Victron Solar Controller App Basics
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- Our 2018 NuCamp T@B 400 has a 194 watt solar panel with a Victron solar controller that we had installed at the NuCamp RV Factory. In this video I will show you how to tell if your solar system is working and what some of the basics of the VictronConnect App. This is a very basic video for those who do not know anything about their solar charge controller.
Solar Controller App Setup Video: • Video
=========
BUY your official TWD Gear:
www.teespring.com/travelswithd...
==========
For Realtime Updates:
Facebook: / travelswithdelaney
Instagram: / travelswithdelaney
Twitter: / ppmccormick
Our Official Website:
www.travelswithdelaney.com
==========
NuCamp RV: www.nucamprv.com
Redbudsuds: www.redbudsuds.com
Harvest Hosts: harvesthosts.refr.cc/patrickpa...
Moment Lens: www.shopmoment.com/shop?tap_a...
==========
Travels with Delaney
PO Box 83
Angola, Indiana 46703
==========
TWD Theme Music: Droplets by Vexento
Thank you so much! I have been banging my head against the wall since I bought my new 2021 320S Boondock. This answered EVERYTHING. I have now watched several of your videos and even though you have a 400, it all relates well to the 320 and has really been a benefit to me. I REALLY appreciate it. I'm also a 43 year Broadcast veteran (Radio and TV host/voice-talent) and your on-camera delivery is very good. Peace.
I didn't understand a word you said but the presentation was flawless. 😂🤣😂
Safe and happy travels and see you soon #ondowntheroad! ~💜
Best video on overall use of the Victron Bluetooth app. I looked on the Victron website and could not find an intro. This fills the bill perfectly. Thanks - jwrit Boulder Co.
Thank you very much
Victron is well liked by most who have one. I will say every RVer should have an inexpensive voltmeter and learn how to test 12 volt. It will save much frustration when diagnosing any problems. That's a good system you have and if the sun ever decides to join us this Spring you will love it. You will want to upgrade to a bigger battery bank in no time. Happy travels, Lou
Thanks Lou! I saw Nomadic Fanatic running his AC off solar so now I think I need more solar and more batteries! LOL
I just installed the same brand solar controller in my tool box in my Ute to run my 12v fridge.
Great video, extremely helpful
Thank you!
I have been looking for this video for a month now, thank you!
Just needed to understand how my battery is charging as I can't get a reading on the 75/15 controller. Now I understand it so thank you for this 👌👌
Glad it was helpful.
Thanks for the great info Patrick!
Thanks! We just purchased a new Airstream and the Victron documentation is poor. I couldn't figure out what I was looking at. You provided a simple, clear walkthrough that answered all my questions. I can't wait to go to my RV storage lot tomorrow to see if I can connect to the controller via Bluetooth on my iPhone.
Excellent video. Our local dealer now has solar on all of the 2020 tab 400’s he ordered. It seems everyone want it. Thanks again
Scott Elwood Thanks Scott! Now that I have the solar working, I’m really impressed with it and glad I spent the money on it.
Great info... might think about solar one day
Thanks, your video was super clear and the phone footage was great.
Thank you AGAIN! It is the summer of someday after all
As always great info.
Thank you for this. This was easy to understand ☺️
Great info Patrick! 👍
great video and direct way of explaining!
Thank you!
You are awesome explaining the MPP solar and I learn a lot from your video. Thank you. A++ on this video.
Thank you so much!
well done brilliant vid and really helped me out after my new install
Thanks for the basic info for the newbie
Thanks. So helpful and straightforward!
Thank you!
Many thanks for your explainations and the link to get more !
You are welcome
Brilliant video thanks from a very cloudy central England 👍👏
Thank you! It is very cold and cloudy here in Indiana today.
congrats on 10k!!!!! i love ur intro!
Thank you!
Was getting the 100/20 till I saw this ... you saved me £50 ... nice one.
