Manual Cerbo GX EN PDF
Manual Cerbo GX EN PDF
Cerbo GX Manual
Cerbo GX Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.1. What is the Cerbo GX? ..................................................................................................... 4
1.2. What's in the box? ........................................................................................................... 4
2. Installation .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1. Overview of connections .................................................................................................... 5
2.2. Power ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.3. GX Touch Screen ............................................................................................................ 6
2.4. Connecting Victron products ............................................................................................... 8
2.4.1. Multis/Quattros/Inverters (VE.Bus products) ................................................................... 8
2.4.2. Battery Monitor BMV-700 series; and MPPTs with a VE.Direct port ......................................... 9
2.4.3. Skylla-i, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, Lynx Ion + Shunt and MPPTs with a VE.Can port .......................... 9
2.4.4. BMV-600 series .................................................................................................. 10
2.4.5. DC Link box ...................................................................................................... 10
2.4.6. VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter ...................................................................... 10
2.5. NMEA Tank senders from other manufacturers ........................................................................ 10
2.6. Connecting a PV Inverter ................................................................................................. 10
2.7. Connecting a USB GPS .................................................................................................. 11
2.8. Connecting a Fischer Panda Generator ................................................................................ 11
2.9. Connecting NMEA 2000 tank senders .................................................................................. 11
2.10. Connecting IMT Solar Irradiance, Temperature and Wind Speed Sensors ....................................... 11
2.10.1. Data Visualisation - VRM ..................................................................................... 15
2.11. Connecting Temperature Sensors ...................................................................................... 16
2.12. Connecting Tank Level Sensors ........................................................................................ 16
3. Internet connectivity ................................................................................................................. 17
3.1. Ethernet LAN port ......................................................................................................... 17
3.2. Wi-Fi ........................................................................................................................ 17
3.3. GX GSM .................................................................................................................... 18
3.4. Mobile (cellular) network using a 3G or 4G router ..................................................................... 18
3.5. USB tethering using a mobile phone .................................................................................... 18
3.6. IP Configuration ........................................................................................................... 19
3.7. Connecting both Ethernet and Wi-Fi (failover) ......................................................................... 19
3.8. Minimize internet traffic ................................................................................................... 19
3.9. More information about setting up an internet connection and VRM ................................................ 20
4. Accessing the GX device ........................................................................................................... 21
4.1. Using VictronConnect via Bluetooth ..................................................................................... 21
4.2. Accessing via the built-in WiFi Access Point ........................................................................... 24
4.3. Accessing Remote Console via the local LAN/WiFi Network ........................................................ 25
4.3.1. Alternative methods to find the IP Address for Remote Console .......................................... 25
4.4. Accessing via VRM ........................................................................................................ 27
5. Configuration ......................................................................................................................... 29
5.1. Menu structure and configurable parameters .......................................................................... 29
5.2. Battery State of Charge (SOC) .......................................................................................... 33
5.2.1. Which device should I use for SOC calculation? ............................................................ 33
5.2.2. The different solutions explained in detail .................................................................... 33
5.2.3. Notes on SOC ................................................................................................... 34
5.2.4. Selecting SOC source .......................................................................................... 34
5.2.5. Details on VE.Bus SOC ........................................................................................ 36
5.3. Customize the logo on the Boat & Motorhome page .................................................................. 36
6. Updating GX Firmware .............................................................................................................. 37
6.1. Via internet or with microSD-card/USB-stick ........................................................................... 37
6.2. Direct download from the internet ....................................................................................... 37
6.3. MicroSD-card or USB-stick ............................................................................................... 37
6.4. Changelog .................................................................................................................. 38
7. VE.Bus Inverter/charger monitoring ............................................................................................... 39
7.1. Input current-limiter setting ............................................................................................... 39
7.2. Phase rotation warning ................................................................................................... 40
7.3. Grid failure monitoring .................................................................................................... 41
7.4. Advanced menu ........................................................................................................... 42
8. DVCC - Distributed Voltage and Current Control ................................................................................ 43
8.1. Introduction and features ................................................................................................. 43
8.2. DVCC Requirements ...................................................................................................... 44
8.3. DVCC effects on the charge algorithm .................................................................................. 44
8.4. DVCC features for all systems ........................................................................................... 45
8.4.1. Limit charge current ............................................................................................. 45
8.4.2. Shared Voltage Sense (SVS) .................................................................................. 45
8.4.3. Shared Temperature Sense (STS) ............................................................................ 46
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Cerbo GX Manual
1. Introduction
There is an optional touch screen accessory for the Cerbo GX called the GX Touch.
Monitoring of the system can be done either with the Cerbo GX in front of you - or from anywhere in the world using an internet
connection and the VRM Portal.
The Cerbo GX also provides Remote firmware updates and allows settings to be Changed Remotely.
The Cerbo GX is part of the GX product family. GX products are Victron's state-of-the-art monitoring solution that run our Ve-
nus OS operating system.
All the information in this manual refers to the latest software. You can check your device has the latest version in the Firmware
menu [29] when the GX device is connected to the internet. For installations without internet, you can find the latest version in
Victron Professional.
• Cerbo GX device
• Power cable with inline fuse and M8 terminal eyes for battery or DC busbar-attachment.
• VE.Can terminators (2 pcs)
• Terminal Blocks for all the connectors on each side.
• Watch this Video for an unboxing and overview of the interfaces.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/3wheKaU2_qw
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2. Installation
Networking
Modbus TCP,
Internet connectivity VRM &
Remote
Support
Internet router
3 x VE.Direct ports
3 x USB ports
GX GSM
RS485 to USB interface Digital Multi Control GX
USB hubs
WIFI dongles
Keyboard
VE.Can RJ-45 USB GPS modules
USB memory
VE.Can RJ-45
VE.Can VE.Bus RJ-45
terminator
BMS-Can Cable Type A or B
500 kbps
Managed Battery BMS
Multi
CAN MultiPlus
Victron Compatible Battery Management Systems
MultiPlus-II
Quattro
VE.Bus Phoenix Inverter
2.2. Power
The device is powered by using the Power in V+ connector. It accepts 8 to 70 V DC. The device will not power itself from any of
the other connections (eg network). The supplied DC power cable includes an inline 3.15 A slow blow fuse.
When the Cerbo GX is used in an installation with a VE.Bus BMS, connect the Power in V+ on the Cerbo GX to the terminal
labelled 'Load disconnect' on the VE.Bus BMS. Connect both negative leads to the negative stub of a common Battery.
A Cautionary word about Powering from the AC-out terminal of a VE.Bus Inverter, Multi or Quattro:
If you power the Cerbo GX from an AC adaptor connected to the AC-out port of any VE.Bus product (Inverter, Multi or Quattro),
then a deadlock will occur after the VE.Bus products are powered-down for any reason (after any operational fault or during a
black start). The VE.Bus devices will not boot-up until the Cerbo GX has power …but the Cerbo GX will not boot-up until it has
power. This deadlock can be rectified by briefly unplugging the Cerbo GX VE.Bus cable at which point you will observe the
VE.Bus products will immediately begin to boot-up.
Or a modification can be done to the RJ45 cabling. See FAQ Q20 [67]for more information about this.
Isolation
Because the Cerbo GX is connected to many different products, please ensure that proper care is taken with isolation to prevent
ground loops. In 99% of installations this will not be a problem.
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Although the number of USB ports can be extended by using a hub, there is a limit to the amount of power that the onboard USB
port can provide. When extending the number of USB ports, we recommend you always use powered USB hubs. And to minimize
the chance of issues, be sure to use good-quality USB hubs. As Victron also offers a VE.Direct to USB adapter, you can use this
arrangement to increase the number of VE.Direct devices you can connect to your system, please see this document for the limit
of how many devices can be attached to various different GX devices.
The ports to connect these plugs are located on the top of the Cerbo GX. See Overview of connections diagram. [5]
No configuration is required. When the screen is connected, the device will automatically display the GX overview and menu con-
trols.
Display options are available in the Settings - Display and Language menu. You can set a time before the display turns off, or
enable adaptive brightness.
The screen is controlled by a finger tip. You can swipe to scroll up and down through the menus, and tap to make selections.
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It is possible to mount the GX Touch in several different ways, using the included bracket frames.
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Cerbo GX Manual
The earliest version of the VE.Bus devices which can be connected to the Cerbo GX is 19xx111 or 20xx111, which were released
in 2007. VE.Bus firmware 26xxxxx and 27xxxxx are also supported …but 18xxxxx is not.
Note that it is not possible to use the Remote On/Off (header on the VE.Bus control PCB) in combination with a Cerbo GX. There
should be wire between the left and middle terminal, as it is when shipped from the factory. In case a wired switch that disables
the system is required, use the Safety Switch Assistant.
To connect a single VE.Bus product, connect it to one of the VE.Bus sockets on the back of the Cerbo GX. Both sockets are
identical, use either one. Use a standard RJ45 UTP cable, see our pricelist.
To connect multiple VE.Bus products, configured as a parallel, split-phase or three phase VE.Bus system, connect either the first
or the last VE.Bus product in the chain to either one of the VE.Bus sockets on the back of the Cerbo GX. Use a standard RJ45
UTP cable, see our pricelist.
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• Connect the Cerbo GX to the socket labelled ‘MultiPlus/Quattro’, or to one of the Multis/Quattros in the system. Do not connect
it to the Remote panel socket on the VE.Bus BMS.
• Note that it will not be possible to control the On/Off/Charger Only switch. This option is automatically disabled in the Cerbo GX
menu when a VE.Bus BMS is used. The only way to control a Multi or Quattro when used with a VE.Bus BMS is to add a Digital
Multi Control to the system. Setting the input current limit is possible in systems with a VE.Bus BMS.
• Combining MultiPlus/Quattro with a VE.Bus BMS and a Digital Multi Control is possible. Simply connect the Digital Multi Control
to the RJ-45 socket on the VE.Bus BMS labelled Remote panel.
