Hi Victron Community
I‘m using a CCGX and I like to add some Ruuvi Temperature sensors. Since the CCGX has no bluetooth I‘m wondering, if it is possible to add them via adding a bluetooth dongle?
asked
Connect ruuvi to CCGX or Venus GX
Hey
@RE18 , hope you don’t mind your question getting used to become the central point for everyone around using a ruuvi on a CCGX or Venus GX. I’ve slightly edited your question to prevent confusion - hope thats ok.
Hi all,
In this post, I have listed all dongles tested by Victron, as well as others.
Generally speaking, any USB Bluetooth dongle featuring Bluetooth 4.0 will (most likely) work on GX device.
The main purpose of this list is to guide which USB Bluetooth dongle buy and use to get wireless temperature monitoring using the Ruuvi wireless temperature sensors. To use mainly on a CCGX, Venus GX, and also the Cerbo GX. Why the Cerbo GX? Thats because even though the Cerbo GX features built-in bluetooth, that doesn't work reliably enough. More details about that on in the GX product range datasheet.
For now we won't be stocking them ourselves, since that will only make them rather expensive for anyone to buy; whilst freely available on the internet for just a few USD up to 10 or 20 USD, without ourselves, and our dealer network, to be in the middle.
List of tested dongles by Victron, that work:
- Logilink BT0037
- TP-Link UB400(UN)
- Ewent EW1085R4
- Laird BT820
- Laird BT851
- ASUS USB-BT500
All above list was tested from -17 to 70C.
List of tested dongles that don't work:
- TP-Link UB500(UN)
- Avantree BTDG-45 (Avantree DG45)
- Nobrand 5.0 USB dongle (amazon link)
List of dongles tested by others that work:
- Insignia (NS-PCY5BMA2) for $14.99, tested by @Roamer105 , see below.
- Kinivo BTD-400 - tested by @Al , see below
- Ideapro USB bluetooth adapter 4.0 - tested by see below
And some comments on what doesn't work: several Bluetooth 5 dongles that we tested do not work. Most or even all Bluetooth 4, or 4.2, did work. Reasons for them not working differed per unit. Some might benefit from a newer kernel, or newer library of linux-included firmware files. But our aim was just to test what works and what not, so we stopped there, and did not, and are not aiming to in the near future either, spent time on making them work.
Whilst finding a compatible WiFi dongle can be difficult, Bluetooth is -luckily- different.
More tests welcome!
If you tried another one, and it works, please let everyone know by posting here - thanks!
Victron VE.Direct Bluetooth Dongle won’t work for this
The Victron VE.direct Bluetooth dongle is not designed to connect to a CCGX or Venus GX, it is only for devices like MPPT, Phoenix inverter or BMV-700/702.
What does Bluetooth add?
Bluetooth on a GX Device currently servers two purposes:
1) you can configure the ethernet and wifi networking, using the VictronConnect app.
2) you can read temperature and humidity from the Ruuvi wireless sensors (requires Venus OS v2.80 or later).
ps. I ordered four dongles on Amazon, which we'll test ourselves and confirm here if they work or not.
- TP Link UB400, Amazon ASIN B07NQ5YGDW, EUR 9,50
- Macly Bluetooth 5.0 USB, Amazon ASIN B08FH88MBX, EUR 6,99
- Avantree BTDG-45-BLK, Amazon ASIN B08GM1MV6B, EUR 14,99
- TP Link UB500, Amazon ASIN B098K3H92Z , EUR 14,50
The Amazon ASIN number is the unique reference to an item on Amazon. Note that I took those ASINs from www.amazon.nl, and they are probably listed under a different ASIN on the other Amazon markets/websites.
Thank you...let us know which ones worked for the Venus GX. I assume all that you have to do is plug it in and the GX USB slot and it automatically recognizes it along with the Ruuvi sensors? Also, I have a GPS antenna plugged into the USB next to the microSD card slot so I assume I can use the USB next to the Ethernet port (on the other side)?
Joe
@mvader (Victron Energy) Hi, I installed the TPLink UB500 on the Venus GX (v2.80~36) and have a couple of Ruuvi laying arround. The parameters on the menu, Bluetooth and the IO/Bluetooth sensor appears but no devices. When I dig into the OS, It seems that the scan does not work.
