Venus OS Large: Node-RED and Signal K

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mvader (Victron Energy) asked Jan 17, '21

Venus OS Large: Node-RED and Signal K

BE AWARE: welcome to post a nice screenshot to show what can be done here. But please don’t ask question or post issues here. See support section in the Venus OS Large manual for that.

Hello all,

As some of you know, something new is in the works, called "Venus OS large". This post is intented to start getting a large audience for it, as well as to recruite more help in further developing it.

This story is a bit longer than I usually type, here we go:

Introduction

Venus OS Large is an extended build of Venus OS, it adds Node-RED and Signal K server.

Node-RED is a tool for connecting hardware devices, APIs and online services. It provides a browser-based editor that makes it easy to wire together flows. With it, one can for example program something relatively simple such as a relay to open or close based on a temperature measurement. As well as make far more complex algorithms, tying voltage, current, power or other readings and other data available from Venus OS or elsewhere together with outputs such as relays or control points of the Victron system. All without having to write real source code.

Also Node-RED features a fully customisable dashboard, viewable in a webbrowser - both locally and remotely, via the VRM Servers.

Signal K server is aimed for yachts, and multiplexes data from NMEA0183, NMEA 2000, Signal K and other sensor inputs. It makes all that data available for Apps, such as WilhelmSK, a highly customizable boat instrument display. The Sailing with Signal K blogpost on our website is a great read for more information and ideas.

Customisation & automation without needing to be a software developer

The value of above is that now you can self configure and customise your GX Device to do many of the things asked for here. And doing so without having to posses software developer skills. It will require patience, time and to be not too afraid of trying things.

Its really extremely powerful and I'm super excited about the possibilities.

Documentation & how to install

See https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:large.

Venus OS Large is available for the Cerbo GX, Venus GX, MultiPlus-II GX and EasySolar-II GX as well as the RaspberryPi3 and RaspberryPi 4.

Want to help?

There are a few ways to help. First of all by simply installing and using it; and reporting any issues, or just that you're happily using it and what you are using it for.

The other is by helping others here on the Modifications section on Community. There is and will be no official support for Venus OS Large. Instead, we are referring users to turn here, the Modifications Space on Victron Community. You can help by answering questions.

Next, there is developing and improving the documentation; The manual needs further development, also the nodes and available measurements will need detailing and documenting, examples, screenshots, videos, it will all help adoptation and getting the best out of this. And we'll need more help for all of that that.

Lastly I am looking for help in development and support. First of all to further develop and support the Victron integration into Node-RED, ie. the node-red-contrib-victron package. Which will require nodejs experience, Linux experience, and preferably also experience with Victron products; ideally you'd be following and taking part of the discussions here on Community, (remotely-) debugging issues as well as suggesting and implementing new functionality in the said package.

Besides the node-red package, also the integration of Node-RED and Signal K in Venus OS needs to be maintained. Which requires a different skillset: deep experience and knowledge of Linux, but also the Open Embedded build system.

Conclusion

I can type a whole lot more about this, but have to stop now. Have a good Sunday! And if you have examples, or questions or comments, welcome to put them below.

Ps. Node-Red example flow:

Venus OS Node-RED

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Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) answered · Jan 18, 2021 at 12:14 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm a big fan of VenusOS Large from the very first day and appreciate all the work the developers incl. Matthijs and Scott already have done so far. Never forget: they do it in there limited free spare time, where everyone else is sitting at home having a glass of wine or go sailing.

As an ordinary boater/sailor and NOT an expert of Linux or even a coder, VenusOS Large is coming really handy as it does not require in depth knowledge. There are plenty of easy to understand tutorials for Node-Red out there. Same for SignalK.

For me the best thing is that it can be installed also on my Cerbo GX, which saves me from installing and running it on another device like the Raspberry Pi (though I do just because I'm curious ;)

Here is some work in progress, building a Grafana dashboard fed by various InfluxDB database sources. The dashboard is showing sensor data coming from my sailboat as well as from sensors here at home.

It kinda goes like this:

Sailboat -> CAN Bus/NMEA2000/Sensors -> Cerbo GX -> SignalK->InfluxDB plugin -> Router -> Virtual Private Server hosting InfluxDB <-> Home Router <-> Grafana <-> RasPi with SignalK/Grafana <- Sensors <- Home

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Mark answered · Jan 19, 2021 at 11:24 AM

Hello everyone,

Just a short note about NodeRED integrated into the Victron Venus OS (large image FW) - This major update has been work in progress for a very long time and is a huge enhancement for more ‘advanced and enthusiastic’ users and users/systems that have unique or specific control desires/requirements – it is super powerful, extremely flexible, doesn’t require any prior/specialised programming skills (apart from passion and lots of spare time), has a large established support base, and really has no practical limits apart from your imagination…

Just as an example, this is the UI dashboard (accessible remotely via VRM) of a WIP automatically modulated AC dump load control system that I have developed in Venus OS NodeRED:

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mehlers commented · Feb 18, 2021 at 04:24 PM

Hi Marc - may I ask a question, how did you achieve this: "UI dashboard (accessible remotely via VRM)" - not the UI itself (as I am running Node-Red also in my HA system), but to make i accessible via VRM.