• To allow auto-power-down in the Cerbo GX in case of a low battery, make sure the Cerbo GX is powered via the VE.Bus BMS:
connect Power in V+ on the Cerbo GX to Load disconnect on the VE.Bus BMS. And connect both negative leads to the nega-
tive stub of a common Battery.
It is possible to connect both a Cerbo GX and a Digital Multi control to a VE.Bus system. The ability to switch the product On, Off
or set it to Charger Only via the Cerbo GX will be disabled. The same applies to the input current limit: when there is a Digital
Multi Control in the system, the input current limit which is set at that control panel will be the master-setting, and changing it on
the Cerbo GX will not be possible.
Only one VE.Bus system can be connected to the VE.Bus ports on the back of the Cerbo GX. The professional way to to monitor
more systems is to add a second Cerbo GX
If you do require to connect more than one system to the same Cerbo GX, use an MK3-USB. Functionality will be limited:
• Only the system connected to the built-in VE.Bus ports is used to generate the data on the Overview pages.
• All connected systems will be visible on the Device-list
• All connected systems will be taken into account for Energy consumption and distribution calculations (kWh graphs on VRM)
• Only the system connected to the built-in VE.Bus ports is used for the Generator start/stop logic
• In case of an ESS system, only the system connected to the built-in VE.Bus ports is used in the ESS mechanisms. The other
one is displayed in the device list only.
Alternatively the VE.Bus to VE.Can interface (ASS030520105) can be used. Add one for each additional system. Note that we
advise against it; this interface is a deprecated product. Make sure that the VE.Can network is terminated and powered. For pow-
ering the VE.Can network, see Q17 in our data communication whitepaper.
2.4.2. Battery Monitor BMV-700 series; and MPPTs with a VE.Direct port
Direct connection via a VE.Direct cable is limited to the number of VE.Direct ports on the device (see Overview of Connections
[5]). There are two types of VE.Direct cable available:
VE.Direct cables have a maximum length of 10 metres. It is not possible to extend them. If longer lengths are required, use a
VE.Direct to USB adapter with an active USB extension cable.
It is also possible to use the VE.Direct to VE.Can interface, but note that this only works for BMV-700 and BMV-702. Not for the
BMV-712, MPPT solar chargers and Inverters with a VE.Direct port. See next paragraph for more information on that VE.Can
interface.
Connecting more VE.Direct devices to your Cerbo GX than number of VE.Direct Ports
First of all, note that the maximum of VE.Direct devices that can be connected, regardless of the interface is limited. How they are
connected, either direct, via USB or via CAN, does not change the maximum. See here for the maximum connected device limits.
Select the correct GX device for the number of connected devices required by the system.
• Option 1: Use the VE.Direct to USB interface. The Cerbo GX has built-in USB ports (see Overview of Connections [5]). Use a
USB-hub when additional USB ports are required.
• Option 2: The BMV-700 and BMV-702 can also be connected using the VE.Direct to VE.Can interface. Note that the BMV-712,
MPPTs and VE.Direct Inverters cannot be connected using this CAN-bus interface as it does not translate the data into CAN-
bus messages. When using the VE.Direct to VE.Can interface, make sure that the VE.Can network is terminated, and also
powered. For powering the VE.Can network, see Q17 in our data communication whitepaper.
• An MPPT 70/15 needs to be from year/week 1308 or later. Earlier 70/15s are not compatible with the Cerbo GX , and unfortu-
nately upgrading the MPPT firmware will not help. To find the year/week number of your model, look for the serial number
which is printed on a label on its back. For example number HQ1309DER4F means 2013, week 09.
2.4.3. Skylla-i, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, Lynx Ion + Shunt and MPPTs with a VE.Can port
To connect a product with a VE.Can port, use a standard RJ45 UTP cable. (Available with straight and elbow connectors)
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Don't forget to terminate the VE.Can network at both ends using a VE.Can terminator. A bag with two terminators is supplied with
each VE.Can product. They are also available separately.
Other notes:
1. In order to work with the Cerbo GX an MPPT 150/70 needs run firmware v2.00 or newer.
2. You can combine a Skylla-i control panel with a Cerbo GX.
3. You can combine a Ion Control panel with a Cerbo GX.
4. The Skylla-i, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, Lynx Ion + Shunt and the MPPTs with a VE.Can port all power the VE.Can network …so it
won't be necessary to power the VE.Can network separately in these circumstances. All the protocol converters - for example
the VE.Bus to VE.Can interface; and the BMV to VE.Can interface, do not power the VE.Can network.
To connect a product with a VE.Can port, use a standard RJ45 UTP cable.
Don't forget to terminate the VE.Can network on both ends using a VE.Can terminator. A bag with two terminators is supplied with
each VE.Can product. They are also available separately (ASS030700000). (Available with straight or elbow connectors.)
Make sure that the CAN-bus is powered, see the Power chapter in the Tank Sender Adapter manual for details.
• The NMEA 2000 device class 'General', 80 and function 'Sensor', 170
• The NMEA 2000 device class 'Sensors', 75 and function 'Fluid Level', 150
For some tank senders it is also possible to configure the capacity and the fluid type from the Cerbo GX - for example the Mare-
tron TLA100. This facility may be available with other senders made by other manufacturers - it's well-worth trying.
To connect an NMEA 2000 network to the VE.Can port on the Cerbo GX , use a VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable.
Alternatively, instead of a VE.Can to NMEA 2000, you can use a 3802 cable from Oceanic Systems: https://osukl.com/ve-can-
adaptor/. The difference is that it lends itself well to connecting a single NMEA 2000 device into a VE.Can network. It's also able
to power a lower voltage NMEA 2000 network directly from a 48V Victron system.
Direct connections
Using a meter For PV Inverters that cannot be interfaced digitally, a meter can be used:
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Victron does not sell USB-GPS, but the Cerbo GX will support third-party GPS modules which use the NMEA0183 command-set -
almost all do. It can communicate at both 4800 and 38400 baud rates. Plug the unit into either of the two USB sockets …connec-
tion may take a few minutes, but the Cerbo GX will automatically recognize the GPS. The unit's location will automatically be sent
to the VRM online portal and its position shown on the map.
For some tank senders it is also possible to configure the capacity and the fluid type on the GX Device - for example the Maretron
TLA100. This facility may be available with other senders made by other manufacturers - it's well-worth trying.
To connect an NMEA 2000 network to the VE.Can port on the Cerbo GX , use a VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable.
Alternatively, instead of a VE.Can to NMEA 2000, you can use a 3802 cable from Oceanic Systems: https://osukl.com/ve-can-
adaptor/. The difference is that it lends itself well to connecting a single NMEA 2000 device into a VE.Can network. It's also able
to power a lower voltage NMEA 2000 network directly from a 48V Victron system.
• Maretron TLA100
• Navico Fluid Level Sensor Fuel-0 PK, partno. 000-11518-001. Note that this sender requires a 12V powered NMEA 2000 net-
work; it breaks when connected to a 24V-powered NMEA 2000 network. And note that you need a Navico display to configure
the Capacity, Fluid type, and other parameters of the sensor.
Most likely others work as well. If you know of one working well, please edit this page -or- get in touch with us on Community ->
Modifications.
2.10. Connecting IMT Solar Irradiance, Temperature and Wind Speed Sensors
Compatibility
Ingenieurbüro Mencke & Tegtmeyer GmbH (IMT) offer a range of digital silicon irradiance sensor models within the Si-RS485 ser-
ies that are all compatible with a Victron GX device.
The optional/additional external module temperature, ambient temperature and wind speed sensors are also supported.
Optional/additional external sensors are either connected to the solar irradiance sensor with pre-installed plugs or pre-wired to the
solar irradiance sensor (external module and ambient temperature only). When external sensors are connected via an appropri-
ate solar irradiance sensor, all measurement data is transmitted to the Victron GX device with the single interface cable.
Each model solar irradiance sensor within Si-RS485 series has a different capability with regards to external sensors (or comes
with an external sensor pre-wired), so carefully consider any future desires/requirements before initial purchase.
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Cerbo GX Manual
It is also possible to connect an independent IMT Tm-RS485-MB module temperature sensor (visible as ‘cell temperature’) or IMT
Ta-ext-RS485-MB ambient temperature sensor (visible as ‘external temperature’) directly to the Victron GX device, without a solar
irradiance sensor or in addition to one.
Operation
The IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensors operate using RS485 electrical interface and Modbus RTU communication pro-
tocol.
The required interface software is pre-installed within the Venus OS, however the Victron GX device must be running recent firm-
ware - FW v2.40 is the minimum requirement.
Physical connection to the Vicron GX device is via USB port and requires a Victron RS485 to USB interface cable.
A suitable external DC power source (12 to 28 VDC) is also required - the sensor is NOT powered via USB.
Wiring Connections
The schematic in the installation guide below depicts the wiring configuration in a typical installation.
Wire connections
Installation Notes
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Cerbo GX Manual
The maximum DC power supply voltage permitted for the IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensor range is 28.0 VDC - ac-
cordingly for 24 V and 48 V battery banks/systems an appropriate Victron DC-DC converter (24/12, 24/24, 48/12 or 48/24) or AC-
DC adaptor must be utilised in the installation.
For 12 V battery banks/systems the IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensor range may be powered directly from the battery
bank and will continue to operate down to minimum voltage of 10.5 V (as measured at the sensor, account for voltage drop in the
cable).
For detailed wiring/installation notes and specifications refer to the IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensor 'Quick Reference
Guide' and Victron RS485 to USB interface cable ‘Datasheet’.
