Can i use a smartshunt for a car starter application and hook it up to the cerbo gx to monitor via wifi? Negative from battery to battery Negative on smartshunt and then from load side ground to chassis. Thanks.
I agree, with controlling a fan based on a temp input. Also, because I don’t really trust anyone except for you with Victron products, I’d love to see you walk through programming a solar dump. 1 other thing…. On a boat, I’d love for my anchor light to come on when the panels stop producing, then for the anchor light to go off when the panels start producing. I’m currently controlling the anchor light with the generator relaying setting, but that’s a timed process…and the sun sets and rises at different times every day. I have 3 100/30’s so, at least as well as I’m aware, there aren’t any options to use those directly.
Tank sensors please. Can you go from an analog meter, for instance a boat fueltank meter, to the cerbo? It could be practical to keep all the original meters in place and connect cables from them to the cerbo instead of rerouting new cables everywhere.
I installed 4 KUS sensors on my boat. Utilizing the existing wiring for two fuel, one fresh & one waste. So far they work great. However, I cannot get them to read gallons…just percentage.
I finally finished my electrical system overhaul (1K watt solar/824 AH battery bank) in my camper. I didn’t leak any smoke out of any of the components. Thank you for your content, it really makes a huge difference.
Great video Nate. We only utilize a fraction of the capabilities of the Cerbo GX. As a side note, we did add a gps the to Cerbo allowing us to view our location through the VRM. We gave access to trusted family, in case of emergency, the rv can be located.
You may be a stats and data nerd, but you are an outstanding communicator of concepts foreign to many of us. I'm researching energy management for a cruising sailboat, and your youtube on CerboGX is excellent and very easily understood! Thank you for taking time to prepare video and sharing with us !
Couple ideas I'd like to see is use of the relay function to turn on a generator based on battery %. Another idea is to have the relay function turn on an external fan to cool down the Multiplus + batteries cabinet utilizing the temperature sensor.
Thank you for making this video. I am trying to integrate a duel Quattro 5000 system into a Prevost Marathon. It is kicking my butt. These videos help tremendously.
Awesome video! Thanks for the logical, coherent, and concise overview of the Cerbo GX. It would be fun to install a Cerbo, But finding room, pulling wires, and the price point is not worth the benefit of retrofitting my system. Your training vids are responsible for my successful Full Victron system installation in 2021: 12/3000/120 Multiplus, 4 MPPTs to max shading efficiency for 6 110watt Sunpower flex roof top panels, 4 aux ground panels, 712 display, shunt, dongle, Orion DC to DC converter, lynx distributor, 5 volt hack to run the link lights, and much more in cabling and circuit breakers and fuses. I thank you very much.
Thanks! A small token of appreciation for the system I completed using your training videos in 2021. See my expanded comment below. As an engineer, and certified aircraft electrician, it would have taken me months and months pouring through documents to achieve the knowledge I gained from your videos and just hours. The system is awesome and Victron is the only way to go for RVs, boats, and mobile vans.
I just discovered your channel and I’m very impressed with your depth of knowledge. I’m getting ready to build a solar system on my truck camper using all Victron components except the LiFePO batteries and the solar panels. I’ll be watching all your relevant videos and reading up on the content on your website. Thanks for all the great information!
Just a heads up, but we've released our full install video featuring a Truck Camper; that you may find helpful! Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/gcDYiYgUCzg/видео.html
Thank you, that was very helpful. I just picked up my van and only know how to scroll through the screens to view power in and out as well as water tanks. There are also a lot of acronyms on the screen that I’m not sure of. Thanks for the link to the manual. I’ll check it out to see if I can decode the acronyms. 😁
Your videos are ... precise, every word is carefully chosen to make things clear ... thanks to you, very professional, far better then most Victron videos .. which .. is a shame .. to victron .. ;D
i have one in my home with a the 70 screen on HDMI to SDI to have it in the kitchen, and a 24 inch touchscreen in the utility room, just a total flex when i show it off lol
With the Cerbo GX using the CAN bus connections can you connect different manufacturers such as MasterVolt inverter / components and get the functionality displayed on the 50GX or 70GX
As always a brilliant and informative video. I’m just getting to grips with my Cerbo GX. I’ve got 3 temp sensors connected and 2 untra sonic tank sensors by Safiery and it’s working great. I want to change one temp sensor to monitor the temp by the generator and automatically turn off the existing extractor fan which is currently manually operated. Any tips on how to do that please? I’m off to look at chapter 5 of the Cerbo manual as you suggested but find your videos much simpler to follow!🥰
I’d like to know if the internal temperature sensors in the VE Smart Lithium batteries can be made available to the Cerbo GX in order to, when environment temp drops below 5C=ATC-temp, then switch on/off an external heating (car seat heating element) that I have applied to the outside of the case of the batteries. E.g. once battery temp is 6C turn heating on, once 9C turn off. Or in other words, to keep the batteries warm enough for charging, e.g when parked at night in sub-zero Celsius. The batteries are connected to Lynx Smart BMS but as I understand the temp data is not sent to the BMS… outside temp sensors would in my opinion not be good as it would require to warm up much more mass and surrounding air volume in an RV installation.
How were you able to get the current charge phase displayed on the touch? I didn’t know this was possible until now, and always have to look via the Victron app when close enough to view via Bluetooth. But in your video, I saw “bulk” shown on the inverter icon.
another great video, thank you. Is it best to use the VE direct ro VE Can, between the Cerbo and MPPT's. At present I'm using the VE direct for the MPPT and VE can for the lynx shunt. I wasn't sure if I can just extend the VE can to the MPPT's and still see that data on the colour screen?
Hey Nate! Can you pls cover how to properly compensate your Multi-plus 3000 to work with a generator? I have a Champion 3400 duel fuel generator and it strains big time whenever I hook up the generator to it
I’m in the planning phase of an electrical system and y’all definitely have me sold on the victron in the transit, but I park for several days boondocking using motorcycles for transportation leaving dc dc charging pretty much useless. I’m looking into an Onan 2800 for covering what Solar can’t handle. Do y’all have a video of how to setup the cerbo gx generator auto start-stop feature and how that would need to be connected?
