Checking in from Tasmania, Australia. What a fantastic instructional video . Your presentation was flawless, clear and concise. I hope Victron have you on their Christmas list for promoting their products. Well done sir
I watched your video twice and each time I seem to absorb more relevant information about the Victron Cerbo GX. Thank you very much for such an articulate and informative video. Kind regards.
Your video educate me. I work in manufacturing most of these products. Also cerbo model. but not really now the purpose. 😂 I learn so much. Tq for your video and information. Hope u make manyyyy video like this.
Very helpful video! I had chimed in with someone who asked about which water tank gauges would work, but after watching the entire video I now know. Thank you!
Amazing video! Exactly what I was looking for - seeing the whole screen in action and not just parts of it, like in other videos. Winter time is DIY time for me so I´m planning on swapping out my devices from other brands and get a Victron Easy Solar. Just one AC cable going in, a set of PV cables, a set of DC cables and you´re almost done. At the moment it looks like spaghetti and is hard to monitor, with different switches, gauges and apps. Since the Venus operating system is open source, I´ll go with a Raspberry Pi and a 7" touchscreen. Anything the Cerbo and GX Touch can do the rPi can do aswell for 1/5 of the price.
Thank you for the video. Very good explained. Im going to connect my cerbo gx today. Im living of grid in Spain Alicante and i have 2 watertanks (12000 L and 10000 L), and you are the first one to explain that it is possible to connect them to the cerbo gx i hope.... thanks allot!
Thank you very much once again. Your videos are really helping me as I'm intending to do the Victron training and I'm confident I'll be able to understand be well thanks to your awesome simple accurate easy to understand videos. Keep it up and thank you very very much.
So glad I found your channel. This is exactly what I’ve been trying to do. Now I know it’s possible. Could you(or maybe you have) go into each of the different sensors and model #’s that are going to work with the Cerbo Gx? Fresh water tank sensor, black-grey sensors, hard wired temp sensors(Bluetooth is available)….. ect. I am an electrician and formally a automotive Technician. I understand everything your talking about simple and easy to follow. Thanks!!
Hey there, thanks for checking out my channel. Great to hear the videos are making an impact. I have 5 total videos on the Cerbo GX and related topics on this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLWoQHaxPSGfwdZif5uZSCAES_RLFR3_xJ.html
At 02:12 - The only thing you can do with Bluetooth on the Cerbo GX is network settings. The remote console via VictronConnect is entirely based on your local network or VRM, not via Bluetooth.
Great video! Is it possible to connect a regular monitor to the Cerbo GX over HDMI and use a USB mouse to control the interface shown on the touch screen in the video? It seems to be touch oriented, which is fine, but I am not sure there is also a mouse cursor support or at least keyboard navigation? I bought the Cerbo GX mainly for remote monitoring using Victron VRM but I have a spare monitor, mouse and keyboard laying around so I wonder whether that will work once I get around to installing the Cerbo GX.
I can't figure out why...if I can access all my Victron equipment, and make changes from my smart phone, why doesn't victron offer a monitor qhich connects wirelessly as well?
Ross, great vids to understand my new motor home. My verbose go does not read battery level on percent and second the remote screen does not show up on the app??
Thank you for this detailed video on this setup! It’s definitely helped guild me on what I need. There’s one power source that you missed though and that’s the addition of a dc-to-dc charger coming from an alternator or main vehicle battery. I’m curious if this could be added to this system and if so if it can also be added to the screen along with the other components. Please let us know! Thanks!
Hey George, I'm glad you found the video useful! At this time the addition of the alternator power is somewhat lacking on the Cerbo GX. I can tell you its wattage is typically shown under the "DC Power" section of the screen, which is generated by a battery monitor such as the SmartShunt. The DC-DC chargers from Victron do not have a VE.Direct port at this time, cannot connect to the Cerbo, and do not show up as an explicit item on the screen. There is one developing potential workaround though. You can capture alternator power (and many other devices) by turning a SmartShunt or other battery monitor into a "DC Energy Meter" in the settings. You can then tell it what device it is metering, and one of the options is alternator. Of course the SmartShunt has the VE.Direct port and can be hardwired to the Cerbo GX. This setup shows up better on the VictronConnect app via the bluetooth from the SmartShunt, but at this point I still don't think it will show up explicitly on the Cerbo GX's screen. People have been beating down the door of Victron to get alternator charging on their GX device screens, and I think it's in development. I would check the Victron Community forums for the latest.
Thanks, Ross! You are highly knowledgeable on the topic so I really appreciate your thorough response! I guess my only question now is that if the Cerbo cannot explicitly monitor the alternator, and let’s say, a generator or the solar panels were already supplying power to the bus bar/ batteries when suddenly the alternator came on… wouldn’t that cause an overload on any nearby fuse that’s rated less than the combined power coming in at that point? I guess the same applies to any variation of incoming power supplies coming in simultaneously. I’m not sure I understand how an overload wouldn’t occur and damage connected components or even one, or all of the incoming sources via back-feed. Hope that scenario makes sense. On a residential service panel, a safety switch is installed that prevents both the generator and city power from crossing paths or coming in at the same time. I just don’t see anything similar in this DC setup. If you could shed some light on the subject I’d appreciate it! Thanks in advance!
UPDATE: I was able to find an answer to my own question regarding multiple charging sources running simultaneously. Thank you for all your help though! th-cam.com/video/wvtL_B9boJs/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for doing this video. I'm planning to put the Cerbo GX in my next build and this helped me understand the device much better. One question: Do you need a BMV-712 Smart Monitor, or will a Smart Shunt suffice?
Hey there, glad to hear the video was helpful! On the battery monitors, the SmartShunt is all you need if you don't want a battery monitor screen, which is not needed if you have a screen with the Cerbo GX. Good luck with it!
