Can someone explain Victron Cerbo to me like I am an idiot ?

[theimportanceofbeing]

Hi , would someone please be willing to explain Victron Cerbo GX mk2 to me like I am a idiot ?



I have multiplus 48/10000
Smart solar 250/100
Bmv-712 shunt

Looking at buying a Fogstar 15.5kwh battery

Fogstar says I need a Cerbo GX to link the battery to the inverter , and a "type B Victron battery BMS to VE CAN cable"

Fogstar Energy 16.1kWh 48V Solar Battery

The Fogstar Energy 16.1kWh 48V Solar Battery delivers exceptional value for money, being the most affordable battery of its capacity in the world.

www.fogstar-energy.co.uk

Is this simple to do ? Can this link all my different victron kit together ? Am I going to struggle

 

[sunshine_eggo]

The GX is a control center for Victron systems. It gives you access to Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) for data logging and remote control.

The GX can be configured to share the shunt voltage, current and temperature with ALL GX connected devices, so they work with the true voltage and battery current rather than current-influenced voltages measured by the devices.

The GX device also interfaces with compatible batteries to allow the battery BMS to manage the system, i.e., charge voltage, max charge current, max charge voltage, min discharge voltage, BMS reported state of charge and any temperature controls as well, like minimum/maximum charge/discharge temps.

The battery is literally in control of the system in those regards. All chargers are told what to do based on BMS criteria.

Lastly, if you have any plans of grid interaction and rate optimization, the Cerbo allows you to configure the ESS system that tells the system how/when to handle drawing from grid, selling to grid, etc. You could draw from grid when cheapest and sell back when most expensive.

General steps:

Connect MP to GX via ethernet cable.
Connect MPPT and BMV-712 via VE.Direct cables to GX.
Connect battery to GX BMS-CAN port with Type B ethernet cable.
Install CAN termination plug in open BMS-CAN port.

There will be some mild tweaking of the MP, MPPT and shunt settings to put them in harmony with the BMS settings (what you would do anyway when you get a new battery).

Then you can sign up for VRM and have remote access/control of your system with 6 months detailed logging and 5 years of kWh consumption/production data logging.

Here's mine:



I can fully manage every device in my system from 3.5 hours away with VictronConnect and VEConfig on a PC.

 

[Haze]

Sunshine helped me setup my system and now I can run everything from my phone wherever I’m at in the world, it’s truly amazing.

I was just overseas and had some friend’s using our off grid cabin and I could monitor their usage and make sure everything was fine from across a damn ocean, it’s really unbelievable.

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

The GX is a control center for Victron systems. It gives you access to Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) for data logging and remote control.

The GX can be configured to share the shunt voltage, current and temperature with ALL GX connected devices, so they work with the true voltage and battery current rather than current-influenced voltages measured by the devices.

The GX device also interfaces with compatible batteries to allow the battery BMS to manage the system, i.e., charge voltage, max charge current, max charge voltage, min discharge voltage, BMS reported state of charge and any temperature controls as well, like minimum/maximum charge/discharge temps.

The battery is literally in control of the system in those regards. All chargers are told what to do based on BMS criteria.

Lastly, if you have any plans of grid interaction and rate optimization, the Cerbo allows you to configure the ESS system that tells the system how/when to handle drawing from grid, selling to grid, etc. You could draw from grid when cheapest and sell back when most expensive.

General steps:

Connect MP to GX via ethernet cable.
Connect MPPT and BMV-712 via VE.Direct cables to GX.
Connect battery to GX BMS-CAN port with Type B ethernet cable.
Install CAN termination plug in open BMS-CAN port.

There will be some mild tweaking of the MP, MPPT and shunt settings to put them in harmony with the BMS settings (what you would do anyway when you get a new battery).

Then you can sign up for VRM and have remote access/control of your system with 6 months detailed logging and 5 years of kWh consumption/production data logging.

Here's mine:

View attachment 266632

I can fully manage every device in my system from 3.5 hours away with VictronConnect and VEConfig on a PC.

Great explanation, Thank you for your time !

 

[Brucey]

Might be able to save some bucks with a cerbo-s if you don't need the extra ports.

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

Might be able to save some bucks with a cerbo-s if you don't need the extra ports.

Thank you !

 

[bolhuijo]

Looks like the Cerbo-S eliminates the BMS-CAN port which is unfortunate if you need to link to a BMS with a CAN port.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Might be able to save some bucks with a cerbo-s if you don't need the extra ports.

This is true, and I missed a detail earlier. Full revision here:

General steps for Cerbo mk1/mk2:

Connect MP to GX via ethernet cable.
Connect BMV-712 to GX via VE.Direct cable.
Connect MPPT to GX via VE.Direct cable OR to VE.CAN port via ethernet cable. Install a CAN termination plug at each end (2 total).
Connect battery to GX BMS-CAN port with Type B ethernet cable.
Install CAN termination plug in open BMS-CAN port.

If you think you might want to add additional VE.CAN MPPT in the future, you can daisy chain up to 25 of them via VE.CAN, and you'll likely want to go with the ful Cerbo.

