You are pointing out the lack of functionality that Apple users are familiar with. However, I wonder why VictronConnect can not just access the Multiplus charge settings through Bluetooth using the VE Smart Dongle the same way you would access a BlueSolar MPPT with a VE Smart Dongle. I don’t expect that access to full programmability would be an option but at least what is available for an MPPT would be nice.
A user could access and adjust charge settings on the fly with very little “fiddling” around required by the other options.
I would agree that using VRM or a laptop or android with MK3 are great options having the same quick and easy access via VictronConnect would be fantastic and seems like an obvious solution.
Fair enough about Apple, and to be equally fair, the same goes for, say, Windows in not allowing BT connections via VictronConnect to Smart devices while Apple laptops will work… every manufacturer has their flaws.
I do argue, however, that the danger in allowing BT access to programmability of VE.Bus devices far outweighs the inconvenience of requiring a small set of specialized tools. The number of times an owner hasn’t bothered to change their BT PIN on an MPPT, and their neighbor (accidentally or otherwise) connected to their MPPT and changed its settings, resulting in overcharging or other system error… magnify the effect of that scenario by a hundred in the case of a VE.Bus device and an accident such as that could result in property damage or actual death that no amount of saved inconvenience could possibly justify.
Apparently its just a disagreement between the maintainers and the device makers, at the very least its a “difference” of opinion and how different MVPS sell their unique products. I’ve heard the conspiracy that its an injection method and feature, but I’ve not gone down the rabbit hole.
Alluded to what I assume to be the fix here, at least it allows me to pair my super-b batteries via bluetooth or other devices to my cerbo…
Im not quite sure if its literally every where but AFAIK if Torwalds does it like this, most systems will default to it. Just by example. And it might not even be him, it might be some other maintainer somewhere who is really scared if they don’t do things this way they may destroy humanity. It will at least work for Nordic and dialog chipsets
I would hate to lose the BT option because some users aren’t responsible with their PIN. It would be “nanny state” behavior for Victron to remove the feature to “protect” users who can’t manage their devices. I am guessing this is a reason Victron smart devices are coming with unique BT PINs now instead of the default 000000. Seems like this solves the issue.
I feel I am getting very lost in trying to understand the content of many of the postings. However when I started with my replacement inverter with a Victron system I knew nothing but now know quite a bit and in the fullness of time will get to understand more. My MK3 arrived yesterday but have not plugged it in yet to try. I have powered up the Cerbo with a 12V battery to check out it works and to have look see the menu and settings on the touch screen. I had made up the ET112 cable and confirmed that was working and also my internet connection. I had not connected up the internet when I 1st powered up the Cerbo and was very surprised to see it displayed the correct date and time was about 3 mins out. Where on earth had it picked that up? I found ESS assistant in the menu on the Cerbo but I need to install it it seems. What software do I need to use do I need both Connect and VE configure.
Sorry, we can get a little off topic in our opinions sometimes.
Both VictronConnect or VEConfigure can do the job. If you aren’t going to be using Virtual Assistant or setting up any relay programming I would suggest VictronConnect. The user interface is simpler and more pleasant to use.
After much deliberation I have decided to take up the offer from the supplier of my gear to remotely configure it. I could not take the chance of possibly making an error and that set me back. It is nearly 2.5 months since I lost the previous inverter and I have spent a lot of time on it. My leccy bill has shot up as well so need to get back on stream hopefully this week.
Thank you all for your inputs.