I downloaded a version of this operating system for raspberry pi. It was only capable of using one solar charge controller, and my system has at least 2. The interface is a simple UART signal, so I'm writing my own program to read and control all my devices with esp32s.
can you look into power saving options such as turning off bluetooth or wifi on the cerbo or other devices it is connected to? also if you have the display working what would happen if you unplug it for a day then plug it back in, would it just start working or would it need some kind of configuration/setup, in other words is the display plug-in-play/hot swapable? my goal is to use the least amount of power possible. i'd like to activate the screen once or twice a day and if i need to make any adjustments not possible through the touch screen i can make a hard wire connection to the cerbo the new version, the Ekrano, lists different amounts of self-consumption power for different voltages [eg 2.6W @12V | 3.0W @ 24V | 3.7W @ 48V [no display]], but i've only found one self-consumption value for the cebro of 2.8W [no display]. does the cebro have different self-consumptions for different voltage values?
Love everything on your channel and thank you for the awesome tutoring. We have the Victron Multiplus 2 12v/3000/120-50 watt multiphase. We do a lot of boondocking and like to use a small external generator. We want the ability to adjust or reduce the charger power throughout the day if needed and it’s a pain to take the laptop outside to the front bay and plug in each time. Is there a way we can easily at will change the charge rate parameter without having to plug in a laptop to the MK3 every time?
Thanks Nate for the great overview. I am just starting to utilize my Victron Cerbo GX, MultiPlus and MPPT controller on my sailboat and have a few questions that may be helpful to others and perhaps you can explain in a future video. Here they are: 1. Can a Victron MultiPlus read a battery temp sensor info from the Cerbo GX and use it for adjusting the charging current accordingly? 2. Can a fuel sending unit be simultaneously wired to the vehicle (analog display) and the Cerbo GX for tracking fuel consumption over time? 3. Do you have to wire your shore power input directly to the MultiPlus for the Cerbo GX to display shore power current?
Regarding burglar alarm systems: is there something to know specifically about the alarm system specs to effectiveley link it to Cerbo GX so it becomes a flawless, VRM compatible system with alerts on your cell phone ? I mean, ''communication protocols'' and al. ?
Great stuff Nate. I want to add a Cerbo GX and use the Bluetooth via my phone. Can you extend the Cerbo Bluetooth range? I made an extension cable for my Bluetooth dongle now that goes into the interior of my class A. Hate to buy it and have weak signal. Really don’t want a Touch.
I don't believe go power will communicate with the Cerbo, no. If the go power has can bus data comms and you have some programming know how, you might be able to make it work since the cerbo OS is open source. But basically, no.
Thanks Nate! I'd like to see a video on programming the input limit voltage on my multiplus II. While I've been using the dongle and a computer, i think the cerbo gx makes this process much simpler?
The cerbo does that natively, or the cheaper option is to use the VE.Bus Smart Dongle & a SmartPhone: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-ve-bus-smart-dongle/
This was so cool, thank you, Nate! I finally understood what a Cerbo GX does in greater depth. I have to do 2 more rounds of this video to let this information trickle through my non-electrical brain. To help others, here are some basic notes that will be detailed later. Subscribed. Victron Components Victron Cerbo GX - ruclips.net/video/1Gu9Ezugojc/видео.html Cerbo means ‘Brain’ in Esperanto. This is a small computer with a lot of functions and complexity in a 100 pg manual. Why do you need it? You can have individual monitors like a Battery monitor displaying information visually but independently. The battery monitor can also be seen on a phone remotely by itself. If you want to monitor and control all your components from a remote location, you need the Cerbo GX. The Cerbo monitors your system, shows major components on one screen, and can be programmed to follow instructions. This can be done remotely from any location. You have remote access to your components in the RV, monitoring your power grid without having to be there. The Cerbo GX also needs a Victron GX Touch 50 display monitor that gives you the screen output for the Cerbo in color. Without it, you only have the phone monitoring. The Touch 50 is optional but nice to have inside the RV. What does this do? Cerbo GX is the brain control center of all your individual RV Victron power grid components. It is an electrical control monitoring device. It only deals with Victron component systems, not outside of that. It takes readings of your: Battery Monitors Tank Sensors Solar Charge Controllers Inverters Temperature Sensors... and much more And organizes that data for display on an external monitor touch screen or remotely through Victron VRM Portal on your computer or cell phone. A portal is gateway software you must install on your phone and/or computer. Victron Cerbo GX - Brain box with extras. Cost $289. Victron Cerbo-S GX - Brain box with less. Cost $218. Victron GX Touch 50 - Color Touch Screen showing visual displays. Cost $220. Victron GX Touch 70 - Color Touch Screen showing visual displays. Cost $324. (2 inches bigger) In the box: Cerbo GX box, power cord, VE Can terminators, terminal blocks for the relays, terminal blocks for the tank sensors, temp sensors, and digital input terminals. Note: Victron cables may work better than no brand ones. Note: Victron also makes wireless connectivity, and internet boosting gizmos. Note: Victron makes their own solar charge controllers. Q: Does Cerbo GX play nicely with other solar charge controllers, We Boost, and other such devices? Topside Ports: What is a CANbus? CAN mean Controller Area Network bus - this is the nervous system, enabling communication. A bus is a transport system. It carries things. Cerbo has several CANbus ports which look like phone jacks but are data jacks: 2 BMS CAN ports - Battery Management System Controller Area Network ports. Works with other managed battery systems that are Victron compatible. 