> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learning.kent.co.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Kent M1 Communications, DIP Switches, and Datalogger

> 16-way terminal strip functions, RJ45 pinouts for BMS and parallel ports, DIP switch positions, parallel system rules, and fitting the datalogger.

Everything on the Kent M1's communication side: the 16-way terminal strip, the RJ45 ports, the DIP switches that set bus termination, and the physical datalogger fitting. Get the DIP positions and cable labels right before power-up — swapping the BMS and parallel cables after commissioning costs a full re-visit.

<Warning>
  **For trained and authorised installers only.**
</Warning>

## The 16-way terminal strip

The communication strip sits inside the unit alongside a 3-way DIP switch. Land all signal wires here:

| Terminals             | Function                                      |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| METER (A) / (B)       | Energy-meter RS485                            |
| LCD (A) / (B)         | Reserved comm interface                       |
| TEMP                  | Battery temperature sensor (lead-acid PT1000) |
| CT+ / CT−             | CT current sampling                           |
| DI4                   | Diesel-generator ATS status feedback          |
| DO4                   | Diesel-generator start/stop dry contact       |
| DO3                   | Heat-pump start/stop control                  |
| DI1 / DI2 / DO1 / DO2 | Reserved                                      |

## RJ45 ports and pinouts

There are three RJ45 ports on the unit. They look identical — label every cable at both ends before you route them.

**BMS port (battery communication):**

| Pin        | Signal |
| ---------- | ------ |
| Pin 4      | CAN-H  |
| Pin 5      | CAN-L  |
| Other pins | Unused |

The Kent Lithium Battery requires the **labelled 4-5 crossover cable** — a standard straight patch lead will not communicate. See [Battery Wiring](/m1/battery-wiring#pairing-the-kent-lithium-battery) for the full explanation.

**Parallel 1 / Parallel 2 ports (inverter-to-inverter CAN):**

| Pin   | Signal     |
| ----- | ---------- |
| Pin 3 | Para-CAN-H |
| Pin 6 | Para-CAN-L |

**DRM port:** demand-response dry-contact port for specific export markets. Leave unused in India unless a Kent parameter sheet instructs otherwise.

## DIP switches

The 3-way DIP switch sits beside the 16-way strip:

| Installation type                  | DIP 1      | DIP 2      | DIP 3      |
| ---------------------------------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| Single inverter                    | Down (off) | Down (off) | Down (off) |
| First inverter in parallel chain   | On         | —          | On         |
| Last inverter in parallel chain    | On         | —          | On         |
| Middle inverters in parallel chain | Down       | —          | Down       |

<Warning>
  In a parallel system, switches 1 and 3 must be enabled on **both the first and the last inverter** in the chain. These are bus-termination resistors — missing them causes intermittent parallel communication faults that are hard to trace.
</Warning>

## Parallel systems

To commission a parallel system:

* Daisy-chain the Parallel 1/2 ports between units using labelled CAN cables.
* Designate one unit as **Primary** — this unit holds the CT. All others are **Secondary**.
* Enable the parallel switch, set the unit count, and assign master/slave role in the Advanced menu.
* Each inverter keeps its own AC breakers and battery DC breaker per the [breaker schedule](/m1/ac-wiring#breaker-schedule).

<Warning>
  **Pending Kent validation — do not design beyond published examples.** \[KNB-VAL-11]
  The maximum Kent M1 parallel unit count is under confirmation. Until published here, do not design Kent M1 parallel systems beyond the source manual's published examples.
</Warning>

## Datalogger stick

Plug the supplied WiFi datalogger into its port on the unit. Do not remove the soft rubber SETTING button on the dongle body. That is the entire field job — the stick is **activated with Kent Central Command — documentation to follow**. Do not configure the unit from an app; the LCD handles all commissioning on this platform.

## Common mistakes

* DIP switches 1 and 3 left down on chain-end inverters — intermittent parallel comm faults that "come and go."
* BMS cable and parallel cable swapped — both are RJ45 connectors. Label every cable.
* Attempting configuration from a phone app — this platform commissions fully from the on-device LCD.

## When to escalate

Escalate to Kent New Energy service only — through your registered Kent partner channel or the Kent service desk details on your work order. Do not contact any third-party or component-manufacturer support line for a Kent-branded system: tickets outside the Kent channel are not tracked, not covered, and can void warranty handling.

## Related pages

* [Kent M1 Battery Wiring](/m1/battery-wiring)
* [Kent M1 Commissioning](/m1/commissioning)
* [Kent M1 GEN Port](/m1/gen-port)