Thanks for kind reply

Best Mischa

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Mark ♦♦ mehlers commented · Feb 19, 2021 at 09:17 AM

Hi @mehlers, in the example shown I am using NodeRED embedded within Venus OS 'large image', in this case Victron has provided a proxy server to access nodeRED via VRM - see section 6 in the documentation: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:large.

If you are using NodeRED outside of a Venus device, then you may need to setup a VPN service or similar to access it in a a secure manner. Maybe try taking a look in the generic NodeRED forum: https://discourse.nodered.org/.

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mehlers Mark ♦♦ commented · Feb 19, 2021 at 10:20 AM

Hi @Mark - Thanks for the quick reply. Always a good idea to read the docs..... :-) But: when I try to access via adding "proxy" as mentioned in the doc- I am always redirected to the installation page. Any additional steps necessary? Mischa

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Mark ♦♦ mehlers commented · Feb 19, 2021 at 10:23 AM

My guess is that you have left out the / at the end - that is also in the docs... :-)

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mehlers Mark ♦♦ commented · Feb 19, 2021 at 11:51 AM

Your guess was right.....

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Steve Byrne answered · Feb 17, 2021 at 08:50 PM

Am now running Venus 2.70~3-large-12 on a Cerbo. Connected are:
BMV-712, 3x Smartsolar MPPT, PV inverter on AC-out, Bornay Wind+ MPPT , Smartshunt, 2x parallel Multi 3000/24.
I am running Grafana, Influx on a Raspberry Pi4. I have experimented with Node Red - it won't start automatically but starts fine from command prompt and runs ok. I'm unsure how NR deals with devices and services that aren't on its list so sticking with Grafana for now but experimenting with Node Red.
Interestingly the Gui binary we made to run on CCGX 2.62 with the additional wind service, works fine on this Cerbo with the 2.70 large 12 firmware.

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mattsmith answered · May 06, 2022 at 06:18 AM

I was concerned about having node-red local on the Cerbo, but now after months of testing can say it's brilliant..! Below is a dashboard I created, my unit is also leveraging the solar forecast from solcast and automatically turning on and off hotwater, opening blinds, air conditioners etc to manage the house with 'excess' power or shutting down to be conservative. Great work by the Victron team, thank you...!

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Peter Van Tienen commented · Nov 01, 2023 at 02:13 AM

Can you share your snipped of code to convert Battery Time to Go: (to convert from seconds to the nice hour format you have there?

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Modifications Space

Node Red Space

Answer 1 · 2021-01-18T08:59:50Z

Paul B answered · Jan 18, 2021 at 08:59 AM

Hi, in looking for the new venus- large os this doc pushes you off to another thats send you another and its definatly not in the last comments on this issue. Just a bit confusing for those looking thats all

(MVA: I shortened this a little; trying to keep this compact)

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Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented · Jan 18, 2021 at 12:51 PM

Hi Paul,

you can edit the document and put the download link in there.

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Kevin Windrem commented · Jan 18, 2021 at 06:39 PM

Yes, hard to find. It is at the end of mvader's comments regarding the new version

The CURRENT link is:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i8ru22o4ydws1rx/AADpa8lj5s2APZ2JS78OGPjKa?dl=0&lst=

Other dropbox links in that thread don't appear to be valid.

(MVA UPATE: I changed that link to be a list view)

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Jan 18, 2021 at 08:00 PM

hi, thanks, improved.

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Paul B mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Jan 19, 2021 at 01:20 AM

Thanks-So much better

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Answer 2 · 2021-01-18T22:47:45Z

Kevin Windrem answered · Jan 18, 2021 at 10:47 PM

For what it's worth, I updated my Venus Raspberry Pi 4 (2 GB RAM) to large12 today. All is well.

I have no plans to use Node-Red or Signal K and my system is pretty simple so it's not all that much of a test.

System:

Multiplus Compact 12/3000
BlueSolar 100/30
Smart Shunt
MK3 to USB
2 Ve.Direct USB
CANable CANbus to USB adapter running Candlelight firmware
SeeLevel tank system N2K version
2 BattleBorn GC2 batteries in parallel
4 100 watt solar panels on roof connected in series
GlobalSat BU-353-S4 USB GPS Receiver
Passive USB hub for all connections
Installed in a Geo Pro travel trailer
Wireless to WiFi Ranger in the trailer then to the internet when available

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Answer 3 · 2021-01-19T21:51:37Z

Kevin Windrem answered · Jan 19, 2021 at 09:51 PM

There seems to be a bug with 2.70~3 large 12. I can't use VRM to do firmware updates on Ve.Direct devices. I get an error:

Error: 733

Error Message: Stopped with signal 11 - SIGSEGV

The only device listed is my See Level N2K tank repeater (CANbus).

Neither Signal K nor Node-Red functionality is turned on.

