VE.Smart Network between MultiPlus and SmartShunt?

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andywb asked Jun 25, '22

VE.Smart Network between MultiPlus and SmartShunt?

Can the MultiPlus inverter-charger communicate with a SmartShunt over bluetooth, please?

My old inverter-charger has recently died, so over the last week I've been doing a lot of reading about replacements, and it's been a lot of information to take in.

I thought I watched a video which explained that, using the VE.Bus Smart Dongle, the MultiPlus inverter-charger can communicate with the SmartShunt over bluetooth but I can now no longer find it.

The cable between the inverter-charger and the batteries is a couple of meters in length, and there is apparently some voltage drop when the inverter was in use - my old inverter-charger (an Atlas Combi) gave some problems with its inverter refusing to operate because of a low voltage warning - so it would be good to have accurate battery voltage sensing for the new inverter.

MultiPlus Quattro Inverter Charger SmartShunt VE.Smart Network VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle

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Answer 1 · 2022-06-25T16:59:35Z

snoobler answered · Jun 25, 2022 at 04:59 PM

https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/VE.Smart_Networking/en/ve-smart-product-compatibility.html

VE.Bus Smart Dongle

Not yet supported, may be compatible in the future

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Answer 2 · 2022-06-25T17:06:30Z

andywb answered · Jun 25, 2022 at 05:06 PM

Yeah, I found that @snoobler , I wasn't sure if it was up to date.

So effectively the VE.Bus Smart Dongle is simply a paywall to access the MultiPlus's PowerControl feature?

Obviously it allows monitoring the charger with your phone but that's not worth paying money for.

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Answer 3 · 2022-06-25T18:17:36Z

seb71 answered · Jun 25, 2022 at 06:17 PM

VE.Smart Networking is useful for small systems (normally DC-only, without an inverter), where the cost of a GX device is not justified.

For what you want, you need a GX device (such as Cerbo GX).

If you do decide to buy Victron components, before you buy anything make sure you choose components which can work together in the way you need them.

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Answer 4 · 2022-06-25T18:26:24Z

andywb answered · Jun 25, 2022 at 06:26 PM

I don't think there's any need for a Cerbo GX in such a simple installation, is there?

I never had one before.

I added the SmartSunt already to better monitor battery level.

But I do need a VE.Bus Smart Dongle to access the MultiPlus's PowerControl feature - unless I can access that using an ethernet cable or something?

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