Most Renogy solar energy devices support BT-1 or BT-2 Bluetooth module which allows you to monitor your energy consumption data via monitoring devices such as Renogy BT app, the DC Home app or/and Renogy ONE Core. This article discusses the following:

• Differences between BT-1 and BT-2
• BT-1 and BT-2 interoperability matrix
• Installation and monitoring guide
• FAQ

BT-1 vs. BT-2: What Are the Differences?

While Shari Galiardi and David Hutchison, two of Renogy dedicated customers, have discussed the differences between the two modules from their first-hand experience in BT-1 vs BT-2: What's the Difference & Which is Best for You?, the table below depicts the technology-wise differences:

Boasting the same dimensions, communication range, and protection grade, the BT-1 Bluetooth module differs from the BT-2 Bluetooth module in communication protocol, input voltage, communication port type, and interoperable energy devices such as charge controller, battery, and battery chargers.

BT-1 and BT-2 Interoperability Matrix

In general, the BT-1 Bluetooth module is compatible with Renogy energy devices supporting RS232 communication while the BT-2 Bluetooth module interoperates with Renogy energy devices supporting RS485 communication. Refer to the user manual or specification sheet of the specific energy device.

Note: The Interoperability Matrix is valid as of August 20, 2024. Products released after this date may or may not be compatible with the Bluetooth module. For any updates or changes, new rules will take precedence over previous guidelines.

BT-1 Interoperability Matrix

*The Rover Li series is unique: G1 versions are compatible with BT-1, while G2 versions support BT-2 exclusively. For assistance in identifying your charge controller's generation, contact our dedicated customer service.

BT-2 Interoperability Matrix

*The Rover Li series is unique: G1 versions are compatible with BT-1, while G2 versions support BT-2 exclusively. For assistance in identifying your charge controller's generation, contact our dedicated customer service.

Note: The Interoperability Matrix is valid as of August 20, 2024. Products released after this date may or may not be compatible with the Bluetooth module. For any updates or changes, new rules will take precedence over previous guidelines.

Prior to pairing the BT-1 or BT-2 module with your monitoring device, please ensure:

1. The app version and the firmware version of Renogy ONE Core have been updated to the latest version.
2. The versions of the Renogy BT and DC Home apps as well as ONE Core might have been updated. Illustrations in the article are for reference only. Follow the instructions based on the current app version.

Installing a BT-1 or BT-2 module is quite easy. You can follow the steps below or the instruction manual of the specific monitoring device in use.

Installation & Monitoring Guide for Renogy BT App Users

Step 1: Place or mount the BT-1 or BT-2 module indoors at -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C), protected from direct sunlight and rain.

Step 2: Plug the RJ12 Port or RJ45 Port into the RS232 or RS485 port on the power device.

Step 3: Wait until the Power Indicator is solid green. This indicates the Bluetooth module is powered on.

Step 4: On the smartphone where the Renogy BT app is installed, turn on Bluetooth.

Step 5: On the Renogy BT app, tap Device Info > Search device, tap the module name under the "Devices found:" list, and tap Confirm to complete the pairing. The Link Indicator on the Bluetooth module starts to flash in blue which represents normal communication between the module and the app.

Step 6: Tap "Monitoring" to view your system details.

Alternatively, you can watch the instruction video for paring Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth module with your phone via the Renogy BT app below.

Installation & Monitoring Guide for Renogy DC Home App Users

The following instructions apply to scenarios where multiple BT modules are involved. For users who adopt a Renogy Communication Module and only one BT-2 module, see the instructions in "For Communication Hub Users".

Step 1: Place or mount the BT-1 or BT-2 module indoors at -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C), protected from direct sunlight and rain.

Step 2: Plug the RJ12 Port or RJ45 Port into the RS232 or RS485 port on the power device.

Step 3: Wait until the Power Indicator is solid green. This indicates the Bluetooth module is powered on.

Step 4: On the smartphone where the DC Home app is installed, turn on Bluetooth.

Step 5: On the DC Home app, tap + to search for new devices.

Step 6: Tap Confirm to add the newly found device to the device list. The Link Indicator on the Bluetooth module starts to flash in blue which represents normal communication between the module and the app.

Step 7: Tap the device icon to monitor the device information.

You can pair the DC Home app with Renogy ONE Core for remote power management and monitoring anytime, anywhere. For details, refer to the Renogy ONE Core User Manual.

