EPEver eLog01 review - Solar Charge Controller Data Logger - 12v Solar Shed

This brand new product from EPEver logs the data from compatible solar charge controllers for around four months. For those that like to see how their solar charge controller performs this will give you the raw statistics which you can analyse and graph in excel or google sheets.
Have a look at my thoughts on the eLog01 after six month here: • EPEver eLog01 - Downlo...
Items mentioned in this video:
❗️These links are affiliated and I may earn a small commission if you purchase❗️
EPEver eLog01: goo.gl/WhUvAq
EPSolar MT50 Remote meter: goo.gl/YBsbsi
EPEver eBox-Wifi-01: goo.gl/Kk6psb
EPSolar RS485 USB Cable: goo.gl/WukJdH
EPEver Solar Station Monitor Software: admw.uk/jB
EPEver eLog Download Tool: admw.uk/jK

[@SorosNews]

These old Videos are Great, I ordered These Items from his Videos, Great job, Adam Welch ! 1, Epever eLOG01 Use For Tracer BN Tracer A MPPT Solar Control .. 2, EPEVER WIFI Module Serial Server eBox-WIFI-01ler With RS485 Port., 3,Epever MPPT Solar Charge Controller 60A I hope to Put up a Decent Solar array Soon !

[@MauroSedrani]

As usual, thanks Adam! Very interesting!

[@kingsleyfhk]

Thank you Adam for this great video. Just what I needed. Made my purchased for this wonder device.

[@mortent877]

Thanks for the review! Really nice of EPSolar to mail you a sample. It would be interesting to know what's inside the box though ;)

[@charlieoscar09]

Thanks for the review Adam very useful...

[@Redsammeh]

Thanks for the video! I was looking for something exactly like this.

[@henryyoung7184]

There is enough space inside the MT50 housing to fit the guts of the eLog01 removed from its own box. That gives a cosmetically pleasing way to give you concurrent MT50 operation, logging and USB support for a downstream RPi/Arduino type data store & web dashboard (which I plan to develop). For cabling, you can either make up a custom solution removing one of the RJ-45s from the eLOG01 and soldering direct, or use standard cables, looping the excess through the access hole drilled into the mounting panel behind the MT50 housing. And given you have battery voltage measurement, that opens up the possibility of coding the trigger points for driving an automatic transfer switch for off-grid failover to mains supply, something I had previously contemplated doing with an off the shelf analog module.

[@AdamWelchUK]

That’s quite a neat idea. Well done.

[@Ed1Ward]

I asked EPEVER about the logging with their s/w on the A series. they replied only for the I and e series. disappointed, but here you are the very next day with answer. strange EPEVER never mentioned this new product. thanks Adam.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Ed Aus Very odd. I know they've only just had these units manufactured and so far they don't seem to be with and retailers. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks they'll be available.

Nice, thanks for the tips. I got to have one of those too :P

[@karenstandefer1]

One can also just download the Epever app from the Android app store if one has an Android app. Pretty slick and easy. I just installed the logger and the wifi components today. Can't wait to get everything hooked up and start playing with the data!

[@Mosolarfan]

good to see tracer stepping up their products, hopefully in the future they will offer a controller with all or most of their add ons incorporated. love to see a product evolve into something much more refined and capable than the original.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+The Left Hand The iTracer includes the logging function already - and a better screen with more parameters that can be changed. It's a bit big though for me to warrant buying for my little shed!

[@DanielaTocan]

I still hope for a firmware upgrade that solve the nickeling things. IMHO the hardware can bemuch faster start the tracking like it do with a Victron.

[@michaelbouckley4455]

@@DanielaTocan that would be good, but I don’t think Epever have any way of doing firmware updates. Victron definitely have the best software & connectivity. The Raspberry Pi 3B running Venus OS is good, and cheap, about the same price as a VE.Direct to USB cable, that you need to connect it with. Plug and play. It just needs a micro SD card flashed with Venus

[@charlesjames4194]

Thanks for posting the video and the graphs. I like the live data view. Can you adjust the record interval or is it set at ten minutes?

[@myjamaicanguy]

I just bought 10 of these, thanks for the video, now i know exactly what to do with it and how even before it arrives

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Daniel Lewis Cheers. May I ask where you got them from? I haven't found them for sale yet!

[@myjamaicanguy]

I got them direct from Epever.. just called the number on their website

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Daniel Lewis Ah I see. Thanks for letting me know.

[@patisangana9735]

Daniel Lewis hi Daniel how much did they cost?

