# External Control / DynamicEss Node-RED mode accepts setpoints, but the battery does not respond to them

**URL:** <https://community.victronenergy.com/t/external-control-dynamicess-node-red-mode-accepteert-setpoints-maar-batterij-reageert-er-niet-op/62601>\
**Category:** Node-RED\
**Tags:** node-red, multiplus-ii, expert, dess, cerbo\_gx, vrm, cerbo-gx\
**Created:** [8 September 2026 11:32 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/external-control-dynamicess-node-red-mode-accepteert-setpoints-maar-batterij-reageert-er-niet-op/62601 "2026-09-08T11:32:58Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![abroeders](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/victron/user_avatar/community.victronenergy.com/abroeders/32/1146_2.png) [@abroeders](https://community.victronenergy.com/u/abroeders)\
**Post date:** [8 September 2026 11:32 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/external-control-dynamicess-node-red-mode-accepteert-setpoints-maar-batterij-reageert-er-niet-op/62601/1 "2026-09-08T11:32:58Z")

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**System:**

- MultiPlus-II 48/8000/110-100, firmware 1362
- Cerbo GX, Venus OS
- CAN-bus BMS (`socketcan_can0_vi0_uc316833`)
- ESS active, DynamicEss normally used via VRM

**Problem:**  
I am trying to send an AC power setpoint externally via Node-RED (for an integration with a third party). I have tested the following combinations, all without any effect on the actual charging/discharging power (`/Dc/0/Power` on the vebus service):

1. `Settings/CGwacs/Hub4Mode = 3` (External control) + writing to `Settings/Cgwacs/AcPowerSetPoint` (register 2700 via Modbus-TCP)
2. Hub4Mode=3 + `com.victronenergy.hub4 /Overrides/Setpoint` + `/Overrides/ForceCharge=1`
3. `Settings/CGwacs/Hub4Mode = 1` (normal) + `Settings/DynamicEss/Mode = 4` (Node-RED) + `/Overrides/Setpoint`

In all cases: the write succeeds (no exception, the value can be read back), the UI displays “External control” where applicable, but the battery power does not respond at all to the requested direction or magnitude.

I have installed the ESS Assistant, and normally have DESS active. Now I want to be able to disable DESS in specific situations and set a setpoint myself so that the MultiPlus charges/discharges at the specified power. It can/may be controlled via Node-RED or Modbus TCP. I am doing something wrong, but I cannot figure out what.

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**Author:** ![fredvduin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ed655f/32.png) [@fredvduin](https://community.victronenergy.com/u/fredvduin)\
**Post date:** [8 September 2026 12:31 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/external-control-dynamicess-node-red-mode-accepteert-setpoints-maar-batterij-reageert-er-niet-op/62601/2 "2026-09-08T12:31:31Z")

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I’m using the standard ESS control node (simple test flow below)

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/victron/original/3X/f/a/fac245a0a8eb0edd6ce215de5cdd847a72c89446.png)

It doesn’t work when DESS is active

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![abroeders](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/victron/user_avatar/community.victronenergy.com/abroeders/32/1146_2.png) [@abroeders](https://community.victronenergy.com/u/abroeders)\
**Post date:** [9 September 2026 06:49 UTC](https://community.victronenergy.com/t/external-control-dynamicess-node-red-mode-accepteert-setpoints-maar-batterij-reageert-er-niet-op/62601/3 "2026-09-09T06:49:40Z")

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Thanks… I was overcomplicating things. Indeed, switch off DESS and control the grid setpoint. I don’t need to do anything with HUB4 at all.