Hello, I am off-grid and just changed the gel batteries for a lithium battery (with internal BMS). The battery has a CAN Bus, so I bought the CAN to VE.Bus cable (type A, based on wiring needs). I have configured the VEConfig for Lithium batteries but I want to make sure that the BMS that is used is really the one from the battery (and not the one from Multiplus). Should I use ESS (while it says don’t use for off grid…)? Wihtout ESS, I did try to enable VE.Bus, but it shows solid red led so disabled it…
The battery manufacturer ensures their CAN Bus is VE.Bus compatible
Thanks for the hint
Usually the CAN cable plugs to the CAN port on a GX device (like the Cerbo).
See the overview of connections here.
There are no BMSs (besides Victron 's own ones) that can plug directly into the inverter ve bus itself.
Some have two wire signal but that is a whole other topic not related to the TYPE A cable you have.
No point if you don’t connect to grid.
1 Like
Thanks for your answer LX, so the Victron cable I bought ( VE.Can to CAN-bus BMS type A Cable 1.8 m → ASS030710018) is of no use in my case?
So what happens if I just leave it that way (no other communication between battery and muttiplus than the + and -)?
I have set up it up for Lithium batteries in VEConfig with the appropriates voltages, leave it that way ? If so, great (can go and deal with cutting wood 
)
…Or should I buy a Cerbo then …? What will it bring to me ?
You can leave it out the system will work without it. It is really up to you.
The Cerbo does have very nice monitoring and control. And logging to the VRM. You can see your system performance and note areas for expansion or improvements. (Check on your battery health and balance) It is also a great way to trouble shoot.
Do you have solar as well?
The Type A is only useful with a GX.
Thanks for your reply. I have just bought a Cerbo, we’ll see it in action!
I am off-grid with solar panels, it’s been 3 years now and I am happy (especially since I received the new lifepo4 battery)!
also bought a Victron VE.Bus cable (from Multiplus to Cerbo)…
1 Like
I was so relieved once i had made the switch to lithium as well.
This topic was automatically closed 14 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.