Can an Orion XS, SmartShunt and SmartSolar MPPT share data over VE.Smart in my trailer?
What each device does on the network
VE.Smart Networking is Victron's Bluetooth link between devices. In a trailer with these three, the roles are:
| Device | Role on the network |
|---|---|
| SmartShunt | Sends battery voltage and current. Sends battery temperature too, if the optional BMV-series temperature sensor is fitted |
| SmartSolar MPPT | Uses that data to charge, and synchronises with other SmartSolars |
| Orion XS | Uses that data to charge. Does not take part in synchronised charging |
The benefit is that the chargers stop guessing. Without the shunt, each charger only sees the voltage at its own terminals, after cable losses, and has no idea of the battery's temperature. With it, both charge from what the battery is actually doing.
If you run two SmartSolar controllers, for example a roof array and a portable panel, the network also makes them act as one charger: they elect a master and move from bulk to absorption to float together. Each still sets its own output current, so there is no network-wide current limit. If you need one, that takes a GX device and DVCC.
The rules that cause most problems
- One sensor per network. Only one SmartShunt, BMV or Smart Battery Sense can feed a network, and every charger on it must be on that same battery. If two sensors end up on one network, the chargers pick one by device type and then serial number.
- 10 devices maximum on one network.
- Not every Victron charger joins. The Orion-Tr Smart isolated DC-DC chargers and the Blue Smart IP65 and IP67 mains chargers are not supported. Older units of some large SmartSolar models need a VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.
- A GX device takes priority. If a Cerbo GX already sends the same voltage or temperature over VE.Direct or VE.Can, the charger ignores the Bluetooth data. VE.Smart is meant for systems without a GX device in control.
- Range is the same as your phone's Bluetooth range to the devices. Keep them in the same compartment, or close to it.
Setting it up
- In VictronConnect, open the SmartShunt, go to Settings, then VE.Smart Networking, then Create Network. Name it and save.
- Open the SmartSolar, go to Settings, then VE.Smart Networking, then Join Existing, and pick that network. Do the same on the Orion XS.
- Check it worked. Each charger's VE.Smart page should show incoming data, a network icon appears on its main screen, and its status LED blinks every 4 seconds.
Set the SmartShunt up first, then add the chargers. Your phone can still connect to every device while the network is running.
What you need
Want the full walkthrough? Read the complete guide.