[@myjamaicanguy]

I was quoted $13 USD per unit for 10 x eLog and i was also quoted $62 USD for 10 x Tracer 2210a PLUS shipping

[@riiwind]

Very good :D

[@peterhorn2495]

Hi Adam, Do you know if you can pull the logs from the Elog01 via either the official WIFI box or the DIY WIFI module you showed in one of your other videos?

[@DavidJJJ]

This is excellent, I think the more ways to get out the raw data, the better.

[@pfcsantos100]

How did you deal with commas in the files? When I download the data all the decimal values are separated by commas so for example if battery voltage is 13,1 it creates two columns.

I think this battery is for holding memory data.

[@davidtomlinson1428]

So if the Tracer A doesn't log data, how did you generate the charts you used in your "nine months later" video? Did you leave it connected to your laptop all day, with Solar Station Monitor running?

[@jakeedmonds7656]

In case anyone is wondering, the eLOG01 software works fine inside a Windows VM on a macOS host with USB passthrough. Tested with VirtualBox 5.2.6, Windows 7 and macOS 10.13.3.

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

Is there any way you can use the E wifi and the MT50 together so you can check what the charge controller is doing while your away form the camper , many thanks in advance

[@ed109]

Hi Adam I have problems with import of the data, is it possible to get your excel sheet without your data. It'is not comma separated it is with fixed size... Best regards Eddie

[@emuland]

there's no chance to have automatic log download? should be fine if the download can be every 1/3/6 hours, so we can interface it with other software... and is possible to connect logger to pc and tracer at the same time? (so logging and live together)

[@pafablofo1826]

The eLog works with the StarView Series?

[@AlwiellandQBello]

You did not discuss the settings on the Device Manager.

[@gayleober7119]

I am just getting started and want to chart my system . Looking for a charge controller as a starter unit . If there is a excel program please review . thanks GREAT VIDEO

[@petross.6622]

Thank you very much! Your video is great! Let me ask you something. I have 3 MPPTs in parallel and they are all connected in common line with the same battery bank (I did this actually because the MPPT has a maximum current output of 40A). My battery bank is 300Ah, 3 batteries connected in parallel. So, I suppose, in each station I should define the battery capacity as 1/3 of the total? That is 100Ah? And something last please, if you have ever done it. Can you monitor all 3 devices from the software on the same PC, like with a 3-to-1 usb? Thank you very much!

[@DocMicha]

Hello, allways nice video. Does this also work on the AN series? Especially the 3210AN?

[@michaelbouckley4455]

Yes it does

[@henricardinal2403]

Hi, I have two problems. 1. My connection to the Epever eBox01 keeps timing out when I have the Logger wired in too. 2. My logger is not recognised via USB nor through Wifi Help!!! :)))

[@pafablofo1826]

Can you download the data without the eLog?

[@NASANYC]

Do they make a product that you can monitor these EPever charge controllers from a smart phone via anywhere around the world or out of your state or country? Put it this way. Farther than 1 mile or 2Km.

[@neilforbes5886]

Excellent as usual Adam, one question before I purchase, can data be downloaded via the eBox 01 directly without using the USB cable

[@AdamWelchUK]

Thank you. Hope I can explain this correctly... the eLog has a normal USB mini port on the side, and if you use that it creates a com port on your pc which you then use in the download software to download your data. So you don’t need the usb rs485 cable which can connect your charge controller, although you can use that as well... If memory serves you need the button battery installed to connect to it via a standard usb cable - my memory isn’t good enough though to remember exactly which size! If that doesn’t make sense let me know.

[@neilforbes5886]

What I mean Adam is, I have the EPsolar A charge controller with a eBox01-wifi plugged into it and can control/monitor it via EPsolar software and COM port arrangement from my pc indoors. If I fit the eLog01 between the controller and the Wifi Box, can I download the data from the eLog-01 via the WIFI connection directly to my pc ( without having to connect via USB) via the COM port arrangement used for the control software. Sorry this is a bit rambling...

[@michaelbouckley4455]

I could not get the micro usb to usb cable to work. Plus, if you have another device plugged in, like MT50 there is not enough power on usb from PC. - maybe a powered hub would help there. I already have a RS485 to usb working with Solar Station software from my Tacer6415AN (2 RS485 ports). But the usb cable isn’t recognised. I can’t be assed to keep opening up the wire box on SCC (which is excellent) so am getting another RJ485 to usb for the eLOG01 (also using a network switch hub, either or of 2 ports, to connect it, also allowing turning off the MT50 at night.)

