question

peter-3 avatar image
peter-3 asked

VE.Direct to USB , How many to do this ?

Hi , I have set up a Venos OS Raspberry Pi and the VRM portal , and connected my 100/20 smart controller via a ve.direct to usb , But I have just put on order a , Smart shunt , a 150/35 smart controller and a Phoenix inverter.

I know I need one for the inverter because it doesn't have any Bluetooth and needs to ve.direct cable , BUT can I make a smart network and include the 150/35 controller and the smart stunt .

Can I let the 100/20 controller pass all of the devices on smart network via the ve.direct cable to the VRM , OR do I need a cable for each and every device ?

Venus OSVE.DirectVE.Smart Network
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

3 Answers
kevgermany avatar image
kevgermany answered ·

As far as I know you cannot combine Smart networks and VE direct as a single network. A GX device will take input from both, but not give the integrated control

If you want all smart, look at the Victron Bluetooth dongle.

There's a smart network guide that you can download, also a data communications with Victron products white paper.

7 comments
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ commented ·

@peter@peter247.co.uk

You cannot combine a smart network and a gx device as @kevgermany mentioned. It is a limitation of the ve smart network. So yes you will need a cable for every device.

With a PI and a VE bus inverter you will need an mk3 to usb adaptor. If you are just getting a VE Direct one, then a VE direct to USB cable can be used. If you run out of USBs then a powered hub will work to expand the network.

0 Likes 0 ·
peter-3 avatar image peter-3 Alexandra ♦ commented ·
o.k , so every device need it's own cable to USB , 4 devices 4 ports that will be o.k , but form watching other peoples video I need 4 little extension lead because the ve.direct to usb will not fit .

I guess that answers my question "why don't you use the smart network to consolidate all the other Bluetooth devices" because you can't !!!

0 Likes 0 ·
Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ peter-3 commented ·

Weird. What PI are they using? I had three cables and had no issues with fitting them directly in. Was using the 3B.

0 Likes 0 ·
peter-3 avatar image peter-3 Alexandra ♦ commented ·

3B or not 3B that is the question !!! ( Shakespeare joke )

Yes a 3B , I can see then not fitted with the dongles getting in the way , But I will take your word for it.

0 Likes 0 ·
mjbou avatar image mjbou peter-3 commented ·

Newer VE.Direct to USB cables now have smaller USB plug, and the electronics in a box down the cable. I would guess many people use this, especially with Raspberry Pi. I have 3 cables in my Pi.

0 Likes 0 ·
Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ mjbou commented ·

@peter@peter247.co.uk

You can also use a powered usb hub anyway.

0 Likes 0 ·
hjohnson avatar image hjohnson peter-3 commented ·

At that point, I'd re-evaluate the choice of going with the Pi over the Cerbo. By the time you add all those VE.Direct interfaces, a MK3 USB (for VE.Bus) and CAN interfaces if need that, then Cerbo becomes reasonably priced.

0 Likes 0 ·
pau1phi11ips avatar image
pau1phi11ips answered ·

When you have this many devices, the Cerbo GX starts to look more economically feasible. Plus you get to have another nice blue box to add to your collection.

2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

coofe951 avatar image
coofe951 answered · 
so when used raspberry pi + 2x mppt over VE.direct to usb and running 3x multiplus 2 ? i   need 3x mk3-usb +USB-HUB or 1x mk3-usb and daisy chain on multiplus over VE.bus ?
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.