Since after just a few years my Magnum energy unit died, need a replacement and for sure I am not going with that brand again - has anyone braved installation of one of these ? The wiring is there from the prior unit, and I am sure I can safely mount it and wire it (yes - disconnect EVERYTHING) but not so sure on the configuration. The guy that sold me and installed the Magnum energy unit can do it - THREE DAYS of labor ! Also wanted to know if it can be configured through the app remotely via the V.E. Bus smart dongle) or if I have to buy the interface module MK3-USB Advise appreciated
Has anyone installed and configured a Victon energy multiplus inverter charger ?
- Thread starter spadaforaj
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If you don't get an answer here, I recommend going to wwwcruisersforum.com and doing a search there. They have lots of discussions there. Also, Victron may have their own forum, have you looked there?
My Multiplus has no bluetooth connectivity so the MK3 dongle is necessary to connect it to a computer to set all necessary parameters or update. I dont know about the VE bus remotely. Possibly with a Cerbo device you could do all the programming. I believe the Cerbo GX uses VE direct port but would need the monitor screen as well. Victron has tons of documentation on their website and a decent help forum.
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Yes, I’ve installed two. A Multiplus 12/3000 and a Multiplus II 48/3000. With just a dongle you won’t be able to program the Multi, other than the limited options via the dip switches. You will need the MK3-USB, or alternatively if you are installing a GX device (Cerbo , etc) with internet connectivity you can program the Multi via remote ve.config.
As far as if three days is reasonable, that depends entirely on what is involved. You never know what surprises are going to pop up on a project.
As far as if three days is reasonable, that depends entirely on what is involved. You never know what surprises are going to pop up on a project.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,099
Guessing the amount of labor time for an install is a bit of a crap shoot. You need to know the skill level of the installer. Then there is the boat systems/wiring will it be adaptable to your new system? What parts will be needed to complete the project that is not supplied with the new hardware?
If you are happy with the skills of the guy you know and he is saying he can complete the task in 3 days and you are ok with that then go forward. If you need a second opinion and can get another bid, then that would be an advisable approach to finding a solution.
3 days does not sound outlandish. I guess it depends on what the boat worker considers a day (4 work hours or 10 work hours). Half a day to remove the old unit. One day to clean up the existing boat systems. One day to install the new unit. And then a half a day to teach the new owner about the system (never enough time).
If the workmanship has shown quality results and the price is within your budget for the project then it may be reasonable.
If you are happy with the skills of the guy you know and he is saying he can complete the task in 3 days and you are ok with that then go forward. If you need a second opinion and can get another bid, then that would be an advisable approach to finding a solution.
3 days does not sound outlandish. I guess it depends on what the boat worker considers a day (4 work hours or 10 work hours). Half a day to remove the old unit. One day to clean up the existing boat systems. One day to install the new unit. And then a half a day to teach the new owner about the system (never enough time).
If the workmanship has shown quality results and the price is within your budget for the project then it may be reasonable.
I agree with posts above. I would have quoted about the same if someone asked. There are so many boat variations and unknowns that always pop up.
I've installed several Multiplus's and a Magnum unit. You didn't state which Magnum you have, nor which Victron you intend.
But in general, they are almost identical wrt wiring. If you have any spare length on your wires now, then you should have no problem. This all depends on your current and intended models, and the mounting orientations you have/intend.
It's not rocket science - the AC and DC wires just swap from one's terminals to the other's equivalent terminals. If you have a bit of extra wiring of each now, then any small changes in terminal orientation will be easy to accommodate.
I'd say a swap out would take between 0.5-2hrs depending on if you need to drill new mounting holes or run new wires. I can't image what took 3 days, unless you were adding entire new circuits, panel breakers, and the like that required cutting holes, enlarging panels, running wires through conduits, etc.
