Victron MPPT not showing in the viltron app.

[DaveKerry]

Hi
I have 2 arrays of 350w, they both go through their independent 100/30 MPPT controller, array 1 was the first one and is about 4 years old, array 2 was fitted January 2024. Array 2 would be bringing in 200w in bulk, but array 1 would be in float and just topping the battery up using about 40w. Now something strange has happened, array 1 has gone of the device list and I can't see it at all. I went into phone settings and did the forget device thing as advised on Victrons help page but it still doesn't appear in "my devices". I've switched of my phone and started it up, but I still can't see it in the app or in Bluetooth devices. The only thing I can think of doing now is unplugging all the wires and hoping it will reset it and I'll be able to reset it. Does anyone have any other ideas as I'm stuck.
Thanks
Dave.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Hi
I have 2 arrays of 350w, they both go through their independent 100/30 MPPT controller, array 1 was the first one and is about 4 years old, array 2 was fitted January 2024. Array 2 would be bringing in 200w in bulk, but array 1 would be in float and just topping the battery up using about 40w. Now something strange has happened, array 1 has gone of the device list and I can't see it at all. I went into phone settings and did the forget device thing as advised on Victrons help page but it still doesn't appear in "my devices". I've switched of my phone and started it up, but I still can't see it in the app or in Bluetooth devices. The only thing I can think of doing now is unplugging all the wires and hoping it will reset it and I'll be able to reset it. Does anyone have any other ideas as I'm stuck.
Thanks
Dave.

Yes I think you're on the right track with unplugging everything to reset it. If that doesn't work the Victron Bluetooth chip has probably failed. Is the controller still charging?

 

[Tombola]

And if it does come back on after connecting check if it needs firmware updates

 

[Carpmart]

When you get it working again, you can also network Victron equipment together, so you can see gross output from multiple MPPT’s.

 

[DaveKerry]

Yes I think you're on the right track with unplugging everything to reset it. If that doesn't work the Victron Bluetooth chip has probably failed. Is the controller still charging?

Thanks for replying, yes it's still charging, I'll take all wires out to reset it later.

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[DaveKerry]

And if it does come back on after connecting check if it needs firmware updates

Good idea.

 

[DaveKerry]

When you get it working again, you can also network Victron equipment together, so you can see gross output from multiple MPPT’s.

They are on a network, (is it VRM) oh and do you have to pay to use Victron's VRM site, I noted that you can download and have a trial.

 

[Raul]

No pay as far as I know, open an account and set up VRM. Also there is a app for VRM too.
It only works if you have a hub: GX device, and GX device is connected to the internet.

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

No pay as far as I know, open an account and set up VRM. Also there is a app for VRM too.
It only works if you have a hub: GX device, and GX device is connected to the internet.

The GX hub can be built with a Raspberry Pi, cheaper than a dedicated Cerbo GX

 

[Raul]

The GX hub can be built with a Raspberry Pi, cheaper than a dedicated Cerbo GX

Yes, that would do too, that's what I have in the van. Quite few of us here run Pi with venus loaded.

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[DaveKerry]

Update
I didn't get around to disconnecting the 4 wires that go into the the mppt but this morning it is now showing in the app, array 2 is showing 150-200w but the problem array (array 1) is showing 0w although in the same intensity sun.
I used a meter on the 2 MPPT's.
Array 1 (the one with the problem) from panels 45.0v SOC 16.2v
Array 2 from panels 33.5v SOC 14.1v
Both MPPT"s are showing in the app as bulk and they have the blue light on stating they are both in bulk mode.
As I've finished typing they have both gone into absorption.
When I looked on the BMV712 it stated 8.8amps but MPPT array 2 stated 11 amps, so I wonder where the amps from MPPT 1 are going, it's not warm at all.
Anyone got any ideas, I think MPPT 1 is faulty.
Dave

 

[Raul]

At 14.1v the battery is full and the mppt is throttling back to hold the fixed voltage. Put a load on and switch the working mppt off.
Let the suspect mppt react and see if it ramps up.

 

[DaveKerry]

At 14.1v the battery is full and the mppt is throttling back to hold the fixed voltage. Put a load on and switch the working mppt off.
Let the suspect mppt react and see if it ramps up.

Ok thanks, I'll try that when I get a minute.

 

[CAB96]

Not an expert at all, but I'd disconnect Array 2 (the one that works) and see what the dodgy one does on its own.

Edit: any way you can swap the controllers over? See what happens?

 

[DaveKerry]

Not an expert at all, but I'd disconnect Array 2 (the one that works) and see what the dodgy one does on its own.

Edit: any way you can swap the controllers over? See what happens?

Ok thanks, I'm in Spain right now and don't like messing about in case I mess things up and have no solar. I will try all the suggestions when back home.
Dave.

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