I love my victron equipment. I've done several solar systems but my current is all victron. It all works flawlessly and after you get it all figured out its easy to keep eye on everything. Only thing thats not perfect is Bluetooth distance but its no way a deal breaker
I do miss the Victron. Our Lance has the GoPower. It’s ok but the Victron was better. I may upgrade it someday.
We have a 100/30 smart solar controller and I'm hopefully thinking the set should be the same?
Fantastic video, thank you.
Thank you
Thank you Patrick.
@8:21 into the video you show the 6 plug in points on the charge controller. I noticed the + & the - sides of the 3 sets are not all on the same left side, so I can easily see where the plugin polarity could easily get plugged into the wrong socket.
I like your use, Patrick, of the bright RED arrows that point to where you want viewers to focus their attention.
CONGRATULATIONS on attaining >10,000 subscribers.
Thank you! I thought those Red Arrows might help someone trying to follow along. It takes just a bit longer to edit but I hope it was worthwhile.
Great info.
What happens with the Victron app screen display when the smartphone is held horizontal?
Fantastic video ,thankyou 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Great job on the video that helped me very much👍🏻
Glad it helped
Thank you answered some of my questions. Onto next video
In the battery drop down, what would I select for lead acids? Great video!!
Very useful thank you for posting .
you are welcome
Thank you from the information 👍🏻
Thank you. Today I bought the 75/15 and I am looking for information.
What does the Battery Monitor tell you that you can't see from the Charge Controller? It seems like you had battery information in the SmartSolar App that communicates with the Charge Controller (which is connected to the battery too). I just bought the Victron 75/15 and am wondering if I need the Battery Monitor as well.
Great info Thanks for sharing
Thank you!
Good Stuff Patrick. I just swapped the old nameless brand controller in my 2018 T@B400 with the Victron 75:15 Controller so your video was very timely for me :-) Thanks for the link to the setup video as well.
Glad that it will help John!
Did you have the HP series 2440 smart controller? That's what came with our factory installed solar (two 100 watt) on our 400. If so, why make the change?
@@maryloumorrisey7406 Yes I had the 2440 the factory installed which was fine. I wanted to add the Victron Monitor BMV-712 to get more info. The charge controller swap was the first step.
Great video, tnx!
My pleasure!
I was just watching this video again , I have commented before and thanks again for the information . The one question I have is , when I look at the BMV readout it reads a bit diff then the Solar charger read out , I talking like watts , amps etc . It’s not off by much , should they be exactly the same or is this normal?
Thanks,
Heber
Great video thank you for your help
Thank you
Great app for seeing what is going on with Victron products. I have both the solar controller and the BMV-712 on my 400 and plan to add a Victron Inverter. The really cool thing is the devices will "talk" to each other over BT if you enable it, so from my BMS the voltage is passed to the solar controller, etc. I have noticed that "194w" panel has shown peak power of over 200w some days, I think my max has been 214w, very impressed with these new solar panels NuCamp is installing.
What brand of panel do you have?
In the application. How much is the maximum voltage that you can modify in each stage?
Regards!
Hi. Great vid. Can you help please. Something is wrong with our system. Not sure if battery or panel. Any ideas would be much appreciated. In the sun panel showing 0w. Battery fully changed but daily volts reading is 0.01. All very strange. Regards Amanda
Question? Will the BP draw a little power when it's turned off in the app?
3:20 I too have a Victron smart controller running my motorhome 12 V electrical system. And to put it a little more clearly, that "solar" figure at the top of the app screen tells you how much your system is absorbing, or allowing in, from the PV panels, in order to maintain and keep 'topped up', your battery system, to the preselected levels. These will be based on which type of batteries you are using, e.g. Lithium ion, or AGM, etc. This information is in the user manual.
The controller accepts power from the panels, even when under load, like when the fridge is running, or when you are boiling the kettle. You will see the "solar" figure rise as you place greater loads on your system. That's why they call them smart controllers, presumably. I am very impressed with these units. They are made in Holland, a very tech-savvy European country, and Victron equipment has an impeccable reputation. Ask Nate Yarborough from Exploristlife.