2.60 (not large) works fine.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Jan 19, 2021 at 10:20 PM

Hi Kevin, thanks - yes. Its a known issue; and I have a fix and need to build a new image with it.

its not the addition of signalk and nodered that broke this; its the fact that its using a newer version of the build system (open embedded) and with that to newer versions of compilers, libraries, various utils and binaries etc.

fix will be out soon!

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Kevin Windrem mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Jan 19, 2021 at 10:38 PM

Thanks for the quick response. Glad it is a known issue and you have a fix. No rush.

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Answer 4 · 2021-01-23T12:32:33Z

John macrae answered · Jan 23, 2021 at 12:32 PM

Happy to report the latest image works well with RPi4 (4Gb). NR and MQTT working so far with data received from my own BMS. Now I have to figure out how to get it to display :)

Thanks for all the work that got us this far :)

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Answer 5 · 2021-02-05T18:29:32Z

Nikolay Nedeltchev answered · Feb 05, 2021 at 06:29 PM

Hello,

There is a bug in the latest .img file.

I've download and 'burned' the Large image from this link here.

https://www.dropbox.cvenus-image-large-raspberrypi2-20210113212245-v2.70~3-large-12.rootfs.wic.gz

the problem is that I can't start the node-red. I've got the messages

*** Starting node-red ***

Error loading settings file: /home/root/.node-red/settings.js

Error: Cannot find module 'debug'

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Answer 6 · 2021-02-15T17:35:51Z

vassilis-bourdakis answered · Feb 15, 2021 at 05:35 PM

quick Q to @mvader (Victron Energy):

about to update my working system rpi3B+ from 2.60(small) to 2.70-3large12.
when is the next ver coming?

iow, shall I do it today, or wait for a few days? :-)

Test system with rpi4 2GB works fine on large, so time to update (and test other things with the rpi4.

cheers

V.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Feb 15, 2021 at 06:06 PM

hi, can’t make any promise on that; sorry.

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vassilis-bourdakis mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Feb 15, 2021 at 06:41 PM

no worries at all!

I'm v.happy to even have all this work!

I'll install the 2.70 3-10 on now, no problems

BTW, is there any explanation on why each time I reboot my raspberry on board, the two USB devices (BMV700 and MPPT100/30) seem to be swapping their VRM instances?

BMV700 one time is 288 after the next reboot is 289

at the same time MPPT was first time 289 and then 288.

Is there a way to "FIX" their VRM instance number somehow?

cheers

V.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ vassilis-bourdakis commented · Feb 15, 2021 at 06:50 PM

Yes, fixed soon!

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vassilis-bourdakis mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Feb 15, 2021 at 08:14 PM

thanks!

in the meantime started preparing another how to for the 7in raspberry touchscreen for this 2.70 ver.

V.

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Answer 7 · 2021-02-16T10:57:21Z

vassilis-bourdakis answered · Feb 16, 2021 at 10:57 AM

TOUCHSCREEN DOESNT FUNCTION ON 270~3-large12 on rpi3B+ with 7in official touchscreen:

hi, upgraded my working rpi3B+ with rpi official 7in touchscreen from 2.60 to 270~3-large12

OK, not upgraded, used a new sd card, and followed the v2.60 instructions to upgrade/setup the necessary bits for the touchscreen. To my knowledge there's no instruction set for 2.70, assumed the 2.60 will work and followed it to the iota:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXskvldEmiw&list=PLbFliBZXWa8Dos0zbCRUBhMZbkBxZ7K_a&index=35&ab_channel=HimmelbergerBus

came across the issue mentioned regarding the opkg upgrade here:

https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/77643/updatinginstalling-packages-on-venusgx-running-ven.html

edited /etc/opkg/venus.conf replacing zeus with rocko, then upgrade worked fine, no errors.

Next step was

opkg install qt4-embedded-plugin-mousedriver-tslib

which installed but came up with this log:

Installing libssp0 (7.3.0) on root
Downloading https://updates.victronenergy.com/feeds/venus/release/packages/rocko/cortexa7hf-neon-vfpv4/libssp0_7.3.0-r0_cortexa7hf-neon-vfpv4.ipk.
Installing tslib-conf (1.1) on root
Downloading https://updates.victronenergy.com/feeds/venus/release/packages/rocko/cortexa7hf-neon-vfpv4/tslib-conf_1.1-r0_cortexa7hf-neon-vfpv4.ipk.
Installing kernel-image-zimage-4.9.80 (4.9.80+git0+7f9c648dad) on root
Downloading https://updates.victronenergy.com/feeds/venus/release/packages/rocko/raspberrypi2/kernel-image-zimage-4.9.80_4.9.80+git0+7f9c648dad-r0_raspberrypi2.ipk.
To remove package debris, try `opkg remove kernel-image-zimage-4.9.80`.
To re-attempt the install, try `opkg install kernel-image-zimage-4.9.80`.
Configuring libssp0.
Configuring tslib-conf.
Collected errors:
 * check_data_file_clashes: Package kernel-image-zimage-4.9.80 wants to install file /boot/zImage
        But that file is already provided by package  * kernel-image-zimage-4.19.81-v7

which is not v.good I recon.

