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Tom avatar image
Tom asked

Smart MPPT 100/30 remote switch

The smaller Smart MPPTs like the 100/30 or 50 do not include remote shut down switches needed to connect to a BMS. They do have VE direct ports that you can connect an optional VE cable that allows for remote shut down, but when you use this you can not connect a Bm712, ccgx, or Venus GX. How do you get around this road block to have both a remote shut down in a BMS over charge alarm and also connect a Bm712? The lowest cost Smart MPPT with a remote switch is Smart 150/45 at $200 more than the 100/30 unit. Does the BM712, CCGX, and Venus GX have a port to connect the BMS lead to to switch off the MPPT?

The other option is to use a BP65 between the MPPT out to battery. So my question here is it save to use the BP65 as a shut down to the battery with the PV still charging the Smart MPPT 100/30 or will it damage it?

This is for a RV installation.

MPPT Controllers
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klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·

Hi Tom,

The bmv712 will connect to the smart mppt with Bluetooth, not the ve direct port.

Could you use the relay in the bmv for what you need?

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Tom avatar image Tom klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·

I have no idea, this is what the question is in the post? The BM712 has BT but that is to provide information at your phone. The BM712 still needed to plug in to the VE port on the Smart MPPT 100/30 to get the information.

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nebulight avatar image nebulight commented ·

I ended up doing the BP100 between my 100/50 and the battery as I also have a Venus but there is no solution for BMS control. I have a healthy pack and haven't triggered the BMS, but I did test it half a dozen times and the MPPT seems to still be working fine.

Victron's own VAN Build project has the same setup so I assume it's okay to do?

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Justin Cook avatar image
Justin Cook answered ·

@Tom, the BT on these devices is for much more than just seeing data on your phone; you can use the BT to set up a VE.Smart Network across your Victron Smart devices, and they will share data as necessary. That's what Klim is referring to. Set up a VE.Smart Network on your BMV712, then "join" that network on the MPPT, and the two devices are now connected without using the VE.Direct port.

Then you can use either the VE.Direct cable from your MPPT to shut down your BMS, or you can use either of the two relay-out ports at the back of your BMV to trigger it as well, just depending on your desired shut-down values.

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Tom avatar image Tom commented ·

I guess I just don't understand why the smaller Victron Smart MPPTs do not include a simple remote switch. The new Smart Orion TR 12/24-15 chargers have remote switches, but do not have a VE direct ports. Go figure.

I am aware of using the BP65 as the remote switch for the smaller Victron MPPTs so I have to assume disconnecting the MPPT from the battery while the PV is still sending current into the MPPT is fine.

I am just trying to improve on my Battery Safety and BMS system.

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