• Extension cabling complies with the minimum cross-sectional area specifications in the related table - dependent on DC supply
voltage and cable length
• Extension cabling has appropriate shielding and twisted pair cores
• The original cable attached to the Victron RS485 to USB interface is reduced to a maximum length of 20cm in installations
where the total cable length is over 10m or there are installation/site specific interference issues – in this case appropriate/high
quality cabling should be used for the entire cable length, rather than only for the extension length
• Cabling is installed separated/away from the main DC or AC power cabling
• All wiring is properly terminated (including unused wires) and properly isolated from weather/water ingress
• The sensor housing is not opened or tampered with during installation - as sealing integrity will be compromised (and warranty
void)
The IMT Si-RS485TC series solar irradiance sensor includes internal Galvanic Isolation (up to 1000V) between power supply and
RS485 Modbus circuits, accordingly the non-isolated Victron RS485 to USB interface is suitable for most installations.
However, if an isolated RS485 to USB interface is preferred the only compatible device is Hjelmslund Electronics USB485-
STIXL (any others type will not be recognised by the GX device).
Multiple Sensors
It is possible to connect multiple IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensors to a common Victron GX device, however a dedi-
cated Victron RS485 to USB interface is required for each individual unit.
Multiple units cannot be combined on a single interface (as this is not supported by the related Venus OS software).
Configuration
There is normally no need for any special/additional configuration – the default ‘as shipped’ configuration is compatible for com-
munication with a Victron GX device.
However, in cases where the IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensor has been previously used in another system and/or the
settings changed for any reason, it is necessary to restore the default configuration before further use.
To revise the configuration, download the IMT 'Si-MODBUS-Configuration software tool'. Follow the instructions in the IMT ‘Si
Modbus Configurator Documentation’. and check/update the following settings:
• MODBUS Address: 1
• Baud Rate: 9600
• Data Format: 8N1 (10 Bit)
For further support related to configuration of the IMT Si-RS485 Series irradiance sensors please contact IMT Solar directly.
Upon connection to the Victron GX device and power up the IMT Si-RS485 Series irradiance sensor will be automatically detec-
ted within a few minutes and appear in the 'Device List' menu.
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Within the ‘IMT Si-RS485 Series Solar Irradiance Sensor’ menu all available parameters will be automatically displayed (depend-
ent on the sensors connected) and update in real time.
Within the ‘Settings’ sub-menu it is possible to manually enable and disable any optional/additional external sensors that are con-
nected to the IMT Si-RS485 Series irradiance sensor.
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Data from all available sensor types will be automatically displayed in the graph. Individual sensors/parameters can also be disa-
bled/enabled by clicking on the sensor name/legend.
Temperature senders are not included. The required sensor is ASS000001000 - Temperature Sensor QUA/PMP/Venus GX.
The tank level inputs are resistive and should be connected to a resistive tank sender. Victron does not supply tank senders.
The tank level ports can each be configured to work with either European (0 - 180 Ohm); or US tank senders (240 - 30 Ohm).
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3. Internet connectivity
Connect the Cerbo GX to the internet to get all the advantages of the VRM Portal. The Cerbo GX sends data from all connected
products to the VRM portal - from where you can monitor energy usage, view the current status of connected products, config-
ure email alarms and download data in CSV and Excel formats.
To monitor this data from your smartphone or tablet download the iOS or Android VRM App.
In addition to remote monitoring, an active internet connection allows the Cerbo GX to regularly check for a new firmware ver-
sions - which will be automatically downloaded and installed.
• Run a network cable between a router and the Cerbo GX Ethernet LAN port
• Connect to the router wirelessly using WiFi
• Via the mobile (cellular) network, using the GX GSM - a cellular USB modem or, with a 3G or 4G router.
• USB Tethering on a mobile phone
https://www.youtube.com/embed/645QrB7bmvY
3.2. Wi-Fi
The Cerbo GX includes built in Wi-Fi. It is also possible to connect a supported external USB Wi-Fi dongle (to increase wireless
range outside of a cabinet for example).
Using Wi-Fi it is possible to connect to WEP, WPA and WPA2 secured networks. There are four supported USB Wi-Fi dongles.
Two of them are also available from stock at Victron Energy:
• Partno. BPP900100200 - Cerbo GX WiFi module simple (Nano USB), small, low cost.
• Partno. BPP900200300 - Asus USB-N14, slightly higher cost and also better reception than the Nano USB. Supported since
software version 2.23.
WiFi modules that are no longer available, but still supported, are:
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• Partno. BPP900200200 - Gembird WNP-UA-002, slightly higher cost and also better reception.
Although other Wi-Fi dongles may work, they have not been tested and we do not offer support for other dongles.
The Wi-Fi menu shows the available networks. When a network is selected, it is possible to fill in the password (if the password is
not already known) to connect to the network. Setting up via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is not supported.
When the Cerbo GX finds multiple Wi-Fi networks of which the password is known, the strongest network is selected automatical-
ly. When the signal of the connected network becomes too weak, it will automatically switch to a stronger network - if it knows the
password of that network.
Wi-Fi is an inherently less reliable connection than a hardwired ethernet cable. It should always be a preference to connect via
ethernet when possible. Signal strength should always be at least 50%.
3.3. GX GSM
Please see the GX GSM Manual.
Make sure you use a router that is designed for unattended setups. Do not use low cost consumer-grade routers intended for
business or leisure travel. A more expensive professional router will quickly pay for itself, and you won't have wasted journeys
simply to perform a re-set. Examples of such professional routers are the H685 4G LTE from Proroute, as well as the Industrial
4G router range from Pepwave.
Note that the Cerbo GX does not support USB 3G/4G dongles, other than the GX GSM available from Victron.
• Samsung Galaxy S4
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3.6. IP Configuration
Almost no installations will need the IP address configuration to be inserted manually as most systems support automatic IP con-
figuration (DHCP) - and that is also the Cerbo GX default setting. If you do need to configure the address manually, select the
following template:
Complete details of IP requirements, as well as used port numbers will be found in the VRM FAQ - ports and connections used by
the Cerbo GX.
• Disable auto-update
• Do not enable remote support
• Reduce the Logging interval to a very low frequency. Note that state changes (charging → inverting, or bulk→float) and also
alarms will cause extra messages to be sent
To find out how much data allowance you need to buy the best way is to let the system run for a couple of days and monitor the
internet RX and TX counters in your 3G or 4G router. Or even better, some mobile companies will report the data used via a
website.
• A state change (from inverter to charger for example) will trigger a data transmission, so a system with very frequent state
changes will also tend to generate more data. This is especially true in certain Hub-1 and Hub-2 systems.
We recommend setting-up your data plan in such a way as to avoid costly 'excess' charges. Make sure you put a cap on your
data usage; or use a pre-paid plan.
One customer - burdened with global costs of between twenty cents and several euros per mb of data - invented a clever solu-
tion: Using a VPN he modified the IP to route ALL traffic to and from the GX device via his VPN. Using a firewall at the VPN
server allows him to control traffic according to time, connection type, place and destinations. Although this is beyond the scope
of this manual it works, and - with the help of a Linux and networking expert - it can work for you.
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This access is called Remote Console. In GX devices with a display this Remote Console feature may be disabled by default and
need to be enabled. GX devices without a display have Remote Console enabled by default.
Load the latest version of the VictronConnect app onto your bluetooth compatible device (phone or laptop), and make sure that
bluetooth is enabled.
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Make sure that the Cerbo GX is powered on, and the Bluetooth LED is blinking.
Open the VictronConnect App within 10 meters of the Cerbo GX and wait for nearby devices to be discovered.
On first connection you will be asked to enter a bluetooth PIN code - the default PIN is 000000
You will then be asked to change this insecure default PIN code to a more secure unique code. Please set your unique code, and
then put it in a safe place for passwords in case you forget.
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From the main device screen it is possible to change the networking settings, view the system on VRM, or open the Remote Con-
sole.
Network settings for the Cerbo GX are set in the Cog menu.
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1. Stand as close as possible from the Cerbo GX, and no further than a few meters away.
2. Go to the WiFi settings on your phone / tablet / laptop.
3. After searching, the Cerbo GX will show up in the list, as Venus-HQ1940DEFR4-3b6. Where HQ… is the serial number as
printed on the side of the box.
4. Connect to WiFi using the 'WiFi key' which you will find printed on the side of the box …and also on a card in the plastic bag.
Keep that in a safe place.
5. Open VictronConnect, it will start scanning the WiFi network automatically.
6. Once found, select the GX device from the list.
7. Open the Remote Console
Notes:
• If you cannot use VictronConnect, you can use a web browser and navigate to the IP address http://172.24.24.1 or http://
venus.local
• For added security it is possible to disable the WiFi Access Point. See Settings → Wi-Fi → Create access point. See below
chapter explaining the Push button for how to restore access in case ever necessary.
Instruction video
Step by step instruction video on how to connect to a GX device using the VictronConnect App.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/aKJMXxRIkG0
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This second video was made before VictronConnect got the feature to find a device on a network. All the explanations in the
video regarding IP Addressing can be ignored, and use VictronConnect as in above video instead.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ptYV_JEcaMU
This method does not require an internet connection. Just a local computer network is sufficient.
Once connected, connect to the GX Device by running the VictronConnect App on a phone, tablet or laptop. Note that will need to
be connected to the same computer network as the Cerbo GX.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/aKJMXxRIkG0
When the Remote Console on LAN setting is enabled. A direct connection (via network cable without a router or DHCP server) is
possible. You can access the GX device by typing venus.local or http://venus.local into a web browser, or in VictronConnect when
connected to the same network. Only Enable this function on trusted networks or direct connections. Make sure you have disa-
bled the password check, or set a password first.
IP Address on VRM
On the VRM Portal, you'll find the IP address on the Device List page of the installation. Note that this does require the Cerbo GX
to be connected to the internet.
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In a local network, for example at home, you can also find the Cerbo GX in the Windows 'Network' overview:
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First, connect the Cerbo GX to the internet by plugging it into a working Ethernet network which has a DHCP server, as most
networks do, and which is connected to the internet. The Cerbo GX will immediately connect to VRM.