2 VE.CAN ports - VE. Smart Networking is a wireless communication network between Victron products. It is a wireless technology using Bluetooth Smart, for remote voltage reading. These ports connect to components wirelessly. This works with the Victron solar charge controllers and Lynx Shunt. Use the VE.CAN terminators on unused ports at each end of those devices. This is not very clear right now to me. VE.bus ports allow the Cerbo to connect to, and control Victron Inverter/Chargers like the Quattro (biggest), Multi Plus (Midrange), or Easy Solar (combo device with solar CC, Inverter/Charger, AC distribution). What is an RJ45 Connector? A registered jack (RJ) is a standardized physical network interface commonly used for connecting computers onto Ethernet-based local area networks (LAN). This is the cable that has a wide ‘phone’ plug on one end and a USB plug on the other end. This wide phone plug is a data plug so instead of voice, data flows on it. Typically provided with your Internet modem or router. All the Ports listed above use RJ45 UTP cables. UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair cable. This is an Ethernet cable essentially. Best to use Victron brand RJ45 UTP cables. USB ports - use these for connecting USB devices such as: GX GSM - for Internet connectivity via cellular network - mobile phones, ipads, but not regular internet. WiFi Dongles - for extra WiFi range. Note: Cerbo GX has WiFi built in. Keyboard - connect directly to this. Q: What sort of keyboard? To type into Cerbo or for my personal laptop? Touch 50/70 - This USB port is marked with a Lightning Bolt. Use this only for the Touch 50/ Touch 70 Display Touch Screen Monitor for the Cerbo. It provides power to run it. Plug in the Touch 50 USB plug here. 1 HDMI port - Plug in the other Touch 50 plug here. This is not an input port but an output port. The Cerbo outputs data in a visual display for you to read, showing status of components, battery state, solar input, temp sensors, etc. The Touch screen has two plugs: one USB for power, one HDMI for receiving data from the computer. In effect, the Touch 50 is the monitor display for the computer. HDMI means High-Definition Multimedia Interface. 3 VE Direct Ports - allows direct communication with the Battery Monitor or Smart Shunt so it can act as a one spot display for these other components. It shows it both on the Display Monitor or the VRM Portal which can be seen remotely. If you are in the RV, look at the Display Monitor. If outside the RV, look on the phone or use the computer to see the battery stats via the Portal online. This port also acts as a central point for separate solar charge controllers if you have more than one. It will give you unified stats on them or control them all from one source remotely - shut off, turn on, etc. This concept is called DVCC - Distributed Voltage & Current Control. The Cerbo is the Controller of other Solar Controllers. There are only 3 VE Direct Ports. If you need more, you can expand it. Use a Victron VE Direct to USB Interface Cord with a USB hub connected to one of the USB ports mentioned above. 1 Ethernet Port - Direct wiring to a Router or LAN device to get internet. Same as your modem or router at home. Q: Do you need a separate battery monitor if you have the Cerbo GX? Bottom Ports: Micro SD - Direct upload of new firmware (internal software) if you cannot do it online. Download the new firmware to the card while you have internet connections, then when you come back to RV, you can insert card in there and upload from it, without the internet at your RV location. Tank Sensor Inputs - Reads sensors from tanks - fresh water, waste water, fuel, oil, etc. Digital Inputs - door alarms, bilge pumps (boats), smoke alarms, burglar alarms, etc. Relay Terminals - to control external relays to turn something on or off, depending on set points that can be programmed into the Cerbo. E.g. a generator auto start, buzzer, a warning light, alarms, hot air vent, etc. Power Terminal - connect red/black wiring provided to the battery terminals or bus bar system like a Lynx Distributor system.
I heard that Lithionics batteries are now supported and it’s possible to make a cable from a RJ-45 that ends up to either the M12 8pins or the Square connector situated on the top of Lithionics 315ah batteries… Do you have something on that subject Thank you for you excellent videos
Is there a way to start/stop the transit engine for your alternator DC-DC to charge your GameChangers? Wondering how Coachman Beyond Li3 starts the car to charge house batteries at 15%.
Electrical is very confusing for customers getting a new van. There is a lot to remember and think about. Do you think this product would make things more confusing or less? Thanks. Derik, Overland Conversions
Hi Nate 🙋🏽♂️ I have a Multiplus 12v 800w inverter connected to my cerbo along with the shunt and MPPT - can i program the inverter remotely through the Cerbo or do i still need to buy and connect a MK3 adaptor?
Nate, im still confused. If i install a Cerbo GX on my boat, can i access it through the VRM portal remotely without any additional equipment, or does it need to be connected to the internet through another device on my boat first?
I would like you to cover the non conventional. I have a 5000 watt inverter (made in China) I want to hook up a smart shunt, connected to a Cerbo and GX Display. i know I am not going to get all the Victron info but what info will I get and what info that I won't and which one will I get. This is also connecting420 watts of solar through a Victron MPPT, which one would you recommend for lead acid batteries. Many People don't have victron Inverter / regulator. BTW I have a Progressive Dynamics 30 amps converter.
I have an easysolar ii gx and a smart shunt, but I can't seem to get the state of charge to show up on my remote console? Does it need to have a VE direct cable connection? The smart shunt and links to the solar charge controller remotely, but I can't get the Multiplus 2 to connect in the same way over Bluetooth. All I want to be able to do is see SOC in the remote console.
Everything connecting to the Cerbo GX shy of some temp sensors need to be hard wired; so yes, smart shunt needs a VE.Direct cable conection to the Cerbo GX
Struggling to find an answer. I purchased all my parts off your site. I have everything up and running except Cerbo GX seems half configured. How do I connect my BMV712 to my Cerbo GX? I keep hearing VE.Direct cable, but I don’t see a VE.Direct port on the BMB. I do see one on the little round monitor screen. Do I need to run a cable from the round monitor back to the Cerbo GX? Hoping to get the cerbo GX configure correctly so I can see what is being generated and what’s being used.
So, am I missing something, or does the Cerbo and the Shunt still not actually provide how much charge from the solar was provided in a day? I’m not seeing this data, unless I’m looking at it incorrectly.
Local vendrás say de Cerro GX is necessary and not optional for an offgris solar system with Lithium Ion Battery (Pylontech). I can't understand why, since the battery has an embedded BMS. What does the Cerbo does in addition?