Hi Charles, unfortunately no the GX device won't read the Magnum. It links up to the Victron inverter-chargers with an ethernet cable and "speaks their language." But it only works with Victron's units. Hope that helps, thanks for tuning in!
Hey thanks, yes the breaker box is a Square D Model #QO2L30SCP, QO 30 Amp 2-Space 2-Circuit Indoor Main Lug Load Center, with a 30-amp QO series breaker. The box also has a Square D 3-terminal ground bar inside, model no. PK3GTA1CP. Hope that helps! Thanks for tuning in-
Checking in from South Africa. I made the mistake of clicking the touch screen into the 3-screw bracket before fastening it to the wall. Now how do I pull it out? 🤥🥺
Hey there, there's a plastic pry tool in the box with the touchscreen, just insert it into the little gap in the plastic bracket and you should be able to pop it back out.
Thank you for this awesome video, just wondering how many charge controllers one can connect to the Cerbo GX, I want to run various PV panels each with its charge controller to study the impact of the panel's soiling on power output at our campus that is located coastline in Namibia.
Hi Andreas, sounds like a cool project. The max is 15 VE.direct devices for the Cerbo GX, which is what the MPPT's are categorized as (as a VE.Direct device). However, there are only 3 VE.Direct ports, you would have to run the rest through a USB hub and plug that into one of the Cerbo's USB ports. There is a VE.Direct to USB converter you can use for each MPPT. The info page showing stats for Victron GX devices is here: www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start
very nice and good explanation. i was basically asking my self if I need to purchase the touch. Do you know by any chance if want to connect three inverters to make 3 phase, can i configure it thru the phone or do I need to do it with the VE Configure app windows desktop???
Hey there, thanks for tuning in. I haven't done a 3-phase setup, but I would say that's pretty serious and I would do it through VE Configure with a Windows computer. You may be able to do it with VictronConnect on Apple or PC, they are adding capabilties to that program to phase out VE Configure. Hope that helps, good luck!
Great video! One question: how can I see my TWO batteries (one being the starter and one the consumption one) as single items on the screen - including the „lasting time“ for each of them? Fyi: I have two smart shunts connected to them as well….
Hi Peter, I have to be honest I haven't connected two SmartShunts to a Cerbo GX, not sure how you would get both of them to display. Perhaps this could be fodder for a future video. Thanks for the inquiry, perhaps you could ask on the Victron Community forums, or sometimes I just play around with the equipment to see what works. The Cerbo manual may also address this.
what a series of nice videos! congrats! one question if you can help: regarding the lithium battery management, BMS, is it still some spare ports to plug the bms on the Mppt for exemple?( with just one ve direct on the ppt 30 ) or is the Cerbo able to do the link between the BMS (VE BUS BMS ) and the devices( inverter, mppt...Orion..)? Best thanks for all your nice sharring! Phil.
Thanks Phil! To control that MPPT with the BMS, you will need to run a wire from the BMS's "charge disconnect" port to a BatteryProtect 65A that breaks the positive output cable of the MPPT. The BMS will send 12V down this wire under normal circumstances, but drop it to 0V when it needs to stop any chargers. This will cause the BatteryProtect 65A to open its circuit and stop any incoming solar from getting to the batteries. The Cerbo will connect to the MPPT via the VE.Direct cord to display solar stats, but at this time I do not believe you can control the MPPT with the Cerbo GX beyond perhaps a manual on-off capability. Because the lithium shutdown function of the BMS is critical, at this time the VE.Bus BMS is the best item available to do that job. It will control the inverter (MultiPlus, Phoenix or Quattro) directly via a UTP cable, but with other chargers (MPPT and Orion) and loads (12V fuse panel), you are typically going to need to break those lines with a BatteryProtect as discussed above. Use can also use a Cyrix but the BatteryProtect supposedly has advantages. Hope that helps!
Why is the battery monitor and the MPPT controller connected with an VE-Direct cable? Is that not possible via bluetooth. I would like to know this before buying one.
Hey there, in general the Cerbo GX uses Bluetooth to connect to the end user’s phone, and a couple of other brands’ tank and temp sensors, but not for networking with other Victron components. Victron systems themselves are hardwired together as you see with the VE-Direct cables. This is also more reliable. We shouldn’t go nuts with Bluetooth everything. It has its limitations and sometimes it’s better to just wire things in.
Ross - help! I've accidentally clicked Power off on the Victron Cerbo GX Touch 50 display...and it powered off the whole tiny home including the touchscreen. I now can't turn anything back on. I've tried unplugging and re-plugging the entire home into its outlet and it didn't reboot. Note, I didn't turn the inverter/charger off, it was a different option and it powered off the whole trailer including the screen. What do I do now?
I went through my Cerbo screen just now and can't find a Power Off button for the Cerbo itself. I think what you might have done is hit power off on one of the devices in the Cerbo's device list. Perhaps you turned off an inverter-charger that is processing shore power and somehow also powers the Cerbo? Do you not have any batteries in the system? They would still power the Cerbo even if you turned off the inverter-charger. Without knowing what your system is comprised of, I am just grasping for straws. If you turned off an inverter-charger, unplug it from the Cerbo (so the Cerbo no longer controls it) and just toggle its switch off and then on again. This would bring it back online, supposedly powering up the Cerbo again. Just a guess.
Yes there is a Bluetooth line item on the settings menu and it has a toggle to enable/disable it. You can see it here in my Ruuvi tag/Cerbo video: th-cam.com/video/xj_aOZH2lPg/w-d-xo.html
Hi, yes I have added extension cables of 20 feet with no issues. I use the extension cable inside the wall, and the screen's own 78-inch cable I just coil up in the wall behind it after making the connection. You will need two different extension cables, an HDMI (data) and a USB 3.0 (power). The male ends go to the Cerbo GX, and the female ends go towards the screen. Here are some cables I've used: [HDMI] amzn.to/3Inue9I [USB] amzn.to/3AnXudD Hope that helps, thanks for the question!
