I need to connect my Cerbo GX to some type of cellular device so I can have access to my van when I am not close to it. I have an old iPhone, but I am curious if it will work if I attach it to the Cerbo via USB? Or does it have to be through the ethernet port? What does everyone use?
It can connect to a Wifi point and/or use a SIM (LTE/4G)
On my boat I use a Teltonika RUT950. The Cerbo GX connects to the router via Ethernet. This is the most reliable connection type and is what Victron recommends, but of course WiFi also works.
You could set the iPhone up with a personal hotspot and have the Cerbo via Wifi join the personal hotspot. I have done this a few times when the main boat network is down.
I wonder does it have to be a separate iPhone than the one I am monitoring with.
I also use a Teltonika router, a RUTX11, connected to my CCGX via ethernet. I tried many other solutions but this has been by far the best.
The next best option was a Mifi hotspot but slower speeds and battery life made me look for something better which is how I ended up with the Teltonika.
I also use the Teltonika RUT950 and am very happy as it also provides the wifi for our boat. Much better reception than a mobile phone. If I didn’t need the additional wifi I would also consider the USB Victron GX 4G LTE which includes a GPS. (The RUT950 also includes a GPS but getting that data into the Cerbo is a different conversation).
I'm using a Netgear Nighthawk M1 router for mine. Cerbo is connected to it via wired Ethernet, and all my devices (including my AIS transponder, a vesper XB-8000) connect via wifi. Works quite well.
