Error code #66 after MPPTs updating to v3.16 - both MPPTs have identical settings and firmware.
I’m not a fan of updates but I thought Victron would not let me down and I followed the nagging instructions.
I had no issues with absorption before.
I tried to read the "MPPT firmware issues from @guystewart dated 20Aug but it shows unavailable.
What to do next?
can you tell us the schematic of your system ? Which batteries ? Connected via ? etc …
Jens
Hi @Logic28
Could you please check to see that you haven’t got any VE.Smart networking setup on the MPPTs, while they are connected via VE.Can, or VE.Direct to the GX device?
VE.Smart networking should be disabled if you are using a GX device, and/or connected together via VE.Can - that will do the syncronising and NOT the VE.Smart Networking -
5. VE.Smart Networking Limitations
Please let me know if disabling VE.Smart networking on the MPPTs solves the issue.
Another thing to try is changing the wiring sequence. Put one MPPT charger in the middle between Cerbo and other MPPT, and make sure that end points have their VE.Can terminators in place.
If all that is failing, try resetting the MPPTs to factory default settings in VictronConnect.
Lastly, While I don’t think it is the case in this situation, for completeness this error can also occur when a system has two battery banks.
Also if you use DVCC than that also doesn’t work if you have different voltages connected.
PS - I know it is annoying when a compulsory update causes issues to an otherwise working system. We really try extremely hard to make firmware non-compulsory however sometimes the reward is still greater than the risk and we have to. In this case some MPPT firmware changes improved hardware reliability in the long run.
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Thanks for your fast reply, I shall do as asked and report ASAP.
[quote=“Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager), post:3, topic:5278, username:guystewart”]
Firstly I need to apologise and say that this might not be directly related to the firmware update even though the update has exacerbated the issue since I have found that some settings had changed only in one MPPT after V 3.16 was installed (relay/battery life vs always off)
There is great confusion with this Victron monitoring system /s, so many variations, with different connectivity types all with different parameters or functions available in each (Bluetooth differs from ethernet)
In order to follow your advice and verify that VE. Smart was enabled I had to physically go to my solar installation and use the local MacBook Pro with a Bluetooth connection.
Having to swap communication types in order to access certain parameters is somewhat inefficient both for professionals as well as for simple DIY like myself.
I was under the understanding that VE. Smart was needed for the two (or more) MPPT to run as Master and Slave, now I’m told not to do that so if using Can Bus but my system shares data via VE Direct.
Shall I disable VE. Smart from my solar chargers? And will this have any adverse consequences, please?
After clarifying these points, I shall proceed with the rest of your kind suggestions.
Very straightforward and typical setup with 2x identical 250/100 MPPT 2x 500/70/50 Multi II Lynx Shunt, Power in & V.Distributor. 1x 304A battery + 1x 100A Battery
@Logic28
Yes disable the ve smart network if you have a GX that they are connected to. (Which you do judging by the vrm records) The two systems are not designed to work together.
I asked for confirmation as he only mentioned the Ve.Can and not the Ve. Direct.
I was not sure if they behaved exactly the same.
So will the two MPPTs stop working as one or will this function be taken over by VE Direct?
Thanks
They are controlled and synchronised by the GX no matter how they are connected.
I have a system with mixed and its fine.
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I have exited the Ve. Smart now, however, I remember reading in the instructions that if both communications are used, the system will disregard the Ve. Smart giving precedence to the GX, that is why I had left that on.
It sometimes produces weird behaviour which is why the manual says it is designed for systems without one.
I think ve can we mentioned since you have ve can model mppts. The daisy chain patch cables used usually means cheaper comms cables and connections to the GX.
You can program and check on them from one central place over the VRM if you log into VRM on the victron connect app. Simplifies access.
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It helped me to remove error #66 by removing the device from VE.Smart and then adding it again. And it’s quiet.
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I always use one of my three MacBook Pros to log in and that is what I have done from day one and why one of them lives at the installation almost always turned on.
However, I see how a mobile phone app can be of help to some users and/or in any emergency.
Reporting as promised, no more Error Code#66 having disabled VE. Smart.
This is after a few days of testing.
Once again thanks for your continuing support 
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Welcome and thanks for reporting back.
And thanks to @lxonline for filling in the details in between.
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(They are controlled and synchronised by the GX no matter how they are connected. I have a system with mixed and it’s fine.)
I’ve got news for you, since the VE. Smart was disabled, the two MPPTs are non longer synchronized as can be seen from this snapshot where one is in Float and the other one in Absorption.
However, so that you know, since the VE. Smart has been disabled, the two MPPTs are non longer synchronized as can be seen from this snapshot where one is in Float and the other one in Absorption.
Of course, they have identical settings as they did before
Synchronised charging is an overrated and misunderstood concept.
It is not necessary for the chargers to be in the same state if the following are met:-
They both are reading the voltage the same/correctly.
The battery is not being over/undercharged. (Either by amps or voltage)
Loads are being covered by solar.
Have a look at DVCC
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I was merely following online advice and, as this had not happened before, I was wondering why and what has changed since disabling VE smart.
I am simply trying to understand the mechanics & concepts of the Victron System.
The two MPPTs serve two differently facing arrays (one south and one west) so perhaps it makes sense for the one which is producing more to be on absorption when the other producing 0W to be in Float mode.
However, I was under the impression that should not happen and it did not prior to the changes.
Also, I have noticed that, when batteries are full, one of the two array/MPPT gives the other one priority by shutting itself down until such time when the load demands increase in which case it kicks in again.
Is this correct in your valuable opinion?
Thanks
The behaviour is correct. The controlling system is now DVCC using the GX.
The GX has much more information available to it from all the devices connected than in the smart network. In many ways it is a smarter network.