Hi Nasser, I'm not sure you can do 2 monitors from a single Cerbo GX. Perhaps if you get an HDMI splitter. You will also need a USB splitter or hub (that one's for power; HDMI is for signal). Hope that helps.
Hi David, you can use a ruuvi.com/ sensor, so long as you update to the latest firmware on the Cerbo. It will read it over Bluetooth. You can also hardwire a Victron temperature sensor for BMV 702/712, but the Ruuvi is probably a cleaner setup.
It's made to connect to Victron's VE.Bus inverter-chargers. It can pick things up that are on the NMEA marine protocol, so that's the extent of its ability to play with other brands.
Hi Peter, I am not quite sure if you connect the sensor to two locations. In my estimation the resistance from the sender would read the same, but if you give the electricity a parallel path, the resistance reading may be off. For this reason KUS makes senders that are meant to be wired to two different locations. As I said I haven't wired their normal sender to two locations so I don't know for sure, but since they manufacture a special two-location model, I assume it's necessary. Hope that helps, thanks for tuning in.
My brother has a Victron system with a Battery Monitor that has to be Synchronized once a year does the Cerbo GX with screen need to be Synchronized or does it read the VE BMS and smart shunt accurately off the shelf.
Hi Frank, because the Cerbo is just importing the data from the battery monitors, it will just display that data and does not need to be synchronized. It will display their data off the shelf.
Any chance the Cerbo GX will work with other manufacturer devices using dongles/converters? I am designing my van wiring now, have a 24v 200Ah LiFePo battery from Gyll, an MIP inverter/charger, generic 24-12V 40A converter, Orion Smart 12|24|15A DC-DC charger, a Victron 500A smart shunt, and Victron Lynx distributor. No solar yet, but will add it later.
Hi Chris, you might ask Victron but I think your only issue is going to be with the inverter/charger. There doesn't seem to be a way to bring that in. The SmartShunt will monitor your battery, and capture what's going on with the converter and Orion Charger, and the solar controller you buy could be Victron. The Cerbo uses the VE.Bus protocol with ethernet cables to communicate with their VE.Bus inverter/chargers. Not sure it could "talk" to other brands. Hope that helps!
I cannot say for sure. I would guess that you at least want an internet connection during setup, if for nothing else just to get the latest firmware loaded onto your devices. After that I do not see why the unit would need an internet connection to run an ESS system, unless you want to log data on Victron's remote portal.
Looking for a way to connect an iPad to remote console on EastSolar, and also have the iPad connected to mobile hot spot on a mobile phone. How can this be done?
Hey there, the EasySolar-II GX, if that is the model you have, has to be connected to the internet and registered in the VRM portal with its unique VRM ID. Your iPad has to be connected to the internet (the hot spot works for that) and have the VRM app or go to the VRM website in the iPad's web browser. Then they can talk. If you have a regular EasySolar, then you need to add a GX device such as Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX. That is the device that actually connects to the internet and VRM portal. Remote Console is a feature of the VRM portal and is easy to click on once everything above is set up. My video on setting up the VRM portal is here: th-cam.com/video/9hcwaX87SGE/w-d-xo.html Hope that helps! If you need more extensive help then I have consulting here: www.rosslukeman.com/offers/Au4HykMc/checkout I just did a call with another EasySolar user trying to get on the VRM portal. Thanks for tuning in!
Hi Steve, I'm pretty sure you do, since the inverter-charger and Cerbo GX communicate directly over an ethernet cable, they should both be programmed by Victron.
Thanks for this video Ross. I have a mutilplus 2000, Cerbo GX and a Blue Solar 150/35. Is there a way to restart the system remotely? My cerbo keeps saying offline from time to time and atm the last check in was 16 hours ago. I cannot figure out how to get it back online.
I appreciate the question, but unfortunately can't answer this. You might pose this question on the Victron Community forums and see if anyone else has had this problem.
@@rosslukeman Hi Ross. I think it is a wifi signal issue. I am at a different location and I have a solid wifi signal and it was connected all night and have not had any issues today! Looks like I am going to have to scrounge up a couple of more bucks for the GX-GSM (lte version) and hope it works with my project fi service. Thanks for the reply and you other videos! I really appreciate the effort it takes to produce a video.
Hi Raj, thanks for stopping in. There are several dealers in India. You can find them by typing in "India" on this page: www.victronenergy.com/where-to-buy
Hi Ross, Nice work. considering gx for my non lithium boat. Having a little trouble with the 2019 Multiplus kicking off while set to "charge only" while dockside on shore pwr. No issues with AC or DC measured at the Multi connections and the unit comes back on when I recycle it (but I have to drive to boat to do so). I need to get this resolved before going lithium and thought the cerbo gx would be a good first component to help do that because it keeps more detailed data on whats going on ...that can me shared. Also, and I'm assuming this from your video thought you didn't explicitly say it, I can connect via VRM Online Portal and reset the unit remotely should I need to (right?). ...I have a cellular wifi router installed and in use. Also, but less critical, can three smart MPPTs wired in parallel to their own solar panel connect to the cerbo wirelessly? Thanks in advance!
Hi David, on the MultiPlus, it sounds like you may need to get in and play with the programming settings. If there is a ripple in the power coming from the grid, it could shut it down. There are settings for ripple, minimum and maximum voltage, dynamic current limiter, etc. There is also a UPS setting that sometimes needs to be turned off when these units are running on generators, because of the spikes in power. These settings are found on the General and Grid tabs of the VE.Configure software when you connect your device to a computer. You're right in that the VRM portal may record any weird momentary spikes that are not readily apparent. On the VRM portal, yes you should be able to turn on-off the MultiPlus by pulling up the remote console screen. It is confusing with the Cerbo because there is so much wireless capability, but all of your devices have to actually be hardwired to it. Those 3 MPPT's would need to be wired into the 3 VE.direct ports on the Cerbo. Hope that helps, good luck with it!
