Ve.smart networking through Ve.direct?

DIY
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1

Hello,

I have a system where various devices are connected to the Cerbo GX via VE.Direct and VE.Can. I have added a Bluetooth Smart Battery Sense to monitor the thruster battery, which is located far from the main unit. Unfortunately, the Cerbo GX is unable to connect to this unit or the VE.Smart network. I believe this is a significant limitation of the system. The sensor works fine with the mobile app, but this is not the solution I was hoping for.

To address this, I created a local Bluetooth network using VE.Smart networking and added a Smart Shunt to it. The Smart Shunt is connected to the Cerbo GX via VE.Direct. When I connect to the Smart Shunt using the mobile app, I can see the Smart Battery Sense listed among the devices. However, on the Cerbo GX dashboard/console, the Smart Battery Sense does not appear in the list.

I expected it to be visible there. Otherwise, what is the purpose of the VE.Smart network? Please let me know if I am missing something.
Finally, I will integrate this setup with the Node-RED app I have developed, that’s nice.

2

VE.Smart network is intended for systems without a GX device, as is explained in the manual. Is the smartshunt connected to the bow thruster battery? You can add a temp sensor to it and you should be covered and not need the smart battery sense.

1 Like
3

No, smart battery sense is working on services battery, i have used this unit on same ve.smart networking. Accessing to device in this network i’m expect to see connected devices, but is not true.
In any case smart battery sense is mainly used for voltage, not for temperature.

4

Note sure where you got the idea from.

It is not mentioned in the manual as working like that.
It shares information on the network between devices - it does not share information to the app through one device.

While reading the manual check out limitations mentioned.
Why do you need both shunt and SBS?

5

“Ok, what is the sense of Ve.lan if data are shared but not visible from the app? From which device or application can they be monitored?”

6

BT is local yes. For basic checking with victron connect.
For more serious networking and control wired is more reliable.

It is really about what the product oriogional design intention is.
The SBS was designed for networking with no gx.
Shunts now are more for the wired networks. (Or those more serious abou SOC). And most of them have the option to either minitor a second battery or temperature as needed.