If you get a Cerbo-S, you lose the BMS-CAN port and can't connect the MPPT to it, so steps change to:

Connect MP to GX via ethernet cable.
Connect BMV-712 to GX via VE.Direct cable.
Connect MPPT to GX via VE.Direct cable.
Configure VE.CAN port to operate at 500kbps.
Connect battery to GX VE.CAN port with Type B ethernet cable.
Install CAN termination plug in open BMS-CAN port.

 

[740GLE]

“Fogstar says I need a Cerbo GX to link the battery to the inverter”

I take note of the word “Need” just so you’re aware you don’t need a Cerbo for the system to work.

A Cerbo does unlock a ton of features than many people find useful. Think of it as a cherry on top of a great platform.

Some people prefer to not run closed loop communications of the battery talking to the inverter and have just as robust system.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Looks like the Cerbo-S eliminates the BMS-CAN port which is unfortunate if you need to link to a BMS with a CAN port.

VE.CAN can be configured to work for BMS. Victron VE.CAN devices are 250kbps. BMS is 500kbps.

“Fogstar says I need a Cerbo GX to link the battery to the inverter”

I take note of the word “Need” just so you’re aware you don’t need a Cerbo for the system to work.

A Cerbo does unlock a ton of features than many people find useful. Think of it as a cherry on top of a great platform.

Some people prefer to not run closed loop communications of the battery talking to the inverter and have just as robust system.

This is absolutely correct. I meant to point it out in my original post, but I got tired of thinking.

 

[740GLE]

You get a pass

 

[Brucey]

You get a pass

 

[bolhuijo]

VE.CAN can be configured to work for BMS. Victron VE.CAN devices are 250kbps. BMS is 500kbps.

If I read this correctly, you must set your BMS to 250kbps to connect to the VE.CAN port then?
My BMS seems to be locked on 500kbps.

 

[Brucey]

If I read this correctly, you must set your BMS to 250kbps to connect to the VE.CAN port then?
My BMS seems to be locked on 500kbps.

No you set the cerbo to 500kbps if connecting a bms to the ve.can port. Otherwise set it to 250kbps for regular ve.can use. That why for most users, a cerbos-s is sufficient because you can use ve.direct to connect any ve.can sccs, and the ve.can port is therefore available to connect to a BMS.

 

[bolhuijo]

No you set the cerbo to 500kbps if connecting a bms to the ve.can port. Otherwise set it to 250kbps for regular ve.can use. That why for most users, a cerbos-s is sufficient because you can use ve.direct to connect any ve.can sccs, and the ve.can port is therefore available to connect to a BMS.

Sweet! I was about to pull the trigger on the full GX but now I can save a few bux.

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

“Fogstar says I need a Cerbo GX to link the battery to the inverter”

I take note of the word “Need” just so you’re aware you don’t need a Cerbo for the system to work.

A Cerbo does unlock a ton of features than many people find useful. Think of it as a cherry on top of a great platform.

Some people prefer to not run closed loop communications of the battery talking to the inverter and have just as robust system.

Sorry I took so long to get back


How would I set it up to work without a Cerbo?


Do you just chuck it all together like you would with a lead acid system and then set the Multiplus & MPPT to the lithium preset ?

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

Connect MPPT to GX via VE.Direct cable OR to VE.CAN port via ethernet cable. Install a CAN termination plug at each end (2 total).

Can you use a standard ethernet cable for VE.CAN or do you need a Victron special one ?

 

[740GLE]

Sorry I took so long to get back


How would I set it up to work without a Cerbo?


Do you just chuck it all together like you would with a lead acid system and then set the Multiplus & MPPT to the lithium preset ?

Correct, the only “challenge” is adjusting settings on a multiplus or Quattro requires a communications interface, a USB to laptop one works, but you only need that for initial set up, and some dealers program it for you when you buy it.

All the either victron gear can be programmed via Bluetooth and those devices can actually talk to one another via Bluetooth smart network.

But once the Quattro programming is done, just connect it and forget it. IMO the shunt does 95% what linking a BMS to a cerbo can do.

I run my 2 24v batteries without communication to a cerbo and I can always get to 100%.

 

[Brucey]

Can you use a standard ethernet cable for VE.CAN or do you need a Victron special one ?

Standard ethernet.

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

The GX is a control center for Victron systems. It gives you access to Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) for data logging and remote control.

The GX can be configured to share the shunt voltage, current and temperature with ALL GX connected devices, so they work with the true voltage and battery current rather than current-influenced voltages measured by the devices.

The GX device also interfaces with compatible batteries to allow the battery BMS to manage the system, i.e., charge voltage, max charge current, max charge voltage, min discharge voltage, BMS reported state of charge and any temperature controls as well, like minimum/maximum charge/discharge temps.

The battery is literally in control of the system in those regards. All chargers are told what to do based on BMS criteria.

Lastly, if you have any plans of grid interaction and rate optimization, the Cerbo allows you to configure the ESS system that tells the system how/when to handle drawing from grid, selling to grid, etc. You could draw from grid when cheapest and sell back when most expensive.