I have 4 40v 400 watt panels broke into 2S2P putting out 80v at up to theoretical 800 watts, usually I see 150-500 watts in my top section. It's great info but I would also like know what the absorption voltage that's actually going into the battery at that moment.
This is what I had assumed that it's showing the controllers output to the batteries rather than what is actually being generated by the panels.
Hi what sort of wattage do you get on a sunny day please from your panels. I have 200w of solar and I think the highest I have seen on my victron is around 60w.
Hi 👋 your video was very helpful, thank you. Please could you put up the link you mentioned for managing the settings?
czcams.com/video/KIVeffHqXu4/video.html
I wonder how SmartSolar controller knows if the current to/from battery is positive/negative if it is connected only to wire toward solar panels? I mean your load plugs on the controller are empty.
Did you try to turn on some powerful device and see on the SmartSolar controller (not on BMV-712) that the current is negative?
We just got back from NuCamp in Sugarcreek - - we had a rooftop panel, plus the Victron battery monitor installed. I have to admit to being obsessed with checking our battery charge--it's just so cool to see the magic of the sun! Anyway, I've watched this video many times now, and I'm wondering about the battery settings. When you did this, did you have the one large AGM battery, or the 2 six volt AGMs? I did a lot of searching around, and the settings for the 2 six volt batteries are slightly different from what you have in this video. So, my question is, does it matter a lot? Things seem to be working really well, but I want my settings to be correct. By the way, we had a great time in Ohio, and went to The Wilds for ziplining! Bucket list experience! We hope you're having a blast getting to know Sir Lancelot--he looks like a great guy!
We added a second battery and paralleled the two. Does it automatically show up on the Victron app?
Greta info Man👍! All the best by AlgheroNatura
Hi there -when storing the tab 400 over the winter mos - should you unable the solar charging in the app? I’ve disconnected the battery switch but wasn’t sure about solar.
Thanks for the demonstration. I just installed a system from Renogy, using the cheapest of controllers. It is quite frustrating to not have accurate information. Voltage is fairly easy with a meter, but amperage is more difficult. You, and many others, are steering me towards a Victron. The higher quality components will be appreciated, but the app looks to be the real selling point.
We have been really happy with the Victron controller and battery monitor.
FYI, the BMV-712 battery monitor will work even with a Renogy controller.
Hi There - Thanks - great video - I have a questions on the ''home screen'' showing status You mention that the Watts from solar is showing how much energy you are capturing. Is this correct? My system seems to show that but it varys depending on how much my battery needs to charge. i.e. if my batteries are charged the watts on that screen is generally low, if my watts are high generally means that my batteries are charging and consuming more from the panels. So, is it correct to say that the watts shown are onlt the watts that the charge controller needs/is controlling to ensure the battery gets charged optimally..? Thanks
Yes I have the same then you ? Please somebody can confirm it s correct ?
Hello, I'm looking for some help. I just finished my first DIY portable power box a 24v system including two 100amp LifePO, 24 volt inverter 3000watts and Victron 100/20 a 150 amp marine breaker and a bus bar. I've connected everything but the victron app is not charging. the blue light flashes apps is working and I configured the battery type and volts. made sure all connection are solid and positive oriented. Tested with another Victron 100/20 and same result. the solar panel is a 200 Watts and can power up my 12/24 volt portable fridge. I wish I could share pictures on here. Thanks for the video it helps to understand and troubleshooting.
I know this is an older video, but wonder if you or anyone would know. We picked up our new Tab 400 this weekend and couldn’t be more excited. The VictronConnect app was able to link up easily, but we do not have the additional battery monitor. Everything I’m reading says do not discharge lower than about 50%. Without that nice battery monitor, how do I tell I am at 50%? The Tabs battery panel (like most rvs - not exactly precise) or just half the voltage of a full charge? Sure wish I had the “100%” or whatever it may be read out.