Do you have any used or scratch and dent Victron equipment, I really need to get my power up and running again, I have the knowledge but not that much money and could really use some help. I live in a area that gets over 100 degrees in the summer and then negative 10 in the winter and I live full-time in my 1967 GM TDH-4529 city transit bus. Thank you
Hi, I have a cerbo GX and using it and access the icon views on a cell phone or iPad etc. ... I have two cell phones, one has unlimited data and also unlimited hot spot. The second phone has limited data and hot spot and it has my main voice talk number. I was to be able to connect to the Victron online VRM but having extreme frustration trying to get it working on the VRM. I have a connection error #153 under the VRM Online portal, under settings. Remote console on VRM - status says online. I had issues trying to use the phone hot spot etc. That is where I have interest access.. I hope to find a fix. Pat... I think I need to find the way to connect it via cellular network
hi Nate confused re wifi. you said it needs wifi to run bluetooth isn’t powerful enough. If thats the case if we go of grid and there is no wifi, that would we couldnt use the iphone or android to view data on screen.
I have a cerbo gx, smartshunt, inverter 500va and solar charger, when I connect the car to the mains power, I don't see any information in the box on the top left (gx touch 70), Is there a device missing or what is wrong, the installation was done by auto electrics, I am not a native English speaker
Greetings, Class A with Victron DC to DC, (2) Solar Controllers & Smart Shunt. Xantrex Invertor presently but plan on Multi Plus in the future. How would a CerboGX work for me.?
Sure! Just connect your victron components to it. It's not going to show anything from your Xantrex Inverter, but you'll still be able to see that power coming out of your batteries through your SmartShunt.
It needs wifi or a cellular network to communicate with the VRM portal, but it doesn't need WiFi to work within the vehicle. I don't know that it natively synch's with diesel heaters; but if you know a bit about programming; the Venus OS is open source, so anything is possible.
As a plug-and-play option; no. If you have hardware/software development skills; anything is possible as the Venus OS that the Cerbo GX operates on is open source.
It won't communicate directly; but with a shunt in the system it will work the same as any of out full installs on this channel that use Battle Born Batteries.
The cerbo GX operates on the Venus OS and is open source. So if you are an expert in computer/software programming/coding and maybe some hardware development, you could probably get it to work. But basically, no. It is not natively compatible.
@@EXPLORISTlife thank you so much. I will probably be buying all Victron components from now on. You guys make it very clear to understand in your videos and we are so grateful for y'all !!
@@EXPLORISTlife yes for sure. I have already gotten a couple things from you guys and will definitely be getting more. We like helping out small businesses as much as possible. Everyone should know that your prices are competitive with everyone else but you guys have great customer service.
Hello How to connect 2 chargers on cerbo gx Chargers are linked together wirelessly inclusive smart shunts the chargers have different solar cells working together charging the same battery. SINCERELY Larry
A question, is it possible to connect an RS485 MPPT device (other brand then vonctron) and use their data in the CerboGX ? Cause frankly .. i hate those Victron mppt that can't be opened or repaired .. i find it.. upsetting, appart from the 2 top of the line devices SmartSolar MPPT RS. All others are glued to the front panel .. not acceptable.
The venus os is open source; so realistically you can do whatever you want with it if you have the developer skills or are willing to hire somebody to develop that feature for you; but it's not a native feature.
➤Victron Cerbo GX: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/monitoring/victron-cerbo-gx/
➤Victron Touch 70 GX Screen: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-gx-touch-70/
➤Victron Cerbo GX Wiring Kit: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/system-monitoring-wiring-kit/
➤Link to VRM Portal: vrm.victronenergy.com/
➤Cerbo GX User Manual: www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/cerbo-gx#manuals
➤Link to Compatible Batteries (BMS.CAN): www.victronenergy.com/live/battery_compatibility:start
Can i use a smartshunt for a car starter application and hook it up to the cerbo gx to monitor via wifi? Negative from battery to battery Negative on smartshunt and then from load side ground to chassis. Thanks.
Not all the listed parts come with basic Gx.
Adding a tank sensor and programming a fan for enclosure when temp gets hot would be amazing to see. Thanks Nate.
Agreed. Tank sensor
I agree, with controlling a fan based on a temp input.
Also, because I don’t really trust anyone except for you with Victron products, I’d love to see you walk through programming a solar dump.
1 other thing….
On a boat, I’d love for my anchor light to come on when the panels stop producing, then for the anchor light to go off when the panels start producing. I’m currently controlling the anchor light with the generator relaying setting, but that’s a timed process…and the sun sets and rises at different times every day.
I have 3 100/30’s so, at least as well as I’m aware, there aren’t any options to use those directly.
Tank sensors please. Can you go from an analog meter, for instance a boat fueltank meter, to the cerbo? It could be practical to keep all the original meters in place and connect cables from them to the cerbo instead of rerouting new cables everywhere.
Yes tank sensors!
I installed 4 KUS sensors on my boat. Utilizing the existing wiring for two fuel, one fresh & one waste. So far they work great. However, I cannot get them to read gallons…just percentage.
I finally finished my electrical system overhaul (1K watt solar/824 AH battery bank) in my camper. I didn’t leak any smoke out of any of the components. Thank you for your content, it really makes a huge difference.
Great video Nate. We only utilize a fraction of the capabilities of the Cerbo GX. As a side note, we did add a gps the to Cerbo allowing us to view our location through the VRM. We gave access to trusted family, in case of emergency, the rv can be located.
how did you add GPS?
You may be a stats and data nerd, but you are an outstanding communicator of concepts foreign to many of us. I'm researching energy management for a cruising sailboat, and your youtube on CerboGX is excellent and very easily understood! Thank you for taking time to prepare video and sharing with us !
Couple ideas I'd like to see is use of the relay function to turn on a generator based on battery %. Another idea is to have the relay function turn on an external fan to cool down the Multiplus + batteries cabinet utilizing the temperature sensor.
Thank you for making this video. I am trying to integrate a duel Quattro 5000 system into a Prevost Marathon. It is kicking my butt. These videos help tremendously.
Awesome video! Thanks for the logical, coherent, and concise overview of the Cerbo GX. It would be fun to install a Cerbo, But finding room, pulling wires, and the price point is not worth the benefit of retrofitting my system. Your training vids are responsible for my successful Full Victron system installation in 2021: 12/3000/120 Multiplus, 4 MPPTs to max shading efficiency for 6 110watt Sunpower flex roof top panels, 4 aux ground panels, 712 display, shunt, dongle, Orion DC to DC converter, lynx distributor, 5 volt hack to run the link lights, and much more in cabling and circuit breakers and fuses. I thank you very much.
