Is an MK3 interface the same as an USB 3.0 to RJ45 interface?
The USB 3.0 interface communicates but there is no communication with my Multiplus Compact 12/800/35.
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Hi,
RJ45 is just the plug type, and what really matters is the communications protocol. There are many different communications protocols that use an RJ45 connection.
The MK3 USB interface is a special Victron hardware for converting Victron's VE.Bus protocol (that Multi's use) to USB, so that you can connect your computer and use Victron's software VEConfigure and VictronConnect.
Regards,
Markus
Could a VE.Bus port be plugged into a Raspberry Pi Ethernet port and can we communicate without a MK3?
Hi, no unfortunately not. There is no TCP/IP (LAN) protocol so you cannot use LAN hardware/protocols. VE.Bus uses the same connectors/cables as LAN only
Regards,
Markus
Pity :(
So do Modbus calls get made to the GX device rather than over the Ethernet cable?
Yes, Warwick, they do: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:modbustcp_faq
"ModbusTCP is a feature on our GX devices eg Color Control GX, and also the Venus GX."
I was about to post a very similar question to this. I was wondering that the MK3 does. Is it a Modbus TCP to USB converter?
Wouldn't it be possible for the Victron apps to speak Modbus directly to the connected device?
Or is Modbus only a subset of the interfacing functionality devices provide and MK3 gives access to the rest?
To expand on this, the Venus, Color Control, Octo all connect by Ethernet - so I presume all functionality is accessible over Ethernet / TCP?
The Mk3 as successor to the Mk2 is a USB to RS485 adapter, BUT has rather more functionality than a simple adapter. There is a dedicated protocol & this is not simple to program. Also there is the risk of considerable damage to devices if you get the data wrong. Mk2/3 will not detect on Victron Configure if it is not plugged into a powered up system. Plug in the USB first then plug in the VE-bus connection - otherwise the system will go off.
Additional resources still need to be added for this topic
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