Best feature ever? The Victron VE.Smart Network. (I think it's great! 👍)

[@tomroyhillegom5031]

Hi Andy, great video again. There are so many possibilities with these Victron systems. Really exciting. Greetings from not so sunny Netherlands.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks, Tom. The possibilities are endless with Victron, it seems. Still so much to learn about it...

[@honumoorea873]

The master is certainly the first one to join

[@timchambers5242]

Can you try making a series of charts & tables to explain the various connection modes, the benefits & limitations of each? It sounded like important functionality is disabled when using BT & VE network are used or was it just when & where you can change settings & sequence of connecting? The current connections combine each application with physical & low level protocols so it's harder to make them portable & universal. Having >5 competing standards complicates setup. I'm guessing the first solar charge controller added becomes master of all subsequent devices. I wish they could allow BT to be a backup link if hardwired networking (TCP/IP) fails & allows rerouting between the multiple methods of connection (needs similar application layer in the network stacks, emulation or a translation layer).

[@MultiJamie12345]

Maybe just me, but I much prefer to use cables to connect my VE devices, although I'm sure Bluetooth works well I prefer the idea of a uninterruptable solid connection where possible. Great vid!

[@ladams5356]

What is the cable type ? 2 pair twisted ?

[@skid4482]

Do you have a Smart shunt in your system?

[@Darryl_P_]

Do the same issues exist when using the cerbo and Ve.can

[@gubbernl]

Power failure possible? What I was wondering: - If you do not have Victron chargers or the smart network is not used. - The batteries are full during the day. Will the BMS disconnect them, to prevent overcharging? If so... What would happen if your grid would fail? Is the BMS fast enough to turn on/ deliver power to the inverter, so that the inverter output to the house never has a hickup? (So computers keep running?)

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

You always need a charge controller! You cannot use the BMS for charging your batteries. That can be fatal. The solar charge controller or grid charger is set to a specific voltage to charge your batteries to. If the charger fails, the BMS will protect the battery. So there is this 2-step safety function of both working together. But you should not rely on the BMS to do your daily charging.

[@goobiie]

can I parallel two victron charge controllers of different amp rating? Like 150/35 and 150/20 ? thanks

[@Graham_Wood]

I have two MPPT controllers and a SmartShunt all linked together with the VE Smart Network. However, each charge controller handles a separate PV array which are east and west which means that each array is always at a different voltage from the other. Will this still synchronise and work? I also have them all connected to a Cerbo GX so does one connection override the other? Thanks for your great videos.

[@romulogatpo9903]

What would you recommend getting multiple charge controller or one higher amp charge controller? I’m working with 20 panels at 285watts, VOC 38volts@8.9amps

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

If you have all panels facing one direction and no shading, you can use one controller. If you want some redundancy, get two controllers and split the array. I have 4 controllers, so if one fails or I need to shut down one side for maintenance, the system will still keep working.

[@romulogatpo9903]

Yes, I have all panels facing one direction

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@romulogatpo9903 so 2 strings 10 panels each? Depends on your battery and MPPT you have our are going to buy.

[@romulogatpo9903]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia actually I’m thinking 3s6p

[@TollyTolly]

Just as newbie here😅 With all this charge controllers, can I use just a grid tie hybrid charger inverter instead?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yes, you can. You still need to program that with the correct parameters for your battery.

[@TollyTolly]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia oh, thanks. Do I need any additional devices, like for sefety or balance, etc?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@TollyTolly Yes, you need a BMS, depending on the type of battery you have. Also fuses, breakers, switches...