As other's state, you cannot program the Multiplus over bluetooth regardless if it has the bluetooth dongle on it. It really is the downside of Victron here, as the cumbersomeness of the MK3-USB drives you to purchase additional expensive gear just to program and control it conveniently. They used to sell a $250 remote panel called the "Blue Power Control" that was brilliant in that it contained all the functionality of the Mk3-USB in a remote display. They replaced it with the $600 "Color Control Panel", that removed all of the previous programming and control functionality, but had a nice color display instead of the previous B&W one. Now to get the same convenient control back in a remote display, you need to buy an even more expensive $1000 Cerbo and display.
As someone who just has a Multiplus and no other Victron gear, having to spend another $1000 just to remotely program the unit pisses me off. Luckily, I was able to grab a Blue Power Controller as they were selling off their stock.
Mark
Edit: I just reread your post and see that the 3 day install wasn't for the Magnum, but was the estimate to install the Victron. Completely unreasonable. If you have an equivalent size inverter/charger already installed (but you haven't confirmed this yet), the install should take a day at most. Likely an hour.
But in general, they are almost identical wrt wiring. If you have any spare length on your wires now, then you should have no problem. This all depends on your current and intended models, and the mounting orientations you have/intend.
It's not rocket science - the AC and DC wires just swap from one's terminals to the other's equivalent terminals. If you have a bit of extra wiring of each now, then any small changes in terminal orientation will be easy to accommodate.
I'd say a swap out would take between 0.5-2hrs depending on if you need to drill new mounting holes or run new wires. I can't image what took 3 days, unless you were adding entire new circuits, panel breakers, and the like that required cutting holes, enlarging panels, running wires through conduits, etc.
As other's state, you cannot program the Multiplus over bluetooth regardless if it has the bluetooth dongle on it. It really is the downside of Victron here, as the cumbersomeness of the MK3-USB drives you to purchase additional expensive gear just to program and control it conveniently. They used to sell a $250 remote panel called the "Blue Power Control" that was brilliant in that it contained all the functionality of the Mk3-USB in a remote display. They replaced it with the $600 "Color Control Panel", that removed all of the previous programming and control functionality, but had a nice color display instead of the previous B&W one. Now to get the same convenient control back in a remote display, you need to buy an even more expensive $1000 Cerbo and display.
As someone who just has a Multiplus and no other Victron gear, having to spend another $1000 just to remotely program the unit pisses me off. Luckily, I was able to grab a Blue Power Controller as they were selling off their stock.
Mark
Edit: I just reread your post and see that the 3 day install wasn't for the Magnum, but was the estimate to install the Victron. Completely unreasonable. If you have an equivalent size inverter/charger already installed (but you haven't confirmed this yet), the install should take a day at most. Likely an hour.
You can get a Cerbo for $218 in the US. You don’t need a display, I have been using a Venus GX for years with a cell phone or tablet and it has been fine. You certainly don’t need the display to remotely program it. But if you want one it’s another $220. I’m not sure where you were getting your prices.
There is no way a professional installer is going to spend just an hour swapping out dissimilar inverters. You could probably do it, but you know your setup, and if you scratch something or break something you don’t have to fix it if you don’t want to. You probably wouldn’t stress test the install in that hour either, which the installer should do. But a bit less than a full day would be reasonable IF he didn’t need to extend cables, or increase the conductor size, or add a case ground that often gets overlooked, or add a disconnect switch, or deal with many other things that might pop up.
Perhaps the installer was considering worst case in his estimate, so he might still have a happy customer in the event he found a lot of issues.
Thanks for all the information - the installation should not be difficult (if the wires are long enough - the new VictZron unit will be exactly where the magnum unit (MS-2812-12-LU) was, and I did make templates to make sure it would fit before purchasing. Sounds like the programming will be the issue - can't you program with a PC and
Victron Energy ASS030140000 MK3-USB Interface (VE.Bus to standard USB) ?
Victron Energy ASS030140000 MK3-USB Interface (VE.Bus to standard USB) ?
Yes, the MK3-USB will allow you to program (and monitor) the Multi when connected to a PC or Mac. You will need to install either Victron Connect or Ve.configure on the PC (Victron Connect only on a Mac). Victron Connect is more modern and user friendly while ve.configure allows more advanced programming you probably won’t use.