Thanks! A small token of appreciation for the system I completed using your training videos in 2021. See my expanded comment below. As an engineer, and certified aircraft electrician, it would have taken me months and months pouring through documents to achieve the knowledge I gained from your videos and just hours. The system is awesome and Victron is the only way to go for RVs, boats, and mobile vans.
Hey, @earlhunt2815! We really appreciate that! Thanks so much for watching! 🙂😀
I would love to see an auto start generator! Your videos are hands down fully awesome! Thank you for all the great content!
I didn't understand most of this, but I am sure that I want this. Thank you
I just discovered your channel and I’m very impressed with your depth of knowledge. I’m getting ready to build a solar system on my truck camper using all Victron components except the LiFePO batteries and the solar panels. I’ll be watching all your relevant videos and reading up on the content on your website. Thanks for all the great information!
Hey David Lee, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Just a heads up, but we've released our full install video featuring a Truck Camper; that you may find helpful! Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/gcDYiYgUCzg/видео.html
Thank you, that was very helpful. I just picked up my van and only know how to scroll through the screens to view power in and out as well as water tanks. There are also a lot of acronyms on the screen that I’m not sure of. Thanks for the link to the manual. I’ll check it out to see if I can decode the acronyms. 😁
Thanks for creating these videos, the way you've broken down the information has made it helpful!!
No problem! Glad they are helpful.
Great walk thru Nate!
I’m booting up a system tomorrow and I feel less nervous now!
I learned a lot thank you. What a great device thanks for another awesome video
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Excellent.
Your videos are ... precise, every word is carefully chosen to make things clear ... thanks to you, very professional, far better then most Victron videos .. which .. is a shame .. to victron .. ;D
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
I found a good teacher ❤❤❤
Hey, Nilambar Biswas! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!
Great video!!! Loved this one aswell
Hey, mausie1967! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
i have one in my home with a the 70 screen on HDMI to SDI to have it in the kitchen, and a 24 inch touchscreen in the utility room, just a total flex when i show it off lol
great video! Very well done.
Thank you very much!
Thanks!
Holy Moly! Great video. I learned a lot and quickly. I am subscribing. Thank you Sir. :) I LOVE good RUclips videos. This is one of them.
Welcome aboard! Thanks so much @NelsonClick we really appreciate that, Cheers!
That was very very helpful :) Thanks
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Excellent overview as always Nate, I’m about to setup my own soon never stop learning🤙🇦🇺
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Your awesome
With the Cerbo GX using the CAN bus connections can you connect different manufacturers such as MasterVolt inverter / components and get the functionality displayed on the 50GX or 70GX
As always a brilliant and informative video. I’m just getting to grips with my Cerbo GX. I’ve got 3 temp sensors connected and 2 untra sonic tank sensors by Safiery and it’s working great. I want to change one temp sensor to monitor the temp by the generator and automatically turn off the existing extractor fan which is currently manually operated. Any tips on how to do that please? I’m off to look at chapter 5 of the Cerbo manual as you suggested but find your videos much simpler to follow!🥰
I’d like to know if the internal temperature sensors in the VE Smart Lithium batteries can be made available to the Cerbo GX in order to, when environment temp drops below 5C=ATC-temp, then switch on/off an external heating (car seat heating element) that I have applied to the outside of the case of the batteries. E.g. once battery temp is 6C turn heating on, once 9C turn off. Or in other words, to keep the batteries warm enough for charging, e.g when parked at night in sub-zero Celsius. The batteries are connected to Lynx Smart BMS but as I understand the temp data is not sent to the BMS… outside temp sensors would in my opinion not be good as it would require to warm up much more mass and surrounding air volume in an RV installation.
Lobe these videos. Would you ever do a series on victron 48v systems?
How were you able to get the current charge phase displayed on the touch? I didn’t know this was possible until now, and always have to look via the Victron app when close enough to view via Bluetooth. But in your video, I saw “bulk” shown on the inverter icon.
Tank sensors and generator relay would be great.
Hi, Thank you for the video. Please can you maybe make a short video just to update the cerbo GX that is in productions
Thank you
another great video, thank you. Is it best to use the VE direct ro VE Can, between the Cerbo and MPPT's. At present I'm using the VE direct for the MPPT and VE can for the lynx shunt. I wasn't sure if I can just extend the VE can to the MPPT's and still see that data on the colour screen?
Hey Nate! Can you pls cover how to properly compensate your Multi-plus 3000 to work with a generator? I have a Champion 3400 duel fuel generator and it strains big time whenever I hook up the generator to it
I’m in the planning phase of an electrical system and y’all definitely have me sold on the victron in the transit, but I park for several days boondocking using motorcycles for transportation leaving dc dc charging pretty much useless. I’m looking into an Onan 2800 for covering what Solar can’t handle. Do y’all have a video of how to setup the cerbo gx generator auto start-stop feature and how that would need to be connected?
I downloaded a version of this operating system for raspberry pi. It was only capable of using one solar charge controller, and my system has at least 2. The interface is a simple UART signal, so I'm writing my own program to read and control all my devices with esp32s.
can you look into power saving options such as turning off bluetooth or wifi on the cerbo or other devices it is connected to? also if you have the display working what would happen if you unplug it for a day then plug it back in, would it just start working or would it need some kind of configuration/setup, in other words is the display plug-in-play/hot swapable? my goal is to use the least amount of power possible. i'd like to activate the screen once or twice a day and if i need to make any adjustments not possible through the touch screen i can make a hard wire connection to the cerbo
the new version, the Ekrano, lists different amounts of self-consumption power for different voltages [eg 2.6W @12V | 3.0W @ 24V | 3.7W @ 48V [no display]], but i've only found one self-consumption value for the cebro of 2.8W [no display]. does the cebro have different self-consumptions for different voltage values?
Is there a way to change the Victron Multiplus II inverter/charger battery charge rate through the VRM portal or through the Victron Connect App?
