Community Forums

pvcampbell · 04-17-2022, 04:07 PM

If you want to go to the next level of remote access, you can install a Victron Cerbo GX. This is a central "hub" that connects to the BMV, Solar controller and a huge number of Victron and third party devices. It is not only Bluetooth-enabled, but also WiFi. I have full-time WiFi in my coach (even when in storage), so I can monitor all my Victron sytems from anywhere.

It has relays, including a setup for auto-generator start. I have some relays on order that will hopefully allow me to start and stop my generator from anywhere via my smartphone. It's a complex but extremely capable device.

neoflyer · 04-17-2022, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveG.

I have an Outdoors RV 24RLS, and I just competed the install of the shunt and wiring of a Victron BMV-712. I would like to install the Head Unit near the other controls (slide, water tanks, etc) on the rear of the kitchen cabinets near the rear door. I do not see a simple way to run the RJ12 cable from the battery area of the front of the trailer to the rear of the trailer and into the rearmost top kitchen cabinet. Has anyone else done the head install in this area, and if so, how did you accomplish this?

A side question. Can you put two or more shunts in the same system. I have a Magnum ME battery monitor with its shunt on my negative line. I’d like to try the Victron SmartShunt but wonder if I will have to remove the ME shunt. Any suggestions?

vsheetz · 04-17-2022, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoflyer

A side question. Can you put two or more shunts in the same system. I have a Magnum ME battery monitor with its shunt on my negative line. I’d like to try the Victron SmartShunt but wonder if I will have to remove the ME shunt. Any suggestions?

Yes. Both SmartShunt and BMK together should be ok.

creativepart · 04-17-2022, 09:22 PM

Yes, but don't use two shunts. Just connect the orange and blue wires from the Magnum BMK controller to the load/battery sides of the Victron shunt.

Also, the Magnum BMK has a separate negative lead on the power lines. Be sure to add that to the load side of the Victron shunt so that the power that runs the Magnum BMK processor is accounted for with the Victron Shunt.

If you need more info on that, I can post a photo tomorrow. I have this set up on my RV and my RV is at the house getting new Lithium batteries installed so as soon as it's daylight I can shoot you a photo if you need one.

neoflyer · 04-18-2022, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

If you need more info on that, I can post a photo tomorrow. I have this set up on my RV and my RV is at the house getting new Lithium batteries installed so as soon as it's daylight I can shoot you a photo if you need one.

That would be great.
Thanks

creativepart · 04-18-2022, 09:42 AM

neoflyer,

Just take the wires that normally attach to the Magnum shunt and mount them to the Victron Smartshunt. Note the Load/battery sides is important. The Orange wire goes on the load side and the blue wire goes on the battery side.

The wiring harness just plugs in as per usual.

Here's the photo:

Elevensdad · 04-18-2022, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

I found the SmartShunt a bit lacking in BT range. So I added a Victron VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle and this totally fixed the problem. I didn’t mount it all that far from the shunt. Just 18 or so inches higher and close to the underfloor. It doesn’t need separate power. You just plug it in to the smartshunt. It costs $49. Which is a bummer but I wasn’t going to use the 712 display at all.

It’s at least twice as powerful a Bluetooth signal and I can monitor from anywhere inside my 38’ coach now.

My Smart Shunt has but one VE Direct port, and it has a cable from there to the Victron Cerbo GX. Is there another VE Direct port I don't know about? The VE Direct Smart Bluetooth Dongle has a VE Direct cable, but instructions say it cannot be used with (any) GX device.

creativepart · 04-18-2022, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elevensdad

My Smart Shunt has but one VE Direct port, and it has a cable from there to the Victron Cerbo GX. Is there another VE Direct port I don't know about?

No, only one VE Direct Port on the Smartshunt. But I wouldn't think you'd need the WiFi dongle since it's plugged directly into the Cerbo GX. However, the CGX must include the smartshunt's info in it's color monitor and via WiFi to the bluetooth app. Won't it???

You 'll need to check with Victron.

vsheetz · 04-18-2022, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elevensdad

My Smart Shunt has but one VE Direct port, and it has a cable from there to the Victron Cerbo GX. Is there another VE Direct port I don't know about? The VE Direct Smart Bluetooth Dongle has a VE Direct cable, but instructions say it cannot be used with (any) GX device.

Good question.

I've SmartShunt and CerboGX. A powered USB hub can be used to expand the three ports on the CerboGX.

Similarly I think a powered USB hub could be used to interconnect the SmartShunt, USB dongle, and CerboGX.

I did a cursory Google and didn't find anything definitive. You might post on the Victron group on Facebook.