Thanks …Did it twice again in under 12 hours (two 1 hour round trip visits to boat). Dynamic current limiter is off (I don’t think you’re saying to turn it on). Grid transfer switch has “except wide input frequency range 45 to 65 Hz” checked. I’m turning UPC off but I’m on shore power not a generator
I’m here now and while reviewing settings (only changing virtual switch to deselect it) Multi kicked off twice in the span of about 7 minutes. Each time it came back on within one minute but because I had the cover open already I was able to verify 115-117vac at the Multiplus input connect. No loads running (my one temp controlled boat heater was off at 40 deg)…. The transfer switch is set to accept wide range default 94-138vac.
Hi David, I would go ahead and get the Cerbo GX so the MultiPlus can output its error messages to that. The VE Bus Smart Dongle would also output messages to your phone. The MultiPlus will probably tell you what is happening, you just need one of these output devices.
Thanks Ross, did so last Friday. Not here yet. BTW, did you know if a Digital Multicontrol is hooked up at the same time as a Cerbo you loose ability to control Multiplus remotely? Read that page 7 or 8 in Cerbo manual. We’ll see.
Hi Les, I am not aware of a Victron controller that does wind. You might contact Victron or one of their dealers such as PKYS.com. You may end up with separate controllers wired in parallel, rather than an all-in-one controller. Thanks for the question!
Ross, I have the bluetooth 500amp shunt and smart solart mppt configured on the ve smart network, do you know I add Cerbo GX to the network would those devices still need to be hard wired to the VE direct port?
Hi Boston, yes you would need to hardwire those to the Cerbo GX VE direct ports. It is confusing because the Cerbo has so much wireless capability, but other devices connected to it must be hardwired. It sounds like your SmartShunt and MPPT will be talking to each other wirelessly, but will need wires over to the Cerbo, which does not appear to be part of the VE Smart networking product list at this point in time. Hope that helps!
What device is providing the `DC Power` shown on the main screen of the GX Touch? Is it just the remainder of the battery monitor minus the AC / inverter?
Hi Josh, yes it sort of a "net power left over after AC power is subtracted" calculation. So it could be alternator power coming in, minus lights, pumps, etc. It's an aggregate leftover calculation that does not represent any single item.
I believe you would press “menu” then “settings” then “system setup” and then scroll down to “Has DC Power” and hit the toggle for that. It should show up on your main screen now. Hope that helps, thanks for stopping by!
Hi there Ross, Do you have to have the cerbo gx monitor to be able to run the victron app to measure the mppt solar going in and bluetooth shunt meter for accurate power going out? Or can you view those 2 stats with just the mppt and shunt alone? Cheers and hope that made sense!
Hi Matt, great question! You don't need the Cerbo GX to use the VictronConnect app for those devices. As long as your solar controller is SmartSolar, it and the SmartShunt will be readable on the app. You will be able to click on each one and see its data separately. The Cerbo GX would just give you a system overview and remote data logging onto the Victron remote portal. Hope that helps!
Get the Ultimate Van Power Cheat Sheet: www.rosslukeman.com/vanpower
Checking in from Tasmania, Australia. What a fantastic instructional video . Your presentation was flawless, clear and concise. I hope Victron have you on their Christmas list for promoting their products. Well done sir
Hello friend from Tasmania, I appreciate the kind words!
I watched your video twice and each time I seem to absorb more relevant information about the Victron Cerbo GX. Thank you very much for such an articulate and informative video. Kind regards.
Hey Dan, thanks for tuning in and great to hear you got a good return on your time with this video. I'm glad you found it so helpful!
Your video educate me. I work in manufacturing most of these products. Also cerbo model. but not really now the purpose. 😂 I learn so much. Tq for your video and information. Hope u make manyyyy video like this.
Hi Izzati, thanks for checking out the video! Cool to hear you help manufacture these! I'm glad you learned a lot, I'll keep the videos coming!
Very helpful video! I had chimed in with someone who asked about which water tank gauges would work, but after watching the entire video I now know. Thank you!
Thanks Leli! Yes I mention it pretty deep into the video. Glad you ran across it. Thanks for tuning in!
I have watched a ton of videos on Victron equipment. yours is the most helpful
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it!
Amazing video! Exactly what I was looking for - seeing the whole screen in action and not just parts of it, like in other videos. Winter time is DIY time for me so I´m planning on swapping out my devices from other brands and get a Victron Easy Solar. Just one AC cable going in, a set of PV cables, a set of DC cables and you´re almost done. At the moment it looks like spaghetti and is hard to monitor, with different switches, gauges and apps.
Since the Venus operating system is open source, I´ll go with a Raspberry Pi and a 7" touchscreen. Anything the Cerbo and GX Touch can do the rPi can do aswell for 1/5 of the price.
Best video this has been of great help. Thank you Lukeman.
Thank you for the video. Very good explained. Im going to connect my cerbo gx today. Im living of grid in Spain Alicante and i have 2 watertanks (12000 L and 10000 L), and you are the first one to explain that it is possible to connect them to the cerbo gx i hope.... thanks allot!
Hi Frank, I'm glad that was helpful! Good luck connecting those tanks!
Thank you very much once again. Your videos are really helping me as I'm intending to do the Victron training and I'm confident I'll be able to understand be well thanks to your awesome simple accurate easy to understand videos. Keep it up and thank you very very much.
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words, good to hear these videos are making an impact!
That was an outstanding video! It is especially great for those like me who are trying to get a handle on all the different components. Thank you!!!!