did another series of steps, did the calibration on screen got the values:

xres = 800, yres = 480
Took 1 samples...
Top left : X =   48 Y =   60
Took 5 samples...
Top right : X =  745 Y =   62
Took 1 samples...
Bot right : X =  737 Y =  429
Took 1 samples...
Bot left : X =   54 Y =  432
Took 1 samples...
Center : X =  399 Y =  242
-2.957874 1.014374 0.002682
-12.218375 0.000727 1.028286
Calibration constants: -193847 66478 175 -800743 47 67389 65536

and the /etc/pointercal now shows:

66478 175 -193847 47 67389 -800743 65536 800 480

removed the headless, rebooted, comes up nicely full screen BUT:

1. touchscreen doesn't work

2. there is no backlight scrollbar on the display & language screen

screen blanks normally and wakes up when accessing it from remote console, so it's fine in that respect.

compared to 2.60 pointercal, rather different, replaced the generated on 2.70 to the 2.60ver one, rebooted, no difference

66484 527 -349670 382 66058 -673710 65536 800 480

I can live with no backlight regulation for a few months before I use the boat again, but with no touch, it's difficult.

Also bluetooth, seemed to connect, then didn't again, not sure, doesn't seem to work!

any pointers or things to test welcomed!

cheers

V.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Feb 16, 2021 at 11:51 AM

Hey Vassilis, what you did, "edited /etc/opkg/venus.conf replacing zeus with rocko, then upgrade worked fine, no errors. " may seem to work, but really is not something you should do, and also not something anyone including myself should spend time on trying to figure out whats going on. Its too fundamentally wrong to do it that way.

For example, I see the system is trying to replace the kernel: really not good.

After posting this comment answering yours, I'll remove your message and mine; as this is distracting from the topic here, Signal K and Node-red.

For now, anything that needs opkg downloads will simply have to wait for v2.70 to become normally available including opkg feeds.

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vassilis-bourdakis mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Feb 16, 2021 at 12:24 PM

M,

apologies if I'm taking your valuable time on things like that, I thought it would be nice to sort out such an issue (if its something easy) happy to wait for the official, will just install it as is and connect with the remote console :-)

cheers

V.

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Kevin Windrem commented · Feb 16, 2021 at 04:07 PM

I had no problems bringing up the RPI 7" touchscreen on 2.70~3Large12 on my Pi 4

In fact, most of the steps in the instructions were not required.

The ONLY thing I needed to do was add stuff for backlight and screen saver following instructions here:

https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/56217/venus-os-v26034-available-for-testing.html?childToView=56411#comment-56411

I have created a script to automate the process:

https://github.com/kwindrem/RpiDisplaySeutp

The script also restores the mods after a Venus update.

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vassilis-bourdakis Kevin Windrem commented · Feb 16, 2021 at 07:55 PM

wow!

went the hard way :-) and failed...
OK, got the gist of your suggestions, reformated the SD, did the v.few editing and now touchscreen works (no backlight adjustment, but tbh don't care until the summer!)

Regarding your scripts I note that the one you link to has a spelling mistake if you want to edit it: Seutp instead of Setup.

Also checked the other (SetupHelper) as well (using it for my CANHAT) and instructions are slightly confusing regarding where you place/paths/folder names, etc. If you'd like to have a look at it would be great!

But anyway, got the system working now, with the CANHAT, checked at home in a test rig, so tomorrow goes to the boat.

Next task is manage to reduce the data leaving the boat from the dodgy wifi connection and or have a buffer to keep them when system is down (often 1 or 2 h, then up again)

thanks!

V.

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Kevin Windrem vassilis-bourdakis commented · Feb 16, 2021 at 10:53 PM

Corrected the repo name.

As designed, SetupHelper should go in /data with the other script packages.

.The SetupHelper ReadMe was the wrong content. Fixed that now

Thanks.

If you used my script, which CAN interface did you use? I'd like to know so I can mark it as tested.

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vassilis-bourdakis Kevin Windrem commented · Feb 17, 2021 at 07:07 PM

OK, actually I've taken parts of your script last month and modified it to setup my WAVESHARE 485-CAN HAT. I've added the section on Waveshare on the RaspberryPi CAN Interfaces wiki.

I guess you could say it's working, but it's now back on the boat and don't want to mess with it. Will check on next update if you want.

cheers

V.

