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    Tirlant

    Member
    November 10, 2023 at 8:04 am in reply to: How can I update the firmware on my Cerbo GX via the internet?
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    Access the Remote Console, navigate to Settings → Firmware → Online updates, and then select ‘Check for updates’.

    • If a new version is available, it will be displayed, and you can press to update.
    • Ensure your device is connected to the internet.
    • Go to the firmware update section in the settings and follow the prompts to check for and install any available updates.
    • If your Cerbo GX doesn’t have a display, use the Remote Console for updating.

    Just follow the on-screen instructions after selecting the ‘Online updates’ option in the firmware settings.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 13, 2024 at 4:44 pm in reply to: How Does Remote Control Work with MultiPlus-II?
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    You can turn it on, off, or pop it into charger-only mode without having to physically flip a switch on the unit.

    You can use a separate switch for this, or go fancy with the Digital Multi Control panel.

    The panel comes with this easy-to-use rotary knob that lets you dial in the max current for your L1 AC input. Don’t worry about the L2 AC input; it does its own thing and isn’t affected by this setting.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 13, 2024 at 6:42 pm in reply to: Is It Easy to Customize Settings on MultiPlus-II?
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    This involves using Victron Energy’s software, which provides a user interface for system configuration.

    This software communicates with the MultiPlus-II system, allowing users to adjust parameters such as charging current, inverter output, and various operational modes.

    These settings are stored in the system’s firmware and can be easily modified to suit different power requirements or operational scenarios.

    The process is user-friendly and does not require deep technical knowledge, as the software guides the user through the configuration steps with intuitive options and settings.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 14, 2024 at 6:39 pm in reply to: How to fix the Low Battery Alarm for MultiPlus-II 230V
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    Indeed, a blinking ‘low battery’ LED on your MultiPlus-II 230V signals that the system has shut down to prevent your batteries from being completely depleted.

    Here’s a step-by-step on getting things back on track:

    • First, stop all power usage from the inverter to prevent further battery drain.

    • Check if the batteries have enough water (if they’re lead-acid type and not sealed) and refill with distilled water if needed.

    • Recharge the batteries as soon as possible. If you’re using a generator or shore power, connect and start charging. For solar setups, make sure the solar panels are unobstructed and that the charge controllers are working properly.

    • Once the batteries are back to an acceptable voltage, the inverter should reset and allow you to turn it back on. If it doesn’t, you may need to manually restart the system.

    • Going forward, consider configuring any low-voltage cutoff settings to a higher voltage to give yourself a bit more buffer and protect your battery life.

    • Regularly monitor your battery health and charging patterns to prevent future low-voltage occurrences. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the system’s energy consumption and battery levels, so you don’t get caught off guard.

    If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the batteries might be beyond their service life or there could be an issue with the charging system that requires professional attention.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 15, 2024 at 4:36 am in reply to: Battery Cable Connection Requirements for MultiPlus-II
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    Getting the right cable specifications is important to ensuring your MultiPlus-II 230V operates safely and efficiently.

    Here’s what you need to know based on the product’s specifications:

    Battery Capacity: The battery capacity should be chosen according to the model of your MultiPlus-II. For example, a 12/3000/120 model requires a battery capacity ranging from 400-1200 Ah.

    DC Fuse: The recommended DC fuse size is related to the inverter model. For instance, the same 12/3000/120 model should have a 400 A fuse.

    Cable Cross-Section:

    • For cable runs between 0 – 5 meters, a cross-section of 2x 50 mm² is recommended for a 12/3000/120 model, while a 24/5000/120 model would require 2x 50 mm² as well.
    • For cable runs between 5 – 10 meters, you should increase the cross-section to 2x 70 mm² for the 12/3000/120 model and to 2x 70 mm² for the 24/5000/120 model.

    Cable Material and Rating: The DC cables should be made of copper and rated for 90ºC (194ºF) to withstand high temperatures.

    Connection Terminals: Ensure that the cables are properly attached to the + and – connection terminals, with secure and clean connections to prevent any resistance or power loss.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 16, 2024 at 10:42 am in reply to: Why is my grid supplying me with 237V when it should be around 230V
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    The voltage from the electrical grid can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. While 230V is the nominal voltage for many regions, actual supply can vary typically ±10% of the nominal voltage.

    Here are some factors that might explain why you are seeing 237V:

    • Distance from the Distribution Transformer: The further your home or business is from the distribution transformer, the more line losses may occur, which can sometimes result in higher voltage closer to the transformer and lower voltage as the distance increases.

    • Grid Load Variations: The demand on the electricity grid fluctuates throughout the day and night. During times of low demand, the voltage can increase slightly; conversely, during peak demand, the voltage can drop.

