> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.smart-stuff.nl/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.smart-stuff.nl/virtual-p1-set/quick-start/installation.md).

# Installation

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not install either dongle inside a closed metal cabinet. Metal strongly reduces the wireless signal and can prevent the dongles from connecting.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only V4 and V5 smart meters are supported.
{% endhint %}

The dongles are paired before delivery. Identify them by colour before connecting them:

* **White = Master**
* **Black = Virtual P1**

## Identify the P1 connections

Both dongles have a P1 input and a P1 output:

* The **P1 Input** is located next to the USB-C connector.
* The **P1 Output** is located next to the green connector.

## Connect the dongles

1. Connect the P1 port of the smart meter to the **P1 Input** next to the USB-C connector on the **white Master**. The smart meter normally powers the Master.
2. If required, connect a local P1 device to the **P1 Output** next to the green connector on the Master. The Master forwards the smart-meter telegram locally as well as wirelessly.
3. Place the **black Virtual P1** at the location where you need the remote P1 connection.
4. Power the black dongle with a USB-C power adapter.
5. Connect the receiving device to the **P1 Output** next to the green connector on the black dongle.

After startup, the dongles establish their direct ESP-NOW connection automatically. P1 data is available at the black dongle as soon as its blue data LED starts flashing.

{% hint style="info" %}
The direct link does not use your router, home Wi-Fi credentials or an internet connection.
{% endhint %}

## LEDs

### White Master

* The power LED remains on while the dongle is powered.
* The blue status LED flashes evenly while the Master is searching for a Virtual P1 dongle.
* Once paired, the blue LED remains on and briefly changes state when a P1 telegram is transmitted.

### Black Virtual P1

* The power LED remains on while the dongle is powered.
* The blue P1 Out LED flashes when received data is written to the P1 output.

## Button and pairing

A short button press restarts a dongle without deleting its pairing.

To pair the white Master with a different black Virtual P1 dongle:

1. Power the black Virtual P1 dongle and place both dongles close together.
2. Press and hold the button on the **white Master** for more than 5 seconds, then release it.
3. The Master clears its stored pairing, restarts and searches for a nearby Virtual P1 dongle.
4. Wait until the Master's blue LED stops flashing evenly. The new pairing is stored automatically.

Holding the button on the black Virtual P1 dongle for more than 5 seconds only restarts it; pairing information is stored by the white Master.

## Firmware updates

Use the [Virtual P1 web installer](https://install.smart-stuff.nl/vp1/) to update or reinstall the firmware.