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Answer 8 · 2021-03-09T09:12:14Z

vassilis-bourdakis answered · Mar 09, 2021 at 09:12 AM

hello all,

I'm trying to install a remote access tool for myrpi3B+ running VenusOS Large on the boat and I'm hitting this problem again which is I guess a venus wide one:
no apt-get, so cannot install tailscale
no raspberry binary to install ZeroTier.
Can anyone point me how do I get to install such apps? (or recommend another that does work with no static IP etc)

I understand VenusOS only has opgk manager, is it possible to install others, or do I have to go low and download sources and built from source? Haven't done that for almost 30yrs so expect I'll fail miserably...

and one comment on the Large distro: SignalK works absolutely fine but if you leave logging on, it floods the /data partition to 100% and you're slightly stuck. Should there be some way to keep log files from filling to 100% the partition? Only noticed when I tried to update a plugin in SignalK and it wouldn't let me.
I guess that's down to the user, just wondering if there's a way to prevent it from happening by default.

cheers

V.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Mar 09, 2021 at 09:53 PM

Hey @Vassilis Bourdakis could you ask this in a new question? This might grow into a long discussion - thank you

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jbakuwel commented · Mar 23, 2021 at 04:17 AM

Hi @Vassilis Bourdakis,

If remote access via VRM doesn't give you sufficient access, have a look at:

https://github.com/victronenergy/venus/wiki/howto-configure-OpenVPN

Your VenusOS node would connect to a VPN server on the net to which you would also connect unless you're running that VPN server yourself and the remote VenusOS node can find it (fixed IP address or something like Dyn-DNS).

Jan

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Answer 9 · 2021-04-11T01:32:50Z

sportswagoneer answered · Apr 11, 2021 at 01:32 AM

Really excited about running a signalK server on my yacht’s Cerbo GX! Will be interfacing with WilhelmSK on Apple TV, watches, pads etc.!
BUT: It’s not clear for me how the Cerbo will aquire the data from my NMEA2000 units. It’s connected to a B&G Zeus2 MFD over Ethernet. Will it acquire the data over this connection or should I connect it directly as a node in the NMEA2000 (Simnet in my case) network?

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 06:43 PM

Hi for that you need to (also) connect N2K. See here: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ve.can:nmea-2000:start

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Answer 10 · 2021-04-22T07:37:42Z

palle answered · Apr 22, 2021 at 07:37 AM

Hi.

I have two Cerbo GX.

I have used 2.70-3 large-12 for a while. It worked perfekt.

For a cupple of days ago I updaded both to 2.70-5 large-18.

Now I have one who workes perfect and one who not work so god.

On that one who doesn´t work, I cant reach Node-Red. (no server runing) I can reache Signal K.

Another problem is that all settings go back to default when I reboot.

The other one works perfect.

If I go back to 2.70-3 large-12 I can reach Node Red, but my settings is still resetting at reboot.

Setup on the "perfect" one:

Cerbo GX

Smartshunt

SmartSolar 75/15

Phoenix inverter 12/1200

SmartBatterySense Black

USB GPS

TempSensor for GXDevice Meassure the engine temp)

Setup "not so perfect"

Cerbo GX

BMV-712

MultiPlus 12/2000/80 230 (with it´s own temp sensor on battery)

VE.Bus smart dongle (with external temp sensor on battery)

VE.Can to NMEA 2000-adapter

Temp sensor for GX (measure the temperature inside the boat)

USB GPS

Any idea?

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Kevin Windrem commented · Apr 22, 2021 at 03:40 PM

If your settings are not saved through a reboot, it is likely the /data partition is corrupted.

If you have a *nix system, you could try to repair the partition with gparted.

Since there are no settings anyway, I'd reflash the card with a new image and see if that helps.

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palle Kevin Windrem commented · Apr 22, 2021 at 06:51 PM

I´m using a Cerbo GX, not a RPI. Can i flash a Cerbo?

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Kevin Windrem palle commented · Apr 22, 2021 at 08:23 PM

Oops, sorry. I don't know how you'd do a scratch install on Cerbo I defer to other experts.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ Kevin Windrem commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 06:38 PM

Hi, you cannot reflash a Cerbo. At least not in an easy explainable way; its not part of any service procedure.

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palle commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 06:05 PM

Hi.

Can anyone advise me where to write to get some help?

Or is it just to call my reseller?

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Kevin Windrem palle commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 06:20 PM

Yes, I'd try your reseller.

First, I'd install the latest (not large) released software and see if the problem persists. If that clears it up, then you could try large again.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ palle commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 06:42 PM

I’ll take a look @Palle. Which of your systems is it? Birch or the other one?

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palle mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 07:00 PM

Birch is the one with problem. Now running on 2.66.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ palle commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 07:47 PM

ok I see it already, your issue is that your data disk is full. That partition holds normal Venus OS settings, factory data and also log files. And for Venus OS large it also has npm cache, node-modules, signalk plugins, etc etc.

For those interested, some info below.

Meanwhile I'm looking into this a bit more and will post another message later tonight to let you know what I did to fix it. Its fixeable - don't worry.

All disks:

root@einstein:~# df
Filesystem           1K-blocks      Used Available Use% Mounted on
/dev/root               282687    213041     50532  81% /
devtmpfs                465560         4    465556   0% /dev
tmpfs                   515224       300    514924   0% /run
tmpfs                   515224       344    514880   0% /var/volatile
/dev/mmcblk1p5         1182728   1166344         0 100% /data
/dev/sda1              3888192    264216   3623976   7% /run/media/sda1

So thats a 1GB data partition that you've filled up :).