Now, go to the VRM Portal, https://vrm.victronenergy.com/, and follow the instructions to add the device. More information about
this is available in the VRM Manual.
Then once visible on VRM, click the 'Remote Console' link to open the window. Which will look like below screenshot.
More information about 'Remote Console' on VRM is explained in the Cerbo GX Manual, VRM Remote Console chapter.
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5. Configuration
A positive value indicates consumption. A negative value indicates charging, for example by an
alternator.
Note that the value shown will always be an approximation, and is affected by the variation in
sample rate between elements of the system.
Marine MFD App Configuration Not set Set up what batteries you want to see on the MFD, and by what name.
DVCC - Read full feature description [43]
DVCC No Enabling DVCC changes a GX device from a passive monitor into an active controller. Default
setting is No, unless a compatible BMS-Can managed battery is connected, then setting is set
and locked to manufacturers specification.
Limit Charge Current No No / Yes - User-configurable system wide maximum charge current setting in Amps.
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Start value during quiet hours - % (to override programmed quiet hours when absolutely necessa-
ry)
Stop value during quiet hours - % (allows for less runtime during quiet hours, once system is re-
covered)
Battery current No Use value to start/stop - No / Yess
Battery voltage Start when value is higher than - Amps / Voltage / Watts
AC output Start value during quiet hours - Amps / Voltage / Watts (to override programmed quiet hours when
absolutely necessary)
Start after condition is reached for - seconds (to allow for momentary spikes to pass without trig-
gering start)
Stop value during quiet hours - Amps / Voltage / Watts (allows for less runtime during quiet hours,
once system is recovered)
Stop after the condition is reached for - seconds (to allow for momentary dips without stopping the
running generator)
Inverter high temperature No Start on value warning - No / Yes
Inverter overload Start when warning is active for - seconds (to allow for momentary spikes to pass without trigger-
ing start)
When warning is cleared stop after - seconds (to allow for momentary dips without stopping the
running generator)
Generator start/stop -> Settings -> Conditions -> Periodic run
Periodic run No Enable - No / Yes
Run interval
Start time
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When using a VE.Bus system, it is possible to configure the severity of problems on the VE.Bus system that should cause a notifi-
cation to show up on the Cerbo GX (and make it beep):
When all done, don't forget to change the access level to user when required.
1. Battery Monitors, such as the BMVs, the Lynx Shunt, or the Lynx Ion BMS
2. Multi and Quattro inverter/chargers
3. Batteries with built-in battery monitor and a (mostly BMS-Can) connection to the Cerbo GX.
If you have a battery with build-in battery monitor, such as a BYD or Freedomwon battery; its easy. Use that.
1. If the MultiPlus or Quattro inverter/charger is the only source of charge to the batteries and the only draw then it can function
as a basic battery monitor because it counts what went in and counts what comes out. No need for a dedicated battery moni-
tor such as the BMV.
2. If the systems consists of an inverter/charger, MPPTs and a GX device, then there is still no need to add a dedicated battery
monitor.
3. For any other system types, such as a boat or vehicle with DC lights and other loads, a dedicated battery monitor will be
required.
No battery monitor is required: the Multi or Quattro is the only product connected to the battery and has full control over all charge
and discharge currents. Therefore it can calculate the correct SOC itself.
Configuration:
(B) Battery with Multi or Quattro and MPPT Solar Chargers -ALSO- An EasySolar with GX Device built-in
No battery monitor is required, as long as all MPPT Solar Chargers are Victron products and are connected to the Cerbo GX .
The Cerbo GX will continuously read the actual charge current from all solar chargers, and send the total to the Multi (or Quattro)
which then uses that information in its SOC calculations.
Configuration:
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Note that this feature requires recent firmware versions in both the Multis or Quattros (402 minimum), and the Cerbo GX (v2.06
minimum).
In cases where the system includes a battery which has a built-in battery monitor and SOC calculation - such as many of the
batteries listed here - a dedicated battery monitor is not required.
Configuration:
1. Connect the battery communications cable to the Cerbo GX according to the instructions.
2. In the Cerbo GX , in Settings → System setup, verify that the selected Battery Monitor is the battery.
Note that the Battery Monitor setting in VEConfigure3 is irrelevant. For systems like this, changing this setting will have no effect
on the charge or any other parameters in this type of system.
When there are more chargers, or loads, connected to the battery than just the Multi or MPPT Solar Chargers, a dedicated Bat-
tery Monitor will be required. Examples are:
In case a battery with built-in monitor is used, such as explained in (C), then that is the dedicated battery Monitor. Refer to section
(C).
Configuration:
Note that the Battery Monitor setting in VEConfigure3 is irrelevant. For systems like this, changing this setting will have no effect
on the charge - or any other parameters - in this type of system.
More information:
VRM Portal FAQ - difference between BMV SOC and VE.Bus SOC
See Configurable Parameters Section [29] on Battery Monitor selection and Has DC System.
In the image below you can see a range of selectable choices for the SOC values which are shown in the main Overview screen.
Choose the source you want to see on the main Overview screen of your Cerbo GX.
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In the image above we have chosen the Automatic setting. When automatic is selected the System setup screen will be as shown
in the image below.
1. When available, it will use a dedicated Battery Monitor, such as the BMV or a Lynx Shunt, or a battery with built-in battery
monitor.
2. When there is more than one of those connected, it will use a random one - although you can select one manually.
3. when there is no dedicated Battery Monitor, it will use the VE.Bus SOC.
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Cerbo GX Manual
3. the system has other DC loads, or other chargers, connected to the same battery, which are not connected to the Cerbo GX.
A short explanation: the VE.Bus SOC as determined by the Multi or Quattro will be incorrect in above situation. As it will not take
the discharge and charge currents by those other DC Loads, and also unmonitored chargers, into account.
Type the following address into the web browser of a device connected to the same network. Using this address as a tem-
plate: http://venus.local/logo.php or http://[ip-here]/logo.php (inserting your device’s IP address between the square brackets). The
IP address can be found by going to Settings -> Ethernet or Wifi. Once the page is loaded, Choose an image file from your de-
vice. Re-boot the GX device.
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6. Updating GX Firmware
1. Update it via the internet, either manually or let it check for new updates every day
2. Update it from a microSD-card or USB-stick
Step 1. Download
• venus-swu-einstein.swu
Note that the same files, and the change log, is available on Victron Professional. That also features a dropbox connection, so
you can always have the latest file available on your laptop.
Note that you will see a warning “Not using media for storing logs”. That warning can safely be ignored.
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If the firmware in the microSD-card or USB-stick is newer than the running one, “Update available” item will appear, press it to
start the update process.
6.4. Changelog
The change log is available in Victron Professional, under Firmware, Venus OS.
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This chapter explains the implications of enabling or disabling user control of the input current-limiter setting, as seen here in the
menu:
The limit as set by the user in the Cerbo GX will be applied to all inputs where 'Overruled by remote', configured with VictronCon-
nect or VEConfigure, is enabled:
Using the example of a boat with two AC inputs and a Quattro where:
Configure the system exactly as in above VEConfigure screenshot. Input 1 has priority over input 2, therefore the system will au-
tomatically connect to the genset whenever it is running. The fixed input current limit of 50A will be applied. And when the genset
is not available, and mains is available on input 2, the Quattro will use the input current limit as configured in the Cerbo GX.
Two more examples: (In both cases if you disable 'Overrule by remote', setting a current limit in the Cerbo GX will have no effect.
And if you enable 'Overrule by remote' for both inputs, the current limit set in the Cerbo GX will be applied to both inputs.)
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It is not possible to control the input current limit in certain installations. In these cases, the Cerbo GX menu will not allow chang-
ing the setting:
Also the on/off/charger only switch in the Cerbo GX will be disabled in the case.
In installations with a VE.Bus BMS, use the rocker switch instead - or add a Digital Multi Control to the installation.
When PowerAssist is enabled in VEConfigure, there is a minimum input current limit. The actual limit differs for each model.
After setting the input current to a value below the limit, it will automatically be increased again to the limit.
Note that is still possible to set the input current limit to 0. When set to 0, the system will be in passthrough (charger disabled).
The configured AC input current limit is the total limit per phase.
The Phase rotation warning will be raised in such case. To resolve the issue, change the wiring on the AC input: swap either one
of the phases, effectively changing the rotation from L3 → L2 → L1 to L1 → L2 → L3. Or reprogram the Multis and modify the
phase assigned to match the wiring.
On the GX device itself, the warning will be popup as a notification on the GUI:
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Cerbo GX Manual
And on the VRM Portal, it is visible on the VE.Bus Alarms & warnings widget on the Advanced page:
And also it will be listed in the Alarm Log on VRM, and an email will be sent; using the VRM Alarm Monitoring system.
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The alarm shows as a Notification in the GUI, and as an alarm on the VRM Portal, and is available on ModbusTCP / MQTT.
Recommend to use for backup systems. But also for yachts or vehicles on shore power.
Note that this settings monitors that the system is connected to grid/shore. Generator monitoring is already available as part of
the Generator start/stop function and not part of this.
Do not use this feature in systems that use the Ignore AC Input settings in our inverter/chargers: when the system ignores the AC
input, ie runs in island mode, as intended, even though grid is available, it will report a grid failure.
Equalisation
Redetect system
Redetects the type of inverter/charger and its features & configuration. Use this feature when, for example, a VE.Bus BMS
used to be part of a system, and is no longer.
System reset
Restarts the inverter/charger when it has stopped retrying. For example after a (very) heavy overload; or three overloads in a row.
Shows the status of the ESS Relay test. Only relevant when its an ESS system. See Q9 in the ESS Manual FAQ for details
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Example 1 - Managed CAN-bus batteries For example, in systems with an Managed CAN-bus BMS battery connected, the GX
receives a Charge Voltage Limit (CVL), Charge Current Limit (CCL), Discharge Current Limit (DCL) from that battery and relays
that to the connected inverter/chargers and solar chargers. These then disable their internal charge algorithms and simply do
what they're told by the battery. There is no need to set-up charge voltages or choose the charge algorithm type.
