Current status:
I’ve updated the firmware on all devices, including the Multiplus, using the MK3-USB interface. However, the VE.Bus BMS V2 is not recognized — not via MK3, not over Bluetooth, and not by the Cerbo GX. It doesn’t show up in the device list, which also means I can’t update its firmware or configure it further.
Some additional observations:
In the Cerbo GX’s battery monitor setup, I can only select the Multiplus or the SmartShunt — there’s no option for the BMS. Shouldn’t it appear as well?
My questions:
Has anyone built a similar system in a van/RV and successfully integrated the VE.Bus BMS V2 and know how to solve this?
An Additional Question: I connected Smart Shunt, Orion-XS and the MPPTs via Ve.Network, do I still need to connect them using VE.Direct cables for proper data transmission to the Cerbo GX? In my initial tests, without VE.Direct, the Cerbo GX does not show values — or could this be a missed setting?
Is there a step-by-step guide available for setting up the Cerbo GX with a Smart Lithium battery and VE.Bus BMS V2?
I’m fairly new to the Victron ecosystem and would really appreciate any advice, insights, or example configurations you can share(Englisch or German ).
The VE Bus BMS mk2 (the BMS) does not provide any battery information so it is not visible as a battery monitor.
Do not use a Bluetooth VE Smart Network, the Cerbo does to take part in this, you need VE Direct cables and you should turn off the VE Smart Networking. You need the VE Direct cables for the BMS & Cerbo to shut the chargers down if required.
Can.you see the Multiplus in the Cerbo GX, if you can then the BMS should be in the comms loop as long as you have wired it per manual, Multiplus to the BMS then to the Cerbo.
Just to confirm, is it okay that the SmartShunt IP65 300A is selected as the battery monitor in the Cerbo GX?
Also, how can I update the firmware of the VE.Bus BMS V2? Unfortunately, I cannot see the BMS via Bluetooth or through the MK3 interface. I’ve already read through the manual, but couldn’t find any helpful instructions on this issue. Its also not listed in the VRM Device List.
Thanks for the clarification, I’ll connect the SmartShunt via VE.Direct.
Since I’m running out of VE.Direct ports on the Cerbo GX, can I use a VE.Direct to USB cable as an alternative?
Yes
Thank you again, but as mentioned, that part didn’t really address my questions.
@Sven can you confirm that you did enable that setting and now the system works so I have the info for future. I use a different Victron BMS so do not know the VE Bus BMS in detail.
@pwfarnel and @M_Lange I have one additional question:
Which of the following wiring setups would you recommend?
Option A: Battery → BMS → Main Switch Option B: Battery → Main Switch → BMS
Sometimes my camper sits unused for over a month, and I want to avoid any self-discharge during that time. Ideally, the system should be completely shut off.
In normal operation the consumption is 10mA, so per month that will be 7Ah for 3% of your battery capacity, which is the published self consumption of the batteries. If you use the remote on / off switch on the BMS then the consumption is 1.5mA so much smaller, is this an issue. It certainly makes restarting the system easier as the BMS can be woken up first before turning everything else on.
Personally, I leave my boat with the BMS, solar, Cerbo & Router running along with GPS, temperature and bilge alarms so I know what it is doing, solar keeps up with the demand.
).
