Whenever I attach a VE.Direct cable to my SmartSolar MPPT 150/85 (VSS-MPPT150/85-TR) it is no longer possible to see the controller’s data over Bluetooth. I noticed this when I installed a Venus GX in the summer. The “fault” has the following characteristics:
With the MPPT as “stand-alone” the app rapidly goes through the routine of “Connecting, Default PIN (at bottom), 0% up to 95%, Fetching Data” before the display values are given.
With the MPPT connected by VE.Direct (even when the other end is not plugged in to the Venus GX) the app goes through the same routine of Connecting, Default PIN (at bottom), going rapidly from 1% to 95%, “Fetching data” appears and it cycles on this for about 10 secs before returning to “Connecting” in an endless loop. Whilst this is happening the display screen has a smeared, Vaseline appearance.
I have played with connecting and disconnecting the VE.Direct:
- Using a VE.Direct cable:
- Pulling the VE.Direct plug from the MPPT causes the MPPT LEDs to flash and the app immediately shows the display screen
- Pulling the VE.Direct plug from the Venus GX causes the MPPT LEDs to flash and the app immediately shows the display screen
- Using a USB/VE.Direct cable:
- Pulling the VE.Direct plug from the MPPT causes the MPPT LEDs to flash and the app immediately shows the display screen
- Pulling the USB plug from the Venus GX causes nothing to happen.
All of the above are true whether the Venus GX has power or when there are/aren’t other devices connected to the Venus GX. The firmware of the MPPT is v1.50 and the GX is v2.18. VictronConnect is V5.33.
I also have an MPPT100/20 & MPPT100/30 connected to the Venus GX. I do not have this problem with them.