Example 2 - Lead batteries For systems with lead batteries, DVCC offers features such as a configurable system wide charge
current limit, where the GX device actively limits the inverter/charger in case the solar chargers are already charging at full power.
As well as shared temperature sense (STS) and shared current sense (SCS).
This table shows the recommend settings for different battery types:
Carefully study the following chapters to fully understand DVCC for a particular system.
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For CAN-bus connected batteries, check the relevant page on the Battery Compatibility manual to see if enabling DVCC has
been tested with your battery-type and is supported. If DVCC is not mentioned in notes relating to your battery, do not enable
DVCC.
For Gel, AGM, OPzS and other lead batteries, DVCC can be used without any problem. The same is true for Victron Energy lithi-
um batteries with the VE.Bus BMS, the Lynx Ion + Shunt BMS or the Lynx Ion BMS. DVCC is the preferred operating mode for
Redflow ZBM2/ZCell batteries using the Redflow CANBus BMS.
Firmware versions
Do not use DVCC in cases where these requirements are not met. In all cases we recommend to install the latest available firm-
ware during commissioning. Once running well, there is no need to pro-actively update firmware without reason. In case of diffi-
culty, the first action is to update firmware.
• Multi/Quattro: 422
• MultiGrid: 424
• Cerbo GX: v2.12
• VE.Direct MPPTs: v1.46
• VE.Can MPPTs with VE.Direct: v1.04
• Older style VE.Can MPPT Solar Chargers (with the screen) cannot be used: they do not support the new control mechanisms.
• Lynx Ion + Shunt: v2.04
• Lynx BMS: v1.09
From Venus firmware v2.40, there will be a warning message 'Error #48 - DVCC with incompatible firmware' when one of the
devices has an incompatible firmware while using DVCC.
In case of an ESS System, the ESS Assistant needs to be version 164 or later (Released in November 2017).
In certain systems, the internal charge algorithm is disabled, and the charger is then working with an externally controlled charge
voltage target.
Internal
The internal charge algorithm (bulk → absorption → float → re-bulk), and the configured charge voltages are active.
MPPT indicated charge state: bulk, absorption, float and-so-forth. (firmware version v1.42 onwards. Earlier versions have a bug
that make the MPPT say “Ext. Control” when it is only being current limited; its internal charge algorithm still active.
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The MPPTs internal charge algorithm is disabled; instead it's being controlled by a charge voltage setpoint coming from the inver-
ter/charger.
Battery
The internal charge algorithm is disabled; and instead, the device is being controlled by the battery.
Inverter/charger indicated charge state: Bulk when in current controlled mode, Absorption when in voltage controlled mode. Never
Float; even though currents might be low / battery might be full.
This setting is available in the “Settings → “System Setup” menu on the GX device.
Particulars:
1) If a CANBUS-BMS is connected and the BMS requests a maximum charge current that is different from the user-configurable
setting, the lower of the two will be used.
2) This mechanism only works for Victron inverter/chargers and Solar chargers. Other chargers, such as Skylla-i’s are not control-
led and also their charge current is not taken into account. The same applies for devices that are not connected to the GX device,
such as an alternator. Worded differently: the total charge current of the inverter/chargers and all MPPTs will be controlled, noth-
ing else. Any other sources will be extra charge current, unaccounted for. Even when installing a BMV or other battery monitor.
3) DC Loads are not accounted for. Even when a BMV or other battery monitor is installed. For example, with a configured maxi-
mum charge current of 50 Amps, and DC Loads drawing 20 Amps, the battery will be charged with 30 Amps. Not with the full
allowed 50 Amps.
4) Current drawn from the system by the inverter/charger is compensated for. For example, if 10A is drawn to power AC loads,
and the limit is 50A, the system will allow the solar chargers to charge with a maximum of 60 Amps.
5) In all situations, the maximum charge limit configured in a device itself, ie. the Charge current limit set with VictronConnect or
VEConfigure for the Solar chargers or Inverter/chargers will still be in effect. An example to illustrate this: in case there is only an
Inverter/charger in the system, and in VEConfigure or VictronConnect the charge current is configured to 50 Amps. And on the
GX Device, a limit of 100A is configured, then the working limit will be 50 Amps.
The system automatically selects the best available voltage measurement. It will use the voltage from the BMS or a BMV battery
monitor, if possible, otherwise it will use the battery voltage reported by the VE.Bus system.
The voltage displayed on the GUI reflects the same voltage measurement.
Shared Voltage Sense (SVS) is by default enabled when DVCC is enabled. It can be disabled with a switch in the Settings →
System Setup menu.
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The solar chargers can be configured to use the battery current for its tail current mechanism that ends absorption when the cur-
rent is below the configured threshold. For more information about that, refer to Solar charger documentation.
This feature only applies to systems that are not ESS, and/or don’t have a managed battery, since in both of those cases the
MPPT is already externally controlled.
1. Charge voltage limit (CVL): the maximum charge voltage that the battery currently accepts.
2. Charge current limit (CCL): the maximum charge current requested by the battery.
3. Discharge current limit (DCL): the maximum discharge current as requested by the battery.
For all three parameters, some types of batteries transmit dynamic values. For example they determine the maximum charge volt-
age based on cell voltages, state of charge, or for example temperature. Other makes and brands use a fixed value.
For such batteries, there is no need to wire allow-to-charge and allow-to-discharge connections to the AUX inputs on a Multi or a
Quattro.
When inverting, ie in Island mode, Multis and Quattros will shut down when the max discharge current is zero. They will automati-
cally start again as soon as either AC mains returns, or when the BMS increases the max discharge current again.
See previous chapter, “Limit charge current”, the user setting, for details about how the Maximum charge current is used, how it
prioritises solar and more.
All above means that setting up charge voltages or charge profiles in VEConfigure or VictronConnect is not necessary, and will
also have no effect. The Multis, Quattros and MPPT Solar Chargers will charge with the voltage as received via CAN-bus from the
battery.
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9. VRM Portal
See Internet Connectivity chapter [17] for how to connect the device to the internet.
Note that any system will need to first have been able to successfully send data to the VRM Portal. As long is there has been no
successful connection, it will not be possible to register the system to your VRM user account. In such case, refer to below Trou-
bleshooting section 5.7.
The transmission of the data logs has been designed to work also on bad internet connections. Lines of up to 70% permenant
packet loss are still sufficient to get the data out, even if delayed in some cases.
When unable to transmit the logs, then the GX device will store them to non-volatile storage (ie. data is not lost on a power loss or
reboot).
The GX device has a buffer to store a couple of days worth of logs internally. To extend this period, insert a microSD card or USB
stick. You can see the internal storage status in the settings.
Note that, when inserting such storage device, any internally stored logs will automatically be transferred to the inserted stick: no
data is lost.
With or without an external storage device inserted, the GX Device will always keep trying to connect to the portal and transmit all
backlogged logs. That means that even with months worth of backlog, once it re-acquires an Internet connection, all of the back-
log is sent out. The data is sent in a compressed manner: sending a lot of backlogged data will use considerably less bandwidth
than than sending the data with a continuously available internet connection.
• MicroSD cards or USB flash drives must be formatted as FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32 file systems - and not exFAT or NTFS.
• SD and SDHC type microSD cards of 32 GB capacity and smaller are sold containing FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32. They can be
used without a problem, unless they are subsequently re-formatted to a different file system.
• SDXC type microSD cards which have greater than 32 GB capacity are often formatted with exFAT, and therefore cannot be
used with the Cerbo GX without reformatting and possibly re-partitioning.
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For devices permanently without Internet, it is possible to take the data out, and then upload it manually from a laptop.
1. go to Settings → VRM Portal, and click Eject the storage. Make sure to never just remove the SD-card/USB-stick, this can
lead to corruption and data loss.
2. now, remove the storage device and insert it into a computer or laptop that is connected to the internet.
3. open a webbrowser, and navigate to the VRM Portal.
4. Login, and then click the 'Upload GX file' option, and follow instructions:
5. Remove the file from the storage device, and then it re-insert it into the GX Device. Note that uploading the same data twice
does not cause any problems; but still it is better not to do that.
With a log interval of once per minute, the required storage space roughly amounts to about 25 MB per month, depending on the
number of connected products. So with a 1 GB microSD card, you can store about 3 years of backlog. In other words, any mi-
croSD card or USB stick should be sufficient to store the 6 months of data which VRM retains.
If multiple storage devices are inserted, the GX device will store the data on the one inserted first. When that is removed, it
will not use the other one. Instead, it will create an internal backlog buffer. Only inserting a new one will make it switch to using
external storage again.
This feature, disabled by default, makes the GX device automatically reboot itself in case it has not been able to connect to the
VRM Portal.
Please be careful with enabling this feature on ESS systems: when grid connection is lost, and the GX device reboots, the system
can lose power when rebooting takes too long (when grid is present, the Multi's or Quattro's will enter passthru).
1. Working DNS
2. Proper IP address
3. Working internet connection
4. Outbound http(s) connection to http://ccgxlogging.victronenergy.com on port 80 and 443. Note that should never be an issue,
unless on very specialized company networks.
Note that the Cerbo GX does not support a proxy setup. For more details on the required networking, see here.
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In case the IP address starts with 169, check whether your network has a DHCP server running. 99% of all networks have a
DHCP server running and it is enabled by default on all well-known ADSL, cable and 3G routers. If there is no DHCP server run-
ning, then configure the ip address manually.
Ethernet
When using Ethernet and State shows 'Unplugged', verify that the Ethernet network cable is not faulty: try another one. The two
lights at the back of the Cerbo GX, where the Ethernet RJ45 cable plugs in, should be lit or blinking. Two dead lights indicate a
connection problem.
