I have recently upgraded to the New Victron Cerbo GX User Interface. The touch screen showes Multiplus-II MPPT, Battery, solar, grid, Dc and Ac load, but not the alternator?
You need to be running the new gui for this then there are 3 ways to see your alternator. No1 is simplest and cheapest.
- Install a SmartShunt as a DC energy meter, sub type alternator.
- Use a supported 3rd party alternator controller such as Wakespeed WS500, Arco Zeus, MG ???.
- If the alternator charges the starter battery then install an Orion XS DC to DC charger.
I have an Orion XS and I get a cool little alternator icon on my brief page. I love the new UI because the inputs (grid, alternator, and solar) are on the left and loads (AC and DC) are on the right.
I have a Orion tr, If I use a shunt as DC meter should I see the alternator tab?
Pretty sure you should see the alternator if the SmartShunt is set as sub type alternator.
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Hello and tanks a lot for your answer.
I have a Wakespeed 500 connected to the CerboGX in the system. Since the boat is put to rest during winter I haven’t fired up the engine yet, so may be that’s why the alternator isn’t visible? The ignition has been turned on though.
Otherwise my system contains a Victron 500BMS, so that should act as a shunt in this matter?
The alternator box with a WS500 appears when the engine is running, not sure about ignition on only. When the engine is off it disappears. It will not appear if your CAN cable is not the correct cross over cable.
A shunt to read an alternator HAS to be on the alternator feed only, the BMS shunt will see the current but not report it seperayely.
Ok. The wakspeed with alternator info was visible in the old UI, but to see it I had to go in to the meny settings, not as a separate alternator box in the main menu as in your picture.
The alternator box should appear whenever the WS500 is powered up. This is how mine behaves. If you want to test, turn on your ignition and see if the WS500 light begins blinking rapidly (indicating it’s under DVCC control), then you should see it appear on your GX device after a minute or two.
Thanks. How have you connected the WS to the CerboGX?
Sorry for being slow her, but the use of a shunt makes me confused.
My system has been put together quite similar to the one on this drawing. I have no generator and it is 24V, but otherwise quite like. The drawing showes no shunt at the alternator feed? The connection of Wakespeed500 to the CerboGX goes via the crossover cable Victron/ Wakspeed from the WS500 to the VE.Can on the Cerbo, and I can see current and charging info from the Wakespeed in the Device list. Do you think I still need a shunt?
You need to read the WS500 documentation, especially the communications and configuration guide. The WS500 can have a shunt measuring battery charging current or alternator current or neither. If you have neither then the WS500 picks up the battery current from the battery monitor on the GX. This is possibly what you are seeing displayed rather than the alternator current.
I have a shunt on the alternator to measure the alternator current, this is required for DVCC to work properly. In this case the WS500 also receives battery current from the GX device.
Via the CAN connection
