Whitney Krape

Category: Solar

  • An F3800 API via MQTT

    First massive massive kudos to https://github.com/thomluther and all the folks working on the https://github.com/thomluther/anker-solix-api/ Anker Solix API. I cannot believe how far they have come in such a short period of time. There is now a usable Sensor API for the F3800 without the need for the power panels or other connections, all that is needed is the base unit.

    At the moment, the MQTT decoding expects a base unit without add-on (official) batteries. (As far as I can read.) The install steps are fairly easy:

    1. Install the HA version of the API via the HACS link.
    2. Log-in using your Anker account.
    3. Enable MQTT via the overall (gear) options.

    And after MQTT runs for the first time the sensor stats will populate. At the moment there aren’t options to edit options on the unit, turning off and on outlets or other options but that isn’t super important in my current use of just powering the mini-servers, networking gear, and chest freezer. It isn’t turning services off and on or trying to load shift in any complicated way.

    This is so useful for finally seeing just how much each server is using, how much solar it brings in, or just how depleted the battery is. The off-grid solar isn’t bringing in enough power during the winter to allow charging the car or dumping extra load anywhere but in the spring and summer this will be hugely useful.

    (Also, note, do not know if this works with the F3800 Plus.)

    Updated and Retried on Home Assistant 2025.11.3 12/03/25

  • RPi 4, Lineage OS, and Victron Connect for Remote Control

    RPi 4, Lineage OS, and Victron Connect for Remote Control

    Recently had a problem with a Victron Controller and voltage spikes and it would have been really helpful to either alter the voltage settings or just disable the charge controller remotely for a temporary fix. Now, Home Assistant works as a monitor perfectly but, so far as I know, you can’t alter values via HA. (Will look into that more.)

    Turns out Lineage OS, via KonstaKangs excellent page, works a treat. You do need GApps to install repos like Litime’s battery monitoring, but the Victron Connect APK is available from their site.

    The setup isn’t perfect. The VNC connection is a little temperamental, the Victron App doesn’t display right, so on. But Bluetooth works and connects for all apps.

    Definitely will refine and revisit but great to have the backup connection to controllers and batteries.

    Updated and Retried on LineageOS 23 11/18/25

  • Potential F3800 API Options

    Update: There is an MQTT sensor API!

    Following up on the F3800, otherwise quite good dual voltage standalone home backup but sans API, there are attempts at connecting to the unit. The standout is GitHub thomluther’s builds for Solix products but these are mainly balcony units outside the US. https://github.com/thomluther/ha-anker-solix

    Second there is an attempt at connecting via the Bluetooth local connection but, when I tried it, it didn’t easily connect and my bit registers seemed to be different so any updates by Anker might completely wreck the IO. https://github.com/tiger2380/anker_f3800_web

    For the first, the issue is the F3800 (plus or non I am guessing) doesn’t create a System (as defined in Anker’s config) so the endpoints are not available. That said, once connected to WiFi the unit can be managed from any location, not just on the same network, so the unit has cloud management but the endpoints aren’t clear. The second API option, tapping right into the local Bluetooth, would be ideal but relying on reading bit output has any number of issues.

    There are Ecoflow HA options and it would be interesting just to see what the potential is there.

    Updated and Retried with Firmware v2.4.0: 12/03/25

  • Have panels that sit for more than a day? Get DC Plug Caps

    With DIY, quite often there are solar panels that wait a little while before getting put into service. Getting a pack of MC4 caps is cheap and saves a load of headache. Just a quick PSA.

    (Not affiliated, link to RES Supply.)