Thanks Evan, I'm glad that was helpful!!!
Fantastic overview. Helped a lot! Thanks
Glad that was helpful, thanks for tuning in!
So glad I found your channel. This is exactly what I’ve been trying to do. Now I know it’s possible.
Could you(or maybe you have) go into each of the different sensors and model #’s that are going to work with the Cerbo Gx? Fresh water tank sensor, black-grey sensors, hard wired temp sensors(Bluetooth is available)….. ect.
I am an electrician and formally a automotive Technician. I understand everything your talking about simple and easy to follow. Thanks!!
Hey there, thanks for checking out my channel. Great to hear the videos are making an impact. I have 5 total videos on the Cerbo GX and related topics on this playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLWoQHaxPSGfwdZif5uZSCAES_RLFR3_xJ.html
At 02:12 - The only thing you can do with Bluetooth on the Cerbo GX is network settings. The remote console via VictronConnect is entirely based on your local network or VRM, not via Bluetooth.
Thank you...Super helpful video!
Super helpful, thank you for the great information.
Glad that was helpful, thanks for checking it out!
Tremendously helpful... thank you!
Thanks for checking out the video Matt! I'm glad you found it useful!
Another great video. Thanks!
Thanks, I appreciate you checking it out!
Great video! Is it possible to connect a regular monitor to the Cerbo GX over HDMI and use a USB mouse to control the interface shown on the touch screen in the video? It seems to be touch oriented, which is fine, but I am not sure there is also a mouse cursor support or at least keyboard navigation? I bought the Cerbo GX mainly for remote monitoring using Victron VRM but I have a spare monitor, mouse and keyboard laying around so I wonder whether that will work once I get around to installing the Cerbo GX.
Thanks much!!
Glad that helped, thanks for watching!
I can't figure out why...if I can access all my Victron equipment, and make changes from my smart phone, why doesn't victron offer a monitor qhich connects wirelessly as well?
G'day .. is it possible to repair/rewire the touch 70 HDMI/USB cable. I totally damaged the cable end now need to rewire it .
Ross, great vids to understand my new motor home. My verbose go does not read battery level on percent and second the remote screen does not show up on the app??
Thank you for this detailed video on this setup! It’s definitely helped guild me on what I need.
There’s one power source that you missed though and that’s the addition of a dc-to-dc charger coming from an alternator or main vehicle battery. I’m curious if this could be added to this system and if so if it can also be added to the screen along with the other components.
Please let us know!
Thanks!
Hey George, I'm glad you found the video useful!
At this time the addition of the alternator power is somewhat lacking on the Cerbo GX. I can tell you its wattage is typically shown under the "DC Power" section of the screen, which is generated by a battery monitor such as the SmartShunt. The DC-DC chargers from Victron do not have a VE.Direct port at this time, cannot connect to the Cerbo, and do not show up as an explicit item on the screen. There is one developing potential workaround though. You can capture alternator power (and many other devices) by turning a SmartShunt or other battery monitor into a "DC Energy Meter" in the settings. You can then tell it what device it is metering, and one of the options is alternator. Of course the SmartShunt has the VE.Direct port and can be hardwired to the Cerbo GX. This setup shows up better on the VictronConnect app via the bluetooth from the SmartShunt, but at this point I still don't think it will show up explicitly on the Cerbo GX's screen. People have been beating down the door of Victron to get alternator charging on their GX device screens, and I think it's in development. I would check the Victron Community forums for the latest.
Thanks, Ross! You are highly knowledgeable on the topic so I really appreciate your thorough response!
I guess my only question now is that if the Cerbo cannot explicitly monitor the alternator, and let’s say, a generator or the solar panels were already supplying power to the bus bar/ batteries when suddenly the alternator came on… wouldn’t that cause an overload on any nearby fuse that’s rated less than the combined power coming in at that point? I guess the same applies to any variation of incoming power supplies coming in simultaneously. I’m not sure I understand how an overload wouldn’t occur and damage connected components or even one, or all of the incoming sources via back-feed. Hope that scenario makes sense. On a residential service panel, a safety switch is installed that prevents both the generator and city power from crossing paths or coming in at the same time. I just don’t see anything similar in this DC setup. If you could shed some light on the subject I’d appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!
UPDATE:
I was able to find an answer to my own question regarding multiple charging sources running simultaneously. Thank you for all your help though!
th-cam.com/video/wvtL_B9boJs/w-d-xo.html
great...thanks
Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for tuning in!
I have a fuel level monitor. It's called a dipstick 😊
Thank you for doing this video. I'm planning to put the Cerbo GX in my next build and this helped me understand the device much better. One question: Do you need a BMV-712 Smart Monitor, or will a Smart Shunt suffice?
Hey there, glad to hear the video was helpful! On the battery monitors, the SmartShunt is all you need if you don't want a battery monitor screen, which is not needed if you have a screen with the Cerbo GX. Good luck with it!
I have a magnum 2000 watt inverter. Will th gx system work ,or i has to change the inverter
Hi Charles, unfortunately no the GX device won't read the Magnum. It links up to the Victron inverter-chargers with an ethernet cable and "speaks their language." But it only works with Victron's units. Hope that helps, thanks for tuning in!
Thanks for the video! Do you have info on the AC breaker you used in this video? I would like to get one.
Hey thanks, yes the breaker box is a Square D Model #QO2L30SCP, QO 30 Amp 2-Space 2-Circuit Indoor Main Lug Load Center, with a 30-amp QO series breaker. The box also has a Square D 3-terminal ground bar inside, model no. PK3GTA1CP. Hope that helps! Thanks for tuning in-
What is the "certain type of tank monitor" that will play with the Cerbo GX? Thank you. Good video
I’d like to know that too.