[@TollyTolly]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia I'm thinking to use 100ah 12v AGM batteries, and build 24v storage system. Is there any video whe you show schematic of your system. Just wondering how should I connect BMS in a circle

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@TollyTolly keep in mind that you can safely use only 50% of the 100Ah in AGM or any lead acid batteries without damaging them. You would not need a BMS for AGM batteries but need to setup the charging algorithm in the hybrid inverter correctly. The only thing you may need is a balancer for 12V Lead acid batteries if you put them in series. One like this: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmsDzZX

[@RimdarRanch]

Andy, I have ( 2 ) Victron Controllers connected to a Victron Smart Shunt to my 600Ah LiPo4 Battery Array. ALL works Fine in their Ve "Network". . In the same Camper I also have 2 more Victron Controllers connected to a SEPARATE AGM Battery Array. Those two controllers refuse to create a second Ve Smart Network. Any ideas what is happening? I 've tried to create the second Network from each of those 2 controllers with NO luck..

[@cskeise]

💙👊😎

[@dirk_p]

🐸👍

[@cyberplebs6577]

🐸🐸🐸 thank

[@4GoChris]

First🎉 8)

[@Remigius0815]

Will you get rid of the Tesla soon?

[@SoutheastOhioSolarHaven]

You can send some Sunny Hot weather here if you want I am Tired of " 0 c " Temps !

[@a__133]

Please Andy, send some sun to Germany first! 🖖😁

[@shanesummerhayes7101]

Tip : If you dont have a temp sensor connected to the SmartShunt, set the AUX port to "None".

[@patricklyons7683]

Victron energy need to make a sync master symbol, someone post to community forums! Please

[@tujuprojects]

Smart person buys Blue Solar versions that don’t even have bluetooth and are cheaper.

[@andrewford80]

Think you're getting smart and stupid mixed up

[@Schniels65]

only if you have a GX device

[@ladams5356]

Can you charge batteries from Charge Controllers and an hybrid inverter at the same time ?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yes, no problem. Make sure the use the same settings for bulk, absorption float if possible.

[@diysolaradventures7894]

Andy I just followed ur instructions for my two Victron charge controllers but they won't synchronize is it because one has built in Bluetooth and the other I had to order a Bluetooth dongle? Both are 100/30 charge controllers

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Have a look at the compatibility list of devices as mentioned in the Victron document: www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Manual-VE.Smart-Networking-EN.pdf

[@diysolaradventures7894]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia ok because I did notice they both are synchronized to the shunt on the voltage part I just don't see the word synchronisation

[@andremuldery9077]

Hi Andy hope u are well love your videos how do we add your solar system to our VRM portals to view your system performance thank

[@cjtroutt8092]

🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸 Yes, he made a new hiding spot. Humm ribbit ribbit ribbit ribbit. Nice video and hi from cold and snowing state of winter wonder land.😁🥶🥶🥶🍺🍺🍺🥃🥃

[@erwa8729]

the venus os isn't as smart as you can't connect the raspberry via bluetooth with your components.

[@SabretoothBarnacle]

Just to add clarity for Victron newbies - you need a Smartsolar charge controller and not a Bluesolar charge controller. The Bluesolar range doesn't have the ability to create a smart network. This is even if you buy the Bluetooth addon for the Bluesolar units.

[@markrichardson5673]

My reply got deleted, how unfortunate.

[@karldingbat]

Can a victron smart b2b charger be used in the network ?

[@doucet2006]

@@karldingbat no

[@karldingbat]

@@doucet2006 ok, why not ? Its got smart bluetooth built in so i cannot see why it cant be added to a bluetooth network.

[@doucet2006]

@@karldingbat I have no idea also. But it's also not compatible with Venus os

[@TheTurbotommi]

It’s a shame that the Multiplus cannot use it. 😡

[@Mfjustme]

Pardon my ignorance, I’m not very knowledgeable. Question: does any settings on the start shunt affect the charging when connected this way, or will those settings only affect measurements for me to take action? In other words Can a setting in the shunt affect charging in any way or will it only affect what I see on the measurement for me to take action ?

[@Mfjustme]

*smart not start shunt

[@xpatrikpvp]

I saved a bit of money with going for 150/45 BlueSolar and not the smart one, So if i add another controller it will function weird and posssibly not function and charge the battery correctly?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

It will work just fine. Set both controllers the same settings and there is no problem. If you have very long runs of your cables or can see a larger voltage difference between MPPT and battery, adjust these settings accordingly.

