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    TenTon

    Member
    November 10, 2023 at 8:10 am in reply to: How do I resolve a phase rotation warning in a single-phase system?
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    For single-phase systems, a phase rotation warning might indicate incorrect wiring or settings. Double-check your wiring connections.

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    Restore the connection with the BMS or restart/power cycle the inverter/charger to resolve this alarm.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 11, 2023 at 8:53 am in reply to: How to access the Victron Remote Console using Bluetooth?
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    The device offers a Wi-Fi access point feature, allowing you to connect to it directly without requiring an external internet connection.

    There should be a sticker on the side of the Cerbo GX, giving you the WiFi name (starts with “venus-xxx”) and password (WiFi Key).

    By connecting your mobile device or computer to the Cerbo GX’s “venus” Wi-Fi network, you gain access to the Cerbo and the Remote Console without relying on an internet connection.

    You can make this connection using the VictronConnect app to interact with the Cerbo GX. This direct connection is best for local access and management of your Cerbo GX settings.

    It’s particularly useful in remote locations or situations where internet connectivity is limited or unavailable.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 16, 2023 at 2:38 am in reply to: Where can I find the changelog for Cerbo GX firmware updates?
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    The changelog for Cerbo GX firmware updates is typically available on the Victron Energy website. Look in the section where you download the firmware files, and you should find a link to the changelog detailing the updates and fixes in each version.

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    Setting the input current limit to zero effectively disables the charger function. This means that the system will not draw any current from the AC source for charging purposes.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 16, 2023 at 2:52 am in reply to: Compatibility of DVCC with Non-Victron Batteries
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    DVCC is designed to be compatible with a wide range of batteries, including non-Victron ones. However, it’s important to check the specific compatibility and settings for your battery type, as DVCC’s behavior, such as Shared Voltage and Temperature Sense, may vary depending on the battery’s specifications and communication protocols​​.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 17, 2023 at 11:40 am in reply to: How do I register my system on the VRM portal?
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    Before registering your system on the VRM portal, it’s essential that your system has successfully sent data to the VRM Portal at least once.

    Without this initial successful connection, you won’t be able to register the system to your VRM user account.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 17, 2023 at 4:29 pm in reply to: What Mounting Options and Accessories are Available for the Cerbo GX?
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    For mounting the Cerbo GX, several options and accessories are available.

    These include the GX Touch 50 & GX Touch 70 displays, GX Touch wall mount (available in 5″ and 7″), GX Touch 50 adapter for CCGX cut-out, DIN35 rail mount adapter, and a temperature sensor for Quattro, MultiPlus, and GX devices​​.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 19, 2023 at 6:34 am in reply to: Remote Configuration and Firmware Updates via Cerbo GX
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    Yes, an internet-connected Cerbo GX allows for remote configuration of VE.Bus products through the VRM Portal.

    It also enables remote firmware updates for these products.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 19, 2023 at 6:35 am in reply to: Connecting Battery Monitors and MPPTs with VE.Direct Port to Cerbo GX
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    You can connect these devices directly using a VE.Direct cable, limited to the number of VE.Direct ports on the Cerbo GX.

    There are two types of cables available: straight and angled connectors.

    The maximum cable length is 10 meters; if you need longer, use a VE.Direct to USB interface with an active USB extension cable.

    For BMV-700 and BMV-702 models, you can also use a VE.Direct to VE.Can interface, but this is deprecated.

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    TenTon

    Member
    November 30, 2023 at 5:03 am in reply to: Victron Multiplus II not powering on
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    I’ve had this issue before. It was an error on my end.

    I accidently plugged the VE.Bus cable into the LAN port and the LAN cable into the VE.Bus port.

    This most likely shorts out the Bus out, which shuts down the controller to protect itself.

    Either way, as soon as I realized the error, I swapped them back correctly and it booted up immediately.

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    Looks like your inverter’s high cut off voltages are set too low, causing the inverter disconnect too soon.

