Hi Victron Team and Community.
I recently invested in a full Victron setup for a custom 210Ah off-grid power bank dedicated to my home hi-fi audio system. I specifically chose Victron because I wanted a unified ecosystem where the devices could communicate seamlessly.
However, I have run into a frustrating roadblock. I discovered that the Blue Smart IP65 charger does not support VE.Smart Networking and cannot sync with my SmartShunt, despite both being branded as “Smart” devices. Your official documentation states that the IP65 “may be compatible in the future”.
I therefore highly request that VE.Smart Networking is unlocked for the IP65 in a future firmware update, and that an M10 click-cable is added to the catalogue.
I cannot simply return the charger and swap it for an IP22 model for two main reasons:
1: Custom Enclosure: My custom-built battery enclosure is already designed explicitly around the precise dimensions and the completely silent, passive cooling of the IP65 (which is crucial for an audio listening environment).
2: Missing Hardware Options: Because Victron does not seem to offer an M10 Eyelet Connector accessory with the quick-connect plug (at least as far as I could figure out after extensive searching), I was forced to drill out the included M8 eyelets to 10mm just to be able to connect the charger’s negative terminal to the SmartShunt. The charger is therefore permanently modified.
It is quite confusing as a customer to buy into the “Smart” ecosystem only to find out that a key component is software-locked out of communicating with the shunt, and that the necessary M10 hardware for your own shunts isn’t available for your IP65 chargers.
I really hope a software update is in the pipeline, as it would make the IP65 the perfect charger.
Best,
Kenny