Hi Shane! You really just have to continually monitor it and you will want to watch the voltage. You can find a chart online with what the voltage equates to as far as a percentage. Just make sure you find a chart for the battery type you have as lithium batteries are different than lead acid batteries. WIth AGM or Lead Acid batteries, you do not want to go below 12.07 volts as that is about 50% discharge. WIth lithium, you do not really have to worry as you can go well below 50% and not harm them and lithium batteries have built in BMS or battery management systems. Hope that helps some.
What switch setting do you use for regular flooded lead-acid batteries? The default? (2).
That is a great question. I would need to get into the app again to see what the options are.
Hello ! Thanks for the excellent video. What is now your experience with the controller and your new lithium batteries after a few months of using both ? We are in contact with nuCamp to buy a 2020 T@b 400 in order to make the necessary mods directly on the production line. Any additional recommendations ? Sincere thanks. Serge and Lise
Things we absolutely would add to our 400 if we got a new would be: Solar Package with inverter, victron solar controller and battery monitor and the Max Air Fan to replace the Fantastic Fan in the kitchen area. We love the solar and victron app. We haven't had the lithium battery long enough to really comment on it but based upon what everyone else says who has them, we expect to love them. As far as I know, the factory won't do the lithium upgrade. We also wish we had the boondocks lite package to give us more ground clearance.
Patrick, thanks for your feedback, we appreciate it. As you may know, the boondocks lite package translates into a larger refrigerator in lieu of the wardrobe. We saw your previous video on the use of the wardrobe and, quite frankly, would prefer to keep it. This means however that we would have to resort to the smaller refrigerator. What has been your experience with yours ? Big enough for a longer run (say 7 to 10 days) and what about electrical consumption ? Cheers, Serge and Lise
Your battery monitor can also be used while driving, at least mine has enough range. I can see that the TV is providing power and how I'm doing on getting back up to full power on long pulls.
There is one annoying problem with the BMV712, it will go to 100% even when the battery still is drawing quite a bit of current for charging, usually about 6 amps.
Also, you can keep the BMV712 active even in storage, if you wire it so that its not effected by the disconnect switch (which is how they tell you to wire it) you can walk up to the camper and check the power level without opening anything up. It uses very, very little power.
I was able to get the signal as well while towing to monitor what was going on.
Cool thanks for the information. So I have a question. We have a Reflection by Grand Design. It is prewired for Solar on the roof . If I just want something to keep
The batteries charged at this time . So I only need to add a panel on top ( or how many and what size / brand ) and this controller and I’m good to go ? I do have the Viction 712 which I’m installing this weekend .
Thanks
I am not sure what Grand Designs prewire package comes with but yes....you'd need a panel that would plug into the prewire port on the roof. Then you'd need a solar controller that would be installed between the panel and the batteries. You might reach out to GD to see if all the wiring is in place for you.
@@TravelswithDelaney Thanks for getting back to me . Now how do I know what charge controller to get ? I see there are several from Victron. The numbers like 100/30 75/15 what’s all that mean .?
Very good info but how do you pair the controller with your phone?
Download the app from the App Store. When you open the app, it will automatically find your installed devices (ie charge controller, battery monitor) and then you just click on the device in the app. Your instruction manual for the device should have a factory set passcode that it will ask you for the first time.
All Greek to me! Will have to watch video a few times to get my brain to wrap around. Solar so far seems to keep up with my demand on my 400.
Hey Patrick This is a silly question but I no nothing when it comes to understanding this stuff. I was wondering on how to make sure my two 6V AGM batteries I don’t go below 50% when boondocking by using the VictronConnect app. Would I just watch the voltage number under the battery section and make sure it stays at or above six volts?
Yes. You just have to keep an eye on it and make sure your voltage goes no lower than 12.06 volts which is 50% capacity
THX Patrick, very thorough dive into the System. Not wanting to be the fly in the ointment but could someone else use BT to mess with your system? My CT coming out... The ability to monitor and trend you data is a nice feature and wold be great for BoonDocking to taylor out time! Still Love That Droplets Song by Vexento......I have subscribed to his channel and Amazing! Love it!