Hi David and Leli, it's a resistive tank sending unit from KUS or similar. It's shown around 14:10 in the video. Thanks for stopping by!
Checking in from South Africa. I made the mistake of clicking the touch screen into the 3-screw bracket before fastening it to the wall. Now how do I pull it out? 🤥🥺
Hey there, there's a plastic pry tool in the box with the touchscreen, just insert it into the little gap in the plastic bracket and you should be able to pop it back out.
Thank you for this awesome video, just wondering how many charge controllers one can connect to the Cerbo GX, I want to run various PV panels each with its charge controller to study the impact of the panel's soiling on power output at our campus that is located coastline in Namibia.
Hi Andreas, sounds like a cool project. The max is 15 VE.direct devices for the Cerbo GX, which is what the MPPT's are categorized as (as a VE.Direct device). However, there are only 3 VE.Direct ports, you would have to run the rest through a USB hub and plug that into one of the Cerbo's USB ports. There is a VE.Direct to USB converter you can use for each MPPT. The info page showing stats for Victron GX devices is here: www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:start
very nice and good explanation. i was basically asking my self if I need to purchase the touch. Do you know by any chance if want to connect three inverters to make 3 phase, can i configure it thru the phone or do I need to do it with the VE Configure app windows desktop???
Hey there, thanks for tuning in. I haven't done a 3-phase setup, but I would say that's pretty serious and I would do it through VE Configure with a Windows computer. You may be able to do it with VictronConnect on Apple or PC, they are adding capabilties to that program to phase out VE Configure. Hope that helps, good luck!
Great video! One question: how can I see my TWO batteries (one being the starter and one the consumption one) as single items on the screen - including the „lasting time“ for each of them? Fyi: I have two smart shunts connected to them as well….
Hi Peter, I have to be honest I haven't connected two SmartShunts to a Cerbo GX, not sure how you would get both of them to display. Perhaps this could be fodder for a future video. Thanks for the inquiry, perhaps you could ask on the Victron Community forums, or sometimes I just play around with the equipment to see what works. The Cerbo manual may also address this.
what a series of nice videos! congrats! one question if you can help: regarding the lithium battery management, BMS, is it still some spare ports to plug the bms on the Mppt for exemple?( with just one ve direct on the ppt 30 ) or is the Cerbo able to do the link between the BMS (VE BUS BMS ) and the devices( inverter, mppt...Orion..)? Best thanks for all your nice sharring! Phil.
Thanks Phil! To control that MPPT with the BMS, you will need to run a wire from the BMS's "charge disconnect" port to a BatteryProtect 65A that breaks the positive output cable of the MPPT. The BMS will send 12V down this wire under normal circumstances, but drop it to 0V when it needs to stop any chargers. This will cause the BatteryProtect 65A to open its circuit and stop any incoming solar from getting to the batteries.
The Cerbo will connect to the MPPT via the VE.Direct cord to display solar stats, but at this time I do not believe you can control the MPPT with the Cerbo GX beyond perhaps a manual on-off capability. Because the lithium shutdown function of the BMS is critical, at this time the VE.Bus BMS is the best item available to do that job. It will control the inverter (MultiPlus, Phoenix or Quattro) directly via a UTP cable, but with other chargers (MPPT and Orion) and loads (12V fuse panel), you are typically going to need to break those lines with a BatteryProtect as discussed above. Use can also use a Cyrix but the BatteryProtect supposedly has advantages. Hope that helps!
@@rosslukeman many thanks for this informative answer! Have a Nice day
Why is the battery monitor and the MPPT controller connected with an VE-Direct cable? Is that not possible via bluetooth.
I would like to know this before buying one.
Hey there, in general the Cerbo GX uses Bluetooth to connect to the end user’s phone, and a couple of other brands’ tank and temp sensors, but not for networking with other Victron components. Victron systems themselves are hardwired together as you see with the VE-Direct cables. This is also more reliable. We shouldn’t go nuts with Bluetooth everything. It has its limitations and sometimes it’s better to just wire things in.
Will it monitor 2 leisure batteries?
Ross - help! I've accidentally clicked Power off on the Victron Cerbo GX Touch 50 display...and it powered off the whole tiny home including the touchscreen. I now can't turn anything back on. I've tried unplugging and re-plugging the entire home into its outlet and it didn't reboot. Note, I didn't turn the inverter/charger off, it was a different option and it powered off the whole trailer including the screen. What do I do now?
I went through my Cerbo screen just now and can't find a Power Off button for the Cerbo itself. I think what you might have done is hit power off on one of the devices in the Cerbo's device list. Perhaps you turned off an inverter-charger that is processing shore power and somehow also powers the Cerbo? Do you not have any batteries in the system? They would still power the Cerbo even if you turned off the inverter-charger. Without knowing what your system is comprised of, I am just grasping for straws. If you turned off an inverter-charger, unplug it from the Cerbo (so the Cerbo no longer controls it) and just toggle its switch off and then on again. This would bring it back online, supposedly powering up the Cerbo again. Just a guess.
Can you disable bluetooth on the Cerbo GX? If not, I prefer the older model. Don't want bluetooth emitting all the time. Thanks!!!
Yes there is a Bluetooth line item on the settings menu and it has a toggle to enable/disable it. You can see it here in my Ruuvi tag/Cerbo video: th-cam.com/video/xj_aOZH2lPg/w-d-xo.html
@@rosslukeman Thank you. Hopefully this disables Bluetooth on the actual controller - not just on the screen device.
Is it possible to extend the cable to the touch 50? (say by 5 meter)
Hi, yes I have added extension cables of 20 feet with no issues. I use the extension cable inside the wall, and the screen's own 78-inch cable I just coil up in the wall behind it after making the connection. You will need two different extension cables, an HDMI (data) and a USB 3.0 (power). The male ends go to the Cerbo GX, and the female ends go towards the screen. Here are some cables I've used:
[HDMI] amzn.to/3Inue9I
[USB] amzn.to/3AnXudD
Hope that helps, thanks for the question!