Love everything on your channel and thank you for the awesome tutoring. We have the Victron Multiplus 2 12v/3000/120-50 watt multiphase. We do a lot of boondocking and like to use a small external generator. We want the ability to adjust or reduce the charger power throughout the day if needed and it’s a pain to take the laptop outside to the front bay and plug in each time. Is there a way we can easily at will change the charge rate parameter without having to plug in a laptop to the MK3 every time?
Hi,
your videos are great thanks!
just wondering do you have anything on connecting the trickle charge through the Cerbo GX relay?
Thanks
Thanks Nate for the great overview. I am just starting to utilize my Victron Cerbo GX, MultiPlus and MPPT controller on my sailboat and have a few questions that may be helpful to others and perhaps you can explain in a future video. Here they are:
1. Can a Victron MultiPlus read a battery temp sensor info from the Cerbo GX and use it for adjusting the charging current accordingly?
2. Can a fuel sending unit be simultaneously wired to the vehicle (analog display) and the Cerbo GX for tracking fuel consumption over time?
3. Do you have to wire your shore power input directly to the MultiPlus for the Cerbo GX to display shore power current?
If I have my smart Solar and SmartShunt. Do I need to use the VE cable instead of the bluetooth. ?
Can I use the Cerbo GX for a remote start, by e.g. iphone to, of a Webasto, or other heating system?
Can you do a video on hard wired temp sensors and using them to control exhaust fans. Cheers
0:57 "We're only going to be covering the top layer of information". It's descriptive language like that is why he has over 200K subscribers.
Regarding burglar alarm systems: is there something to know specifically about the alarm system specs to effectiveley link it to Cerbo GX so it becomes a flawless, VRM compatible system with alerts on your cell phone ? I mean, ''communication protocols'' and al. ?
Great stuff Nate. I want to add a Cerbo GX and use the Bluetooth via my phone. Can you extend the Cerbo Bluetooth range? I made an extension cable for my Bluetooth dongle now that goes into the interior of my class A. Hate to buy it and have weak signal. Really don’t want a Touch.
Another great video Nate. I have several Victron components in my system too. What is the need for the wifi with the Cerbo GX?
Wifi lets the cerbo connect to the internet for connecting to the VRM portal.
Will this only take info from other victron gear or info from let’s say go power charger inverters and the same brand solar controllers?
I don't believe go power will communicate with the Cerbo, no. If the go power has can bus data comms and you have some programming know how, you might be able to make it work since the cerbo OS is open source.
But basically, no.
Would you say it's better to connect a Victron SCC via RJ45 or VE-direct?
Thanks Nate! I'd like to see a video on programming the input limit voltage on my multiplus II. While I've been using the dongle and a computer, i think the cerbo gx makes this process much simpler?
The cerbo does that natively, or the cheaper option is to use the VE.Bus Smart Dongle & a SmartPhone: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-ve-bus-smart-dongle/
Would I need a cerbo gx to connect a touch 50 to an easysolar ii GX?
How much idle stand by power does all of this use?
This was so cool, thank you, Nate! I finally understood what a Cerbo GX does in greater depth. I have to do 2 more rounds of this video to let this information trickle through my non-electrical brain. To help others, here are some basic notes that will be detailed later. Subscribed.
Victron Components
Victron Cerbo GX - ruclips.net/video/1Gu9Ezugojc/видео.html
Cerbo means ‘Brain’ in Esperanto. This is a small computer with a lot of functions and complexity in a 100 pg manual.
Why do you need it?
You can have individual monitors like a Battery monitor displaying information visually but independently.
The battery monitor can also be seen on a phone remotely by itself.
If you want to monitor and control all your components from a remote location, you need the Cerbo GX.
The Cerbo monitors your system, shows major components on one screen, and can be programmed to follow instructions. This can be done remotely from any location. You have remote access to your components in the RV, monitoring your power grid without having to be there.
The Cerbo GX also needs a Victron GX Touch 50 display monitor that gives you the screen output for the Cerbo in color. Without it, you only have the phone monitoring. The Touch 50 is optional but nice to have inside the RV.
What does this do?
Cerbo GX is the brain control center of all your individual RV Victron power grid components. It is an electrical control monitoring device. It only deals with Victron component systems, not outside of that.
It takes readings of your:
Battery Monitors
Tank Sensors
Solar Charge Controllers
Inverters
Temperature Sensors... and much more
And organizes that data for display on an external monitor touch screen or remotely through Victron VRM Portal on your computer or cell phone. A portal is gateway software you must install on your phone and/or computer.
Victron Cerbo GX - Brain box with extras. Cost $289.
Victron Cerbo-S GX - Brain box with less. Cost $218.
Victron GX Touch 50 - Color Touch Screen showing visual displays. Cost $220.
Victron GX Touch 70 - Color Touch Screen showing visual displays. Cost $324. (2 inches bigger)
In the box:
Cerbo GX box, power cord,
VE Can terminators, terminal blocks for the relays,
terminal blocks for the tank sensors, temp sensors, and digital input terminals.
Note: Victron cables may work better than no brand ones.
Note: Victron also makes wireless connectivity, and internet boosting gizmos.
Note: Victron makes their own solar charge controllers.
Q: Does Cerbo GX play nicely with other solar charge controllers, We Boost, and other such devices?
Topside Ports:
What is a CANbus?
CAN mean Controller Area Network bus - this is the nervous system, enabling communication. A bus is a transport system. It carries things.
Cerbo has several CANbus ports which look like phone jacks but are data jacks:
2 BMS CAN ports - Battery Management System Controller Area Network ports. Works with other managed battery systems that are Victron compatible.
2 VE.CAN ports - VE. Smart Networking is a wireless communication network between Victron products. It is a wireless technology using Bluetooth Smart, for remote voltage reading. These ports connect to components wirelessly.
This works with the Victron solar charge controllers and Lynx Shunt. Use the VE.CAN terminators on unused ports at each end of those devices. This is not very clear right now to me.
VE.bus ports allow the Cerbo to connect to, and control Victron Inverter/Chargers like the Quattro (biggest), Multi Plus (Midrange), or Easy Solar (combo device with solar CC, Inverter/Charger, AC distribution).
