RV-C (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association Communication) is a dedicated communication protocol developed by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) in North America, based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) standard. This protocol is specifically designed for communication among internal devices in recreational vehicles, detailing key components such as the physical layer, data frame structure, and address declaration procedures.
The physical layer utilizes unshielded twisted pair cables, a design that ensures communication stability while reducing wiring complexity. The primary goal of the RV-C protocol is to establish a stable and efficient communication network within the recreational vehicle, enabling effective data exchange among various onboard devices and enhancing the overall electrical performance and interoperability of the RV.
Importance of RV-C Communication
The RV-C communication protocol enables interoperability among Renogy devices, facilitating data exchange and collaborative control to enhance the intelligence of energy management and system reliability. It ensures safe operation, smart control, remote monitoring, and programmable settings.
In off-grid power systems, RV-C communication primarily meets the need for highly reliable data interaction between devices, with core value reflected in several key aspects:
- Devices Collaborative Management: RV-C communication supports real-time data exchange among inverters, solar controllers, and batteries. For instance, the inverter retrieves battery voltage, temperature, and status via RV-C,dynamically adjusting charge and discharge strategies to optimize energy efficiency. The controller sends power scheduling commands to the inverter based on load demands, ensuring stable system operation.
- Real-Time Monitoring and Diagnostics: By transmitting operational parameters (such as inverter output waveforms, battery health status, and photovoltaic array generation), users can remotely monitor system performance through Renogy ONE Core and the Renogy app. An integrated error detection mechanism promptly reports device faults (e.g., overvoltage, overheating), significantly enhancing system fault tolerance.
- Interference Resistance: The differential signal transmission design (CAN-H/CAN-L) provides strong resistance to interference in complex electromagnetic environments typical of off-grid scenarios (such as mountainous or island regions).
- Multi-Device Expansion Capability: With a multi-master control architecture, new devices can be directly integrated without modifying existing protocols, facilitating future expansion of off-grid systems.
- Standardized Interface: A unified communication protocol simplifies the integration of devices from different vendors.
How to Determine if a Device Supports RV-C Communication
You can check if a device supports RV-C communication using the following methods:
- Consult the User Manual: Review the device's user manual for information on communication protocols.
- Check the Technical Specification Sheet: Verify the communication specifications to confirm support for the RV-C protocol.
- Contact Customer Support: Reach out to customer service for assistance.
RV-C Communication Connection Diagram
Renogy devices connect using the Backbone Network for communication. By using communication cables, you can connect Renogy devices that support RV-C communication to the RV-C bus's Drop Tap.
Required Accessories
A Renogy ONE Core is required to establish communication between Renogy devices.
Viewing the RV-C Bus
Locate the drop tap on the RV-C bus that is the closest to the installation site of the Renogy devices. The drop taps are usually located above the entry door, in the bathroom, or under the bed in the RV. If you fail to locate the drop taps, please contact the RV manufacturer for help.
Ensure 120Ω terminating resistors are installed at both ends of the RV-C bus for successful communication with Renogy devices supporting CAN communication. If the RV user manual does not determine if the RV-C bus has a built-in 120Ω termination resistor, call the RV manufacturer to confirm.
If the RV-C bus does not have a built-in 120Ω termination resistor, Renogy devices will be unable to communicate with each other.
Choose the appropriate drop plugs that are compatible with the drop sockets used on the RV-C bus. Different RV manufacturers may use different types of drop sockets for inter-device communication connections. If you are unsure about the correct drop plug selection, consult with the RV manufacturer.
In this manual, the Mini-Clamp II plug (4-pin) is used as an example. Different Drop Plugs follow different pinouts. Crimp the Drop Plugs on the Drop Cables following the correct pinout. If you are not sure about the Drop Plug pinout, check with the RV manufacturer.
Confirm the pin definitions for the Drop Tap and identify the corresponding pins for CAN_H, CAN_L, and CAN_GND.
Prepare the appropriate Drop Plug and the corresponding tools:
Purchase Communication Cables
Renogy devices have three types of communication ports, and you need to choose the corresponding connector based on the port type. You can identify them by their appearance. When purchasing connectors, make sure to buy communication cables with the appropriate length based on the distance between the devices.
If the communication port is fixed with a clip, please use the LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to Bare Wire.
If the communication port is fixed with a thread, please use the 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to Bare Wire.
If the communication port is an RJ45 port, please use the 8-Pin RJ45 Connector to Bare Wire.
