Next week I will be standing in a new yacht on the other side of the planet, programming a Victron lithium battery system I have never seen, with software I have never used, while a boatyard full of onlookers and their hired assistants wait for my go ahead to launch the vessel. I need some answers on what to expect.
Re firmware updates
- do any of the sub-systems listed below have the potential not to work unless their firmware is updated first? I will be connecting to them with an internet capable iPhone or iPad and VictronConnect, a process that might detect firmware version anomalies.
- for any of the sub-systems listed, is it recommended to check for the latest firmware and install it if available?
- for any of the sub-systems listed, is it recommended not to update the firmware unless performance problems have been detected? I keep seeing mixed messages on this - always check for the latest firmware vs never update a system that is working.
- importantly, what are the firmware file sizes and download/installation times? Anything to be wary of? I will not have had the time or the opportunity during a pandemic lockdown to buy a local SIM card, so will be downloading via international roaming, with limited data availability, though with good 4G speeds I expect. I can't afford to be trapped by a spinning 'Updating' wheel, over and over again.
The gear list is:
12.8V 300Ah Smart Lithium Batteries
Cerbo GX
GX Touch 50 display
Smart Shunt 500
MultiPlus 12/3000/120-50
Smart BMS CL 12-100
Smart Battery Protect 220 (load protection)
Smart Battery Protect 100 (charge protection)
Smart Solar Charge Controller MPPT 100/50
Orion-Tr 12-12/30 (engine battery charging. And yep, the only device that isn't 'Smart'. Go figure.)
Thanks for your advice. :-)