Bluetooth Monitor >> Status: Command Disallowed (0x0c)
Bluetoothctl >> [bluetooth]# scan on Failed to start discovery: org.bluez.Error.InProgress
Seems that another process/service is already running or cause a conflict. Hope you have some ideas what is going wrong :D
Happy 2022. Best regards, Philippe
Hi phillippe thanks, we tested the same. doesn't work.
@mvader (Victron Energy) Hi Matthijs. I assume we are in the linux built 5.10 and this will not change quickly??
So apparently in the btusb.c the next entry is missing. https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/linux/+bug/1948502
/* Tp-Link UB500 */
{ USB_DEVICE(0x2357, 0x0604), .driver_info = BTUSB_REALTEK }
it will be solved in a futur release, or it can be added and compile the kernel.
https://askubuntu.com/questions/1370663/bluetooth-scan-doesnt-detect-any-device-on-ubuntu-21-10/1371453#1371453
Hope you can do something with this information.
Hi, we are at 5.10 and indeed I don’t see a need to go spend resources on fixes like this.
Why not get a dongle that is tested to do work instead?
changing that will mean also testing again that nothing breaks, etc etc.
same for ant other dongles that don’t work - no matter the reason: we will not spend time on making them work; however trivial.
That bluetooth works on a CCGX and Venus GX is already unexpectedly nice, and there are enough dongles that do work without requiring work.
Sorry to be firm on this, but to make progress, we need focus.
Totally understood. Just I was faster then the tread to buy the dongle and the ruuvi's. Did spot only later on the fact that it is normally only supported on the Cerbo and not on the Venus/CCGX, but another 400€ to buy a Cerbo, is just over it. I have only the Venus for 2 years. But thanks for coming back with the details.
I installed the ideapro USB Bluetooth Adapter 4.0 on my Venus GX and it seems to work. I do not see the temp on the Remote Console but I can see the sensor on VRM-Advanced (with temp widget selected) .
I noticed that the GX relays will not use the bluetooth temperature sensors? Will that be fixed?
Also, will there be a way to rename the sensor? Right now I see Ruuvi XXXX (XXXX is serial number) on the Remote Console (Settings->I/O->Bluetooth sensors) but in VRM-Advanced it shows up as Temperature [25]. Its tough to keep track with many sensors.
Digging into this further, the Ruuvi does show up on the main screen of the GX Remote Console and can be setup as "Battery", "Fridge: or "Generic" types (this "type" does not seem translate to VRM Advanced display, still shows Temperature [25]), but the Dashboard of VRM does show the Ruuvi information and "type"
Hi, I’ll add that dongle to the list. Thank you!
Setting a custom name (Device list -> My sensor -> Device submenu) works for me. Also on VRM advanced page. We’ll check the rest. For further discussion, pls start a new thread - or post an answer to the beta thread, since ruuvi is still beta.
Dont use this one, I’d like to keep it clean and for dongle compatibility only, thank you!
Hi all, an update, I added various dongles that do work (we tested them here in the office) to above list. And also listed a few that don't. see above.
I've ordered a couple of TP-Link UB400 dongles and they do offer Ruuvi compatibility for CCGX units. It is, however, unclear what procedure should be followed in order to disable the built-in bluetooth functionality on a Cerbo.
Would anybody be able to indicate the procedure to be followed when the built-in device is being replaced by the dongle, as recommended?
The internal bluetooth functionality is disabled as usual in the menu structure: Device list > Settings > Bluetooth > Enable <Off>. After this the inserted USB dongle takes over.
As the dongle bluetooth interface isn't visible in the menu structure there isn't a way of setting the pin code as a filter (and to provide additional security). This could be an additional risk in a setting where temperature readings are used to control relay functionality.
Perhaps the usb enabled bluetooth dongle parameters (enable, pin) could be made visible in the future?
I’ve got 3 Ruvvi sensors on my narrowboat and the one furthest away from Cerbo keeps dropping out. Plugged in one of the recommended Bluetooth dongles. Then what do I do?
Doh I’ve worked it out. Turn off the Bluetooth in settings and the dongle takes over. Not sure it’s good for security though but Ruvvi working fine now
I was waiting for this ;) The VenusOS is on all the GX devices so from that point of view, it should be ok, but the fuctionality will only be available next year. However, getting bluetooth fuctionality on the Venus or CCGX using a bluetooth dongle, I do not actually have the answer given I have never seen anybody actually use it like that.
Venus OS is running on all GX devices but only the Cerbo GX has Bluetooth.