    • Regulation Tolerances: Power companies have regulations they must adhere to, but these often allow for a range of voltages, and 237V is generally within acceptable limits for most 230V systems.

    • Local Distribution Configuration: How your local distribution network is configured can impact the voltage. Some networks may be set slightly higher to compensate for expected voltage drop over the distance of the lines.

    • Transformer Taps: Utility companies can adjust transformer taps to regulate the voltage levels in the distribution network. Sometimes these are set to output a slightly higher voltage to compensate for expected voltage drop.

    • Quality of the Grid Infrastructure: Older or poorly maintained grid infrastructure can lead to inconsistent voltage levels.

    • Neighboring Load: Heavy equipment or high consumption in your neighborhood can also affect voltage levels due to the way the electrical grid is interconnected.

    If the voltage regularly exceeds the nominal level by more than 10%, it’s advisable to contact your utility company to investigate.

    It’s important to note that most electrical devices are designed to handle a range of voltages, and a reading of 237V is typically within the tolerance range for equipment rated for 230V operation.

    However, if you have sensitive equipment, it’s best to use voltage regulation or power conditioning equipment to protect against any voltage that’s outside the acceptable range.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 16, 2024 at 11:48 am in reply to: How Does the Ground Relay Function in the MultiPlus-II 230V Inverter?
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    The ground relay in your MultiPlus-II 230V plays an important role in the safety and correct functioning of your inverter, especially regarding earth leakage protection.

    When the AC output’s backfeed safety relays are open (meaning there’s no AC input), the neutral conductor is automatically connected to the chassis via this ground relay.

    This connection is crucial because it ensures that any earth leakage circuit breakers (which protect against electric shock) will operate correctly.

    Now, if you’re setting up a split-phase system using a separate autotransformer, you may need to connect an external ground relay. This is because the internal ground relay of the MultiPlus-II alone might not provide complete grounding for the entire system in such configurations.

    The external ground relay would ensure that all parts of your split-phase system are adequately grounded, maintaining safety throughout the system.

    If you look at the MultiPlus-II 230V Connection Overview, the connections for the external ground relay are labeled ‘M’. You’ll find two terminals: one for the positive (External ground relay +) and one for the negative (External ground relay -).

    Here’s how you can make the connections:

    • Locate terminals ‘M3’ (External ground relay +) and ‘M4’ (External ground relay -) on the terminal block of your MultiPlus-II.

    • Connect the positive line from your external ground relay to ‘M3’.

    • Connect the negative line from your external ground relay to ‘M4’.

    This setup is essential when you have a split-phase system because it keeps the neutral grounded regardless of the source of AC input. This ensures the system is safe to use and compliant with electrical codes, especially in scenarios where the inverter is connected to an autotransformer for split-phase operation.

    It’s a smart design that maintains the safety integrity of your electrical system, particularly in case of a fault condition where the inverter needs to ensure proper tripping of protective devices.

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    Tirlant

    Member
    January 20, 2024 at 7:08 am in reply to: Does VictronConnect Work with All Victron Inverters?
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    VictronConnect is quite comprehensive and works with a broad spectrum of Victron inverters and inverter/chargers that have a VE.Bus communication port.

    This includes the:

    • MultiPlus series (Compact included)

    • MultiPlus-II

    • MultiPlus-II GX

    • MultiGrid

    • Quattros

    • EasySolar

    • EasySolar-II

    • EasySolar-II GX

    • Phoenix Inverters (that come with a VE.Bus port).

    So, whether you’re kitting out your RV or setting sail, VictronConnect has got you covered for monitoring and managing all these devices seamlessly.

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    The ‘Battery capacity’ setting in the VictronConnect app is a critical parameter for the battery monitor to accurately calculate the state of charge (SoC) of your batteries.

    Purpose:

    • This setting tells the battery monitor the total usable ampere-hours (Ah) of your battery bank. It is essential because the SoC calculation is based on the amount of charge going in and out of the battery compared to its total capacity.

    Calculation of SoC:

    • The battery monitor uses the capacity along with current in and outflow data to determine what percentage of the battery’s capacity is full or empty. For example, if you have 200Ah batteries and you’ve used 100Ah, the monitor would show the SoC as 50%.

    Setting the Capacity:

    • You should set this value to reflect the total capacity of the connected battery bank. If you have multiple batteries in your system, add up the capacity of each battery to input the combined total.

    Correctly setting the ‘Battery capacity’ ensures that the battery monitor can provide an accurate SoC reading, which is crucial for managing your energy usage, planning your charging cycles, and avoiding deep discharges that can shorten battery life. It is one of the foundational settings for any battery-based energy system.