WiFi
When using Wi-Fi and the menu shows 'No Wi-Fi adapter connected' check the USB connection to the Wi-Fi dongle. Try to re-
move the dongle and insert it again.
When using Wi-Fi and the State shows 'Failure', it might be that the Wi-Fi password is incorrect. Press 'Forget network' and try to
connect again with the correct password.
Navigate to Settings → VRM online portal, and check the Connection error status:
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If a Connection error is shown, the Cerbo GX is not able to contact the VRM database. The connection error will show an error
code that indicates the nature of the connectivity problem. Also, details of the error message are shown, to facilitate on site IT
experts to diagnose the problem.
• Error #150 Unexpected response text: A connection succeeded, but the result was incorrect. This might indicate that a trans-
parent proxy is hijacking the connection. Examples include a WiFi login page or a cellular providers payment page.
• Error #151 Unexpected HTTP Response: A connection succeeded, but the response did not indicate a successful HTTP result
code (normally 200). This might indicate that a transparent proxy is hijacking the connection. See #150 above for examples.
• Error #152 Connection time-out: this could indicate a poor quality internet connection, or a restrictive firewall.
• Error #153 Connection error: this could indicate a routing problem. For details, check the shown error message:
• Error #153 Connection problem, and then specifically an SSL related issue, such as in below screenshot: check the date and
time setting of the Gx Device, and also the time zone. And check that your router router is not showing a special disclaimer,
login or acceptance page, like often seen in airports, hotels and other public wifi.
• Error #154 DNS Failure: Make sure that a valid DNS server is configured in the Ethernet or WiFi menu. Typically this is as-
signed automatically by a DHCP server in a network.
• Error #155 Routing error: VRM is unreachable. This error occurs if an ICMP error is received indicating that no route exists to
the VRM server. Make sure your DHCP server assigns a working default route, or that the gateway is correctly configured for
static configurations.
• Error #159 Unknown error: this is a catch-all error for errors that cannot be directly categorised. In such cases the Error mes-
sage will provide information about the problem.
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Check 'Last contact'. If this shows dashes, the GX device has not been able to contact the VRM Portal since power up. If it shows
a time, but still an error is shown, then the GX device has been able to send data, but has since lost contact.
The 'Buffered items' indicates the number of logs that it has stored to send later. If this is larger than 0, it means that the Cerbo
GX can not connect to the VRM Portal. All data is sent using the First in First out principle: the VRM Portal will only show the most
up to date information after all old data has been sent.
1. Make sure that Logging to the VRM portal works, see chapter 5.4. Without this; Remote Console on VRM will not work.
2. After enabling the Remote Console feature, make sure to set (or disable) the password.
3. Also make sure to restart the Cerbo GX after setting (or disabling) the password.
4. Make sure to update the Cerbo GX to the latest firmware version. The last stability improvement for Remote Console was
made in version v2.30.
5. After the restart, check the Remote Console on VRM status shows online or a port number. In case it says offline, or port
number 0, the Cerbo GX was unable to connect to the Remote Console server. This is normally caused by a (company) fire-
wall, blocking the connection. The solution is then to configure an exception rule in the firewall.
6. -Verify that your web browser, on which you're using VRM, can access both of below URLs. Click both of the links, to check
them. Note that seeing an Error means that all is OK. The good error is 'Error response, Error code 405, Method Not Allowed'.
If you get a timeout or another (browser) error, there may be a firewall blocking the connection. https://vncrelay.victronener-
gy.com & https://vncrelay2.victronenergy.com/
Technical background
To have Remote Console on VRM working, your web browser and the GX Device need to have a connection between them. This
connection is designed such that it doesn't need any special configuration or opening up of firewalls in almost all situations. The
0.1% of situations where it doesn't work out of the box are, for example, large corporate networks with special security, or long
range expensive satellite or radio supported networks, such as seen in rural areas of Africa and other remote areas.
When Remote Console on VRM is enabled, the GX Device will open and maintain a connection to any of the servers pointed to
by supporthosts.victronenergy.com. Which currently resolves to two IP addresses (84.22.107.120 and 84.22.108.49), and likely
more in the future. The technology used is SSH, and it will try to connect using port 22, 80 and 443, only one of them needs to
work. The reason for it to try all three is that on most networks at least one of them will be allowed by the local firewall.
Once connected to one the the supporthost servers, that reverse SSH tunnel is waiting to be connected from someone needing
the connection. Which can be your browser, or a Victron engineer since this same technology is used for the Remote Support
functionality; for more information see above.
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When using Remote Console on VRM, the browser will connect to either vncrelay.victronenergy.com, or vncrelay2.victronener-
gy.com, using websockets on port 443. For more details of used connections by the GX Device, see Q15 of the FAQ.
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A Victron system can be easily integrated into that, as shown in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWdEQfYZKEs
Functionalities:
• All Victron inverter/chargers: From a 500VA single phase device up to a large 180kVA three phase-system, including Multis,
Quattros, 230VAC and 120VAC models.
• Battery Monitors: BMV-700, BMV-702, BMV-712, SmartShunt, and newer, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, Lynx Ion BMS.
• All Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controllers
Required components:
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• Battery system.
• Victron GX Device (all models are compatible: CCGX, Cerbo GX, Venus GX, and so forth)
• Victron Inverter/charger.
• Victron Battery monitor.
• Ethernet network cable connected between MFD and the GX device
• MFD specific ethernet adapter cable (only for some brands, see detailed information in below links)
Furuno: support on Furuno MFDs is in the pipeline. There is no expected date of availability.
The App as visible on the MFDs, is a HTML5 App, hosted on the GX Device. It can also be accessed from a normal PC (or a
tablet), by navigating to with a browser to: http://venus.local/app/. Or replace venus.local with the GX IP address.
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Using that feature, and having the GX Device connected a NMEA2000 network, Marine MFDs can read this data and visualise it
to the user. Often in a highly configurable manner.
Use our VE.Can to NMEA2000 micro-C male cable to connect the GX Device to the NMEA 2000 network.
Compared to MFD integration using the App, as explained in the previous chapter, integration via N2K offers a more customisable
configuration. The downside of integration via N2K is that there is more work in making such configuration, as well as making
sure all PGNs and fields therein are supported and compatible between the Victron system and the MFD.
More information
Besides this chapter, make sure to also read the introduction blogpost, as well as our main Marine MFD Integration document.
Detailed specification of the protocol and message definition or part thereof can be ordered online on the NMEA 2000 website.
NMEA 2000 is based on and compatible with SAE J1939. All AC information messages are in the AC status message format as
defined in J1939-75. The specification of these messages can be bought on the SAE website (http://www.sae.org/).
For a detailed list of PGNs, please refer to our data communication whitepaper.
Inverter/chargers
All inverter/chargers that connect using a VE.Bus port are supported. This includes Multis, Quattros, MultiPlus-IIs, and other (simi-
lar) Victron inverter/chargers.
Data is transmitted out; and its possible to set shore current as well as switch the inverter charger on, off, inverter only and charg-
er only.
Charger Status messages will be sent by the Inverter function. Both functions have their own network address.
Since both functions transmit the same PGNs, for example an AC Status PGN containing voltage, current and more information,
NMEA 2000 data consumers like generic displays will need to be able to make a distinction based on the network address.
Depending on the function belonging to that network address the need to interpret it as either Inverter Input or Inverter Output.
Displays not being capable of doing so will regard the data as belonging to the mains (utility).
The Inverter Output is then interpreted as utility #0 and Inverter Input as utility #1. These default instance numbers can be
changed by a network configuration tool if necessary.
Inverters
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Only VE.Bus type inverters are supported: any Inverter connected using VE.Direct is not (yet) made available on the N2K bus.
Battery monitors
Not supported. Above are the only now supported types. For example tank levels are not yet transmitted out on N2K, nor is any
data from a charger (such as the Phoenix Smart Charger connected via VE.Direct), and neither is data from solar chargers.
Table 1.
Setting Default Description
CAN-bus Profile VE.Can Defines the type & baudrate of the CAN-bus network. To use in combination with NMEA2000, make sure to choose one of the
profiles that include VE.Can and is at 250kbit/s
Send data to Off Enables and disabled the NMEA2000-out function
VE.Can
Unique device 1 Selects the block of numbers to use for the NAME Unique Identity Numbers in the PGN 60928 NAME field. For the GX Device
number itself, and when NMEA2000-out is enabled, also for the virtual-devices. Change it only when installing multiple GX Devices in the
same VE.Can network. There are no other reasons to change this number.
Check unique Searches for other devices that use the same unique number. When the search is completed it will respond with either an OK, or
numbers the text :
There is another device connected with this unique number, please select another one.
Note that there is normally no reason to use this function: the GX Device automatically and continuously checks uniqueness of the
numbers in use, and will warn when in case there is a conflict. This setting is made available to quickly confirm that everything is
OK after changing the setting.
• Virtual-device: a Battery Monitor, Inverter, or other Victron device that does not have a CAN-bus port by itself, made available
“virtually” on the CAN-bus by the NMEA2000-out function of the GX Device.
• CAN-bus: the VE.Can port on the GX Device, that, in the context of this chapter, is most likely connected to a NMEA2000 net-
work.
• NMEA2000-out function: the software feature in the GX Device, which is described in this chapter.
• NMEA2000: Marine CAN-bus protocol, based on J1939.
• Instance: there are many types of instances, and explained in detail below.
• J1939: A set of standards defining a CAN-bus protocol, defined by the SAE organisation.
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• Address Claim procedure (ACL): a mechanism, specified by J1939 and used in NMEA2000, which used by devices on the net-
work to negotiate and assign each device on the network a unique network addresses. Its is a number from 0 to 252. There are
three special network addresses defined:
1. 0xFD (253) - Reserved
2. 0xFE (254) - Unable to claim address - for example when all others are in use
3. 0xFF (255) - The broadcast address
Individually, as in each with its own network address, its own device instance, function codes, and so forth.