What is an RJ45 Connector?
A registered jack (RJ) is a standardized physical network interface commonly used for connecting computers onto Ethernet-based local area networks (LAN). This is the cable that has a wide ‘phone’ plug on one end and a USB plug on the other end. This wide phone plug is a data plug so instead of voice, data flows on it. Typically provided with your Internet modem or router.
All the Ports listed above use RJ45 UTP cables. UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair cable. This is an Ethernet cable essentially. Best to use Victron brand RJ45 UTP cables.
USB ports - use these for connecting USB devices such as:
GX GSM - for Internet connectivity via cellular network - mobile phones, ipads, but not regular internet.
WiFi Dongles - for extra WiFi range. Note: Cerbo GX has WiFi built in.
Keyboard - connect directly to this. Q: What sort of keyboard? To type into Cerbo or for my personal laptop?
Touch 50/70 - This USB port is marked with a Lightning Bolt. Use this only for the Touch 50/ Touch 70 Display Touch Screen Monitor for the Cerbo. It provides power to run it. Plug in the Touch 50 USB plug here.
1 HDMI port - Plug in the other Touch 50 plug here. This is not an input port but an output port. The Cerbo outputs data in a visual display for you to read, showing status of components, battery state, solar input, temp sensors, etc. The Touch screen has two plugs: one USB for power, one HDMI for receiving data from the computer. In effect, the Touch 50 is the monitor display for the computer.
HDMI means High-Definition Multimedia Interface.
3 VE Direct Ports - allows direct communication with the Battery Monitor or Smart Shunt so it can act as a one spot display for these other components. It shows it both on the Display Monitor or the VRM Portal which can be seen remotely. If you are in the RV, look at the Display Monitor. If outside the RV, look on the phone or use the computer to see the battery stats via the Portal online.
This port also acts as a central point for separate solar charge controllers if you have more than one. It will give you unified stats on them or control them all from one source remotely - shut off, turn on, etc. This concept is called DVCC - Distributed Voltage & Current Control. The Cerbo is the Controller of other Solar Controllers.
There are only 3 VE Direct Ports. If you need more, you can expand it. Use a Victron VE Direct to USB Interface Cord with a USB hub connected to one of the USB ports mentioned above.
1 Ethernet Port - Direct wiring to a Router or LAN device to get internet. Same as your modem or router at home.
Q: Do you need a separate battery monitor if you have the Cerbo GX?
Bottom Ports:
Micro SD - Direct upload of new firmware (internal software) if you cannot do it online. Download the new firmware to the card while you have internet connections, then when you come back to RV, you can insert card in there and upload from it, without the internet at your RV location.
Tank Sensor Inputs - Reads sensors from tanks - fresh water, waste water, fuel, oil, etc.
Digital Inputs - door alarms, bilge pumps (boats), smoke alarms, burglar alarms, etc.
Relay Terminals - to control external relays to turn something on or off, depending on set points that can be programmed into the Cerbo. E.g. a generator auto start, buzzer, a warning light, alarms, hot air vent, etc.
Power Terminal - connect red/black wiring provided to the battery terminals or bus bar system like a Lynx Distributor system.
can you please tell me what wired temp sensor I can use with the Cerbo GX
I heard that Lithionics batteries are now supported and it’s possible to make a cable from a RJ-45 that ends up to either the M12 8pins or the Square connector situated on the top of Lithionics 315ah batteries… Do you have something on that subject
Thank you for you excellent videos
We don't have any videos featuring lithionics batteries, no.
Can you plug in any monitor to the hdmi on the cerbo gx? (I know the touchscreen function won't work). Thanks.
Is there a way to start/stop the transit engine for your alternator DC-DC to charge your GameChangers? Wondering how Coachman Beyond Li3 starts the car to charge house batteries at 15%.
How to power on a 24v system? How to use this to set lvc for charger, max current?
Electrical is very confusing for customers getting a new van. There is a lot to remember and think about. Do you think this product would make things more confusing or less? Thanks. Derik, Overland Conversions
Can the cerbo gx change the battery type setting in the multiplus 2 inverter?
Can the cerboGX monitor the LG Chem lithium batteries.
Hi, is it possible to connect the 500 amp smart shunt with cerbo gx?
Thank you
Would you be able to make a video for connecting a wakespeed ws500 to a cerbo gx? Thanks
If you have smart devices with Bluetooth do you even need the VEbus or VEDirect ports?
Yes
What DC Power supply set is that powering the cerbo gx ?
Hi Nate 🙋🏽♂️
I have a Multiplus 12v 800w inverter connected to my cerbo along with the shunt and MPPT - can i program the inverter remotely through the Cerbo or do i still need to buy and connect a MK3 adaptor?
Does the Cerbo GX have a connection to enable the Lynx Distributor Fuse lights to work?
It does not; no. Only the Lynx Shunt and the Lynx Smart BMS has that. Here's a hack to make it work, though: ruclips.net/video/8h-E1lkYCKg/видео.html
Nate, im still confused. If i install a Cerbo GX on my boat, can i access it through the VRM portal remotely without any additional equipment, or does it need to be connected to the internet through another device on my boat first?
I would like you to cover the non conventional. I have a 5000 watt inverter (made in China) I want to hook up a smart shunt, connected to a Cerbo and GX Display. i know I am not going to get all the Victron info but what info will I get and what info that I won't and which one will I get. This is also connecting420 watts of solar through a Victron MPPT, which one would you recommend for lead acid batteries. Many People don't have victron Inverter / regulator. BTW I have a Progressive Dynamics 30 amps converter.
I have an easysolar ii gx and a smart shunt, but I can't seem to get the state of charge to show up on my remote console? Does it need to have a VE direct cable connection? The smart shunt and links to the solar charge controller remotely, but I can't get the Multiplus 2 to connect in the same way over Bluetooth. All I want to be able to do is see SOC in the remote console.
Everything connecting to the Cerbo GX shy of some temp sensors need to be hard wired; so yes, smart shunt needs a VE.Direct cable conection to the Cerbo GX
Struggling to find an answer. I purchased all my parts off your site. I have everything up and running except Cerbo GX seems half configured.
