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.
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.
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.
Time has passed! Turns out that the Victron dealer, EveryBattery in Glenorchy Tasmania was willing to do the anti-update back to V 1.64 for me if I would bring the unit into the shop. Did so, and it has returned to normal behavior. James Davey, the tech involved, was competent and friendly, so good marks for that vendor.
Seems to me that Victron should re-do the update for this MPPT and cure this vexing problem.
Yes, I also observed problems with the 100/30 MPPT chargers with the “new” firmware 1.68. There are several people here reporting the same. After a hard reset with the 1.68 it seem to work again, the question is for how long…
Here is a short instruciton to how flash back an older firmware version (in case you want to do it by your own somewhen ):
You download the corresponding firmware from victron professional portal on your phone (where ever you have Victron connect installed), in this case the 1.64 turned out to be the latest stable version.
Once the download is completed, you go into your file browser and open the image file. You will be asked with which programm you want to open this file.
Then select Victron connect. The file will be added to the Victron connect database.
Then go to Victron connect, go into settings of your 100/30 MPPT, and click on “manual update”.
Now the downloaded firmware version should be visible. Select it, a compatibility check will be made, and if passed the old firmware will be installed.
Jetlag, thanks for that info. Just what I wanted, though not needed immediately due to the kindness of the Victron rep. I will tuck it away for future reference.
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