All sorts of npm / signalk things in there:

root@einstein:~# du /data/ | sort -nr
1164540/data/
1119732/data/conf
1119672/data/conf/signalk
99336/data/conf/signalk/node_modules
42600/data/home
42576/data/home/root
32288/data/home/root/.npm
32276/data/home/root/.npm/_cacache
26144/data/home/root/.npm/_cacache/content-v2
23424/data/home/root/.npm/_cacache/content-v2/sha512
14164/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/@signalk
9900/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/@signalk/freeboard-sk
9836/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/@signalk/freeboard-sk/public
9748/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/mathjs
9580/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/kgauge
9504/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/z-schema
9488/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/kgauge/docs
7892/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/z-schema/node_modules
7888/data/conf/signalk/node_modules/z-schema/node_modules/core-js
6352/data/home/root/.node-gyp

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 07:58 PM

I removed /data/home/root/.npm and /data/home/root/.node-gyp. Which I'm 99% sure are just caches of various things, and will be auto-downloaded again by npm, gyp and friends in case needed.

And then I rebooted the unit, all seems OK now.

Note that your data partition still seems to be rather full. You might need to clean up more.

For that, you could first simply try to remove some plugins. Though I don't know if removing a plugin also makes all dependencies go away by itself. To see free diskspace, you'll have to login with ssh or on the serial console, and use the df command.

For help on that, please either make a new question here, or go to the SignalK slack. Lets not continue in this Venus OS Large / Node-red / SignalK announcement thread.

Have a good evening!

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 07:59 PM

ps. Scott Bender just confirmed me that if you remove SignalK plugins via the SK App Store, their dependencies will be removed as well. so thats good.

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Show more comments

palle mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ commented · Apr 29, 2021 at 08:01 PM

I thought that it could be something whit the memmory. I compred both my units and this had half of the memory left, Don´t be affraid to delete settings and data. I use it just for fun ;-)

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Answer 11 · 2021-10-19T08:20:18Z

stager answered · Oct 19, 2021 at 08:20 AM

Yes, I'm stupid and I've never seen Windows.

So, pls, someone explain to me - how to create SD with Venus OS Large for Raspberry Pi 3 from scratch? Step-by-step. In Linux environment.

I smoked docs, but nothing...

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dirkmuc commented · Oct 19, 2021 at 08:28 AM

Hi,

under https://linuxhint.com/install_etcher_linux/ you find a very good description how to install Etcher on Linux.

BR

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stager dirkmuc commented · Oct 19, 2021 at 09:07 PM

Good description? From the Hindu? By seriously?

I know two other ways to burn os image, out from the box, without installing trash. But the question was not about it.

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Answer 12 · 2021-11-18T12:52:28Z

stager answered · Nov 18, 2021 at 12:52 PM

The Signal K server function app.getSelfPath() always return "undefined".

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Answer 13 · 2021-12-13T11:49:30Z

ulrikmailand answered · Dec 13, 2021 at 11:49 AM

Hi great fan of the Venus OS large - use node red to control my heater though one of the relays in a Cerbo GX + starting the multiplus if SOC is lov.

Running 2.80 - 23. Everything works but the console of the Cerbo is incredibly slow after Large have been installed.

Is that to be expected?

Question two: Can you access the Cerbo through SSH or similar to clean the data disk or free up space if needed ?

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Kevin Windrem commented · Dec 13, 2021 at 03:48 PM

There is also the issue with BLE discovery and WiFi running at the same time on Cerbo.

BLE discovery was added for the Ruuvi sensors and it slows WiFi significantly. I resorted to a separate WiFi dongle and not using the internal WiFi. If you don't need the BLE discovery, it can be turned off to restore WiFi to previous levels.

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Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ Kevin Windrem commented · Dec 13, 2021 at 03:58 PM

Haven't tested this with wifi (off here), but probably the case.

I currently have 7 Ruuvi sensors in my boat. The response from Remote console is the same as without BLE sensors. Sometimes a bit lagging and then quick again.

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Kevin Windrem Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented · Dec 13, 2021 at 04:05 PM

It's only WiFi that slows. Wired ethernet isn't affected.

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Answer 14 · 2021-12-13T12:20:21Z

Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) answered · Dec 13, 2021 at 12:20 PM

Hi @Ulrikmailand,

it can be a little slow at times. It depends on what you're running (Signal K + Node-RED, plugins, number of flows etc.). Only run those services you really need. Delete Signal K plugins you don't need. Delete Node-RED flows you don't need.

Another thing to look at is available disk space. See also: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:root_access#partitions_read-only_rootfs_and_available_disk_space

Yes, you can access the Cerbo GX via SSH. See the same link I posted above (Access Level Superuser, root password, enable sshd), login).

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ulrikmailand commented · Dec 13, 2021 at 12:35 PM

Thanks fro your reply. Only running 2 flows in node red and Signal K is disabled.

would i be better of running 2.72 than the 2.80-23 version?

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Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ ulrikmailand commented · Dec 13, 2021 at 12:38 PM

I would always run latest version for the sake of new features and less bugs.