I realize it has been a year since you asked this question, but I thought I would answer it anyway, in case anyone else has the same question. Your app and BT devices are protected with a password. As long as you change the default password to one of your own choosing, your system is relatively safe from intrusion. The default password is either 000000 or 123456, so they are well known, and easy to guess even if not known. So... be sure to change your password.
Hey Leigh, no problem and thanks for the reply. The CT in my note is Computer Tech, and know the BT in and out. And yes you nailed it, to pair there is usually the 0000, but can be different, but just as with WiFi routers, a lot of people did not change out defaults at first. And suspect there may be a semi false sense of security as BT does not usually have much of a Range. Asked the question more to see how Patrick had handled that.
No mention was made of the pairing pin. I tried to connect to our 2020 Tab 400 and it asked for a pin. I saw that the default was 000000. I tried that but it didn't seem to do anything - I should also mention that we are worried about our batteries which are very low. I'm concerned that we have damaged them. In other words, perhaps it won't pair because the batteries are too low.
I use a 100/20 in my storage/workshop together with a 12v dc/220v 1000w ac converter to run my small machines. The one thing I do notice that wasn't mentioned here is that IMHO the wattmeter in the app doesn't show the watts produced but rather the watts being used. If your battery is full and your consumption is low, you will have a low wattage shown on the dial. As soon as you start consuming power, the wattmeter will increase until it reaches the maximum power the PVs are producing. At that point, it will peak and go no higher. If your consumption exceeds the power delivered by the panels and starts drawing from the battery, I would expect the amperage to go negative though I have yet to look and confirm this.
Did you add an external port so you could plug in additional panels that sit on the ground? Is that even an option with NuCamp?
We did have our dealer install an external port so we can plug in a portable panel as well.
Travels with Delaney Hi there. Did the addition of the extra port require another controller? Also what additional panel did you add? Nobody has been able to give me a clear answer on if Zamp is compatible with the system. Thank you
I can't see the link for the victron info you mentioned?
I know we can set absorption voltage under the battery tab but I cant understand WHY it doesn't show us what the actual charging voltage its putting in it too. I would like a visual of how high the v rate is going into the battery.
I have purchased an upfitted camper van with Victron Inverter/Charger and the former owner used the app. The app won’t let me in as I do not have the old password how can I clear it and reset for my use?
When you say float mode does that mean battery for basically full and it’s more a trickle ???
And how do you know what you used each day versus what u gained
Yes...float is similar to a trickle as the battery nears 100%.
Travels with Delaney thanks I thought it might be
Travels with Delaney only thing is how low can you go? How do I know when your damage batteries during month of low sun
The only shortcoming in victron's stuff is the really short bluetooth range, really hope they improve on it someday. I'm failing to see why you'd have a victron shunt if you're using a victron controller, the controller seems to say everything the shunt does and a lot more.
Thx, can you monitor your battery capacity with this system remotely over the internet
Not that I am aware of.
If you invest in the color control gx ($500+) it has the ability to communicate everything attached to it via the internet as long as it has a WiFi connection and the appropriate adapter.
Just hooked my victron 100/30 up. But at night it doesn't show up on my phone. But this morning it's there. Is this normal. Nothing is on or running.
What does it mean when the blue light is blinking on and off on the victron controller?
Whats the difference betWeen the current under solar and battery? I thought the battery current was what the system is drawing
The big question is why do most/all of these charge controller apps force you to allow them to see your GPS location and photos?
I hate user agreements that require more private info than they really need or you can't use the product you already paid for.
How to set the bulk charge
Dies that Victron charge controller work with Lithium batteries?
That I do not know but I am sure if you look on the Victron website your will be able to find out.
