We have recently purchased and will be installing ourselves :
VICTRON MULTIPLUS II 48/3000
VICTRON SMARTSOLAR MPPT
Which will be connected with a battery GOBEL 48/5000WH
I have read that for the proper communication of the units between themselves and the panels that we require a VICTRON GX device or we will run into many problems. Our dealer has told us it is not necessary. Can someone please tell me if this is absolutely necessary?
Thnks on advance!
It is not absolutely necessary, but if you want an efficient, accurate, manageable and customisable system you need one.
It would be throwing away a lot of the value Victron offers while saving a small amount.
The measurements will also not be accurate as you don’t even have a shunt or a means to make it communicate between devices.
Wouldn’t be a particularly good idea. Your supplier needs a good reminder about what it does.
If you are on grid it is necessary. Off grid a little less so of everything is programmed right.
If you like data and keeping an eye on your investment, it is definitely worth it.
Even if you don’t get it immediately. Make it an item on your wish list. You will love it.
it is definitely necessary
Could you return the Multiplus / Swap it to a Multiplus GX?
Otherwise get the Cerbo
Twice the price. No can do.
Sorry, yes, forgot to mention we are off grid. Mountain lot, temps can sometimes dip below zero.
It is definitely not necessary, but life will suck a little more without a GX device. Even without an Internet connection to enable use of VRM, it’s still nice to have a single pane of glass to see the behavior of the entire system. Put an SD card in the GX to log data and when you go to the cabin you can use your smartphone as a hotspot to allow the Cerbo to upload all of that data to the VRM cloud. You can do that each time you go if you don’t maintain a constant internet connection. I’d recommend at least a slow cellular or Starlink data plan to keep tabs on the cabin remotely.
but then the MP2 can´t speak with the GOBEL 48/5000WH nor the MPPT
Would be a strange setup - just to save this 150€
I agree with you. They could use a SmartShunt or BMV instead and forego closed-loop communication, but that would be dumb, too. But strictly speaking, a GX device isn’t absolutely necessary. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to pick a fight. I just wanted to set the record straight for anyone else who might see this discussion in the future 