Can I access my Multiplus for programming via the Cerbo GX?

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oceanwolfe asked Nov 1, '20

Can I access my Multiplus for programming via the Cerbo GX?

I'm trying to finalize the layout of my energy system components on my sailboat. After the install is finished, I'd like to NOT have to connect anything to the Multiplus for updating software or programming. It seems like I should be able to connect the laptop to the Cerbo GX using the MkIII USB cable .I will locate the Cerbo for more convenient access when I need to do Multiplus programming, but can't figure out how to achieve this. It doesn't seem to work when the Multiplus is connected to GX via VE Bus using the ethernet cable called for by the Cerbo instructions. Is there a different cable that I an use to achieve this higher-level programming connection?

cerbo gx multiplus ve.bus communication protocol

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Answer 1 · 2020-11-02T23:16:23Z

Kevin Windrem answered · Nov 02, 2020 at 11:16 PM

The VE.Bus only allows a GX device (Cerbo in this case) OR the MK-3 USB cable to be connected at the same time. Connecting the MK-3 to the bus will cause Cerbo to not see the Multi. Victron recommends disconnecting the GX device from the VE.Bus prior to connecting the MK-3.

I use an ethernet female-female joiner at the back of my CCGX to connect the MK-3 rather than looping through the CCGX. Not as convenient but it seems to work.

If I recall correctly, if you leave the MK3 connected but shut down the app or disconnect the USB side of the MK3 from your computer the GX device will eventually reconnect to the Multi and function normally but I'd test this carefully in your system to make sure.

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Answer 2 · 2020-11-03T13:25:14Z

Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) answered · Nov 03, 2020 at 01:25 PM

If the GX is internet connected, use Remote VE.Configure.

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Answer 3 · 2020-11-11T21:32:06Z

oceanwolfe answered · Nov 11, 2020 at 09:32 PM

Thanks Kevin, that was very helpful, if not the desired answer. I had thought that the either Mk-3 or GX only choice was when attaching to the Multiplus. In other words, didn't realize it was a network limitation rather than a device limitation. Guess I hav to get an extension for the Mk-3 so I can access it without having to pull panels from a hard to get to Multiplus.
This sure seems amazingly klunky it the many network limitations. Seems like a growing patchwork rather than a planned network system.

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Answer 4 · 2020-11-11T21:35:15Z

oceanwolfe answered · Nov 11, 2020 at 09:35 PM

Guy, so often the official responses seem to require internet access. That may be fine at the dock, but I'm setting up for extending cruising and anchoring out, so I need a system that I can operate that does NOT require internet access. Having a hard time getting there.
At this point feeling very foolish for buying the Cerbo GX because I thought it would serve to resolve this issue. Obviously not the case.

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Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) ♦♦ commented · Nov 11, 2020 at 11:29 PM

I understand, in your case it sounds like the MK3 is the solution, with some wiring arrangement (such as an accessible joiner) to allow access.

But what kind of ongoing re-programming and updates do you foresee yourself needing once the system is commissioned?

The most common on a boat is monitoring, turning the Multi on or off, or adjusting the AC input current limits - these CAN be done with the Cerbo without an MK3 or internet.

The Victron system is absolutely designed and intended to operate without requiring an internet connection - though having one GREATLY increases the features and potential of the system.

I would like to hear what the constraints are (the common things you expected to be able to change on the Cerbo GX that you cannot)?

Somewhat unofficially, there is a general prioritising principle at Victron that if something is possible to do one way, we won't be focused on doing it all the possible ways, even though it might be nice. There are exceptions of course, and if there are specific and obvious changes that you (and others like you) need to be making, then it is all possible to make it happen.

It can sort-of work to leave the CerboGX connected at the same time as the MK3, and even using the VE.Bus as passthru on the Cerbo. The MK3 will take over the control, and the Multi will become invisible/'OFF' to the CerboGX while it is connected, BUT in some cases it did cause issues, so to eliminate the potential of finding a strange edge case the advice is to have it disconnected, and only one at a time.

I am certain that you will not regret getting the Cerbo GX in the long run, it has some limitations as you are finding, but it is a superb unit that already has an incredible feature set, which is constantly improving.

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Answer 5 · 2020-11-11T21:43:11Z

oceanwolfe answered · Nov 11, 2020 at 09:43 PM

Sorry Kevin, what you said finally fully sunk in. The female-to-female link is to connect the ethernet cable plugged into the Cerbo to the Mk-3 cable, right? Seems strange it won't pass that to the other VE Bus port on the Cerbo, but that's life.
Many thanks.

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Kevin Windrem commented · Nov 11, 2020 at 09:47 PM

Yes, the female-female ethernet is to extend the ethernet cable when it's disconnected from Cerbo.

It's been a while but I do think it works if you connect the MK3 to the Cerbo VE.bus loopthru. That is, I think the MK3 takes over the bus and the Cerbo stops seeing the Multi.

What I can't remember is if Cerbo regains control after you unplug the USB side of the MK3. Worth a test.

I believe Victron recommends disconnecting the Cerbo when using the MK3 and visa-versa.

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bathnm Kevin Windrem commented · Nov 12, 2020 at 07:40 AM

I can confirm it does. I have frequently had the Cerbo and MK3 on the bus, and as soon as the MK3 is no longer connected to VE.Condig the Cerbo will start doing its stuff again.

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Answer 6 · 2023-04-30T16:09:48Z

projectwaterlily answered · Apr 30, 2023 at 04:09 PM

Sort of related to this, hope you dont mind me hopping on. I have a new Muliplus-2 and have a Cerbo GX on my boat. Am i correct in thinking just connecting the ethernet cable between these will allow me to program the Multiplus-2 as required, without the need for the Victron Energy Interface MK3-USB (VE.Bus to USB) – ASS030140000?

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Kevin Windrem commented · Apr 30, 2023 at 04:16 PM

You can though VRM using remote configure.

For local updates you need the MK3-USB and VictronConnect (Mac/Windows) or veconfig (Windows only). You need veconfig for assistants.

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projectwaterlily Kevin Windrem commented · Apr 30, 2023 at 04:29 PM

thanks Kevin. Can you expand on what 'local updates' means - is this firmware updates? so GX wont do this? thanks!!!

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Kevin Windrem projectwaterlily commented · Apr 30, 2023 at 04:31 PM

I meant, programming the Multi directly (not going through VRM).

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projectwaterlily Kevin Windrem commented · Apr 30, 2023 at 04:38 PM

ah fab thanks so much!!

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