Understand Terminal Definitions and Wire Colors
First, understand the pin definitions and their corresponding wire colors. The wire colors mentioned in this document are for reference only; please refer to the actual setup. If you have any questions, consult your communication cable distributor.
Please note that the pin order between the port and the connector is mirrored. In some communication cables, the CAN_GND pin may not have a wire; in this case, it can be left unconnected.
LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to Bare Wire
Note that the pin definitions for the G1 version of the REGO 12V 400Ah LiFePO4 Battery (SKU: RBT12400LFPL-SHBT) are different from other devices. CAN_H is pin 5, CAN_L is pin 7, and CAN_GND is pin 2.
7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to Bare Wire
Note that the pin definitions for the G1 and G2 versions of the Renogy 12V/24V 50A IP67 Dual Input DC-DC On-Board with MPPT Battery Charger (SKU: RBC2125DS-21W-G1 / RBC2125DS-21W-G2) are different from other devices. CAN_H is pin 4, CAN_L is pin 3, and CAN_GND is pin 5. The pin definitions for the G3 and later versions are the same as those listed above.
8-Pin RJ45 Connector to Bare Wire
Making the Adapter Cable
Once you understand the wire colors corresponding to each pin on the connector, you can start making the adapter cable.
You only need to connect the wires for CAN_H, CAN_L, and CAN_GND; the other pins do not need to be connected. In some communication cables, the CAN_GND pin may not have a wire; in this case, it can be left unconnected.
LP-16 7 Pin CircularAviation Connector to Bare Wire
First, prepare the communication cables and tools listed below:
1. Wiring:
- CAN_GND: Insert the green wire corresponding to pin 5 of the LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector into pin 4 of the Drop Plug.
- CAN_H: Insert the white wire corresponding to pin 6 of the LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector into pin 2 of the Drop Plug.
- CAN_L: Insert the blue wire corresponding to pin 8 of the LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector into pin 3 of the Drop Plug.
2. Crimping:
Squeeze the crimp areas of the Drop Plug using the Split Joint Pliers.
7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to Bare Wire
First, prepare the communication cables and tools listed below:
1. Wiring:
- CAN_GND: Insert the yellow wire corresponding to pin 5 of the 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector into pin 4 of the Drop Plug.
- CAN_H: Insert the white wire corresponding to pin 6 of the 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector into pin 2 of the Drop Plug.
- CAN_L: Insert the blue wire corresponding to pin 8 of the 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector into pin 3 of the Drop Plug.
2. Crimping:
Squeeze the crimp areas of the Drop Plug using the Split Joint Pliers.
8-Pin RJ45 Connector to Bare Wire
First, prepare the communication cables and tools listed below:
This document uses the T568B standard for 8-Pin RJ45 connector wire colors as an example; please refer to the actual wires when wiring.
1. Wiring:
- CAN_GND: Insert the White Blue wire corresponding to pin 6 of the 8-Pin RJ45 Connector into pin 4 of the Drop Plug.
- CAN_H: Insert the White Green wire corresponding to pin 5 of the 8-Pin RJ45 Connector into pin 2 of the Drop Plug.
- CAN_L: Insert the White Orange wire corresponding to pin 3 of the 8-Pin RJ45 Connector into pin 3 of the Drop Plug.
2. Crimping:
Squeeze the crimp areas of the Drop Plug using the Split Joint Pliers.
Communication Connection
How to Properly Install Connectors on the Device Port
Shaking the connector while plugging or unplugging it is not allowed.
LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector
To properly connect or disconnect the LP-16 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to or from the device, you should:
1. Ensure that the connector is oriented vertically toward the CAN Communication Port.
2. Press and hold the snap until the process is complete.
7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector
To properly connect or disconnect the 7 Pin Circular Aviation Connector to or from the device, you should:
1. Ensure that the connector is oriented vertically toward the CAN Communication device.
2. Rotate the connector fixing nut to loosen or secure the connector.
8-Pin RJ45 Connector
To properly connect or disconnect the 8-Pin RJ45 Connector to or from the device, you should:
Ensure that the RJ45 connector is oriented vertically toward the CAN Communication Port.
Connecting Communication Cables
Using the prepared communication cables, connect the Renogy devices that support CAN communication to the RV-C bus's Drop Tap.
How to Connect the Renogy ONE Core
Connect the Renogy ONE Core to the RV-C bus using a communication cable.
Pair Renogy ONE Core with the Renogy app. Monitor and program the complete system on the Renogy ONE Core or the Renogy app.
For wiring instructions on Renogy ONE Core, see Renogy ONE Core User Manual.
