Thinking about upgrading my factory solar system

[bertschb]

I never see this screen under Settings:

[bertschb]

Brian bertschb
It's the Touch 50's Menu where the offline firmware is at.
Device List > Settings→ Firmware→Online updates.

I don't have the Touch 50. Did I miss that requirement somewhere in the manual? I thought I could do whatever I wanted with the Victron Connect app which is one reason why I didn't order the Touch 50. The other reason is I don't have a great place to mount it. easier to just use my phone or laptop.

[gbkims]

I don't have the Touch 50. Did I miss that requirement somewhere in the manual? I thought I could do whatever I wanted with the Victron Connect app which is one reason why I didn't order the Touch 50. The other reason is I don't have a great place to mount it. easier to just use my phone or laptop.

If you can get past the internet connection problem, then VRM will have Remote Console for the Cerbo GX.
Victron Connect shows the Cerbo GX's Hardware/Firmware and has a button for VRM portal.

Cerbo GX via VRM w/o Touch 50 plugged in:

[bertschb]

If you can get past the internet connection problem, then VRM will have Remote Console for the Cerbo GX.

Thanks Gene

I was FINALLY able to get the stupid Cerbo to connect to wifi. As I mentioned in a previous post, it saw every network in town except mine. I changed every setting I could think of to get the Cerbo to recognize the router I use with Spectrum cable. No bueno. Then it dawned on me that I could try my Pepwave cellular router. I'm not currently using it and don't have a SIM for it but you can set up the Pepwave to broadcast other wifi networks that it finds. Sooooo, I selected the wifi SSID from my "home" router to broadcast through the Pepwave. I then had the Cerbo look for the SSID for my Pepwave router and BAM! It found it right away. I was then able to add the Cerbo to VRM and use the Victron Remote Console to start the firmware update process on the Cerbo.

Now I understand why there are so many people upset with how poorly the Cerbo handles wifi. It's justified.

[gbkims]

Then it dawned on me that I could try my Pepwave cellular router. I'm not currently using it and don't have a SIM for it but you can set up the Pepwave to broadcast other wifi networks that it finds. Sooooo, I selected the wifi SSID from my "home" router to broadcast through the Pepwave.

Good thinking Brian.

[bertschb]

I connected all 4 panels to the charge controller today and cleaned up the wiring on the roof. VE.Direct cables and the SmartShunt arrive this afternoon. Time to crawl into the basement now and get the 6/4 cables pulled for the inverter. I was going to do that yesterday but lost my motivation. Funny how that happens when thinking about turning yourself into a pretzel. BTW, still no smoke or sparks!

[bertschb]

Replaced the BMV-712 with the SmartShunt this afternoon and ran the 6/4 wires to the front compartment. I received one of two VE.Direct cables today and connected the Cerbo to the charge controller. Second cable comes tomorrow and will be used to connect the Cerbo to the shunt. I'm kinda done with this project until the inverter arrives. That may be a few weeks. Amazingly, there have been zero surprises or mistakes. Granted, I don't have the inverter yet but still...

[jtctx]

bertschb I sent you a PM with a question about your inverter you pictured above. Your help would be greatly appreciated if/when you have a minute. Thank you!

[bertschb]

My new Victron Multiplus II 12v inverter shipped today. I should be able to complete my system this week!!!!! It's in the mid-90's here all week so I hope I can get the inverter installed quickly before the ice cream in my freezer melts.

[ncitro]

My new Victron Multiplus II 12v inverter shipped today. I should be able to complete my system this week!!!!! It's in the mid-90's here all week so I hope I can get the inverter installed quickly before the ice cream in my freezer melts.

Thats great! You got the new split phase one correct? I cannot wait to hear how it goes.

[bertschb]

You got the new split phase one correct?

Yep. I was starting to wonder if it was vaporware. As far as I know nobody else has it in stock and a few days after I ordered it, Continuous Resource's website showed late June availability. I was contacted last week saying the shipment was delayed so I was thinking it may be another month or two.

Connecting the inverter to my system should be very straightforward. Just a matter of working in the tight confines of the basement. Plus, I HATE wiring the Progressive Industries EMS and I'll need to open that up and replace the wiring so it goes to the inverter rather than the panel. That little box is waaaaaay too small for the wiring.

[ncitro]

Yep. I was starting to wonder if it was vaporware. As far as I know nobody else has it in stock and a few days after I ordered it, Continuous Resource's website showed late June availability. I was contacted last week saying the shipment was delayed so I was thinking it may be another month or two.

Connecting the inverter to my system should be very straightforward. Just a matter of working in the tight confines of the basement. Plus, I HATE wiring the Progressive Industries EMS and I'll need to open that up and replace the wiring so it goes to the inverter rather than the panel. That little box is waaaaaay too small for the wiring.

Yeah you’re the only one I know with one ordered and I haven’t seen it discussed much so I’m curious to see.

MY PD was a pain too. When I did my inverter I actually cut the cable going into the PD and spliced it in a box partly to avoid having to mess with it lol.

[bertschb]

MY PD was a pain too. When I did my inverter I actually cut the cable going into the PD and spliced it in a box partly to avoid having to mess with it lol.

Man, I thought I was the only one that struggled with the wiring in the PD box. I told my wife if the box was sitting on a workbench, I could wire it up in ten minutes. Trying to do that while in the basement adds two hours.

[ncitro]

Man, I thought I was the only one that struggled with the wiring in the PD box. I told my wife if the box was sitting on a workbench, I could wire it up in ten minutes. Trying to do that while in the basement adds two hours.

Yeah exactly. Working with the stiff factory wire into that tight box behind the wall in the basement storage was the worst. On top of that I did it in Florida in a campground, because I was a glutton for punishment lol.

[bertschb]

Update-

I got the new Multiplus II 12v inverter installed and everything seems to be working fine. I have AC power to the RV. BUT, Victron Connect shows no AC input? Any ideas?

I just have to clean up some wiring and my solar upgrade project will be done.