[@stuartgordon7444]

G'day mate. Just come across your videos for the 1st time, and couldn't be more impressed. Was hoping you could tell me where you got your busbar material and how much you paid? TIA

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Welcome to the channel! You mean this bus bar? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKrCYZp-fNOcbJI

[@efminkane]

The smartshunt says it delivers current and voltage sense. The chargecontrollers all state they are using current sense from the shunt. Nothing about voltage. Switching charging mode from bulk to absorb is all about voltage, isn't it? A little confusing. As they switch synchronously, it seems they read voltage too. They just don't tell us in the app.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

They use the voltage to switch synchronised between modes, yes. The Smart Shunt can also share the temperature of the battery if a sensor is connected.

[@mbr8981]

Halte von Bluetooth Netzwerken nicht so viel

[@kocki3]

Ich schon

[@mbr8981]

Kann man machen, sollte man aber noch

[@ToddDesiato]

Victron should be paying you big bucks!

[@rupertcolley3794]

For sure!

[@adamo19810122]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@ThaVoodoo1]

Great Video Andy, I have the BMV-712 Smart In my system. I use a Raspberry Pie 4 & VE. Direct cable, connected to the BMV-712 Smart, streaming out data to my WIFI network as the Shunt/Chargers are located quite a distance away from the Router. This works perfectly on the VE. Smart Network. I do love the Victron MPPT Chargers (The Rolls-Royce of all MPPT Charges), BUT they are out of my $$. I use 2 Renogy Rover LI 60 amp MPPT charge controllers, with both Voltage SENSE wires connected to my 24V 400AH LifeP04 Lithium System. These sync very well together!. I have 2 seperate solar arrays facing different locations one for each charge controller. Keep the Video's Coming, from John at Logan.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks a lot for sharing, John. The Victron gear is quite expensive but considering they provide software updates, the VRM and a great service included for free, Nothing you will get anywhere else. Sounds like a good system you have setup there.

[@jimhanty8149]

Thanks for that vid.. im about a month away from hooking up all my Victron gear in a smaller but similar multi SCC config. All I need now is the cerbo gear and screen to arrive then I can get going on the hook up. this vid will help.. Again thanks..

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks, Jim. Have fun with the setup. It'll be great.

[@mikeunum]

I use the VE>SmartNetwork from up the beginning and it works so as defined. i have 3 Charge Controller plus one SmartShunt. And make sure that you have on all Chargers the same updates running, not only the same settings for charging.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks you. It actually also works with different settings, just not as effective. Once controller could turn off earlier than the other so charging could slow down...

[@9111logic]

Thank you Andy, always nice to be introduced to different scenarios, unfortunately I will have to learn something somewhat different before I start using my system comprising the multi II, Linx shunt, linx distributor and Victron 250/100 charger all controlled by Cerbo.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

All Victron gear is mostly plug'n play, so very easy to setup and operate.

[@taulli1]

Frog

[@MrDavidcarp]

👌🏿⚡️👌🏿

[@maciejo.5165]

You have very positive Energy like human.. I like to see your films. Have a good weekend.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks a lot!

[@jimpowell9205]

Excellent, as usual. Now, how about that Seplos BMS configuration? I’m biting my nails, in anticipation……. 😉

[@TheMaschine555]

THX for your great videos! But now i have a question: Can the Lynx Shunt anyhow be combined with the VE smart network connected MPPTs? or shall the MPPTs better act independent? Shall i replace the Lynx with a smart shunt? 🤔

[@PabloTBrave]

It's a bit poor it doesn't tell you which is the master you'd think that would be a pretty useful, obvious and simple feature add

[@georgeskamagas5476]

Hello Andy. How are you?? How we can have a small chat personal?

