Inverter firmware update failed…doh!

DIY
, ,
1

In case anyone makes the same mistake as me…

I decided to update the firmware on my Phoenix 12V 500W inverter. It doesn’t have Bluetooth built in, so it is plugged into a Raspberry Pi via a VE Direct to USB cable so I can monitor and control it via the VRM portal.

Now for the stupidity on my part …

This inverter powers my internet router. You may have guessed where this is going. As soon as I initiated the firmware update in the Victron Connect app, I lost the internet and the update failed. The inverter was left with alternating red and green flashing lights and switching it off and back on didn’t help. Slightly worried by the warnings in Victron Connect not to interrupt the firmware update I was concerned I might have bricked the inverter.

Luckily I had a Bluetooth dongle somewhere, left over from when I originally configured the inverter about a year ago, and to my relief when I plugged it in and connected via Bluetooth it said there was no firmware installed but offered me the latest update. 5 minutes later, the internet is back :grin:

Lesson learned - don’t update the firmware of the inverter providing power to the internet connection over the internet…

1 Like
2

Lol. This made me laugh and remember my first inverter update Heart faliure.

Although i do have something to add here, there may be more to it than that as the firmware is uploaded to the gx then the update begins.
So for it to have a fail means the Gx itslef lost power during the update not just the internet.

Glad you have the tools though. :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

Thank fully a solid bricking isn’t possible. And there always an escape route

3

You’re right - the Raspberry Pi is supplied by the same inverter…

maybe I should run it from a DC-DC buck converter directly from the battery

4

Yes, that’s highly recommend.

2 Likes
5

This topic was automatically closed 14 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.