterBus port (RJ-11) including: PWM controllers: TriStar and SunSaver Duo; MPPT controllers: TriStar MPPT, ProStar MPPT, & SunSaver MPPT; Inverters: SureSine. And future products that feature an existing MeterBus port (RJ-11).
This 5 minute video highlights the ProStar MPPT solar charge controller’s circuit board that differentiates it from other brands. In addition to the capacitors, inductors, processors, surge protectors, and other over-spec’d internal components, the quality of the controller’s heat sink and outer casing is also addressed. The video concludes with mention of features and capabilities related to communications, datalogging, lithium battery charging, and high quality and reliability.
Recorded Webinar
View this recorded webinar to learn about the new Ethernet MeterBus Converter which enables the addition of IP based network and internet connectivity to any Morningstar product that features an existing MeterBus port (RJ-11).
600 volt charge controllers with 60 amp charge rating
MPPT charge controllers (150 Voc; 30, 45, & 60 amp versions for 12-48 volt batteries)
PWM charge controller (45 & 60 amp versions for 12-48 volt batteries)
MPPT charge controller (60 Voc; 15 amp rating for 12 & 24 volt batteries)
Pure sine wave inverter (300W continuous; 600W peak for 12V batteries)
PWM charge controller (15 & 30 amp versions for 12 & 24 volt batteries)
MPPT charge controller (120 Voc; 25 & 40 amp versions for 12 & 24 volt batteries)
PWM two battery controller for RV's, & boats (25 amp rating for 12 volt batteries)
It’s a recommended best practice to install your product’s latest firmware to ensure access to all up-to-date features, accessory compatibilities, and code modifications. Follow instructions in the EMC-1 Firmware pdf to locate the most up-to-date firmware. Then, watch this video for instructions on how to update EMC-1 firmware.
The diagram above shows how connections are made with the RJ-11 cord between the Morningstar product on the right and the EMC-1 in the middle. The EMC-1 is connected to an Ethernet gateway which is typically a router or switch that you see on the left.
Select Morningstar products that previously could not connect to an IP network or internet can connect to the EMC-1 to enable a view of many useful system metrics via web browser such as:
This information will appear live in real time, so you will see data changing without having to refresh your browser. Furthermore, you can use our free MSView software with the EMC-1 so you can change your battery charging settings, low voltage disconnect settings, and lighting settings. Every product in MSView has its own setup wizard for adjusting the custom settings. To make it easier to use MSView setup wizards, we’ve created a webpage that lets you download custom settings configuration files.
The schematic diagram above, illustrates how the ProStar MPPT regulates power to batteries and an alternating current (AC) load in an off-grid system. This diagram is very similar to the DC load diagram above it except an inverter has been added.