The VE.direct Bluetooth dongle is not designed to connect to a CCGX or Venus GX, it is only for devices like MPPT, Phoenix inverter or BMV-700/702.
https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/VictronConnect_Manual/en/compatible-victron-products.html
I installed 4 Ruuvi sensors. They are great and quite accurate. I use a CCGX running the latest beta firmware. Since between the Tank 150 and GPS receiver the two USB connectors are both used. I simply added a small hub, moved the Tank 150 to the hub along with an Insignia Bluetooth adapter from Best Buy.
Without even restarting the CCGX it showed Bluetooth active and found all of the Ruuvi devices. No issues.
Thanks!
Hi @Roamer105 . Could you explain what needs to be done on the CCGX once the Bluetooth dongle is connected to "connect" to the Ruuvi? I'm running VenusOS 2.80-36 on the CCGX.
Thanks
Go to settings - I/O - Bluetooth sensors and click enable. It will show the sensors it finds. Enable them too
They will appear in the device list where you can change the name etc.
I've just ordered 4 Ruuvi tags, some active USB extension cables and took a punt on a dongle:
Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 USB Adapter (Low Energy Wireless Dongle) - Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista , Raspberry Pi , Linux , Mac (2011 & beyond) and Stereo Headset Compatible by BlueRigger LLC
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007Q45EF4/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MGG6XE7V4PVTR4NAEV1H_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I saw lots of similar dongles but many explicitly state they don't work on linux or Mac, I'm assuming we need dongles that will work with native linux drivers to talk with VenusOS? Which is why this one looked good.
I'll update when they all arrive late next week hopefully, and see if they play with the CCGX.
I also saw quite a few Bluetooth 5 dongles with aerials for 100m range, it would be interesting to see if any of these worked too!?
*Update. Ruvvi Tags arrived to the UK customs paid today (Ordered Friday night, arrived Tuesday Morning) , and I can confirm the Kinivo BTD-400 I ordered from Amazon link above, works plug and play in the CCGX. I did use the Ruuvi android app to update Ruuvi firmware first, but the Kinivo BT dongle I just plugged in to the CCGX and turned on bluetooth, currently running Venus OS v2.80-36, all populated happily.
Just a quick test and I found they connect happily at 17m distance indoors line of sight.
Um - how did the info appear on your (front) screen? I can see the RUUVI, I can see its details, it shows in VRM - but nothing on the "front page" of the screen (at the bottom, like your example). I'm obviously missing something. This is all on a Cerbo GX, latest software (2.80~36) - etc. Also how does one remove a Ruuvi Sensor? It's no longer on my Cerbo GX - but still on VRM!!!
Hi @mje I haven't tried myself but I think you should be able to delete from VRM, but there was a thing about hanging sensors in v2.80~36.. not sure if that's relevant.
I installed GuiMods which adds a few extra features to the flow overview display to see the temps: https://community.victronenergy.com/idea/77971/venus-os-modification-scripts.html
What sort of range are yo getting with that, I need something that will do approx 15m. Through cold room wall.
Hi @Alan 15m for Ruuvi to GX should be fine, but it depends on what the cold room wall is made of? The usb extenders seemed to work well if you need them, but I swapped the USB cable for an AV Access USB extender over CAT as I was and still have regular CCGX reboots, but I think that's more a limitation with the CCGX processor or GuiMods, either way the reboots are not a big deal, and both ways of extending if necessary should be fine especially if you have a Cerbo / rpi. The AV Access extender: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EV33R8S?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_GBR039GDN7Y3BZYB27TK
Will the data of the ruuvi sensor be avalible in NodeRed?
hi
@brezzi , yes it will. Might take a little while (weeks), but it will. And welcome to community!
ps, for further discussion on node-red, please use the Modifications section on Community.
@Al - I got one of the long range bluetooth USB dongles from Amazon -
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LVH5BCP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It immediately connects, no issues so far, and I can see all the Ruuvi sensors on my property (some 20M+ away through a steel shed).
I will leave it connected and see how it goes for a while.
Hi @Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) .
This long range dongle is not currently available. Any other suggestions?
Where are the steps to add Ruuvitag info to the GX Touch? Thank you!!
Hi Guy, very interested in this solution. It seems to be available here in Amazon Canada, but it specifically states it does not support Linux (and Mac OS etc). So should I be ok to go ahead and order it? Or is it maybe something unusual that it did work for you. Thanks.
There is nothing special that I am doing, so I think it will work just the same for you.