[@dandolittle6372]

Hi Adam you mentioned raw data and no program for the elog. Have you made a video on this subject about what happens after the download? Transferring the data to the spreadsheet?

[@AdamWelchUK]

I have yes... EPEver eLog01 - Downloading & Interpreting Data - 12v Solar Shed kzbin.info/www/bejne/enisimVqfpqVh80

[@raymont6191]

Dear Adam Do you have also that the first few Dates are strange ie 14-2-2017 01:24:00 although the date and time on my tracer4215 are set correctly. A small problem occurt as in holland we use decimal comma so I had to change the windows settings into decimal point. to get the file imported correctly

[@AdamWelchUK]

I've not noticed that no. I'll double check now though!

[@carlos_sacalul]

Hi,with this device can i see data in parallel from my computer and mt 50 in real time? I have mt50 at home and in garage i have an laptop with solar station monitor. Thanks a lot

[@AdamWelchUK]

Not with the elog no. But a new product the RS485-1M2S you can. I’ve bought one, but haven’t done a video yet.

[@carlos_sacalul]

@@AdamWelchUK thanks a lot Adam.

[@Makhanev]

🔥👍

[@ragarage5958]

Please help me !! How to unbrick ebox wifi 01 ???

[@AdamWelchUK]

Depends how it’s broken, but these reset instructions might help… admw.uk/BrokenEBox

[@juststeve5542]

Very odd that it requires the battery for use with USB, do they not know there's 500mA of 5v available on a USB connection?

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Steve Evans It is a bit odd.

[@juststeve5542]

I'm curious to know why... Do you own a "Vice of Knowledge"(tm)?

[@kissiah811]

Hello sir! Just want to ask if it also works with LS1024b charge controller as well? It is also from epsolar. Thanks!

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Lizlie Gen Dolor Acidillo Yes it does. This combination makes the Landstar B range controllers one of the best PWM charge controllers on the market in my opinion. Great value.

[@kissiah811]

Thank you sir. Sir do you have any suggestions of where to buy this?

[@bradya]

Will this work with the box wifi also ?such to allow you to pull the log info over wifi ? P.S love the videos

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Alo Yes it does. I was surprised but yes you can download the logs via the ebox wifi.

[@bradya]

Adam Welch thanks that's good to know

[@NautilusMortanian]

I made a logging thing for my tracer a, using a raspberry pi and usb/rs485 cable. I doubt this is anything you'd play around with much, but the code is posted at github.com/danieloneill/EpsolarServer and of course, being a fellow data nerd, it has graphs.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Francis Mortanian I will definitely take a look. Cheers.

[@MauroSedrani]

Very interesting. Thanks Francis!

[@mortent877]

+Francis Mortanian Awesome, Francis! I've been playing around with the RPI Zero W and some simple modbus scripts (in PHP) to log data into mysql for further analyses, but this seems very well thought through and built so I will definetly check it out!

[@DanielaTocan]

Hi Francis, i am allways looking about Rasperi Pi things, because to integrate them on my boat where a PC is not possible. Maybee you like to have a look at the Open Plotter project and like to join. Grat work. Did you make yours own cable because the original EPever cable use XR21B1411 chipset and there are no drivers available. but with original FTDI chipset the cable works well.

[@NautilusMortanian]

Daniela Tocan I'm using the Epever cable which identifies as "ID 04e2:1411 Exar Corp." on my pi. The driver I'm using is from github.com unmodified besides disabling debugging. I've also communicated using a max485 on Arduino using Modbus, but I haven't put the code out for that yet since I never managed to get a display on the stupid thing! Your project looks awesome! If I weren't already swimming in half finished projects I'd probably have a lot more confidence in being able to pitch in, but it's nice to see what you guys have done.

[@toddfarkman2177]

I was going to buy this for my EPever charger, but so many bad reviews. People saying the WiFi won't connect or that the real-time information takes forever to update. I decided not to buy it.

[@marklex1774]

Hi Adam, love your vids, big fan of your channel. Thanks to you, I too own a Tracer and an e-box WiFi. Now I want the e-Log box. I re-watched all of your videos pertaining to the Tracer and accessories and noticed something different - you have a newer version of the "Solar Station Monitor" software from when you first reviewed it. There is a new "LiBattery" entry under the "Control Parameter" menu item. I know in your other videos, you have been experimenting with Lithium Ion cells... Have you explored this part of the Tracer/software and what it can do to charge a Lithium Ion bank? Perhaps the topic of another video to teach us? Thanks.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Mark Lex Yes they've added that option now. However for me it isn't a great leap forward. The software simply has a couple of presets for lithium cells which it is popping into the 'user' battery parameters. It's still a three phase charging profile which includes a float charge. Now the preset charging limits they've put in are quite sensible for a 3s and 6s lithium battery pack, but to be honest I think 3s and 6s aren't the way to go. 7s makes more sense to me and they haven't included this option out of the box. You still need to manually program this in the 'user' battery settings. So all in all it's a bit of a none option. If it disabled the float charge as well as allowed you to customise the other charging parameters I think it would be much better. I do intend to look at this a bit more in the future as part of a larger project. Cheers.