Yes, any type of battery since all the charging parameters are user settable. AM Solar has numbers to use with LiFePo4 chemistry as well as AGM, etc.
He's an adorable old man... handsome
Mine didn't show any charging from the solar because my rv was indoors in my shop and my batteries were charged to 100 percent. I need to pull it out into the sun and test
I installed a Victron 150/35 today. The bluetooth was easy to set up but when I went a short distance away my cell phone will not connect any longer. The signal is pathetically weak. I know there are multiple levels of bluetooth signal strength. Victron must have used the bare minimum.
On the new 2021, the 000000 default code to open the App did not work for me. I had to look on the back of the unit for the PUK code to reset it. The back of the unit is extremely hard to get to if you have a fridge but I did it (Its not under the bed I found out like the prior year models)
1. Remove drawer under fridge
2. Unscrew cubby under fridge and remove that
3. Contort your body like never before and stick your head in there and unscrew the square head bolts
4. Take a picture on the back of the PUK code
5. Screw everything back together
6. Back on the app, click on the 3 buttons next to the Smart Solar name - hit Reset Code and you should be in
I totallt agree that resetting the PIN to its default is a royal pain in the neck... AND should you ever buy a new smartphone, you WILL need to re-enter your PIN! so it is a great idea to either record your PIN somewhere, or even better, record your PUK code before installing the Victron device(s). You will need them one day!
We don’t get no sun in the UK lol!
Help me ! I have 2 battery (270 x 2 = 540AH ) Parallel Wiring Battery ! setup Victron Smart Shunt Battery. Capacity: total 2 battery ? 540 AH
that was way over my head
That’s ok Steve....it’s still way over mine! LOL
I love Victron but This App drives me nuts, still not configured my MPPT nearly a year on, the reason is despite downloading the App onto my device, trying both bluetooth and buying a VE direct cable, they seem to have made it so it does not work without a live internet connection, no good for me because I have zero internet on that part of my estate.
Nice to know the Nucamp folks can’t install a solar controller correctly
Mistakes happen.
You mean to find out anything you gotta look at a phone , somethings screwed up
Mine doesn’t work
Do not by Victron SmartSolar chargers. After 4 months of use, the app that connects to the control box via bluetooth has connectivity problems and just recently with the latest app update, will not connect to Victron's server to download the firmware. The control box is now useless as it will not charge my batteries. It was purchased through an authorized Victron dealer and they will not fullfill the warranty for a refund as they insist that my smartphone is the problem. I have emailed Victron explaining the problems with no response. Furthermore, alot of other users are experiencing the same problems regarding connectivity to their smartphones/i-pads. You have been warned.
Wow, so much that needs further explanation with this video. What kind of battery do you have? AGM, Lead Acid, Lithium?......What you are seeing on the Victron app means nearly nothing. You need a "Shunt" based battery monitor, like you have. The reason you are not seeing much output from your panels us because your batteries are full. It appears that you do not have Lithium batteries. 12.9V is good for AGM/Lead Acid, but too low for Lithium. Voltage can not be used for SOC (State of Charge) of Lithium as the voltage stays nice and high right to the end. Without a shunt based monitor you have only a guess as to how much of the battery you have used. If AGM/Lead Acid, you do not want to use more than 50% of your amphours.....and only a shunt based monitor will tell you that. Good Luck with your system....
This is confusing! I have SmartSolar charge controller and SmartShunt batt monitor in my setup, but these can only transmit bluetooth data in short range. How could I remotely access these devices via WiFi without breaking the bank with an overkill Cerbo? There should be some cheap adapter solution that can interface BT with WiFi to extend the range of access and control. Victron makes good products, but they seem too greedy nickel-n-diming for every simple feature that would be standard with most standalone systems. What a pity! Can’t wait for a Chinese knock off to knock ‘em outta orbit bc loyalty to a brand-name has to be earned, not presumed, exploited or abused!
Again one of those useless videos, made by a person who knows nothing about it!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for viewing and commenting. God bless you.