I've installed dozens. You need adequate ventilation around the unit. You need to follow the cable sizing recommendation in the manual, especially the DC cables. You can program the unit with a PC or smartphone using Victron Connect and the MK3-USB. You will need to know your battery bank parameters to configure the Charging and Inverter sections. Are you also using a Victron shunt or are you planning to use the battery monitor built in to the MultiPlus?
I have the Multiplus 3000, have been running it since 2022 and absolutely love it! If you are doing it, 100% get the Cerbo or the new touch screen they have that incorporates the cerbo functionality. you can do all your settings via the cerbo and screen, or via your laptop.
As well if you do not have it already, I highly recommend wiring up a couple of outlets to the pass through function as well as your water heater element, this is so loads you don't want to power when the power goes out like electric heaters will automatically cut out when the power is lost.
The other advantage of the Cerbo is that you can set it up as a tank level monitor, and you can read your tank levels via VRM if your boat has an internet connection, it is really nice for knowing if you are headed back to the boat that your fuel/water is empty, or that your holding tank is full, lets you plan ahead rather than finding out at the last minute.
As well if you do not have it already, I highly recommend wiring up a couple of outlets to the pass through function as well as your water heater element, this is so loads you don't want to power when the power goes out like electric heaters will automatically cut out when the power is lost.
The other advantage of the Cerbo is that you can set it up as a tank level monitor, and you can read your tank levels via VRM if your boat has an internet connection, it is really nice for knowing if you are headed back to the boat that your fuel/water is empty, or that your holding tank is full, lets you plan ahead rather than finding out at the last minute.
How do you do this on a smartphone? I've got an iphone that doesn't, but perhaps android does?
Mark
To clarify @BigNickMontana's post, you cannot program the multiplus directly from the Cerbo. With a Cerbo you can use the remote configuration tool on VRM, but there's no way to program it directly.
And yes, I do use VRM on my laptop because it is the easiest way to do most things on there, I didn't even bother to buy the screen for my installation because of this.
I know it's been two weeks but I keep seeing Victron gear questions as I scroll.
Victron has a basic forums but what you really want is the SOLAR off-grid community people -they live and BREATHE this gear. Victron is super robust and easy to set up BTW.
Anyone with questions I recommend they head to the offgrid solar forums or check for links on Will Prowse's YouTube channel (he's a solar gear guy w their own forums too).
Victron has a basic forums but what you really want is the SOLAR off-grid community people -they live and BREATHE this gear. Victron is super robust and easy to set up BTW.
Anyone with questions I recommend they head to the offgrid solar forums or check for links on Will Prowse's YouTube channel (he's a solar gear guy w their own forums too).
Hi all - many thanks for all the advise - just as an update:
- physically installed, wired up and on test works just fine on the defaults, which are actually what my AGM batteries would take - not difficult at all.
- installed the bluetooth dongle after some serious boat yoga running the new cables to the batteries and such - connects fine
- says it needs a firmware update, and should only be done by a professional with Victron energy training - getting on the local person's schedule more difficult than installing it - but rather to be safe vs sorry
- next step is again running more wires to install the remote contoller on my nav station - see you at the chiropractor's office
- physically installed, wired up and on test works just fine on the defaults, which are actually what my AGM batteries would take - not difficult at all.
- installed the bluetooth dongle after some serious boat yoga running the new cables to the batteries and such - connects fine
- says it needs a firmware update, and should only be done by a professional with Victron energy training - getting on the local person's schedule more difficult than installing it - but rather to be safe vs sorry
- next step is again running more wires to install the remote contoller on my nav station - see you at the chiropractor's office
Ahh AGMs, I was assuming LiFePO4. You should be ok on the defaults. The float voltage is a bit high I think (13.8V), but it will go to storage at 13.2V. Default has the charge current limited at 75%. If you are charging at anchor with a generator you might want to change the dip switch setting to 100% to reduce runtime.