[@michaelbouckley4455]

Seems the Lithium settings are just for a newer model of SCC that officially supports Lithium battery. Otherwise it’s User settings, only programmable by PC software or MT50, not by the SCC

[@jeffclarke7990]

Hi Adam, great videos, and love your dedicated work :-) Two quick questions if I may please... 1.The box that you illustrate in your video has "Serial Port to Ethernet Convert Module" written on the front. I'm assuming that this eLog01 device does nothing more than just log data ? It doesn't have a alter ego that converts RS485 to Ethernet does it ? 2. Have you tested the eLog01 logger with a "eBox-TCP-02 EPEver Ethernet Adapter" ? Similar to the testing you did with the "eBox-WIFI-01" in a daisy chain configuration I live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia (Just north of Brisbane). I've just set up a small 500W PV Array which supplies current to a single 190A/Hr 12V AGM battery. I'm using a EPEVER Tracer 4210AN Regulator. I use it to run my 48Port POE Switch, Router and VDSL Modem (100W). So far so good with the install, and I haven't had any overnight battery drainage dramas. I would like to get a better idea of the charging/discharging battery cycle over 24 hour periods and saw the eLog01 as a great data storage storage medium. However I don't have WiFi reception downstairs under the house where my Regulator and batteries are. But I do have lots of spare LAN ports on my POE switch :-) Hence the curiosity of the compatability of "eBox-TCP-02 EPEVER" with the "eLog01". Jeff

[@kingsleyfhk]

Received my eLogger about a month ago and still not able to get it working with my tracer. It keep flashing red light. Seller resend another unit and it is still the same.

[@bradya]

I have had the same problem did you find a fix ?

[@kingsleyfhk]

Alo I send the unit back to the seller. Finally they found the fix. A working unit is on the way to me. According to them, it is some wiring issue. So that means it manufacture faulty.

[@14smurfer]

I had the same problem and a replacement has just arrived. Steady green light!

[@bradya]

Kingsley Foo ok I finally got a new one and still the same problem so now I have 2 non working units did you get any response from tech support they have stoped responding to me and told me that it was impossible to have two faulty units :(

[@ibnukhasan4067]

Good morning sir I want to ask the first what happens if the data logger is reset. second why my data logger is not in accordance with the time when data was collected. please be informed of the solution and information about the data logger. I really need help, sir

[@michaelbouckley4455]

You have to endure the date / time in the SCC is correct, and the date / time on PC otherwise data mangled

[@Clydesdale2045]

Just want people to know, this is NOT COMPATIBLE with the newer Tracer AN series of EPEVER controllers. I got an ELog01, and the USB would not work at all with my computer so returned it only to have Amazon say no need, keep it they'll replace it. I got a 2nd ELog01, and the USB worked but when plugged into the Tracer AN it would blink slowly red (it's supposed to be green) meaning "Not compatible controller". I plugged in the one with the broken USB and it did the same thing. I then plugged the MT50 to this, this into my controller and the MT50 kept rebooting constantly. I then pressed reset on the ELog01 for 5 seconds to give it a factory reset and it never worked again with my computer saying there's a serial port problem and nothing I did could make it go away. Just a warning to others.

[@shemmo]

i ordered elog01 on ebay and delivery takes ages 😏

[@shemmo]

Update: it came today after 50 days of waiting for delivery ... just got installed, can't wait for the first results

[@fourzerofour7860]

Have you tried having this eLogger connected to your PC, using the EPsolar monitoring software over the USB port, AND having the remote meter (MT50) connected at the same time? (Using the eLogger to log, using the Windows software to monitor, and using the MT50 meter all at the same time.) I've been very frustrated with my Tracer A series controller because I'd love to have the MT50 meter connected so I can glance at it when I wake up in the morning and know all is well. (Solar is why I get up in the morning now most days!) But I also very much want to be able to have access to the live data feed from the PC software that I routinely use. (The standard software from EPever.) (I have a dedicated management system (Low power Windows PC) that I use for among other things, monitoring my solar system. Of course, it is fully solar powered.) Big fan of your videos, they've really helped me get into solar power fast, and understand what I was doing.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Four ZeroFour I'm going to check this for you. Give me a few hours to grab my laptop and check - oh and a nudge in 24 hours if I haven't responded! Cheers