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Answer 15 · 2022-03-28T08:23:01Z

mianfrar answered · Mar 28, 2022 at 08:23 AM

Hello

I have installed the driver for bms in a cerbo with bmv and apparently there is an error even if it is solved from version 2.73 https://community.victronenergy.com/comments/124430/view.html so I have installed the version 2.73, I would like to install the large version and I see that there is a version based on 2.72, is it perfectly functional or better I wait for this problem to be solved with the bms?

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Stefanie (Victron Energy Staff) ♦♦ commented · Mar 28, 2022 at 12:56 PM

To get an appropriate answer and because it's all about your BMS I suggest you ask the same question here: https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/76159/victron-venusos-driver-for-serial-connected-bms-av.html?childToView=124430#comment-124430

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Answer 16 · 2022-04-10T09:40:23Z

erichabg answered · Apr 10, 2022 at 09:40 AM

Hello,
Is here the best place to report problems with the Venus-OS-large?
(I know no official support available, but I think that appropriate feedback is desired from the developers?)

If yes here my config and the problem I found.

Cerbo GX FW v2.82-large-30
Multiplus 24/3000/70-16 Typ:2612 FW 494 (I not II !)
BMV-700 Typ: 0x203 FW v3.11
SmartSolar Charger MPPT 250/60 Typ: 0xA068 FW v1.59
BlueSolar Charger MPPT 75/15 FW v1.59 HQ152982IUA

Since I control my entire smarthome using Node-red, I now want to do the same with Victron products. Therefore I use the victronenergy/node-red-contrib-victron V1.4.17 on the Cerbo.

Problem A: I can control Venus Relay 2 of the Cerbo with the Victron-Node but not Venus Relay 1.
There is no error message within nodered but no state change of the Relay and the register.
But I can control both relays with direct modbus access - node via Unit ID 100 and Register 806/807.
So I would expect that Relay 1 works even within nodered as with Relay 2.
Also the relay of the BMV and also the MPPT 250 cannot be controled (neither with node-red nor with modbus).
In the Spec I see that this register is not writable, but then why is it offered to be switched in the node?

Problem B:
Although the MPPT 75/15 has worked standalone for years without any problems, it has now gone defective after a short time after it was connected to the Cerbo. Possibly in the eye light in which I had activated DVCC. It has lost his calibration data. No idea if this was a coincidence or not?

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palle commented · Apr 14, 2022 at 03:28 PM

Hi, I`m not a pro regarding NodeRed, but have you checked that relay 2 is in manual mode? I think that they need to be that if you use NodeRed.

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Answer 17 · 2022-04-18T06:34:29Z

7552joel answered · Apr 18, 2022 at 06:34 AM

Is anyone else having issues with v2.82-large-30 running on cerbo with node-red server disconnecting constantly?

When trying to deploy im getting failed to connect to server often. Its as if the service isnt running all the time.

Furthermore through VRM im getting this message every time when trying to get to node-red instance:

Error: remote installation does not seem to have a running Node Red service.

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Answer 18 · 2022-05-04T07:45:23Z

vassilis-bourdakis answered · May 04, 2022 at 07:45 AM

quick Q to @mvader (Victron Energy) ,

are we to expect a new version of Large soon?

I'm on 2.80~33-large-24, boating season is about to start, so want to plan an upgrade. So do I go 2.82 now or wait for a week or two and go 2.85 :-)

cheers

V.

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itsme commented · May 06, 2022 at 12:49 PM

I think these are good news: https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/133592/venus-os-v2903-available-for-testing.html

Add Venus OS Large to the standard build... Having this in the standard build is rather good news. It
(a) removes the need for the large images to now and then be built manually. And
(b) you can now, once v2.90~3 is installed, in the menu, select the large image and update to that, see Settings -> Firmware -> Online updates -> Image type (normal vs large). And
(c) Venus OS Large can now be updated using the Online update system. However: there seems to be a bug in (b). More news about that later.

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mvader (Victron Energy) ♦♦ itsme commented · May 13, 2022 at 10:49 PM

Correct!

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Answer 19 · 2022-05-06T21:09:09Z

jbakuwel answered · May 06, 2022 at 09:09 PM

Hi @MattSmith

That looks great. I'm doing something similar here and adding in solar forecast was on my todo list. Thanks for putting me onto Solcast that sounds like just what I need. Having an example would give me a headstart; would you mind sharing a bit of tech info here how to use the Solcast API with NodeRed (I presume)?

cheers,
Jan

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mattsmith commented · May 06, 2022 at 10:32 PM

Hi Jan, I've never tried to share via the node-red website so I hope this works ok. Please let me know how you go. This will give you the download flow and the dashboard. Don't forget to change the solcast URL and token. https://flows.nodered.org/user/dtswk

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houser mattsmith commented · May 07, 2022 at 06:53 AM

Hello Matt,

Very kind of you and much appreciated! In reading your code, may I ask what payload you mean to feed in to the graph chart part in the second smaller flow? Where does it go in the bigger flow?