How do I connect my BMV712 to my Cerbo GX? I keep hearing VE.Direct cable, but I don’t see a VE.Direct port on the BMB. I do see one on the little round monitor screen. Do I need to run a cable from the round monitor back to the Cerbo GX?
Hoping to get the cerbo GX configure correctly so I can see what is being generated and what’s being used.
The VE.Direct port for the BMV-712 is indeed on the back of the round gauge.
How do you change the AC input amps via the touch screen?
Enable motor home view
So, am I missing something, or does the Cerbo and the Shunt still not actually provide how much charge from the solar was provided in a day? I’m not seeing this data, unless I’m looking at it incorrectly.
How do you enable the Remote Console option? Mine does not have it.
Good morning, how can I communicate the Pylontek C5000 battery with the Cebo CX and with which cable?
Thank you very much
Can the Gx Touch 50 hdmi cable be extended? Can 2 GX Touch 50’s be run in parallel?
Not officially, no.
Can a add a Morningstar TS MPPt-45 to the Cerbo GX
Local vendrás say de Cerro GX is necessary and not optional for an offgris solar system with Lithium Ion Battery (Pylontech). I can't understand why, since the battery has an embedded BMS. What does the Cerbo does in addition?
I don't know much about that brand of batteries.
I was wondering how to have generator start stop it says no relays turned on
Do you have any used or scratch and dent Victron equipment, I really need to get my power up and running again, I have the knowledge but not that much money and could really use some help. I live in a area that gets over 100 degrees in the summer and then negative 10 in the winter and I live full-time in my 1967 GM TDH-4529 city transit bus. Thank you
Hi, I have a cerbo GX and using it and access the icon views on a cell phone or iPad etc. ... I have two cell phones, one has unlimited data and also unlimited hot spot. The second phone has limited data and hot spot and it has my main voice talk number. I was to be able to connect to the Victron online VRM but having extreme frustration trying to get it working on the VRM. I have a connection error #153 under the VRM Online portal, under settings. Remote console on VRM - status says online. I had issues trying to use the phone hot spot etc. That is where I have interest access.. I hope to find a fix. Pat... I think I need to find the way to connect it via cellular network
I want to get one, but I’m not sure Victron have fixed the 48V issues with the power supply input yet.
They have. And the ones that had issues were covered under warranty.
hi Nate confused re wifi.
you said it needs wifi to run bluetooth isn’t powerful enough.
If thats the case if we go of grid and there is no wifi, that would we couldnt use the iphone or android to view data on screen.
I have a cerbo gx, smartshunt, inverter 500va and solar charger, when I connect the car to the mains power, I don't see any information in the box on the top left (gx touch 70), Is there a device missing or what is wrong, the installation was done by auto electrics, I am not a native English speaker
Greetings, Class A with Victron DC to DC, (2) Solar Controllers & Smart Shunt. Xantrex Invertor presently but plan on Multi Plus in the future. How would a CerboGX work for me.?
Sure! Just connect your victron components to it. It's not going to show anything from your Xantrex Inverter, but you'll still be able to see that power coming out of your batteries through your SmartShunt.
@@EXPLORISTlife
Would the CerboGX “S” be more suited for my application .? If so , do you stock the “S”
We don't stock the 's' as the original one works for all use cases with no if's and's or but's.
Does this unit need WIFI to operate? Also does it sync with the Diesel Heaters as far as temp control?
It needs wifi or a cellular network to communicate with the VRM portal, but it doesn't need WiFi to work within the vehicle. I don't know that it natively synch's with diesel heaters; but if you know a bit about programming; the Venus OS is open source, so anything is possible.
Can I use the Cebro GX on a Sunsynk inverter?
As a plug-and-play option; no. If you have hardware/software development skills; anything is possible as the Venus OS that the Cerbo GX operates on is open source.
Will it work with SOK Lifepo4 batteries?
It won't communicate directly; but with a shunt in the system it will work the same as any of out full installs on this channel that use Battle Born Batteries.
Will the Cerbo GX work with a Renogy inverter/charger and midnight classic mppt charge controller?
The cerbo GX operates on the Venus OS and is open source. So if you are an expert in computer/software programming/coding and maybe some hardware development, you could probably get it to work.
But basically, no. It is not natively compatible.
@@EXPLORISTlife thank you so much. I will probably be buying all Victron components from now on. You guys make it very clear to understand in your videos and we are so grateful for y'all !!
Great! Glad it has been helpful. We are here for you when you're ready for that upgrade: shop.explorist.life
@@EXPLORISTlife yes for sure. I have already gotten a couple things from you guys and will definitely be getting more. We like helping out small businesses as much as possible. Everyone should know that your prices are competitive with everyone else but you guys have great customer service.
Hello
How to connect 2 chargers on cerbo gx
Chargers are linked together wirelessly
inclusive smart shunts
the chargers have different solar cells working together charging the same battery.
SINCERELY
Larry
I want to update my Color Control GX using a Micro SD card. How do I download the new firmware update files?
A question, is it possible to connect an RS485 MPPT device (other brand then vonctron) and use their data in the CerboGX ? Cause frankly .. i hate those Victron mppt that can't be opened or repaired .. i find it.. upsetting, appart from the 2 top of the line devices SmartSolar MPPT RS. All others are glued to the front panel .. not acceptable.
The venus os is open source; so realistically you can do whatever you want with it if you have the developer skills or are willing to hire somebody to develop that feature for you; but it's not a native feature.
Bluetooh is not blinking and disappeared from menu. What can be the reason? Or what should I do?
What is the rationale behind recommending a Victron branded Ethernet cable?
Because it's guaranteed to work otherwise it'll be warrantied. Too many poor quality ethernet cables out there to guarantee they will all work.
Can it start the coffee pot when my alarm goes off 😮
=IF(PV Voltage > 10V,Activate Coffee Relay,0) 😂
the touch 50, is it still relevant?
Sure! It's just smaller than the touch 70. 5in screen vs 7in.
Wondering if that can communicate with Bluetooth enabled systems over Bluetooth…