    Use the MK3 USB dongle to connect to the Multiplus II using a Windows computer or laptop. Once done, connect launch the Victron Connect app on your computer and you should see the Multiplus II as a VE.Bus device like you would the Cerbo.

    Click on that and you will see all the settings specific to the MPII which has a blue background and white text.

    (NOTE: This is similar to using the VE Config Tools program that you can also find a https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software, so you can use either method, but ill continue with the Victron Connect App method.)

    Ok now you need to configure the settings, so click the cog icon and it will ask you for a password, which is “ZZZ”. This might give you a warning, just accept.

    Once inside the settings, go to the “Grid” settings tab. Here you can set the Voltage HIGH and LOW disconnect and reconnect voltages.

    My grid’s base voltage is 230v, so I set the:

    • “AC low voltage disconnect to 210v (230v – 20v) and the “AC low voltage connect” to 230v for it to reconnect to should it ever disconnect.
    • “AC high voltage disconnect to 250v (230v + 20v) and the “AC high voltage connect” to 230v for it to reconnect to should it ever disconnect.

    I once mistakenly swapped my AC high and reconnect voltages around, setting the disconnect to 230V instead of 250v, therefore it constantly disconnected (as this is my grid’s base voltage), therefore it never passed this voltage and wouldn’t activate AC-IN 1, which i think is the issue you are experiencing.

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    TenTon

    Member
    January 5, 2024 at 4:42 pm in reply to: How to size Solar Panels as a beginner
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    When sizing solar panels for your inverter battery system, you’ll want to consider a few factors to make an informed decision.

    Here’s a breakdown addressing your questions:

    Matching Inverter Load vs. Battery Charge Wattage:

    1. Inverter Load Matching: Matching the total 2400W potential load of your inverter with equivalent wattage from solar panels is a common approach. This ensures that during peak sunshine hours, your panels can potentially provide enough power to run your loads directly while also charging your batteries.

    2. Battery Charge Wattage Matching: Alternatively, matching your required battery charge wattage (810W in your case) ensures that the panels are optimized to keep your batteries charged efficiently. This is often considered if the primary function is for battery maintenance rather than running heavy loads directly from solar.

    Calculating Array Size – Advertised Wattage vs. Efficiency:

    1. Advertised Wattage: When planning an array, the size is generally based on the advertised wattage. For instance, if you need 2400W and have 600W panels, you’d consider four panels to meet your needs under optimal conditions.

    2. Efficiency Rating: The efficiency rating of a panel (e.g., 21.3% for a 600W panel) is already factored into the advertised wattage. The efficiency tells you how well the panel converts sunlight into electricity under ideal conditions. So, a 600W panel with 21.3% efficiency is designed to produce 600W under standard test conditions, not 127.8W. The efficiency helps compare the quality and performance of different panels but isn’t used to calculate the total output.

    Additional Considerations:

    • Sunlight Hours: Understand your local peak sunlight hours. More sunlight hours mean you might need fewer panels.

    • Panel Orientation and Tilt: Maximizing exposure to the sun will help achieve the advertised wattage.

    • Future Needs: Consider if your energy needs might increase.

    • Regulations and Incentives: Check local regulations and incentives for solar installation.

    • Professional Assessment: For the most accurate sizing and to ensure safety, consider a professional assessment.

    Ultimately, the choice between matching your inverter’s full capacity or just the battery charging needs depends on your daily energy consumption, budget, and future expansion plans.

    • If you’re looking to be completely off-grid or have enough power throughout the day, you might lean towards matching the inverter load.

    • If you’re more concerned with maintaining battery health and have limited space or budget, then matching the battery charge wattage could be sufficient.

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    Preparing the Power Supply:

    • For 24V and 48V battery systems, incorporate a Victron DC-DC converter into the setup. Select the converter based on your system voltage (24/12, 24/24, 48/12, or 48/24).
    • For a 12V battery system, you can power the sensor directly from the battery. Ensure the voltage remains above 10.5V at the sensor, taking into account any potential voltage drop in the cabling.