For example, a GX Device with two BMVs connected on a VE.Direct port and an inverter/charger connected using VE.Bus, will
make the following data available on the CAN-bus:
Table 2.
Address Class Function Description
0xE1 130 (Display) 120 (Display) The GX Device itself
0x03 35 (Electrical generation) 170 (Battery) The 1st BMV
0xE4 35 (Electrical generation) 170 (Battery) The 2nd BMV
0xD3 35 (Electrical generation) 153 The inverter/charger (AC-output)
0xD6 35 (Electrical generation) 154 The inverter/charger (AC-input)
1. Data instance
2. Device instance
3. System instance
For all Battery monitors and other devices that the GX Device makes available on the CAN-bus, each of the above types of in-
stance is available, and can be individually configured.
Per virtual-device, there is one Device instance and one System instance. And depending on the type of the virtual-device, there
are one or multiple Data instances.
For example, for a BMV-712 there are two data instances, one “DC Instance” for the main battery, and another one for the Starter
battery voltage.
How to configure the instances depends on the equipment and software that is used to read them from the CAN-bus. Examples
of equipment and software meant here are MFDs such as from Garmin, Raymarine or Navico; as well as more software oriented
solutions from for example Actisense and Maretron.
Most, or hopefully all, of those solutions identify parameters and products by requiring unique Device instances, or using the PGN
60928 NAME Unique Identity Numbers. They do not rely on the data instances to be globally unique.
The NMEA2000 specification specifies the following: “Data instances shall be unique in the same PGNs transmitted by a device.
Data instances shall not be globally unique on the network. Field programmability shall be implemented through the use of PGN
126208, Write Fields Group Function.”.
In other words, data instances need to be unique only within a single device. There is no requirement for them to be globally
unique – the only exception is “Engine Instance” that at least for now, to cope with legacy devices, needs to be globally unique
(e.g. Port = 0, Starboard = 1). For example, some of our BMV Battery monitors can measure two voltages, one for the main
battery, and one for the starter battery, and thats where data instancing is used. Similar for multiple-output battery chargers. Note
that there is no need for the installer to change those data instances, as those products are pre-configured to transmit the rele-
vant PGNs with unique data instances (Battery instance & DC Detailed instance, in this case).
WARNING: whilst it is possible to change the data instances, changing them on a Victron devices will render that device impossi-
ble to read correctly by other Victron devices.
A note about the Device instances: it is not necessary to assign a unique device instance to each device on the CAN-bus. Its no
problem for a battery monitor and a solar charger to both be configured with (their default) Device instance 0. Also when having
multiple battery monitors or solar chargers, it is not always necessary to assign each of them a unique device instance. If at all
necessary, they only need to be unique between the devices that use the same Function.
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And note that changing the Device instance on a Victron device can change its operation, see below.
System instances
As per NMEA2000 specification, this instance is a 4-bit field with a valid range from 0 to 15 that indicates the occurrence of devi-
ces in additional network segments, redundant or parallel networks, or sub networks.
The System Instance Field can be utilized to facilitate multiple NMEA 2000 networks on these larger marine platforms. NMEA
2000 Devices behind a bridge, router, gateway, or as part of some network segment could all indicate this by use and application
of the System Instance Field.
• ECU Instance
• Function Instance
• Device Instance Lower
• Device Instance Upper
Here is how they all relate: the ECU Instance and Function Instance terminology originates from the SAE J1939 and ISO 11783-5
specification. And they do not exist in the NMEA2000 definition. However, they all do define the same fields in the same CAN-bus
messages which NMEA2000 defines as Device instance.
In more detail: the field that J1939 defines as ECU Instance is in the NMEA2000 specification renamed to Device Instance lower.
The Function Instance is renamed to Device Instance Upper. And together they form the Device Instance, an NMEA2000 defini-
tion.
While using different terms, those fields are the same fields in both standards. Device Instance Lower being 3 bits in length, and
Device Instance Upper 5, together 8 bits. Which is the one byte being the NMEA2000 Device Instance.
The Unique Instance is one more word used to describe almost the same information. It's used by Maretron, and can be made
visible in their software by enabling the column. The Maretron software itself chooses between Device Instance and Data In-
stance.
Data instances cannot be changed -at least- at Victron we do not provide a means to do so and also we don't know of any other
available tool that allows changing Data instances. Note that as explained above under the WARNING, we also recommend to
not change a data instance; since then the information cannot be properly read any more by other Victron devices.
On a more technical note, our products do support to have their data instances changed, by using the CAN-bus messages speci-
fied to do so as per NMEA2000 documentation (so called “complex write commands”).
Device instance
1. For an ESS system with Solar chargers connected on a VE.Can network, those Solar chargers must remain to be configured
to their default Device instance (0) for proper operation. This does not apply to VE.Direct-connected Solar Chargers made
available on the CAN-Bus as a Virtual-device, using the NMEA2000-out function. Unless the Device instance of the GX De-
vice is re-configured to another Device Instance. Which is technically possible but not advised and also never required. But in
that situation the chargers must be configured to the same instance as the GX Device.
2. For systems with managed batteries, the same.
3. For both Solar chargers, as well as AC-Connected battery chargers, when connected in a VE.Can network, they will syn-
chronise their operation. Charge state and such. For that function to work, all chargers must be configured to the same device
instance.
In summary, for the majority of systems we recommend to leave the Device instance to its default, 0.
This table shows how changing that setting translates into the virtual-devices as made available on the CAN-bus:
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Table 3.
configured Unique Identity block: 1 2 3 4
GX device 500 1000 1500 2000
1st virtual-device (for example a BMV) 501 1001 1501 2001
2nd virtual-device (for example another BMV) 502 1002 1502 2002
3rd virtual-device (for example a third BMV) 503 1003 1503 2003
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The Cerbo GX digital inputs are shown in the overview of connections. [5]
12.1. Configuration
Each of the digital inputs can be configured as one of a number of predefined sensors that can also be configured as alarms.
Function States
Door alarm Open/Closed
Bilge pump On/Off
Bilge alarm Ok/Alarm
Burglar alarm Ok/Alarm
Smoke alarm Ok/Alarm
Fire alarm Ok/Alarm
CO2 alarm Ok/Alarm
Generator Running/Stopped
The function of each input can be configured in the GUI under Settings → I/O → Digital Inputs.
Once the input is configured for its intended purpose, it will show up with other devices.
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Other parameters related to that function can be configured by entering the device menu and selecting Setup.
For sensors and alarms, you can decide whether the input should be treated as an alarm condition, whether the labels should be
inverted, and whether the logical levels should be inverted.
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On your GX device, some error codes shown will be from the GX device itself, in that case see below list. As the system control
panel, it also shows error codes from the connected devices.
This error means that the flash memory inside the GX Device is corrupt.
The device must be sent in for repair/replacement. It is not possible to correct this issue in the field or with a firmware update.
The affected flash memory is the partition that holds all user settings and factory data, such as serial numbers and wifi codes.
The internal storage in the GX Device is most likely broken: causing it to loose its configuration.
This error is raised when the DVCC feature is enabled whilst not all devices in the system are updated to recent enough firmware.
More information about DVCC and minimal required firmware versions in chapter 4 of this manual.
Note for systems with BYD, MG Energy Systems, and Victron Lynx Ion BMS batteries:
Since Venus OS v2.40, released in December 2019, the DVCC feature is automatically switched on when the system detects a
supported battery/BMS type connected. In systems that require DVCC to be enabled by the battery manufacturers, it is now no
longer possible to switch DVCC off.
This creates an issue for systems installed and commissioned a long time ago, before DVCC was available, and they may not
have the other necessary components or firmware to work correctly with it enabled.
Please do consult your installer, to check if the battery system is managed with two wire control (an earlier alternative control
method to DVCC) or not:
If there is no charge- and discharge- wiring between BMS, inverter/chargers and charge controllers, then DVCC is required for
above mentioned battery brands, and this also has certain minimum firmware requirements for connected Inverter/chargers and
Solar charge controllers.
Whats new since Venus OS v2.40 is (a) that it automatically enables DVCC when it sees the above mentioned battery types, and
(b) that when DVCC is enabled, it checks the connected devices for the minimum firmware, and raises Error #48 in case the firm-
ware of one or more connected devices is too old.
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14. FAQ
To solve the problem, first find out how the system is connected, and then follow the right step by step instruction below. There
are two ways to connect a Multi/Quattro system to a Cerbo GX. In most systems they will be connected directly to the VE.Bus
port on the back of the Cerbo GX. And, option two, in some systems they are connected to the Cerbo GX using a VE.Bus to
VE.Can interface.
1. Update the Color Control to the latest available version. See our blog posts in the https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/catego-
ry/firmware-software/.
2. Do you have a Digital Multi Control or VE.Bus BMS in the system? In that case it is normal that on/off is disabled. See also
the VE.Bus related notes in the Cerbo GX manual
3. In case you have had a Digital Multi Control or VE.Bus BMS connected to your system, the Color Control remembers it and
even when those accessories have been removed the On/off switch will still be disabled. To clear the memory, execute a Re-
detect system, the option is in the Multi or Quattro section of the Cerbo GX menu.
4. For parallel/three phase systems consisting of more than 5 units: depending on temperature and other circumstances, it might
not be possible to switch a system back on after switching it off with the Cerbo GX. As a work around you'll need to unplug the
VE.Bus cable from the back of the Cerbo GX. And plug it back in after starting the VE.Bus system. The real resolution is to
install the “Cerbo GX dongle for large VE.Bus systems”, partnumber BPP900300100. For details, read its connection instruc-
tion.
1. Update the Color Control to the latest available version. See our blog posts in the firmware category.
2. Update the VE.Bus to VE.Can interface to the latest version. The easiest way to do that is by using Remote firmware update:
having a special piece of hardware, the CANUSB, is then not necessary.
