Zonneplan dongle does not work with the P1 splitter

If the Zonneplan dongle does not work correctly when connected to our P1 splitter with power supply, this may be caused by the high startup peak current of the Zonneplan dongle.

Several users have reported that the problem was resolved by using a more powerful power supply. The specified current rating of the adapter is not the only important factor; the peak load the adapter can actually deliver can be even more important.

Follow the steps below to troubleshoot the problem.

1) Use a suitable power supply

The Zonneplan dongle can require a high peak current when starting up.

For example, a power supply rated at 2 A does not necessarily provide sufficient power if it cannot deliver the required peak load during startup.

Several users have resolved the problem by using a power supply rated at least:

5 V / 2 A

The nominal current rating of a power supply is not always the deciding factor. Its ability to briefly deliver the required peak load can be more important.

2) Use a short and thick USB cable

Use a short, thick USB cable between the power supply and the splitter.

• Use a USB cable no longer than 1 metre
• Preferably use a thick, good-quality cable with sufficient conductor size
• Avoid long and thin USB cables

A long or thin cable can cause additional voltage drop. During a high startup peak, this can cause the voltage at the device to drop too far.

Therefore, use the shortest possible good-quality USB cable, with a maximum length of 1 metre.

3) First test only the Zonneplan dongle

To determine where the problem occurs:

1. Connect only the P1 splitter with power supply to the smart meter.
2. Then connect only the Zonneplan dongle to the splitter.
3. Check whether the Zonneplan dongle now works correctly.

If the dongle works correctly, the combination of the splitter and the Zonneplan dongle is functioning correctly.

4) Check the power supply if problems persist

Does the Zonneplan dongle go into an error state or keep restarting?

Check the following:

• Use a power supply rated at least 5 V / 2 A
• Make sure the adapter can provide sufficient peak load
• Use a short, thick USB cable of no more than 1 metre
• Test again with only the splitter and the Zonneplan dongle connected

If the dongle works correctly with a different power supply and USB cable, the cause is likely related to the original power supply or voltage drop across the USB cable.

5) Only connect additional equipment afterwards

Once the Zonneplan dongle works correctly on its own, additional equipment can be connected.

Connect additional devices one at a time. This makes it possible to determine exactly when the problem occurs.

By connecting the equipment one at a time, you can determine whether the problem is caused by the Zonneplan dongle, the power supply, the USB cable, or the combination with other connected equipment.

Quick checklist

• P1 splitter correctly connected to the smart meter
• Power supply rated at least 5 V / 2 A
• Do not only look at the nominal current rating; also consider the peak load capability of the power supply
• Use a short, thick USB cable
• USB cable maximum 1 metre
• First connect only the Zonneplan dongle
• If problems occur, try a different/more powerful power supply
• Check whether the dongle starts correctly on its own
• Only connect additional equipment afterwards, one device at a time
• The high startup peak current of the Zonneplan dongle may be the cause