Cerbo GX driving me to drink....SOLVED

[The Brockerts]

I've got a multiplus 12/3000/120-50 inverter/charger connect to a PC via MK3-USB. This setup works flawlessly. I'm now trying to connect to that same Multiplus to a Cerbo GX.
- You can't run both at the same time , CHECK
- Cerbo GX displays the same data as the MK3-USB, CHECK
- MK3-USB turns on the charger, CHECK
- DISCONNECT MK3-USB, CHECK
- Turn "Switch" to "Charger Only" on the Cerbo GX, CHECK

Nothing, no light on Multiplus, no Charging happends
I've been thru the setting multiple times in the last few days, and can't find anything,

- disconnect Cerbo GX, CHECK
- Turn Charger on via MK3-USB, CHECK
- Take a picture of the values(charge, voltage etc), CHECK
- disconnect MK3-USB
- connect Cerbo GX, check values on Cerbo, they look good

So I know the Multiplus and it's charger are working, I know the MK3-USB interface is working
I Know the Cerbo GX can READ the multiplus but it looks like it can't update or change an values

What I really want to do is to be able to turn the charger on/off at will like I do with the MK3-USB, and I can't find that setting either

I've run out of ideas
Joe

Multiplus

​

 

[rslifkin]

What position is the switch on the Multiplus in? If it's in charger only, that's the only mode you'll get. If the switch is off, the Multiplus will stay off no matter what you do on the Cerbo. If you turn the Mutliplus to "On", then you'll be able to control it fully from the Cerbo (as long as you don't power the Cerbo off).

 

[The Brockerts]

What position is the switch on the Multiplus in? If it's in charger only, that's the only mode you'll get. If the switch is off, the Multiplus will stay off no matter what you do on the Cerbo. If you turn the Mutliplus to "On", then you'll be able to control it fully from the Cerbo (as long as you don't power the Cerbo off).

yep, Multiplus physical switch is "On" should have put that in the list, and I just checked it again,

 

[The Brockerts]

I'm running my Cerbo GX from a browser(192.168.50.16) since it's all on the same network, would that make any difference? Can't see why it would.

 

[rslifkin]

If you disconnect all of the VE.Bus cables from the Multiplus and turn it on, does it turn on? If so, what happens if you then connect the VE.Bus cable between the Multiplus and the Cerbo? Does it stay on? If so, what does the Cerbo show for status?

 

[The Brockerts]

I'm running my Cerbo GX from a browser(192.168.50.16) since it's all on the same network, would that make any difference? Can't see why it would.

also running the Cerbo GX in "User & Installer" mode, issue ??

 

[rslifkin]

also running the Cerbo GX in "User & Installer" mode, issue ??

I don't think that should matter. At most it will impact what options are available, but not whether they work.

 

[The Brockerts]

If you disconnect all of the VE.Bus cables from the Multiplus and turn it on, does it turn on? If so, what happens if you then connect the VE.Bus cable between the Multiplus and the Cerbo? Does it stay on? If so, what does the Cerbo show for status?

ok, I have not tried that.......results
1- multiplus off. check...ouch lots of devices down
2- Both VE.Bus cables off. check
3- Multiplus on, yes turns on as normal
4- connect Cerbo only cable yep ....reading on the Cerbo look good
5-set AC mode to charger only and......nothing. grrrrrr

 

[HeadedToTexas]

I've got a multiplus 12/3000/120-50 inverter/charger connect to a PC via MK3-USB. This setup works flawlessly.

When the dust settles and you get the Cerbo GX working, would you please elaborate on this? Your Multiplus talks to a PC, but what application displays the data? Can you post a screenshot? Thanks.

 

[The Brockerts]

When the dust settles and you get the Cerbo GX working, would you please elaborate on this? Your Multiplus talks to a PC, but what application displays the data? Can you post a screenshot? Thanks.

sure, here is a screen shot, I have this screen up all the time on a Surface Pro(touch screen) Windows PC, running windows 10 since it's an original Surface pro. From the multiplus I run an RJ45 cable to a MK3-USB dongle pluged into a USB port on the PC. The app running on the PC is Victron Connect app for windows
From this app every setting in the Multiplus is available via the Settings wheel in the upper right hand corner.
links are below

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energy-Bluetooth-Accessory-Temperature/dp/B06Y5WS3VZ?th=1

VictronConnect App - Victron Energy

Use the VictronConnect app to configure, monitor, update and diagnose your Victron product. Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS X.

www.victronenergy.com

 

[twistedtree]

It sounds like a legitimate bug. Have you posted about it on the Victron community forum? That's probably your best bet.

 

[READY]

I had a similar issue and Victron confirmed this was required.

If you use the Cerbo to set MPlus off you cannot turn MP back on either via the cerbo or with the switch on the MP.
So don't turn it off by the Cerbo

To get it back up do this.
1) make sure Cerbo is set for MP on
2) disconno connect all the data cables on the MP. A real pain as you have to take the cover panel off.
3) Set MP switch to on
4) cycle the DC power to the MP
5) now MP should power up
6) now plug-in the cables that connect MP to Cerbo.

I struggled with the same issue but ultimately found the solution. Just don't let anyone (like my electrician) then turn off the MP using the cerbo or you will have to repeat these steps.

 

[DDW]

Maybe it's different, but I have a MultiPlus compact 2000W, turn it on and off with the Cerbo all the time. Latest firmware in both?

 

[READY]

Good point. Mine is the large one not the compact. I know my description sounds whacky (it is) but I ran into the same issue as the OP. Found the answer on the Victron forum. Did not believe it myself but we tested and validated the behavior. Happy to have it resolved until my electrician (unaware of the behavior) used the cerbo to turn it off. Another opportunity to confirm the path to resolve!

 

[The Brockerts]

I had a similar issue and Victron confirmed this was required.

If you use the Cerbo to set MPlus off you cannot turn MP back on either via the cerbo or with the switch on the MP.
So don't turn it off by the Cerbo

To get it back up do this.
1) make sure Cerbo is set for MP on
2) disconno connect all the data cables on the MP. A real pain as you have to take the cover panel off.
3) Set MP switch to on
4) cycle the DC power to the MP
5) now MP should power up
6) now plug-in the cables that connect MP to Cerbo.

I struggled with the same issue but ultimately found the solution. Just don't let anyone (like my electrician) then turn off the MP using the cerbo or you will have to repeat these steps.

yep, ran into this exact problem, and had to do the the above procedure to get it back running, unacceptable from Victron

joe

 

[The Brockerts]

Maybe it's different, but I have a MultiPlus compact 2000W, turn it on and off with the Cerbo all the time. Latest firmware in both?

Yes Firmare on all is current

 

[READY]

As an added comment I can switch the MP between on and off from the Cerbo. But if you swith it off it takes that physical process to restore it to on. At a minimum you would think toggling the power/mode switch on the MP would be enough but sadly not the case.

 

[The Brockerts]

The MK3-USB interface has the ability to "disable" the charger function. The "Charger" function must be enabled via the MK3-USB and once that is done you can change the Switch function to "Charger Only" or "ON" from the Cerbo GX and the "Charger" will to come on and display correctly.

 

[Barking Sands]

Thanks for the follow up.

 

[luna]

There to me, is a certain feeling, call it joy, accomplishment or satisfaction when you solve a problem that has evaded your efforts for some time.
Usually the solution costs nothing, that in itself helps amplify the feeling.

I hope you experience the same feeling.

Good on you, and thanks for documenting it.

Now back to that bottle of hooch!