3. Do you have a Digital Multi Control or VE.Bus BMS in the system? In that case it is normal that on/off is disabled. See also
the VE.Bus related notes in the Cerbo GX manual
4. In case you have had a Digital Multi Control or VE.Bus BMS connected to your system, and it is now no longer connected, the
Canbus interface remembers it. Therefore, even after those accessories have been removed, the On/off switch will still be
disabled. Clearing this memory is unfortunately not possible yourself, please contact us so we can help you.
https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2014/03/09/off-grid-color-control-gx-to-vrm-portal-connectivity/
Note that it is not possible to use a VGR2 or VER for this. Also it will not be possible in the foreseeable future.
• I know that a load is drawing 40W from the Multi, but the Cerbo GX shows 10W or even 0W.
• I see that the Multi is supplying a load with 2000W, while in inverter mode, but from the battery only 1850W is being taken. Is
those 150W coming out of nowhere?
The general answer is: the Multi and Quattros are not measurement instruments, they are inverter/chargers, and the measure-
ments shown are a best effort delivery.
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1. Part of the power taken from a battery by the inverter is being lost in the inverter, converted into heat: efficiency losses.
2. The Multi does not really measure the power being drawn from the battery. It measures the current at the output of the inver-
ter, and then makes an assumption of the power being drawn from the battery.
3. Watts vs VA: depending on the Multi/Quattro firmware version and also the Cerbo GX firmware version, you are either looking
at VAs (the result of calculating AC voltage * AC current) or looking at a Watts measurement. To see WATTS on the Cerbo
GX , update your Cerbo GX to the latest version (v1.21 or newer). Also make sure the firmware version in your Multi supports
Watts readout, minimum versions are xxxx154, xxxx205 and xxxx300.
4. Multis/Quattros connected to the Cerbo GX via a VE.Bus to VE.Can interface will always reports VAs, not (yet) Watts.
5. If a current sensor assistant is loaded in a Multi/Quattro and no sensor is connected it will return invalid power / kWh values.
6. If a current sensor assistant is loaded in a Multi/Quattro make sure the position is set correctly and the scale match with the
dipswitches on the sensor itself.
7. A current sensor assistant measures and reports VAs, not Watts.
1. Cerbo GX version prior to v1.20 use the power and current reported by the master of a phase and multiplied that by the num-
ber of devices in that phase. Since version v1.20 the values of all device is summed per phase and hence should be more
accurate.
2. This revealed a bug for in the firmware of the multi when running in parallel. Ccgx v1.21 workarounds this, by falling back to
the original behavior when it sees an affected firmware version. For better readings the multi's should be updated. The bug
has been fixed in VE.Bus firmware version xxxx159, xxxx209, xxxx306. That firmware was released on February 17th 2015.
3. Multi firmware versions since 26xx207 / xxxx300 can also freeze the Power values at a certain moment in time.
14.7. Q7: There is a menu entry named "Multi" instead of the VE.Bus product
name
A VE.Bus system can be completely turned off, including its communication. If you turn a VE.Bus system off, and thereafter reset
the Cerbo GX, the Cerbo GX cannot obtain the detailed product name and shows “Multi” instead.
To get the proper name again, go into the Multi menu on the Cerbo GX and set the Switch menu entry to On or in case a Digital
Multi Control is present, set the physical switch to On. Note that when there is a BMS, above procedure only works when within
battery working voltages.
14.8. Q8: There is a menu entry named "Multi", while there is no Inverter, Multi
or Quattro connected
If a Cerbo GX ever saw a VE.Bus BMS or Digital Multi Control (DMC), it will remember them, until 'Redetect system' is started
from the Cerbo GX menu.After a minute, restart the Cerbo GX: Settings → General → Reboot.
14.9. Q9: When I type the ip-address of the Color Control into my browser, I see
a web page mentioning Hiawatha?
Our plan is to at least run a website where you can change settings and see the current status. If all works out as we would like
to, there might come be a fully functional version of the online VRM Portal running locally on the Cerbo GX. This allows people
without an internet connection, or an intermittent internet connection to have the same features and functionality.
14.10. Q10: I have multiple Solar chargers MPPT 150/70 running in parallel. From
which one will I see the relay status in the Cerbo GX menu?
From a random one.
14.12. Q12: I have a VGR with IO Extender, how can I replace this with a Cerbo
GX?
It is not yet possible to replace the IO Extender functionality.
14.13. Q13: Can I use Remote VEConfigure, as I was doing with the VGR2?
Yes, see VE Power Setup manual
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14.14. Q14: The Blue Power Panel could be powered through the VE.Net net-
work, can I also do that with a Cerbo GX?
No, a Cerbo GX always needs to be powered itself.
14.15. Q15: What type of networking is used by the Cerbo GX (TCP and UDP
ports)?
Basics:
• The Cerbo GX needs to get a valid IP address from a DHCP server, including a working DNS server and gateway, or a static IP
configuration.
• DNS port 53 UDP and TCP
• NTP (time sync) UDP port 123
VRM Portal:
• Data to the VRM Portal is sent via HTTP POST and GET requests to http://ccgxlogging.victronenergy.com on port 80. Sensitive
data is sent using HTTPS on port 443 to the same host.
Firmware updates:
• When enabled, an outbound SSH connection to supporthost.victronenergy.com is maintained. The Cerbo GX will try to connect
on port 22, 80 and 443, and the first that works is maintained.
• Enabling Remote Support also enables the sshd daemon, listening for incoming SSH requests on port 22. See next FAQ entry
for more information about the Remote Support functionality.
• When enabled, a local MQTT broker is started, which accepts TCP connections on port 1883. The Cerbo GX will also try to
connect to the victron MQTT cloud server (mqtt.victronenergy.com) using SSL on port 8883.
• Remote Console on VRM uses the same reverse ssh tunnel as is used for Remote Support: outbound connection to suppor-
thosts.victronenergy.com on port 22, 80 or 443. No port forwarding in routers is necessary to use Remote Console on VRM.
Note that supporthosts.victronenergy.com resolves to multiple IP addresses: 84.22.108.49 and 84.22.107.120.
• See here to trouble shoot Remote Console on VRM.
• Remote Console on LAN requires port 80 (small website hosted on local hiawatha webserver on Cerbo GX). And also requires
port 81, which is the listening port for the websocket tunnel to VNC.
14.16. Q16: What is the functionality behind the menu item Remote support
(SSH), in the Ethernet menu?
When enabled, the Color Control will open a SSH connection to our secure server, with a reverse tunnel back to the Color Con-
trol. Through this tunnel, Victron engineers can login to your Cerbo GX and perform remote support. This works when the Cerbo
GX is installed on an internet connection. The connection will even work when installed behind a firewall. The SSH connection will
be outbound, to port 80, 22 or 443 at supporthost.victronenergy.com. Remote support function is by default disabled.
14.17. Q17: I don’t see support for VE.Net products in the list, is that still com-
ing?
No.
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Mentioned megabytes do not include the download of a Color Control firmware update. Firmware updates of 60MB are not un-
common.
14.19. Q19: How many AC Current Sensors can I connect in one VE.Bus sys-
tem?
The current maximum is 9 sensors (since Cerbo GX v1.31). Note that each need to be configured separately with an assistant in
the Multi or Quattro to which it is wired.
14.20. Q20: Issues with Multi not starting when Cerbo GX is connected / Caution
when powering the Cerbo GX from the AC-out terminal of a VE.Bus Inverter,
Multi or Quattro
Make sure that the GX device and MultiPlus is running the latest firmware version.
If you power the Cerbo GX from an AC adaptor connected to the AC-out port of any VE.Bus product (Inverter, Multi or Quattro),
then a deadlock can occur after the VE.Bus products are powered-down for any reason (after any operational fault or during a
black start). The VE.Bus devices will not boot-up until the Cerbo GX has power …but the Cerbo GX will not boot-up until it has
power. See FAQ for more information about this.
This deadlock can be rectified by briefly unplugging the Cerbo GX VE.Bus cable at which point you will observe the VE.Bus prod-
ucts will immediately begin to boot-up.
Cutting/Removing pin 7 of the VE.Bus cable to the Cerbo GX (brown/white according to standard RJ45 ethernet cable colour cod-
ing) allows the VE.Bus products to start up without waiting for the Cerbo GX to boot up first.
Note that when using a Redflow ZBM2/ZCell battery, pin 7 should be cut even if the Cerbo GX is DC powered, to avoid the same
deadlock at times when the Redflow battery cluster is at 0% SoC.
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The disadvantage of cutting pin 7 is that switching the VE.Bus device off will be less effective: although it will stop charging and
inverting, it will still be in standby mode and therefore drawing more current from the battery than if pin 7 had been left in place.
Typically this is only relevant in Marine or Automotive systems where it's normal to regularly switch the VE.Bus device off. For
those types of systems we recommend that you do not cut pin 7, but simply power the Cerbo GX from the battery.
14.21. Q21: I love Linux, programming, Victron and the Cerbo GX. Can I do
more?
Yes you can! We intend to release almost all code as open source, but we are not that far yet. What we can offer today is that
many parts of the software are in script or other non-precompiled languages, such as Python and QML, and therefore available
on your Cerbo GX and easy to change. Root password and more information is available here.
14.23. Q23: Multi restarts all the time (after every 10sec)
Please check the remote switch connection on the Multi control PCB. There should be a wire bridge between the left and middle
terminal. The Cerbo GX switches a line which enables the power of the Multi control board. After 10 seconds this line is released
and the Multi should take over from there. When the remote switch connection is not wired the Multi is unable to take over it's own
supply. The Cerbo GX will retry, the Multi will boot and after 10 seconds stop, and so on.
This error is not recoverable in the field or by repair departments. Contact your dealer for a replacement.
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Firmware versions until v2.30 did not report the error. Since v2.30; its visible on the device itself (in the GUI) and on the VRM
Portal.
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