Connect more than three VE direct devices to a CERBO GX?

DIY
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1

I have an existing system with charge controllers using up all the VE direct ports on my Cerbo GX.

Now I want to add more solar capacity, and two more charge controllers.

But… I’m out of VE direct ports. how do I accomplish this?

2

Welcome.
To add extra VE Direct devices to the Cerbo you can use VE.Direct to USB interface

3

Read the manual:
https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Cerbo_GX/en/connecting-victron-products.html#UUID-6a3008bc-0383-455e-477b-981b4a653685

4

you may use the Fraron multiplexer to connect 4 VE direct devices via USB to the Cerbo.
I use two of them and they work fine.

4 Likes
5

Also see this post to enable RS485 over a 4 port ftdi adapter (you need one rs485 for mcu board for each rs485 device)

6

OK, I’ll convert to USB, and use a USB hub.

Thanks!

7

Be sure to use a good quality powered hub

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8

I am trying to do the same. So I asume that you would plug the USB hub into USB port on the cerbo, and each device would then need a VE to usb interface for each seperate device?

9

Yes

10

Will they ship these Fraron multiplexer devices to the US?

11

Fraron is not the manufactorer, but only the German distributor. This device comes from Duppa in Italy.

See this youtube video from Andy’s offgridgarage about this product. When it is sold to Australia, then probably to the USA too.

1 Like
12

Thanks, @TomBerger. I have two of them on the way from Italy now. I’m really excited to improve my current situation (2 VE.Direct cables and 1 USB adapter) with one clean hub. One of the things I think I’ll like about the new one is that it will be easier to mount the cables such that they’re not under stress. The VE.Direct cable heads are rather big, the plugs are rather weak, and I constantly worry about bumping it and breaking the plug. I’ll 3D print a case for the Duppa device and mount it to the mounting board and the only thing going into the Cerbo will be one USB.

13

I am using the Duppa device in my ESS too. I have a Multiplus-II-3000-GX with only one VE.direct ports, but have 3 MPPTs. Most of the time everything works finde, but sometimes (once a week or so) the MPPTs lose their connection without any alarm. Restarting the MP-II-GX brings the connections back. My guess is that the USB port of the GX has not enough power to supply my 3 VE.direct connections, but I could not yet verify that.

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14

Thank you for mentioning it. I’ll watch out for that behavior. I’ll have an MPPT, a SmartShunt, and an Orion XS on mine for now. :crossed_fingers:

16

Let’s leave politics to X and focus on our little part of the world. Thanks

18

My Duppa came in and I plugged it in to the Cerbo and got a power light on the Duppa, but when I plug a couple of VE.Direct devices into it, they’re not showing up. I see another thread where someone said it stopped working at 3.50. I’m on 3.60~53 now. Is there a setting I’m supposed to change somewhere?

19

Update on this. My SmartSolar works on the new adapter now, but my Orion XS still doesn’t.