I have been monitoring this with the VictronConnect app when I’m on my boat, and capturing screenshots of the app to maintain a record of states over time.
I would very much prefer to download the raw data (CSV format) rather than storing hundreds of screenshots, but the app doesn’t provide for download. I just reviewed the docs for the Windows version of Connect and didn’t find any download option either, which is puzzling because the app obviously has access to the raw data.
I’ve been told the only way to get the raw data is via Cerbo GX over VRM, but $1000 is a steep price for a data download feature. I saw that there is a Cerbo GX S available for a 1/4 of the price without BMS-Can port, Tank- and Temperature monitoring inputs. I don’t currently have any need for Tank and Temp, but I’m not sure about the BMS-Can port.
Does anyone know whether the Cerbo GX S would be suitable to monitor the system above and allow me to download the raw data?
I have a Cerbo -S GX and it connects to all the devices listed, accesses VRM, and permits data download.
The single CAN bus is VE.CAN 250kb/s by default, tjough it will do other CAN data rates. It can be configured as BMS.CAN (sort of) for a limited number of batteries on the compatible list. Sadly, SOK isn’t listed. My battery isn’t on the list either, so I just charge in “dumb mode” using the BMV 712 and Cerbo to provide DVCC Voltage and Current sense to the chargers.
I notice my supplier listing Cerbo GX r.1 and Cerbo -S GX as discontinued.
THX RaySun. Just the info I needed. I found a Cerbo GX S on Amazon and snagged it before it’s no longer available. Now I just need to figure out how to use the Cerbo…
Its incredibly easy to set up and use.
Use a power source connected to your battery (not output from an inverter) so there is persistent power to the Cerbo.
You will need a Local Area Network (wired or WiFi) connected to the Internet.
A touch screen, or regular monitor with keyboard and mouse can be used (I have both in my power shed), but I use VictronConnect on my smartphone 100% of yhe time to confugure the Cerbo and connected devices.
The devices will connect to the Cerbo with VE.direct cables, or via VE.Can. Since the number of VE.direct ports are limited, VE.direct to USB cables can be substituted and plugged into the Cerbo USB ports, or to an external powered USB hub connected to the Cerbo.
Once its set up, the Cerbo will access VRM (Victron Remote Management cloud app) and write data to the VRM database. There’s lots of predefined views, and a facility to download “raw” data in CSV format.
Added bonus, complete visibility and control of your system from anywhere.
During installation, be sure to upgrade Venus OS to the latest version. The user interface has been fully redeveloped from 70’s clunky video game to 21st century star cruiser format.
My charging infrastructure is deployed and monitored on the “Victron” side of my system. Non-Victron inverters are shown as DC Loads, drawing from the battery bus.
I got the Cerbo-S GX, and connected it to power, my Multiplus via RJ45, as well as the SmartShunt IP65, Orion SX and SmartSolar via three VE-Direct cables. The system powered up with both the Wifi and Bluetooth blinking.
After rebooting both my phone and the device, I’m able to see it and connect win VictronConnect, but when I try to register the system tells me “The installation with the specified VRM Portal ID or IMEI could not be found.” I have double checked the VRM ID I found on the device label, and even tried with uppercase letters and lower case letters as the ID is listed with uppercase on the label but with lower case in VictronConnect.
How do I get out of this jam?
I am able to see the Cerbo-s GX in VictronConnect. And clicking on Connect in the VRM Online Portal form worked this morning – it seems the system needed time to record my registration or something like that.
Note that the form requesting the VRM ID leads to confusion. This ID uses upper case letters on the printed label on the device, but lower case letters in the UI, and the web UI defaults to an initial upper case and the other letters lower case, which is confusing. It would help greatly if the documentation clarified how this ID is supposed to be typed.
I left it as the web form took it (initial cap and the rest in lower case) and it works so the software likely doesn’t differentiate between upper and lower case.
I now need to add a microSD card to log all the data locally as the marina wifi signal is unreliable.