    Wiring and Cabling:

    • All extension cabling should comply with the minimum cross-sectional area requirements based on the DC supply voltage and cable length.
    • Use shielded cabling with twisted pair cores to maintain signal integrity.
    • If the installation exceeds 10m or there are potential interference issues, utilize high-quality cabling throughout, not just for the extension portion.
    • Ensure cabling is routed separately from main DC or AC power cabling to avoid interference.
    • Terminate all wiring securely and provide proper insulation from environmental factors.
    • Keep the sensor housing sealed and intact to preserve warranty conditions.

    Connecting the Sensor:

    Connect the sensor’s data wires to the corresponding terminals in the terminal block:

    • Brown wire (RS485 Data +) to the Orange terminal.
    • Orange wire (RS485 Data -) to the Yellow terminal.

    The power wires from the sensor are connected to the Victron DC-DC converter:

    • Red wire to the positive terminal.
    • Black wire to the negative terminal.
    • Connect the shield (Black thick wire) to the ground or cable shield terminal (PE).

    Configuring the Interface: Connect the terminal block to the Victron RS485 to USB interface, ensuring that:

    • RS485 Data + terminal is connected to the RS485 Data A + on the interface.
    • RS485 Data – terminal is connected to the RS485 Data B – on the interface.

    For installations requiring an isolated interface, use the Hjelmslund USB485-STIXL model.

    Final Steps:

    • Connect the Victron RS485 to USB interface to the Victron GX device via the USB port.
    • Perform a system check to confirm that the sensor operates correctly and that readings are consistent.
    • Document the installation details, including component serial numbers, for warranty and support.

    Post-Installation Checklist:

    • Confirm all connections are secure and correctly polarized.
    • Insulate and weatherproof all outdoor wiring.
    • Label components and wiring for easy identification.
    • Provide the site manager with a summary of the installation for future maintenance.
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    TenTon

    Member
    January 5, 2024 at 4:55 pm in reply to: How to size Solar Panels as a beginner
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    The efficiency rating of a solar panel is a measure of how effectively it converts sunlight into electricity.

    Here’s how it works and relates to the advertised wattage:

    Understanding Efficiency Rating:

    • Definition: The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of solar energy hitting the panel’s surface that gets converted into usable electricity. For example, if a panel has an efficiency rating of 20%, it means that 20% of the solar energy striking the panel is converted into electrical energy.

    • How It’s Measured: Efficiency is determined under Standard Test Conditions (STC) which are 25°C (77°F) and an irradiance of 1000 W/m². This provides a standardized baseline for comparing different panels.

    Relation to Advertised Wattage:

    • Advertised Wattage Includes Efficiency: The advertised wattage of a solar panel (e.g., 600W) already takes the panel’s efficiency into account. This means a 600W panel is expected to produce 600 watts of power under standard test conditions (STC), which includes its efficiency rating.

    • Why Efficiency Matters: While the efficiency doesn’t change the advertised wattage, it does affect the size of the panel. Higher efficiency means more power output per square meter of the panel. So, two panels might both have an advertised output of 300W, but the one with higher efficiency will be smaller. This is particularly important if you have limited space.

    Practical Implications:

    • Space Considerations: If you have limited space for panels, higher efficiency panels can produce more power in the same amount of space compared to lower efficiency ones.

    • Cost vs. Benefit: Higher efficiency panels tend to be more expensive. It’s essential to weigh the cost against the benefits of space savings and potential power generation, especially if you have ample space for installation.

    • Real-World Conditions: Remember that the actual efficiency can vary based on conditions like temperature, angle of the sun, and shading. Panels usually produce less than their rated power in real-world conditions.

    In summary, when you’re looking at the advertised wattage of a panel, that number is what you can expect the panel to produce under ideal conditions considering its efficiency.

    The efficiency rating helps you understand how much space the panels might need and how they might perform compared to others.

    However, for planning your solar array, you’ll use the advertised wattage to calculate the total power output you can expect.

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