I just acquired a 2024 Airstream Basecamp and I’d like to make a couple of small upgrades to the solar charging. It has a BlueSolar MPPT 150/35, an MPPT Control on the wall, and traditional flooded cell batteries.
I’d like to (1) add a shunt for better monitoring of the state of charge of the batteries, and (2) add bluetooth app access to the system (MPPT + shunt), and (3) continue to have a controller on the wall.
I’m looking at the BMV-712 Smart because it includes a shunt, gives me bluetooth for the app, and it looks like it can replace the MPPT Control on the wall.
My question is, if I replace the MPPT Control on the wall with the BMV-712 Smart display, will it still give me access to MPPT data and functionality, or does it only interact with the shunt? It looks like it can be connected to the MPPT using VE.Direct (plus the RJ12 connection to the shunt), so I’m hoping it retains access to the MPPT-related functionality.
No; the BMV-712 has a similar display head chassis that the MPPT Control has, but it doesn’t replace it. The BMV-712 cannot be connected to your MPPT via VE.Direct, the BMV-712 VE.Direct port is only for connection to a system aggregator like a Cerbo or other GX device.
Got it. I’m very glad I asked. I’m not sure yet how long I plan to keep this trailer, so investing in a GX device and display seems like overkill at this juncture.
So maybe my best first step would be to get a SmartShunt and interact with it via the VictronConnect app on my iPhone. I would continue to use the MPPT Connect display on the wall to interact with the MPPT.
As a possible second step, what about replacing the BlueSolar MPPT with the equivalent SmartSolar version? That would give me aggregated control of both devices via VictronConnect, and would still leave me with a functional MPPT Control display on the wall (rather than a hole I would need to cover). Do I have that right?
Upgrading to a Smartsolar will give you bluetooth connectivity however it wont be any different than just adding the VE. Direct dongle like @Justin suggested. The only advantage is what you are suggesting with keeping the MPPT control.
The most economical way to do what you want would be to add the VE. Direct bluetooth dongle and install a Smartshunt. This will give you access to both devices through Victron Connect on your phone. You will be able to monitor and adjust settings there. You can also network the two units within the app.
I would suggest looking into adding a Cerbo as an option though. The advantages are many and it will future proof you if you do decide to add other Victron components or batteries with Victron communication in the future. It may not be as expensive as you think since you won’t have to replace your MPPT.
For interfacing with the Cerbo you don’t necessarily need a touch screen. You can access the Cerbo with a smartphone using remote console, or through the VRM app if you have it connected to internet. Or you can convert an Android device to your dedicated GX screen. Check out that option here. Android GX WiFi Display
One last idea is install an Ekrano GX. Its the touch screen and GX device in one. Then you would just connect your BlueSmart and SmartShunt directly to the Ekrano via VE Direct cables.