How can I control Grid current limit in Home assistant?

[airbag888]

Hi guys I am running a setup where I have a Multiplus-II 48/5000/70-50 powering the house.
Grid is on AC1 and MPPT and battery also connected.
At night when off peak I switch my Grid from my usual not time based provider to another provider that is time based.
At that point I also set the Multiplus to ‘Keep batteries charged’ and because my batteries are usually almost depleted it tries to charge them ASAP with the grid
However I also need to reduce the grid current to around 16A to avoid issues.
I’ve been doing that through the VRM app (phone/desktop) but when I check Home Assistant, I can find the setting that shows the value but I can’t change it even though it’s a slider..

Is this a Victron Home Assistant limitation or a MQTT system limitation or something else I am missing?
Thank you for your time!
See screenshots below

[owenb79 (Owen)]

You can do it with Node-RED. I don’t know why you would use HA to control Victron when you can add node red to the cerbo.

[airbag888]

Hey Owen,
Thank you very much for your reply! I will give you 1 reason why… I’ve never used node red but I’m familiar with HA If it was possible that’s 1 less thing for me to worry about (although I’m happy to learn I need to take into account wife and kids in the event I’m not around)

If you have any resource/link or keywords I’d be grateful. I had no idea node red could be added.
Actually I’m not even sure I have a Cerbo - is it part of the Multiplus-II ?

Again thanks for your help

[owenb79 (Owen)]

You have access to the VRM portal, so you must have something running Venus OS. You can create custom dashboards with Node-RED and add the controls and data you need.

All you need is venus OS large image to get node red on Venus OS.

[airbag888]

Hi again Owen! I checked (see below) and it seems I can install the ‘large’ version you mention

So maybe I will do that although I admit not knowing what to do next after the firmware is installed (I may also already have the large version) but I cannot find what I think is the right menu options (see below)

I guess another question is: can I then from Home Assistant assign a value to maximum input current using some port exposed by node-red?
All my automation is done within HomeAssistant and the Victron has no way of knowing when I am switching from 1 Grid source to the time based one. It’s also nowhere close to where my relays and contactors are
Thank you!

[owenb79 (Owen)]

In settings, go down to Venus OS large features and enable Node-RED. You can access the software from the VRM webpage under devices, it will say Venus of large and the Node-Red tile will be there. If all your automation is on the same network, you are unlimited, only limited by your imagination. I have Shelly Tuya and TP-Link all working well, either by their own app or node red.

[ricardocello (Rick)]

Make sure the Multiplus is configured so “overruled by remote” is checked, otherwise the limit will be grayed out.

Here is the setting in VictronConnect:

Here is the setting in VEConfigure.

[Daza]

What @ricardocello said OP it should be able to be changed also with home assistant see screen shot

[thomasinaz (Derrick Thomas)]

How is the victron system integrated into the HA? Using the HACS integration? MQTT bridge? This will determine wether or not and how to make the slider able to set the current.

Enabling node red for this one function seems a total waste of resources to me.

[airbag888]

wow so many replies!! amazing community

Ok so I installed VEConfigure but it seems I need a mk3 or some other way to connect via serial to the multiplus.. Right now I can only do TCP (over my home network) or perhaps bluetooth for the MPPT.
So I tried VictronConnect (over LAN/Wifi) and if I’m close it seems to connect to show my MPPT (BT)
See here

Sadly the Multiplus only lets me open the VRM (web or app) However there in Settings → General I found the Current limit overruled by remote which was already on

Soooo I’m not sure what to do now

[airbag888]

What you are saying is once I enable the current control remotely Home Assistant will enable this Active currentlimit slider?

[airbag888]

I am using the HACS integration. Works great to control SoC and I guess some other things that I don’t use And also gather telemetry.

I agree that going down the node red route seems overkill… I’m not sure if I have a choice but hopefully I do

[airbag888]

Everything is on the same network so eventually I will try enabling the ‘Large’ firmware and see if it enables Venus OS Large features for me too.
Thank you for all the help!

[Daza]

Yes mate I’m using HACS add on too but haven’t troubled the slider, just moved it, it works

[airbag888]

Yes I’m not sure why… When I change the grid current limit in the VRM app it shows the new number in HA but I cannot move the slider at all in HA
It also seems that the HACS integration has not been updated recently.. not sure if anyone would help there

[Daza]

What one you using? If it’s looked in the multiplus 2 you won’t be able to do it, but your able to do it from VRM so should have been fine

[airbag888]

I have the same v0.5.0 as you too… so weird.
What is the model you are using? Multiplus II 48/5000 too?

[Daza]

Hi mate it’s a 10000 but that won’t make any difference as the controls are the same. I’m just using the HACS add on for Victron control

[airbag888]

Do you know if it’s possible to configure this in the settings that is accessible over LAN in a browser? Could you share which firmware version you are using too?

[Daza]

Yes you would be able to do it over LAN network but will have to be on the same network, I use to use an iPad as my Victron control ie like a GX touch display o. My network until the iPad died. I’m a few firmware updates ahead of you PS some of the updates will want the Multi updated too! So what ever you do don’t do it from the phone I’ve never been able to get the setting saved use the MK3 cable and save a backup works all the time.