Hi, can I use the touch screen for control and a monitor in the front of my vehicle ? So I can have 2 monitors. Thanks
Hi Nasser, I'm not sure you can do 2 monitors from a single Cerbo GX. Perhaps if you get an HDMI splitter. You will also need a USB splitter or hub (that one's for power; HDMI is for signal). Hope that helps.
What type of temperature probe can be used with the Cerbo GX? More particularly, I'd like to monitor my fridge temperature.
Hi David, you can use a ruuvi.com/ sensor, so long as you update to the latest firmware on the Cerbo. It will read it over Bluetooth. You can also hardwire a Victron temperature sensor for BMV 702/712, but the Ruuvi is probably a cleaner setup.
Thanks for the demo Ross, could the cerbo gx connect to any other inverter charger? Thanks
It's made to connect to Victron's VE.Bus inverter-chargers. It can pick things up that are on the NMEA marine protocol, so that's the extent of its ability to play with other brands.
And another question: what will happen to my standard fuel indicator in the cockpit if I connect the fuel tank sensor to the Cerbo GX in parallel?
Hi Peter, I am not quite sure if you connect the sensor to two locations. In my estimation the resistance from the sender would read the same, but if you give the electricity a parallel path, the resistance reading may be off. For this reason KUS makes senders that are meant to be wired to two different locations. As I said I haven't wired their normal sender to two locations so I don't know for sure, but since they manufacture a special two-location model, I assume it's necessary. Hope that helps, thanks for tuning in.
Is it possible to connect a LPG/Propane gas level monitor?
Hey there, yes I would check out my video on the Mopeka sensors. They work for water or LPG tanks.
My brother has a Victron system with a Battery Monitor that has to be Synchronized once a year does the Cerbo GX with screen need to be Synchronized or does it read the VE BMS and smart shunt accurately off the shelf.
Hi Frank, because the Cerbo is just importing the data from the battery monitors, it will just display that data and does not need to be synchronized. It will display their data off the shelf.
Any chance the Cerbo GX will work with other manufacturer devices using dongles/converters? I am designing my van wiring now, have a 24v 200Ah LiFePo battery from Gyll, an MIP inverter/charger, generic 24-12V 40A converter, Orion Smart 12|24|15A DC-DC charger, a Victron 500A smart shunt, and Victron Lynx distributor. No solar yet, but will add it later.
Hi Chris, you might ask Victron but I think your only issue is going to be with the inverter/charger. There doesn't seem to be a way to bring that in. The SmartShunt will monitor your battery, and capture what's going on with the converter and Orion Charger, and the solar controller you buy could be Victron. The Cerbo uses the VE.Bus protocol with ethernet cables to communicate with their VE.Bus inverter/chargers. Not sure it could "talk" to other brands. Hope that helps!
HI! I wanted to know is if this is usable to configure an ESS system without internet connexion?
I cannot say for sure. I would guess that you at least want an internet connection during setup, if for nothing else just to get the latest firmware loaded onto your devices. After that I do not see why the unit would need an internet connection to run an ESS system, unless you want to log data on Victron's remote portal.
@@rosslukeman Thank you for the answer!
can I connect also other devices - in my particular case I have a Votronic Batterie Computer and Solar Charger - to the box?
Hi Helga, unfortunately the Cerbo only works with Victron products at this time as far as I know.
Looking for a way to connect an iPad to remote console on EastSolar, and also have the iPad connected to mobile hot spot on a mobile phone. How can this be done?
Hey there, the EasySolar-II GX, if that is the model you have, has to be connected to the internet and registered in the VRM portal with its unique VRM ID. Your iPad has to be connected to the internet (the hot spot works for that) and have the VRM app or go to the VRM website in the iPad's web browser. Then they can talk. If you have a regular EasySolar, then you need to add a GX device such as Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX. That is the device that actually connects to the internet and VRM portal. Remote Console is a feature of the VRM portal and is easy to click on once everything above is set up. My video on setting up the VRM portal is here: th-cam.com/video/9hcwaX87SGE/w-d-xo.html Hope that helps! If you need more extensive help then I have consulting here: www.rosslukeman.com/offers/Au4HykMc/checkout I just did a call with another EasySolar user trying to get on the VRM portal. Thanks for tuning in!
@@rosslukeman thanks for your reply. My model is the EasySolar-ll GX. I'll chechout that video and let you know.
@@tonyphotiou1742 Good deal, that should help! Thanks
I currently have a magnum inverter/charger...Do I need a victron inverter/charger for the Cerbo GX to work??
Hi Steve, I'm pretty sure you do, since the inverter-charger and Cerbo GX communicate directly over an ethernet cable, they should both be programmed by Victron.
Thanks for this video Ross. I have a mutilplus 2000, Cerbo GX and a Blue Solar 150/35. Is there a way to restart the system remotely? My cerbo keeps saying offline from time to time and atm the last check in was 16 hours ago. I cannot figure out how to get it back online.
I appreciate the question, but unfortunately can't answer this. You might pose this question on the Victron Community forums and see if anyone else has had this problem.
@@rosslukeman Hi Ross. I think it is a wifi signal issue. I am at a different location and I have a solid wifi signal and it was connected all night and have not had any issues today! Looks like I am going to have to scrounge up a couple of more bucks for the GX-GSM (lte version) and hope it works with my project fi service. Thanks for the reply and you other videos! I really appreciate the effort it takes to produce a video.
Good to hear that wifi was the issue! I have been eyeing that GSM module, maybe I will pick one up and review it. Thanks for the insight.
How can we get this system in India is there eny French I u have in India???