General steps:

Connect MP to GX via ethernet cable.
Connect MPPT and BMV-712 via VE.Direct cables to GX.
Connect battery to GX BMS-CAN port with Type B ethernet cable.
Install CAN termination plug in open BMS-CAN port.

There will be some mild tweaking of the MP, MPPT and shunt settings to put them in harmony with the BMS settings (what you would do anyway when you get a new battery).

Then you can sign up for VRM and have remote access/control of your system with 6 months detailed logging and 5 years of kWh consumption/production data logging.

Here's mine:

View attachment 266632

I can fully manage every device in my system from 3.5 hours away with VictronConnect and VEConfig on a PC.

Hi again .. I now have installed a Cerbo GX MK2... All wired up your steps made it very easy thank you . Got it right first time.



At this point , I don't have WiFi or internet on site , all I actually need at the moment is the Multiplus-ii charge the new LiFePo4 battery . The battery has a little display and it is set to CAN bus communications & victron settings

Am I right in thinking, all I need to do is set the Multiplus to the correct Lithium setting for the battery with my laptop and then we're good ?? Is there any steps I'm missing ? Do I need to set anything up on the Cerbo ?

Oh and set the BMV-714 up to correct settings aswell I imagine


Thanks again
Regards

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Hi again .. I now have installed a Cerbo GX MK2... All wired up your steps made it very easy thank you . Got it right first time.

At this point , I don't have WiFi or internet on site , all I actually need at the moment is the Multiplus-ii charge the new LiFePo4 battery . The battery has a little display and it is set to CAN bus communications & victron settings

Am I right in thinking, all I need to do is set the Multiplus to the correct Lithium setting for the battery with my laptop and then we're good ?? Is there any steps I'm missing ? Do I need to set anything up on the Cerbo ?

Oh and set the BMV-714 up to correct settings aswell I imagine


Thanks again
Regards

If the BMS is controlling the system, any battery-related MP settings are overridden.

You should be able to connect to the Cerbo via it's wifi access point and a phone/tablet with VictronConnect:

If DVCC is enabled, and your BMS is designated as your controlling BMS, then any GX connected chargers you attach will do what the BMS says. MPPT and MP included.

Shunt setup. Might be a little different for your BMS controlled system:

Thread 'Victron Shunt Settings (concept and some settings may apply to others)'

Jan 8, 2025

Misconfiguring a shunt is the most common reason for inaccuracy. Failure to regularly sync is another.

The shunt is a monitoring device. It can share it's measurements with other components in a Victron system, but it does not control any of the other components.

It works by counting Ah in and out of a battery, comparing it to the programmed capacity and computing the % charge. It is critical that it is installed correctly such that ALL current in and out of the battery passes through the shunt.

It's not perfect. It must be synchronized to 100% during a full charge on a regular basis...

• sunshine_eggo
• Replies: 26
• Forum: General Battery Discussion

• 
• 

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

If the BMS is controlling the system, any battery-related MP settings are overridden.

You should be able to connect to the Cerbo via it's wifi access point and a phone/tablet with VictronConnect:

If DVCC is enabled, and your BMS is designated as your controlling BMS, then any GX connected chargers you attach will do what the BMS says. MPPT and MP included.

Shunt setup. Might be a little different for your BMS controlled system:

Thread 'Victron Shunt Settings (concept and some settings may apply to others)'

Jan 8, 2025

Misconfiguring a shunt is the most common reason for inaccuracy. Failure to regularly sync is another.

The shunt is a monitoring device. It can share it's measurements with other components in a Victron system, but it does not control any of the other components.

It works by counting Ah in and out of a battery, comparing it to the programmed capacity and computing the % charge. It is critical that it is installed correctly such that ALL current in and out of the battery passes through the shunt.

It's not perfect. It must be synchronized to 100% during a full charge on a regular basis...

• sunshine_eggo
• Replies: 26
• Forum: General Battery Discussion

• 
• 

Ok so I've got into the remote console , activate dvcc , set according to victron manual for systems with a BMV714 (does this all look correct ?)

And now I just give AC input to the multiplus and it'll charge the battery right ?

Sorry I'm feeling a little out of my depth with all this ! Give me flooded lead acid any day lol

 

[sunshine_eggo]

There is no auto selected BMS, so BMS is not in control.

Are you connected to the BMS-CAN port?

Do you have the little blue plug in the other BMS-CAN port?

On the very first screen of the remote console, you should get a device list. Do you see the BMS there?

Mine:

 

[theimportanceofbeing]

I think I have everything in the correct ports but I do not see the BMS on the portal

To confirm I am using a type B Victron cable between the BMS & Cerbo (is it possible it's the wrong way round ???)

 

[Brucey]

I think I have everything in the correct ports but I do not see the BMS on the portal

To confirm I am using a type B Victron cable between the BMS & Cerbo (is it possible it's the wrong way round ???)




View attachment 291044View attachment 291045View attachment 291046

Direction does matter on those cables if I'm not mistaken.