You would be another one of only a few data points, so taking a little chance that it might not work.
Amazon is usually pretty good at returns if necessary.
Hi @Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager)
I purchased one of these for a CCGX and it doesn’t seem to work at all.
The ccgx seems to know that it’s a BT dongle as the I/O menu appears but that’s about the extent of it. It also causes the CCGX to lock up and reboot. The ruuvi tags were less than a meter from the dongle at that stage and not detected.
Does the led indicator on the dongle illuminate? I’m trying to ascertain if I just received a faulty one.
I tried it on my windows pc and it also doesn’t work there with error code 31 unable to start driver. Could you possibly test it for me on a windows pc.
Otherwise any other long range dongles recommended that work on the ccgx?
This would be so much easier if you just made the ruuvi gateway compatible on the venus os, via http/mqtt.
Not only would it then be extendable via a network to other buildings easier, it would probably have better bluetooth range due to the CP antenna on the gateway.
Hi
@Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager)
Your assistance would be appreciated here
I did install 3 sensors in my 40 feet boat with the existing bluetooth sensor even if i bought the suggested tp-link usb dongle. here is the screen shotScreen Shot 2022-02-24 at 14.07.33.png
Hi Daniele, i had a look on your attached photo, I’m setting it up my VRM system , but I’m not able to
display the ac input, yours seems runnnig very well, can you please give me some hints?
Thanks
The main article of this topic comments upon the Cerbo GX bluetooth functionality: "Cerbo GX features built-in bluetooth, that doesn't work reliably enough." There is also a reference to the the GX product range datasheet, where the nature of the problem is explained in this way: "The Bluetooth function in the Cerbo GX stops working when the internal temperature is too high."
In order to evaluate usefulness of the built-in bluetooth functionality of the Cerbo, it would be helpful to hear the specifics of these limitations.
Hi
@pdonner , perhaps outdated by now, but to answer your question: there is no need to do any investigation in the usefulness of the built-in bluetooth functionality of the Cerbo.
The conclusion is: do not use it. And use an adapter instead.
Its that black and white. Any middle ground / gray area will only lead to unreliable systems, and disappointment.
Thank you @mvader (Victron Energy) for sharing my concern of the Cerbo built-in bluetooth functionality. Refining Cerbo as a control center for home automation is a very appealing idea. On the other hand, Ruuvi is perhaps the only IoT related device in Finland with any mass distribution, which made me excited when development of this Cerbo extension took shape.
Despite all usefulness of Ruuvi in everyday use, it seems that we should be careful about making a system solely dependent on this bluetooth component.
However, we would like to construct a number of UPS systems with temparature control. Some of the Victron units arrive with built-in or external temperature devices. Can you point at the adapter that you recommend to combine with Cerbo which has a bunch overwhelming I/O capabilities (yet to be harnessed).
Bluetooth dongle from Jaycar, DIGITECH XC-4956 v4.0 on the CCGX seems to function correctly.
cheers
I want to add that we have tested the UB400 on a MultiPlus-II GX with a USB Hub (Digitus Slim Spider) and it works.
Hi i have just tried a Sabrent BT-UB40 from Amazon UK , it works , i can see both Freezers on VRM but cannot see them on my CCGX is there something in particular i have to do to see them please ?
Is it possible to connect any non-Ruuvi bluetooth sensors to Venus? have a number of sensors already in use from Govee and it would be nice to not have to replace all of them.
Hi
@Jeremy Albrecht , no thats it not possible, sorry.
Has anyone tried this adapter?
Reviews on amazon state it works in linux
Sena UD100 Long Range Bluetooth 4.0 Class1 USB Adapter
https://www.amazon.com.au/UD100-Range-Bluetooth-Class1-Adapter/dp/B0161B5ATM/ref=sr_1_7?crid=25C1IDKVV3Y7G&keywords=Long+Range+Bluetooth+4.0&qid=1656220359&s=electronics&sprefix=long+range+bluetooth+4.0%2Celectronics%2C235&sr=1-7
I found one somewhere else for about half the amazon price, they also make a 5db dipole antenna (which I grabbed as well) and a 9db patch (which is rather pricy but could be great if longer range is required.)
Hello Alan, I'm struggling to increase BT reception and would like to install an outdoor antenna. I found the Sena UD100 still available. Did you find the 9db patch useful and was it outdoor compatible? Any links or advice would be appreciated! Thank you.
Update: If anyone cares.
