Just purchased a SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 in order to upgrade the total PV wattage/output for my RV and tempted to get a Victron Energy SmartShunt IP65 Battery Monitor (300 amp) as well, in order to more accurately understand the battery capacity/drain. Whilst I understand that I can probably monitor both Victron devices via the Victron App, would it make more sense to connect the VE Direct comms between the two devices so that the Battery monitor can keep the Controller informed, or is that irrelevant? I’m assuming that would make the MPPT a little more aware of the battery statis (VE.Direct) and then perhaps there is only one device to monitor in the App?
The two devices cannot “talk” to each other over VE.Direct (they’re both TX devices, no RX) so bluetooth is the way to go.
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Fab, that’s a pretty clear answer. Thanks.
So I realise then, that I can review each device via the app, but are we saying that the shunt can offer info to the controller via a Bluetooth network link?
Yes, that’s called VE.Smart Networking, here’s the manual: VE.Smart Networking
There will still be two devices in the app, and you’ll still connect to both of them individually, but the shunt can share real battery voltage with the controller, battery temperature (if you have a temperature sensor connected to the shunt) and etc.
Thanks for confirming what I’d suspected, but couldn’t quite be sure of. Much appreciated. I’ll look at getting the shunt when funds allow.
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