[@MrSqueegey]

Frogged was camera shy🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

They usually are. I found this under a box in the car port, hiding from the heat.

[@elpihendi6793]

There is connected only one of the four MPPT in Victron Smart shunt ?

[@Dutch_off_grid_homesteading]

Heya, that is a nice feature victron has

[@TrevorFraserAU]

🐸 🐸 🐸 Froggies!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

🐸🐸🐸 Thanks Trev.

[@tujuprojects]

0:30 did you just stuff the camera into your pants?! Andy!!

[@hugobeagle1633]

Hello Andy, why do you need the smart shunt in your system? Do you have no other device for current counting, like a Em24? Thanks and gredings from Patrick, east germany

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Hi Patrick, an EM24 is for AC load only. We're measuring the DC current for our battery, so shunt is a must.

[@williamlawrance4138]

Love the frog.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Not many frogs around this year...

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Even the frog is debugging today

[@boatelectricaldiy]

In the marine world we always hardwire to create reliability, Bluetooth should work just fine for your installation as it is. VE Direct is always there when you need reliability over greater distances, say maybe over to the house or new pool gazebo?. Good to see things worked out Andy. Lol at the frog, those White's tree frogs are so loud.

[@timchambers5242]

There's a joke: people see a green frog in Australia & assume it's a green tree frog. But of about 700 frog species in Australia, 400 are mostly green & 200 are tree frogs.

[@mfgxl]

I wish you would review Outback equipment. I think it is the best!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Do they have remote access from a mobile phone, OTA software updates, VRM?

[@wayne8113]

Thanks Andy 👍 🐸🦘

[@jws3925]

Andy, you've done a ton of things with solar and LifePo4 cells. After watching a re-watching I was able to understand what you were doing and the logic behind those "experiments." I have learned a lot and thank you. However, you have completely lost me with this DVCC. I don't think I have missed any of your videos but perhaps I missed the one where you told us why you chose to put this into your system. It just seems this device will override all the settings in you charge controllers. But why? We have them programmed to appropriately charge our batteries and everything was going fine. All of a sudden we have this DVCC (had to look it up). I just can't understand the need as long as you have your charge controllers and external chargers (if you have them) set correctly. You lost me, Andy.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks a lot John. You've been a valid member of this channel for a long time. I appreciate all your comments and always looking forward to your input. I haven't done a full tutorial on DVCC yet because I cannot utilise it to it's full potential. It best works with Victron supported batteries and BMSes which I don't have. I mainly turned this on because I need to control my charge current somehow. With the new solar panels installed, there is just too much current coming in sometimes (up to 270A I have seen!) and I have not designed the battery and shelf for such high currents. Initially, I tried to throttle the solar charge controllers but that is a bad way of doing it. People kept suggesting to turn on DVCC and limit the current through this function which works like a treat. I explained it all in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rompqp1jnZiHnJI

[@jws3925]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Always good to hear from you Andy! You have been such an inspiration and help as I setup a small system at our remote cabin. The link you provided clarified everything for me. I must have missed that one. Watching the other video regarding the DVCC I kept saying to myself; can't he just limit current thru the CC? Your video answered that-----yes you can, it is just more efficient and convenient to use the DVCC feature. I didn't even know it was there or what DVCC stood for when I saw that video when it looked like it was messing everything up. My system is so small compared to yours I don't have to worry about too many amps from the CC but it is good to know it is there if I need it in the future. Besides, I learned one more thing from you!

[@mrgruisinge]

Just got to love the Victron equipment. There seems to be no end to what you can do.

[@alanblyde8502]

Nice work🇦🇺👌

[@zjzozn]

🐸🐸

[@madtec3348]

yes thank you !!

[@paulcurtis5496]

Like# 131

[@mraksi]

I love SmartNetwork too! Data reading is much easier with it! I bought BatterySense and created SmartNetwork: 1pc BatterySense (SmartNetwork host, temp, direct battery voltage) 1pc SmartShunt (current in/out, accurate battery percentage) 1pc SmartSolar MTTP (charging data) Later I want VenusOS with RPi4 (VE.Direct>USB cable already arrived)...

