MultiPlus Compact 24/1200/25 (OLDER CPU) and VE.Bus BMS v2

DIY
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1

I have a MultiPlus Compact 24/1200/25 (probably manufactured in 2014/5) which has worked fine in my truck for a number of years using AGM batteries.

In the Victron Connect App the model shows as: MultiPlus Compact 24/1200/25-16 1917 (f/w after recent flash: v209)

I am now upgrading my installation to use a Victron LIFEPO4 200AH battery and a VE.Bus BMS v2. Also with Smart Battery Protects on the MPPT charge connection, and on load connection (both connected to allow/deny charge/discharge connections on the VE.Bus BMs MK2).

I am in process of installation and have upgraded the MultiPlus Compact 24/1200/25 to the latest firmware that I could find for my model. From reference to the firmware downloads in Victron Energy - Victron Professional and from reference to numbering in https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/manual-VE.Bus-firmware-versions-explained-EN.pdf I identified and updated as follows

Existing MultiPlus Compact 24/1200/25 firmware (from label on CPU) was: 1917142.vfd

This should mean the MPC is an “older” model (19) with a “small” CPU, and that the current f/w version was 142

The latest version of firmware I could find for installation was 209 so I have now used VE Flash to install that.

Following flash of the new firmware I could connect to the MPC using the Victron Connect App but not with full functionality; the VE.Config app was still needed to change most settings.

Apparently a f/w version of 415 or greater is required for the MPC to work with the Victron Connect App. but I could not find this on the Professional website?

From extensive reading of the Victron site before upgrading, I noted that I would have to use the Mains Monitor in the MultiPlus Compact and have already installed this. The VE.Bus connection from the MultiPlus Compact now goes first to the Mains Detector, then is looped out to the connection on the VE.Bus BMS V2. My existing Victron Digital Multi Control (DMC) panel is now connected to the VE.Bus BMS v2 directly instead of the MPC.

I have just discovered a paragraph in the VE.Bus BMS v2 Manual that states that a f/w version of 415 or greater is also required to work with the MPC so where do I get that?

Until now, I only read that I would need to install the BMS Assistant in these older models of MPC.

The web page for the BMS states “The VE.Bus BMS V2 is a Battery Management System (BMS) designed to interface with and protect a single, or multiple Victron Lithium Battery Smart 12,8V & 25,6V (LiFePO4 or LFP) in systems that have Victron inverters or inverter/chargers with VE.Bus” it says nothing about a particular version of the VE.Bus.

2

209 is the last FW for the old processor, you can’t upgrade to 4XX.

Not sure but I think with the old processor you have to use the old VE.Bus BMS V1.

From the manual:

If it is not possible to update the inverter/chargers or inverters to a VE.Bus firmware version xxxx415 or higher the VE.Bus BMS V2 cannot be used.

3

@EAT I got confirmation that the VE.Bus BMS V2 can’t be used with devices with the small processor.

You have to switch the BMS to the old V1 or the MultiPlus to a new one with the new processor.

Edit: You also could ask you next Victron distributor for a replacement control PCB with the new processor and you would get access to FW 4XX and higher.

4

Hi Matthias, thanks for the prompt attention and clarification.
I know now that it’s buried in the MK2 manual but it’s a pity Victron don’t make and update a compatibility chart where all products old/new are listed showing what works together and what does not:)

Anyway, just to confirm, I believe you suggest the following as a working solution:

Switch BMS to the VE.Bus BMS v1
Do I still need to run the VE.Bus Assistant on the MultiPlus Compact?
Assume the v1 also comes with a Mains Detector that should be wired into the MultiPlus Compact the same as for v2 BMS ?

With above I am them hoping that the VE.Bus BMS v1 will control the MultiPlus Compact over the VE.Bus (despite old firmware) enabling/disabling charging/inverter functions based on LIFEPO4 battery status ?

Cheers, Ian

5

The VE.Bus BMS assistant is needed for all FW below 489.

The mains detector is included and needed.

That’s what the BMS is for.

6

Thanks for help/clarifications.
v1 unit on order.
Pity the V2 does not have two modes to support old VE.Bus protocols and new VE.Bus protocols. Physical layer must be the same.
Anyway, I hopefully have a workable solution now:)