Hi Raj, thanks for stopping in. There are several dealers in India. You can find them by typing in "India" on this page: www.victronenergy.com/where-to-buy
Hi Ross,
Nice work. considering gx for my non lithium boat. Having a little trouble with the 2019 Multiplus kicking off while set to "charge only" while dockside on shore pwr. No issues with AC or DC measured at the Multi connections and the unit comes back on when I recycle it (but I have to drive to boat to do so). I need to get this resolved before going lithium and thought the cerbo gx would be a good first component to help do that because it keeps more detailed data on whats going on ...that can me shared. Also, and I'm assuming this from your video thought you didn't explicitly say it, I can connect via VRM Online Portal and reset the unit remotely should I need to (right?). ...I have a cellular wifi router installed and in use.
Also, but less critical, can three smart MPPTs wired in parallel to their own solar panel connect to the cerbo wirelessly?
Thanks in advance!
Hi David, on the MultiPlus, it sounds like you may need to get in and play with the programming settings. If there is a ripple in the power coming from the grid, it could shut it down. There are settings for ripple, minimum and maximum voltage, dynamic current limiter, etc. There is also a UPS setting that sometimes needs to be turned off when these units are running on generators, because of the spikes in power. These settings are found on the General and Grid tabs of the VE.Configure software when you connect your device to a computer. You're right in that the VRM portal may record any weird momentary spikes that are not readily apparent.
On the VRM portal, yes you should be able to turn on-off the MultiPlus by pulling up the remote console screen.
It is confusing with the Cerbo because there is so much wireless capability, but all of your devices have to actually be hardwired to it. Those 3 MPPT's would need to be wired into the 3 VE.direct ports on the Cerbo. Hope that helps, good luck with it!
Thanks …Did it twice again in under 12 hours (two 1 hour round trip visits to boat). Dynamic current limiter is off (I don’t think you’re saying to turn it on). Grid transfer switch has “except wide input frequency range 45 to 65 Hz” checked. I’m turning UPC off but I’m on shore power not a generator
I’m here now and while reviewing settings (only changing virtual switch to deselect it) Multi kicked off twice in the span of about 7 minutes. Each time it came back on within one minute but because I had the cover open already I was able to verify 115-117vac at the Multiplus input connect. No loads running (my one temp controlled boat heater was off at 40 deg)…. The transfer switch is set to accept wide range default 94-138vac.
Hi David, I would go ahead and get the Cerbo GX so the MultiPlus can output its error messages to that. The VE Bus Smart Dongle would also output messages to your phone. The MultiPlus will probably tell you what is happening, you just need one of these output devices.
Thanks Ross, did so last Friday. Not here yet. BTW, did you know if a Digital Multicontrol is hooked up at the same time as a Cerbo you loose ability to control Multiplus remotely? Read that page 7 or 8 in Cerbo manual. We’ll see.
Is there a Victron Charge controller that will support Wind+Solar and a dump load.
Hi Les, I am not aware of a Victron controller that does wind. You might contact Victron or one of their dealers such as PKYS.com. You may end up with separate controllers wired in parallel, rather than an all-in-one controller. Thanks for the question!
@@rosslukeman Thanks, will do.
Ross, I have the bluetooth 500amp shunt and smart solart mppt configured on the ve smart network, do you know I add Cerbo GX to the network would those devices still need to be hard wired to the VE direct port?
Hi Boston, yes you would need to hardwire those to the Cerbo GX VE direct ports. It is confusing because the Cerbo has so much wireless capability, but other devices connected to it must be hardwired. It sounds like your SmartShunt and MPPT will be talking to each other wirelessly, but will need wires over to the Cerbo, which does not appear to be part of the VE Smart networking product list at this point in time. Hope that helps!
What device is providing the `DC Power` shown on the main screen of the GX Touch? Is it just the remainder of the battery monitor minus the AC / inverter?
Hi Josh, yes it sort of a "net power left over after AC power is subtracted" calculation. So it could be alternator power coming in, minus lights, pumps, etc. It's an aggregate leftover calculation that does not represent any single item.
@@rosslukeman awesome thanks for the confirmation. That is exactly what I’m looking to add to my system 💯
I have the cerbo gx as well but I am missing the DC Power Icon showing on the Main Screen of the GX Touch. Wonder where this is coming from? Thx.
I believe you would press “menu” then “settings” then “system setup” and then scroll down to “Has DC Power” and hit the toggle for that. It should show up on your main screen now. Hope that helps, thanks for stopping by!
@@rosslukeman Thanks for the tip. Yes it is showing now. Thanks for sharing - awesome video!
Thanks! Glad that helped!
Can the hdmi and usb be extended with another cable for longer distances from controller to serbo gx?
Yes you can extend them, I usually end up doing that since the Cerbo and its screen are usually a good distance from each other.
Hi there Ross,
Do you have to have the cerbo gx monitor to be able to run the victron app to measure the mppt solar going in and bluetooth shunt meter for accurate power going out? Or can you view those 2 stats with just the mppt and shunt alone? Cheers and hope that made sense!
Hi Matt, great question! You don't need the Cerbo GX to use the VictronConnect app for those devices. As long as your solar controller is SmartSolar, it and the SmartShunt will be readable on the app. You will be able to click on each one and see its data separately. The Cerbo GX would just give you a system overview and remote data logging onto the Victron remote portal. Hope that helps!
Would I need a smart shunt if I'm using the EG4 Lithium battery which has a built in shunt?
I spent thousands of dolar dollars still works like shit
I am removing my victron energy equipment solar chargers smart shunt and GX
Don't know what to tell you, may be a setup error. Don't shoot the messenger.
Do you sell these products?
No I’m an installer/teacher of these products.
Very clear info! Thanks!
Thank you Eskild!
good job thanks
Thank you!