Multiplus 12/1200 issues

Multiplus 12/1200, victron smart 100ah, bms v1. When initially connecting the system all works as should. I disconnect the bms from the inverter port to configure inverter, but the inverter shuts down because it lost communication with the BMS. The inverter will not communicate with ve connect, configure or flash. Plug bms back in, all works as expected. I seem to be in a dead lock situation. Can I use an rj45 splitter to program while leaving the bms connected?