The Sena UD100 works perfectly with a CCGX and with the 5db dipole, range to the ruuvi tags is for lack of a better word, incredible.
Can you advise whether the Sena was Plug-&-Play - this site says you have to load Bluez for Linux installations and this is beyond my competence?
To see my Ruuvis I have some metal walls to get through/around. If anyone has been successful with any long range adapters it would be good to hear - 99% of the ones I can find state incompatibility with Linux.
Tried the Targus ACB75A from my pc on the rp3 running venus and it works.
I’m always looking for “a better way”. My Cerbo install replaced my original Blue Power Control that had a BMV-702 feeding it. I also had the VE.Direct Bluetooth dongle to provide remote connection via VictronConnect. These are now no longer used. I have the BMV-702 connected to the Cerbo with VE.Direct cable.
Can I connect the VE.Direct Bluetooth dongle to the Cerbo and use it instead of a BT USB dongle? The connection range of the VE.Direct BT dongle is very good; much better I think than the USB dongle that I currently have plugged in.
Also, as per above discussion, there is currently very little support for a USB connected BT dongle eg the Cerbo cannot even tell it is connected. Would the Victron VE.Direct BT dongle have better support/features/usability?
Thx
Anybody?
Still looking for an answer; sorry if that wasn’t clear.
In short, can I use my VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle instead of a USB BT dongle for the purpose of communicating with my Ruuvi sensors?
Thanks.
Hi @Randy S
No, you can't use the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle to connect a Ruuvi sensor to a Cerbo. The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle can only be used on a so called VE.Direct producer (MPPT/BMV/SmartShunt/...) in combination with VictronConnect on a phone/tablet/macbook.
With kind regards,
Thiemo van Engelen
I am not clear on the specification requirements for the extender. This LM1010 unit offers Linux BlueZ support and Bluetooth 4.0 (dual mode) and operates in HCI mode:
- Ubuntu 15.10 (Kernel 4.2.0-16-generic)
- Ubuntu 14.04.03 (Kernel 3.13.0-77-generic)
Is there anything in the spec that says it can't work with the GX/Ruuvis? If not, the price is good and I am happy to experiment.
I used my build in bluetooth for months no problem now randomly bluetooth disppears from the list of devices in cerbo and then reappears. nothing changed in the boat same hot temperature hahah in thailand. any advice? shall I connect the usb tp link 4.0. I have it but I thought the ruuvie where bT LE 5.0
My built-in bluetooth also stopped for lunch - and might come back early evening. I understand that there is a heating problem?
Anyway - added a USB Bluetooth 4.0 dongle (no name brand) and everything is now OK. I have 4 x RUUVI (Fridge/Freezer/Indoor/Outdoor) in my Caravan.
Recently added a "Mopeka EyeGasPro" on the bottom of my LPG cylinder - it's working fine. Mopeka also has very similar water device (Bluetooth & Sonar) - so ordering one to test with for my plastic water tank.
same problem here I added a bluetooth tp-link 4.0 as suggested the builtin bluetooth is gone nore sure why maybe 2.92 or 3.0 beta 4 I tried
Will the USA version of the TP-Link UB400 work with the Cerbo GX on an iPhone?
Tp-Link UB500 - In the beginning it was stated it does not work , but a bug has been found and it will be resolved. Can some confirm if indeed it has been resolved - thanks
Hi,
I have a quite basic question. I'm trying to connect Ruuvi sensors to my CCGX. I have Installed a TP-Link UB400 bluetooth dongle and the CCGX recognises it but no Ruuvis detected. Firware is 2.93. I read that Venus OS should be at least 2.80 but I don't know how to update it. (I suppose that CCGX is running Venus OS, or is it not?)
Simo
Just to be sure. You did enable Bluetooth under IO -> Bluetooth sensors? Just tested on a CCGX running 2.93 with a TP-Link UB400 bluetooth dongle and the Ruuvis and Mopeka show up without problems (at a few meters distance)
No, I have not seen those options on my CCGX. There is only Bluetooth (not sensors) and and on that page "Enabled" and "PIN code".
Now I got it! I was in the wrong setting. Thanks a lot!
Best wishes
Simo
OK, I was just confused when firmware is mostly called firmware but sometimes Venus OS. I didn't understand that they are the same thing.
Yes, Ruuvi app reads the sensors OK. I put one of the sensors at 20 cm distance to the CCGX where the bluetooth dongle is connected but with no success.
