I was thinking of getting one of these devices to set up my Multiplus and MPPT, now I am getting close to completing the install. I watched a VE video by Guy Stewart and am somewhat put off by mention for use Victron qualified installers, and the need for a password. My philosophy is if you don’t go you will never know, but wonder if this time I should leave it to someone else.
Its not bad at all. Just get good guidance on setting up the parameters. And this will allow you to make adjustments in the future if needed. There is info all over the place. I recommend Nate with Explorist.life’s instructions for a simple set up. How to Program a Victron Multiplus/Quattro - EXPLORIST.life
The VictronConnect app for desktop, compared to VEConfig is a little simpler interface and doesn’t allow some of the more advanced programming that may get a novice in trouble.
you can do this.
As far as i can remember the only thing needing a password is changing the gridcode once its been set a first time. But also that is not really a secret. Where did you encounter a password?
Victron has a bunch of information on their professional page, and offers free trainings. But many things can be done by reading the various manuals. Sometimes its a bit complicated to know which information is in which manual (MP, ESS, VictronConnect or GX?) but the info is all there
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Short answer: first point of order is to thoroughly disassemble every bit of gear you procure, then rebuild and test and only read the manual in case of magic smoke. Shorter awnser buy either the mk3 or the cheapest Cerbo GX version you can find with an integrated mk3
Yes, you need a password to program a Multiplus. Its . Trust me I program these all the time. You can do it.
GX with integrated MK3? Did I miss something?
Even me I never heard that. Nearest is to use a Cerbo instead of an MK3. I don’t know if that trick works or is any different from VE Remote Configure. I’ve never tried it as I have an MK3.
Remote Configure! I have never tried it. You Basically do all the same work as you would programming on VEConfigure but upload the file to through VRM.
Sounds like way more work.
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I installed VE Configure to set up my two Phoenix 5kVA inverters in parallel. Couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was. Run VE configure. Switch on Master inverter. Switch on slave. Took 5 seconds. Very impressed.
The mk3-usb dongle is rather pricy for just a dongle. The Victron Cerbo GX has it build in. That makes it economically unattractive to build your own VenusOS OS solution with a rPI because you’d still need to buy a separate mk3-usb dongle as well.
I use it all the time, even when sitting right nect to the system. Feels much easier to use to me, the Mk3 is collecting dust in a drawer
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Just use the VRM, works well to configure the MP / Quattros using Remote Configure.
Download the configuration, amend it locally with the tool, and then upload it.
No need to use a MK3 - USB.
Not without a Cerbo GX or rPI connected with MK3-usb
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Yes will look at Explorist think Nate is great at explaing he has put a lot of thought to what what he says and how to present it.
The issue I run into in many of my installations is not everyone chooses or can afford a system with a Cerbo and all it involves. I install systems in RVs from very basic to the lower level of advanced. Often there is just a Multiplus with a VE Direct Dongle to access it through bluetooth. Similarly I do support and service on these systems and need to be able to plug right in to the inverter. In these scenarios I just plug in the MK3 and access the settings.
The MK3 is only $60.00 retail. Not a huge investment considering a Multiplus 3000 retails for over $1100.00. I guess it depends on your relative perspective on what is “pricey”.
I am getting more confused now that the Cerbo has been thrown into the discussion. Section 5.1 of the manual mentions the standard settings (default values) that are already preprogrammed into the inverter and these are that settings as I understand it are what are changed via the MK3 interface. The progaramming via the Cerbo, again as I see it, is for the setting of the whole system in how one wants to operate it. I still need to understand it as I have not read throught the explanation of the settings properly but what I have got the impression of is that I do not need to add or alter many of the default values. One I definately need to enter is the AC current limit so as to match what the supply can provide. So if the Cerbo can access and allow the changes to the default values I guess one does not need a MK3 interface? So can it?
I think it is important to understand what the long term requirement is. I use a Cerbo GX on my boat with my Quattro as it allows remote access via the VRM with full configuration of my kit. It also shows the level of my fresh water tank, both fuel tank levels, voltages of the various batteries on board as well as monitoring the temperature and humidity in the cabins using Ruuvi devices.
It also interfaces with the NMEA 2000 network used by other equipment on the boat.
I also use Node-Red running on the Cerbo to monitor and switch on kit remotely, i.e dehumidifier, or to start to charge the starter batteries when we have sufficient solar power spare.
So for me the expense of a Cerbo GX justified itself.
For a simple MP 2 type installation, with no ‘extras’ the cost of the MK3 should be regarded as one of the parts you need to purchase, just like fuses, required to install the inverter / charger.
At home I use a RPI3, so I do have a MK3 to connect it to my MP 2. I had a RPI, with a CAN bus HAT for the battery, spare so used it, otherwise I would have bought a Cerbo, alongside the cost of MP2, battery, MPPT chargers and extra PV panels for this project the cost of the MK3 was insignificant.
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For general electronics, my price perspective is based on material cost + margin. The ROM cost base of practically all electronics devices can be estimated based on their weight. But that little device is priced as if it is made of pure gold, hence pricy.
You could home brew a device, it is a TTL-USB adapter, but with additional isolation to provide additional protection.
Gold is $5280.00 per ounce right now. The MK3-USB-C weighs about 3.5 ounces. That would make it worth over $18,000 by your estimate. 