MPPT 100/30 erratic behavior on f/w 1.67 or 1.68

DIY
, ,
1

A few weeks ago I updated all 7 of our MPPTs to 1.67. We have 2 x Smart100/30 each hooked to a LG NeonR 360Wp 5th generation panels. About 7 years old. We also have 5 x Smart 100/50 each hooked to LG NeonH 435Wp BiFacials 6th generation 3 years old. After updating the 100/30 connected panels would momentarily drop out. This would only happen on the 100/30 MPPTs and only when the panels would exceed 200 Watts. Lower levels it would not happen. The higher the output the more frequent it would happen. It would happen whether external control DVCC on BMS500 or not. When I reverted firmware back to 1.64 the problem went away. The symptoms: Wattage go from 250-325 down to 5-25W. Voltage would immediately go to VOC (40ish) After 2-4 seconds the panel would recover, both watts and voltage returned to normal 250W / 34V.

All 7 controllers are hooked using VE.direct to USB cables. Those plug into a StarTech 10 port powered hub and that is plugged into the Cerbo GX using a quality A to B cable. Nothing cheap.

I updated all 7 controllers to 1.68 yesterday. Same exact behavior, so I reverted the two 100/30 back to 1.64 and it immediately starting acting normal.

2

Still stable on 1.64? Still an issue with 1.68? I see an option to update our controller to 1.68 but I’m leary.

3

Still stable on 1.64. Haven’t tried any new f/w revisions as I haven’t felt the need to upgrade with the risk of having to reload them back to 1.64.

4

Well, I seem to have the same issue with my 100/30, and am glad to find that there is a solution. Thanks to those who who have discovered this!

But, I don’t know how to revert to an earlier firmware version… so, can someone walk me through it? I do not have the Victron cable to connect the controller to a laptop so would be interested in methods that do not require that connection. I can, with some difficulty, acquire one if needed.

Thanks in advance!

Jim