VE.Smart Networking (1 Viewer)

[CutThroatJake]

Dear Funsters,

Just wondering if anybody has set up a VE.Smart Network in their motorhome and what the advantages/disadvantages are of doing so?

TIA Paul

 

[funflair]

We have the basics in that we have a Shunt, Solar regulator and battery temperature monitor, they are all Smart bluetooth jobbies and they talk to each other, well the temperature monitor talks to the Solar but the Shunt doesn't have much to say for itself really, they all report on the Victron app and it works well.

Did I understand the question

 

[Abacist]

I have Victron Bluetooth MPPT solar controllers, Bluetooth smart shunt, Bluetooth mains charger and a Victron Inverter. I can call them all up with Victron App in the van using Bluetooth to see what is going on.

This does not help greatly in winter when I want to check things more remotely so I bought a Victron Cerbo GX and a cable to attach it to the smart shunt. You then set up an account with Victron and from your phone using Victron VRM website login to view your battery status for both Hab and Cab. Works for me!

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[AdrianChen]

Dear Funsters,

Just wondering if anybody has set up a VE.Smart Network in their motorhome and what the advantages/disadvantages are of doing so?

TIA Paul

Victron Smart Network gives advantages when used on systems that include MPPT controllers, IP chargers etc, and smart Shunts or smartsense devices because they can share temperature data and battery voltage and current and so work off common values. The MPPT's can use the temp data to avoid charging at low temps when you have Lithium batteries for example, or for temp compensated charging for LA batteries. I think it also syncs the charging of MPPT's and Orion XS, IP chargers etc so they all use the same stage at the same time. So if you have the kit it's worth seting it up.

We set ours up on the last van, but have a Cerbo on this one, so no need.

If you have a Cerbo (S) GX or Raspberry PI/Venus OS, then the option is there to use VE.Direct cables and use DVCC to achieve the same, the idea behind Smart Network was to achieve similar comms for smaller systems without the expense of the Cerbo which adds more stuff like tank monitoring and remote monitoring including VE.bus/can devices through VRM. As well as Node Red/Signal K for even more control and integration. (Signal K is used by many on boats it seems).

This is a better answer:

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/VE.Smart_Networking/20723-VE_Smart_Networking-pdf-en.pdf

 

[CutThroatJake]

We have the basics in that we have a Shunt, Solar regulator and battery temperature monitor, they are all Smart bluetooth jobbies and they talk to each other, well the temperature monitor talks to the Solar but the Shunt doesn't have much to say for itself really, they all report on the Victron app and it works well.

Did I understand the question

You did thanks Martin.

 

[CutThroatJake]

Victron Smart Network gives advantages when used on systems that include MPPT controllers, IP chargers etc, and smart Shunts or smartsense devices because they can share temperature data and battery voltage and current and so work off common values. The MPPT's can use the temp data to avoid charging at low temps when you have Lithium batteries for example, or for temp compensated charging for LA batteries. I think it also syncs the charging of MPPT's and Orion XS, IP chargers etc so they all use the same stage at the same time. So if you have the kit it's worth seting it up.

We set ours up on the last van, but have a Cerbo on this one, so no need.

If you have a Cerbo (S) GX or Raspberry PI/Venus OS, then the option is there to use VE.Direct cables and use DVCC to achieve the same, the idea behind Smart Network was to achieve similar comms for smaller systems without the expense of the Cerbo which adds more stuff like tank monitoring and remote monitoring including VE.bus/can devices through VRM. As well as Node Red/Signal K for even more control and integration. (Signal K is used by many on boats it seems).

This is a better answer:

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/VE.Smart_Networking/20723-VE_Smart_Networking-pdf-en.pdf

I have a smart shunt and 2 MPPT controllers so from what you have said it appears a no-brainier to set up VE.Smart Networking

Thanks for all your replies

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[Two on Tour]

I have our shunt, two MPPT's and hab battery temperature sensor networked plus I will be adding the Victron XS B2B when it arrives.

 

[rod_vw]

I have Victron kit in our new camper but I'm yet to get to grips with all its capabilities. There is a Facebook group devoted to Victron equipment in all sorts of mobile vehicles.

 

[AdrianChen]

I have a smart shunt and 2 MPPT controllers so from what you have said it appears a no-brainier to set up VE.Smart Networking

Thanks for all your replies

Yes especially if you have the shunt set up with a temperature sensor.

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[nicholsong]

You lot are in a different world.

I have two batteries, alternator + B2B, small solar and a voltmeter and ammeter on control panel.

Oh! and a small dinosaur on a treadmill generator in the MH garage.

That's it.