Help understanding basic Victron set up

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Unfortunately no old laptops around, but my work around is fine and allows me access. I'm finding that I really like the functionality of the cerbo and plan on exploring its additional features, like tank monitoring and temperature sensors, once the rest of the install is complete. Plus, it will enable remote monitoring since for now I'm not at the boat full time.
I am going to do some tank monitoring soon as well. The Ruuvi tag temp sensors work very well. I have three. One in the engine room, one in the cabin and one in the fridge.
 
I am going to do some tank monitoring soon as well. The Ruuvi tag temp sensors work very well. I have three. One in the engine room, one in the cabin and one in the fridge.
I like the idea of those Ruuvi temp sensors. The price is certainly right. There will be at least one in my future.

For tank monitoring, I haven't purchased yet, but I'm considering two of these Star-tank monitors that also work over bluetooth.
Star-Tank monitor
Non contact and wireless, but not cheap, so I haven't yet purchased. Still trying to find someone who has them or a recommendation for similar for black tank.
 
Guys. You dont need a laptop. Your cell phone or tablet will do. I have the MK3 with standard USB. But I bought a USB to USB-C adapter and it plugs right into your smartphone. You can download VictronConnect app and just program right from your phone very very quickly and convieniently. They also make a USB-C model. These only cost less than $60. Its a must have IMO. I would not rely on someone programming it prior to sending it because many times if you do an update it will reset settings. Its not hard to learn these and its worth its weight in gold to know the various settings. Here is a quick video on what that looks like.
Hi Allen, not sure this universally works; maybe an iDevice thing? I tried on my computer using the native USB-A and then through the USB-A to USB-C adapter and it worked just fine. But connecting to my very current iPad Pro 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both running iOS 18.2, the Multis simply don’t show up. I then found this thread that suggests this capability will not work in iDevice-sphere (even with the new MK3-USBC dongle), but maybe it does on a Mac? It’s a bit confusing. iPad Victron Connect

Am I missing something?
 
Guys. You dont need a laptop. Your cell phone or tablet will do. I have the MK3 with standard USB. But I bought a USB to USB-C adapter and it plugs right into your smartphone. You can download VictronConnect app and just program right from your phone very very quickly and convieniently. They also make a USB-C model. These only cost less than $60. Its a must have IMO. I would not rely on someone programming it prior to sending it because many times if you do an update it will reset settings. Its not hard to learn these and its worth its weight in gold to know the various settings. Here is a quick video on what that looks like.
Is it android only, or does it work with iOS as well.
 
I didn't have the dongle, so I used the VRM instead. Upload/ download from desktop Mac. Wish I could be more help to you as I would like to know compatability with Apple OS...
 
Hi Allen, not sure this universally works; maybe an iDevice thing? I tried on my computer using the native USB-A and then through the USB-A to USB-C adapter and it worked just fine. But connecting to my very current iPad Pro 13 and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both running iOS 18.2, the Multis simply don’t show up. I then found this thread that suggests this capability will not work in iDevice-sphere (even with the new MK3-USBC dongle), but maybe it does on a Mac? It’s a bit confusing. iPad Victron Connect

Am I missing something?
Could be. I only have Android phone and tablet and regular PC. All work great.

**Edit** This is an older post but direct from Victron


Thiemo van Engelen (Victron Energy staff) answered · Jul 20 2022 at 2:31 AM Best AnswerACCEPTED ANSWER
Hi @stvaughn
Unfortunately, that will not work. The Mk3 is only supported on Android, macOS and Windows.
Kind regards,
Thiemo van Engelen
 
Thanks, that’s kinda what I was guessing based on what I could extract from that post that I linked to. That’s too bad, I’m trying to divorce myself from the laptop for Victron purposes. I’m not sure it would even totally suit my purposes, so will continue with some other options.

FWIW, I have a split-phase installation that requires me to use VE.Bus Quick Configure to reconfigure my system after a firmware upgrade; I sure found this out the hard way. Anyway, don’t think having VE.Connect through the dongle will do the job.
 
Yep, I found out about having to reconfigure with Quick Configure after configuring...updating...and having to redo the configure. Ha. Lesson learned.
 
Just beware. That the Victron's smart chargers will not interface with the Cerbo. There only Bluetooth.
 
I have one of their smart chargers on my24v thruster bank.
It has been “set and forget “ thus far and I can periodically check up on it with my phone.
Highly recommended.
 
I realized that I never added the information about running VeConfigure on my mac to program my Multiplus inverter. It took me a while to figure this out, but for others that might want to go this route, here is a link to the instructions that I followed successfully.

VeConfig on a Mac Instructions

Hope this might help someone else down the road.
 
Continuing to update...Finished the installation this weekend. AC side went quickly with a little help from knowledgable folks on MTOA forum.

I can confirm that the the ethernet connection from the Cerbo to my Simrad MFD works great and has allowed me to skip the purchase of the additional screen.
IMG_3160.jpg

IMG_3161.jpg

IMG_3162.jpg

Full integration as far as I can tell.
The victron "app" popped up on the home screen as soon as it was plugged in to a new switch. The only additional part needed was the proprietary Simrad connection wire to standard ethernet plug.
 
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