[@AdamWelchUK]

Hello again. I''ve just tested this for you and it worked. I used the eLog attached to my PC via the USB cable and the MT50 was connected to the elog. So the MT50 was displaying data and the PC Software was updating too. Now there might have been a longer delay to update the info than usual - but I don't have it plugged into mine normally. Also it's worth me mentioning I didn't test for longer than a few minutes.

[@fourzerofour7860]

Thanks! I'll have to get one and try it out.

[@fourzerofour7860]

I received my eLog01 today, and it does appear that it works just fine for use with logging, PC monitoring, and MT50 remote meter monitoring for me as well! I did get a weird 'timeout' on the serial interface, but that seems to have gone away after I changed my COM port settings in the device manager. It does seem like it may be a bit slower to update on the MT50 monitor for me, but it's more than sufficient for a glance in the morning. Thanks for the help, and for checking it for me ahead of time!

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Four ZeroFour No problem. Glad to hear it's working as it should for you.

[@piconano]

Hi Adam, I have 4 x 22Ah 12V SLA batteries left over from my eScooter battery change. They are only 1 year old but I change them every year as they do deteriorate fast because the scooter draws 40A continues when on high speed and 20A when on low speed, and would like to setup a solar lighting system in my shed with them. Seeing that you have so much experience on this subject, what would you recommend I should buy? I need a solar panel and a good (but cheap) MPPT charger. My budget is about $200 for the lot. Thanks for the great content. Sub'd +1

[@piconano]

PS: I can hook them up in series (48V), parallel (12V), or series/parallel (24V) and use buck/boost converters as required.

[@eakpreeti7755]

Where to buy elog01

[@AdamWelchUK]

+เอก - I haven't yet found a supplier with stock. I'll post a link as soon as I do.

[@yesson5191]

Is available pl.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20170823131402&SearchText=elog01%EF%BB%BF

[@tmz1313]

Awesome video as always Adam I can't wait to get this I always hated that I couldn't look back and see what I've produced when I was at work I will be getting one of these very soon!!! Check out my solar panels on my channel and subscribe thanks!

[@AdamWelchUK]

Cheers Tom - I will check them out.

[@AdamWelchUK]

Cheers Tom - I will check them out.

[@hutchy9114]

So this has just arrived in the post for me :-) happy days. Has anyone managed to download their logs via wifi? Would be great if i could do that!

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Ian Hutchinson Hi Ian. I have managed to do that via my modified ebox wifi. However the modification doesn't work on more recent units. I keep meaning to build my own wifi to RD485 adapter. Glad you've got hold of one - direct from Epsolar?

[@hutchy9114]

Adam Welch From Bimble Solar who are now the UK suppliers for them

[@hutchy9114]

Adam Welch Out of interest how did you modify it? I already have mine running as ap and station.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Ian Hutchinson You should be good to go then. If you use the ebox wifi in Station mode and use a virtual comm port application on your pc, you should be able to download the logs via wifi.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Ian Hutchinson Thanks for the info.

[@lexpee]

Where is it for sale????????? Not by E-Bay not by Aliexpress. not by Amazone. Almost no search result in google only this youtube? Hmmmmm.

[@AdamWelchUK]

I have heard a few people have ordered them from EPSolar directly. It's worth emailing them and asking.

[@TheDowe]

I did email them. The price they wantet was terribly. I pasting the part where the cost fore 1 unit til Norway would cost, "log 01 USD20 , and DHL freight , USD45 . So tatally USD65. please add USD50 for bank fee .because of will be a big cut for T/T transer . So totally ,USD115. if you accpet it ?" Wel NO... 115 USD is crasy. Got this answer to day 12.07.17

[@raymont6191]

Just bought one in germany www.mbw-electronic-online.de/Logger-eLOG01-RS485 18 euro excluding freight

[@lykabastida828]

Hi, I badly need your help. I'm from the philippines and I want to order the elog01 from the site you have given but the problem is, there is no Philippine option on the country for address and I can't seem to make an order. Can you like help?

[@TheDowe]

I got one from germany, But it was defective on arival. My experience with it is that it is not worth the monney. I am not replacing it. It was porly built inside. Do youre self a favor and save the monney. I am going Victron chargecontroller next time.