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mattsmith houser commented · May 07, 2022 at 08:09 AM

The larger flow sets up a bunch of global variables that feed the graph, but you can also use those to trigger other events. For example I am using the Victron nodes to see the state of the current system and if the battery is higher than 50% and the mppt power is more than 5000w and the forecast is great than 20KW then I turn on the hot water system. :-)

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houser mattsmith commented · May 07, 2022 at 08:14 AM

Thanks Matt,

Yes, I am also already up and running with a (less sophisticated but working) similar flow ;) I have been unable to get a chart going though so was just asking about what to feed into that. Many thanks.

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jbakuwel mattsmith commented · May 07, 2022 at 07:29 AM

Hi Matt,

Many thanks - that works a charm! Looking forward to have some fun time with this :-)

Jan

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paulcooper mattsmith commented · May 10, 2022 at 04:45 PM

Hi Matt,

This is a great resource. Many thanks for sharing.

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Phil Gavin mattsmith commented · May 11, 2022 at 06:51 PM

Thanks, Matt,

I got this working with my extremely limited knowledge of Node-RED.

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Phil Gavin Phil Gavin commented · May 12, 2022 at 07:17 PM

@MattSmith

Could you please clarify what the 12hour forecast is in the context of your dashboard?

Forecast 120522.JPG

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forecast-120522.jpg (38.2 KiB)

mattsmith Phil Gavin commented · May 12, 2022 at 08:16 PM

It's the current day.

Matt

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Phil Gavin mattsmith commented · May 13, 2022 at 12:59 PM

Ah! so it may not be reflected on the graph if the screenshot (like mine) is taken in the evening. Very Good. Thank you.

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Answer 20 · 2022-05-15T04:54:54Z

jsrivet answered · May 15, 2022 at 04:54 AM

Why permissions change after reboot. I am using 2.90-large-8 and I need to modify the USB port permissions for communication with node-red in the /dev file. but each restart the permissions revert to the beginning. I didn't need to modify the permissions before with 2.82-Large-30 but with the update Node-red says I don't have the permissions that's why I have to modify the permissions of my usb port in the /dev file.

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daba commented · Oct 19, 2022 at 10:37 AM

hi jsrivet, I am also interested to use one USB port for communication via node-Red, could you please explain how did you modify permission? I am using 2.92 an in my case I can write to the ttyUSBx but it seems that another porcess also writes to the port at the same time.

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Answer 21 · 2023-06-08T15:49:14Z

fish answered · Jun 08, 2023 at 03:49 PM

Just to let people know really got stuck into Red Node with no programming experience and now my setup checks two forecast sites each night, forecast.solar and solcast averages them, looks at which season we are in and then sets SOC levels during a low price window so it charges to a set level. After all this it emails me every day with what figures it uses.

Really pleased..

red-node.jpg (446.6 KiB)

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markess commented · Jun 10, 2023 at 07:31 AM

Very good, oooh I can put coloured boxes round nodes, didn't realise that.

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Ulrich markess commented · Jun 12, 2023 at 06:52 AM

Me neither. But how does it work?

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markess Ulrich commented · Jun 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Looks like you can draw a box round some nodes, right click, Group Selection. Then double click on the line of the box to allow you to edit the group parameters like fill colour. If you double click on an individual node then you can edit/move it as usual.

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Ulrich markess commented · Jun 12, 2023 at 02:57 PM

I found it. Thanks.

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fish commented · Jun 14, 2023 at 08:41 AM

I've now put all the JSON etc up if anyone wants it..

Venus OS/Node Red which changes ESS SOC% based on daily forecast. - Victron Community (victronenergy.com)

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Answer 22 · 2023-09-18T18:43:17Z

freds answered · Sep 18, 2023 at 06:43 PM

Is there anyway to bring the NodeRed Dashboard display up on the GX device?

So you can have one touch screen to control everything?

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Answer 23 · 2024-04-06T17:11:56Z

andrii-podanenko answered · Apr 06 at 05:11 PM

Node-RED, as part of Venus OS was one of my top 3 reasons why I switched to Victron ecosystem.

I'm not using Node-RED for dashboard - I see on current stage of my evolution VRM is a way to go for me.

I'm using it to connect my 2(3) Venus OS setups into smart system, leveraging maximum solar usage , extending current DESS implementation (forcing some ESS rules by condition of solar excess)

I'm using MQTT for message exchange between systems.

I also use Node-RED on my home video surveillance server, where I connect to my Voltronic King inverter, hooked up as first, before MultiRS and send PV stats from it to Venus via MQTT mppt device driver(from GitHub).

What I seems like have lack of - ability to see/change internal logic of Victron systems:

- would be great to monitor DESS events and react on them (notify) in Node-RED

- would be great to have DESS configuration editable via Node-RED , like dynamic prices population from Cerbo to VRM

- I'd like to see weather predictions in Node-RED, I see opportunities to pre-discharge battery bank at night in order to free some storage for PV or charge them instead, if cloudy/rainy weather expected.

Node-RED is definitely a game changer by Victron. With it - sky is a limit, it's possible to integrate almost everything. If any Node-RED marketplace planned - I'm in. Sharing community "nodes", approved/tested by community is better than Linux drivers, currently existing.

Thank you @mvader (Victron Energy) and the team.

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