Alternatively, you can watch the instruction video for paring Renogy BT-1 or BT-2 Bluetooth module with your phone via Renogy BT app or DC Home app below.

Installation & Monitoring Guide for Renogy ONE Core Users

The following instructions apply to scenarios where multiple BT modules are involved. For users who adopt a Renogy Communication Module and only one BT-2 module, see the instructions in "For Communication Hub Users".

Step 1: Place or mount the BT-1 or BT-2 module indoors at -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C), protected from direct sunlight and rain.

Step 2: Plug the RJ12 Port or RJ45 Port into the RS232 or RS485 port on the power device.

Step 3: Wait until the Power Indicator is solid green. This indicates the Bluetooth module is powered on.

Step 4: On Renogy ONE Core, tap Devices > Add Devices, and Renogy ONE Core automatically searches for Bluetooth devices nearby.

Step 5: Select the device you want to pair with ONE Core, and tap Add. The Link Indicator on the Bluetooth module starts to flash in blue which represents normal communication between the module and the app.

Step 6: Tap the device icon to monitor the device information.

You can pair the DC Home app with Renogy ONE Core for remote power management and monitoring anytime, anywhere. For details, refer to the Renogy ONE Core User Manual.

Installation & Monitoring Guide for Communication Hub Users

When adding multiple devices to Renogy ONE Core or DC Home through the Communication Hub via just one BT-2 Bluetooth module, connect every single device to Renogy ONE Core or DC Home individually through the hub first, and then reconnect all devices to the hub. The following steps are based on paring a Renogy device to the DC Home app. Similar rules apply to Renogy ONE Core. For details, refer to the Renogy ONE Core User Manual.

Step 1: Connect the included power cable from the POWER port on a Renogy Communication Hub to a 9V to 60V DC power source. For the detailed input voltage, refer to the Communication Hub Manual. The Link indicator on the hub turns solid green. This indicates normal power supply.

Step 2: Connect a BT-2 Bluetooth module to the PRIMARY port on the communication hub, and push the switch beside the PRIMARY port to the RS485 position. Wait until the Power Indicator on the Bluetooth module is solid green. This indicates the Bluetooth module is powered on.

Step 3: Connect an energy device to any of the SECONDARY ports.

Step 4: On the DC Home app, tap + to search for new devices.

Step 5: Tap Confirm to add the newly found device to the device list. The Link Indicator on the Bluetooth module starts to flash in blue which represents normal communication between the module and the app.

Step 6: Disconnect the energy device from communication hub.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 3–6 on the rest to-be-paired energy devices.

Step 8: After all energy devices have been paired with the DC Home separately, reconnect all energy devices to the communication hub through the SECONDARY ports.

For installation and pairing details, turn to the Communication Hub Manual for more details.

You can pair the DC Home app with Renogy ONE Core for remote power management and monitoring anytime, anywhere. For details, refer to the Renogy ONE Core User Manual.

FAQ

Q1: Is BT-1 or BT-2 Bluetooth Module Compatible with Non-Renogy Energy Devices?

Partially yes. Both BT-1 Bluetooth module and BT-2 Bluetooth module work seamlessly with Renogy energy devices supporting RS232 and RS485 communication protocol respectively. Due to communication protocol differences, we cannot guarantee the full compatibility with non-Renogy devices. Renogy energy devices should always be your first choice.

Q2: Which Monitoring Device Do You Recommend for BT-1 and BT-2 Bluetooth Modules?

It depends on your application scenarios.

• For short-range monitoring, use DC Home as a first choice because Renogy BT app is no longer updated as of May 2021.
• For remote monitoring, use both DC Home and Renogy ONE Core.

Q3: Is Internet Access Necessary for Power Monitoring in the DC Home App?

No. Internet access is optional in the DC Home app. The app provides Offline Mode for users encountering poor or no internet access. In this mode, you can manage and monitor energy devices in the DC Home app but have no access to features such as Community, Store, and Rays Shop that require internet connection.

Q4: What Affects the Communication Quality of BT-1 and BT-2 Modules?

Several factors can impact the communication quality of BT-1 and BT-2 modules:

• Distance: The ideal distance between BT-1 or BT-2 and DC Home or Renogy ONE is within 10m (32 ft), though this may vary depending on the specific energy device.
• Obstacles: Physical obstacles around BT-1 and BT-2 can interfere with signal strength.
• Interference: Presence of other electronic devices operating on the same frequency band may cause signal interference.