How to Connect JKBMS to Solar Assistant — Complete Guide (RS485 / CAN)
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If you're building a home solar energy storage system (ESS) and want to monitor your battery BMS data in Solar Assistant, this guide covers everything you need to know about connecting a JKBMS Smart BMS to Solar Assistant via RS485 or CAN.
Which JKBMS Models Support Solar Assistant?
Not all JKBMS models can connect to Solar Assistant. Here's a quick overview:
| Series | Communication | Solar Assistant Compatible |
|---|---|---|
| B Standard (BT+UART only) | Bluetooth, UART | ❌ No |
| B HC (BT+UART+CAN+Heating) | CAN | ✅ Yes (CAN) |
| B HCRPB (BT+UART+CAN+RS485+Parallel) | CAN + RS485 | ✅ Yes (CAN or RS485) |
| PB Series (BT+UART+CAN+RS485) | CAN + RS485 | ✅ Yes (CAN or RS485) |
⚠️ Important: The UART port on JKBMS is for connecting the LCD display only — it cannot be used for Solar Assistant. You must use the RS485 or CAN port (available on HC, HCRPB, and PB series).
What You Need
- A JKBMS HC, HCRPB, or PB series BMS
- A Raspberry Pi or device running Solar Assistant
- A USB-to-RS485 adapter (for RS485 connection) or USB-to-CAN adapter (for CAN connection)
- Appropriate cables
Step-by-Step: Connecting via RS485
- Locate the RS485 port on your JKBMS (available on HCRPB and PB series)
- Connect RS485 A/B wires to your USB-RS485 adapter
- Plug the adapter into your Raspberry Pi running Solar Assistant
- In Solar Assistant, go to Settings → Battery and select JK BMS as the battery type
- Select the correct serial port (e.g.,
/dev/ttyUSB0) - Save and restart — Solar Assistant will begin reading your BMS data
Step-by-Step: Connecting via CAN
- Locate the CAN port on your JKBMS (HC, HCRPB, or PB series)
- Connect using a USB-to-CAN adapter to your Raspberry Pi
- In Solar Assistant, select JK BMS (CAN) as the battery type
- Configure the CAN interface and baud rate (typically 250kbps or 500kbps)
- Save settings — your BMS data will appear in the Solar Assistant dashboard
Recommended JKBMS Models for Solar Assistant
For 24V–48V Home ESS (most popular):
- JK-PB2A16S30P V19 — 300A, 8S–16S, RS485+CAN+BT, rack-mount ready
- JK-PB2A16S20P — 200A, 8S–16S, RS485+CAN+BT
For smaller systems (3S–8S):
- JK-B2A8S30P-HCRPB — 300A, RS485+CAN+Parallel interface
- JK-B2A8S20P-HCRPB — 200A, RS485+CAN+Parallel interface
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the GPS port on JKBMS used for?
A: Some JKBMS models include a GPS port, which is a USB-TTL interface designed for connecting to a PC host software (upper computer). It allows users to access BMS internal data, adjust parameter settings, and perform firmware updates. On earlier versions, this port was shared with RS485 functionality. The GPS port cannot be used for Solar Assistant connectivity — please use the dedicated RS485 or CAN port instead. For detailed instructions, please download the manual from our After-Sales page.
Q: Does the standard B series (Bluetooth + UART only) work with Solar Assistant?
A: No. You need at least the HC or HCRPB version with CAN or RS485 output.
Q: Which is better — RS485 or CAN for Solar Assistant?
A: Both work well. RS485 is more universally supported; CAN offers faster data refresh. For most home ESS setups, RS485 is recommended.
Q: Does JKBMS work with Victron?
A: Yes — the PB and HCRPB series support CAN communication compatible with Victron GX devices. See our dedicated Victron guide (coming soon).
Where to Buy
JKBMS ships from our EU warehouse (Germany/Poland) and US warehouse for fast local delivery, as well as directly from China.
📱 Questions? WhatsApp: +1 818 938 3175