[@kevinmills5293]

I added a BatterySense which is really handy for giving the SCC an accurate battery voltage and batt temp for temp compensation. Only downside is the temp does not appear in the VRM. It states this in the docs but I don’t know why it isn’t made available.

[@TheCampersSweden]

I have the same setup with a rpi, one thing i dont like is all the diffrent batteryvoltages i get. Battery sens shows one, the shunt almost the same, but mppt always a few more mv above. And if you look at the mppt smart network it actually gets the batteryvoltage from the smartshunt.(well not actually, but it say so) I would rater all devices should get and show the battery voltage from the battery sense.

[@kevinmills5293]

@@TheCampersSweden yes, it is a pity the user cannot select (it appears) between smart shunt and BatterySense for the battery voltage.

[@Schoigter]

@@kevinmills5293 I would say it’s bc. there is no much sense, respectively kind of duplication of functionality when you use a battery sense + a smart shunt. The smart shunt covers all functionality the batt. sense provides and should be layout equally close to the battery, hence as accurate in voltage- & temp readings. In fact you could state the smart shunt being the “smarter” device than the battery sense. So I don’t really get the fact why you would have both in a (normal) system layout(?).

[@kevinmills5293]

@@Schoigter I added a BatterySense to my system because the Victron BMV does not have Temp monitoring. If you have a Smart Shunt, a NTC temp sensor can be bolted to the battery and connected to the Aux input on the shunt and the BatterySense would not be needed. The downside to the Smart Shunt reading the battery voltage is any voltage loss in the negative cable between the battery and the shunt will skew the battery voltage measurement. The BatterySense voltage measurement will not be skewed by system load.

[@bluemu]

Can you get the same multi MPPT benefit using bluesolar MPPTs, the 702 non-smart shunt, all connected via VE direct to a cerbo? Ie. The cerbo collects the shunt data and sends out to MPPTs? Via SVS, STS and SCS?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

In the Victron document there is a list of compatible devices. Some Bluesolar dongles are working as well.

[@bluemu]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia thx. I'll look up what's possible with dongles, although i suspect that will interfere with the VE direct wire into the cerbo

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@bluemu It does not interfere with the VE.Direct cables. I have also set the VE.Smart Network but have all devices linked with a cable for reporting purposes.

[@bluemu]

Hmm, explicitly in the VE Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle is the statement "synchronised charging is not possible with VE Smart Networking" :(

[@bluemu]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia but the dongle for non smart devices uses VE direct, and MPPTs only have one VE direct port, so if you use tge dongle you lose cable connection to cerbo

[@pmacgowan]

Great stuff Victron ... The RR of solar world!

[@clarencewiles963]

Too much information or information overload. Thanks for this explanation and planning to work through and together. Good 👍

[@luke-thurston]

hi from UK o/

[@ErikRave]

First like, first comment, my life is complete now🎉 Danke für die Videos, grüss aus der Niederlande

[@thomasgraf8381]

First

[@danielw.556]

Shouldn't all charging devices use the same information anyways? Even ones without Bluetooth? When I installed my 450/100 rs, and connected by VeCan, it immediately showed "external control. And when I activate equalization on my MultiplusII, it does that by controlling the mppt... All was fine. Now I had to remove 1 of the 24 Pz cells. I reprogrammed all voltages on the bmv, the MultiplusII and the mppt... And now they all do their own thing 🙈 The MPII stays on "bulk" all the time, even though it sees that absorption voltage was reached. I couldn't find a way to set it back as it was, with the MPII being the center...

[@Avrglife]

Okay with ve.can the smart network will be ignored

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

That's what it says in the manual, yes...

[@sia3540]

Can solar assistant be connected to victron

[@chuxxsss]

Well, I hope it is cooler than down here in Victoria. As my camera freeze from over heating yesterday.