Official Answer: You should use the MK3-USB dongle. More technical answer: You can also change the settings through an internet connected cerbo GX through the VRM portal with the remote config function; but it's not nearly as user friendly as shown in this video. You can't do it though the touchscreen, though.
I am not clear about Maximum Absorption Time vs Repeated Absorption time. If I have 2 100 amp hours, then set to 40 minute max, and.... 1 hour? How will that charge my batteries to full?
I think it should be noted that you don't need the mk3 adaptor, you can update the firmware via VRM and settings of the inverter can be changed via remote ve config. Will save people money!
Yes and no: You don't need the MK3 USB dongle do that what I showed in this video, no, although it is the easiest and most straightforward way to change Multiplus settings. You CAN use the VRM portal as mentioned; but in order to do that, you must have a GX device in the system (Cerbo GX or similar) in order for the Multiplus to communicate with the VRM portal; so if somebody was only planning to monitor locally via VictronConnect without the use of a GX device, it would not be cheaper to go this route.
@@EXPLORISTlifeperfectly put, I hope I didn't come across as rude or anything. Your videos have helped me immensely, and you uploaded this 6 hrs after I set mine up, in which I spent a good couple hrs a night for a week searching videos and asking through forums to get answers! Hope you're well!
Using the dongle to reprogram gave me the confidence to look into the vrm. In Australia auto electricians charge $110 per hour…. So any diy set up pretty much pays for itself… as long as you are careful with your research and meticulously minded.
@@EXPLORISTlifeExcuse my ignorance. I can setup/program a multiplus ii from victron connect via ve bus cable connected to a cerbo gx with internet connection?
I have a Quattro with a victron digital multi control. After updating the Quattro firmware The control now shows “Ac1” and turning the control knob does nothing. Any suggestions to correct this issue? Thanks!
Yes, I have some suggestions, but this will take some more in-depth troubleshooting. If you have purchased/are purchasing from our store (shop.explorist.life) reach out for some more personalized help: shop.explorist.life/support If you've purchased/are purchasing elsewhere, reach out to your dealer for support. We'd love to have you as a shop.explorist.life customer so we can provide a bit more help in the future. 🙂
This may take some more in-depth troubleshooting. If you have purchased/are purchasing from our store (shop.explorist.life) reach out for some more personalized help: shop.explorist.life/support If you've purchased/are purchasing elsewhere, reach out to your dealer for support. We'd love to have you as a shop.explorist.life customer so we can provide a bit more help in the future. 🙂
@@EXPLORISTlife Nate, I am no tech wizard, trust me (!) but I am confused by this answer. Did you mean to say "The MK3-USB is only compatible with windows, android, and "OS" " The only reason I say that is that "iOS" stands for "iPhone Operating System". So I think that what you meant was (in regards to Apple prods) that my MacBook Pro laptop (OS) or an iPad (OS) should be compatible but NOT the iPhone (which is "iOS").
I just got my MPII wired up today.. but it's not showing up on the app. When it got turned on today.. It was charging the batteries (four BB 100Ah lithiums) and was getting just over 840w with my 2 arrays 1200w and 1740w on a pair of matching 100\70 controllers. The mains light is on and green and it's in (yellow light) float mode. I have saved these settings on the laptop that's connected to the MPII.
Just curious. Does disabling the UPS function prevent the Multiplus from keeping power to AC loads when the shore power is disconnected or fails? I thought that automatic transfer switch function was one of the big features of the Multiplus.
No. Enabling/disabling UPS doesn’t affect the transfer switch directly. It’s about how fast the switch is allowed to happen based on the readings of the quality of incoming power.
Thanks for the video! Also, bought a wiring diagram and thats been a great reference. Do you have a video or blog post about the entire order of operation for connecting the multiplus, batteries ( wiring in parallel) shore power, solar charge etc. doing a full build and soon will be setting up my VICTRON system.
Fantastic video, Nate! Appreciate the insights. I've got a setup in my van with 6 100AH lithium batteries arranged in parallel. They generally stay at 100% charge, but during weekends of heavy use (cooking, fridge, etc.), it might drop to around 80% overnight. Here's my question: By the time we're back home, the batteries are normally back to 100%, and then I turn off the fridge, there's virtually no current draw. I don't even plug my Victron 3000-watt inverter/charger into the mains (240v Australia). Is it detrimental for the batteries to remain idle for up to two weeks? They're still at 100% after this time, but I'm curious if it's harmful to the system when it's not receiving current from mains at all?
Hoping you can shed some light on my setup. I have Multiplus 3000/120 and 4 BB 100Ah batteries and when I use my induction cooktop (900 W) I see a 2+ volt drop on my Victron connect monitor causing the inverter to shutdown/reboot. I have dropped the setting for shutdown to 10.5 and this has stopped the shutdown. I tested the cooktop on a friends setup which is slightly different and only see a .5 drop in voltage. Ideas?
3:53 You said no downside to having it ON, I think you meant no downside to having it OFF. …so basically, if you drive on the right, it’s 120V, if you drive on the left, it’s 230V 😎
Please could you shed some light as to why my Transit Van batt is running flat and my 2 leisure batts are ok . I try to run my Truma heating and getting an error saying voltage . I have nothing running off the system I have a 240 extension into the van while working off and only tun everything on to get some solar energy if anything back into my batts. 3 times now i have had to charge my vans bat ,Why isn't it using the leisure batts and when testing there at 12 volt I have 2 linked together running a 12 volt system. I must have something wired wrong as it seems to drain the power from the van batt. Any clues Sorry if its not as clear as you want Never easy explaining Thanks guys
Question about connecting via VictronConnect App, on the web site they say "It can connect to Victron products via Bluetooth, USB and WiFi/LAN/Internet." and "Use the VictronConnect app to , monitor, update and diagnose your Victron product. Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS X."....If I have the smart dongle attached to the inverter and according to the quoted statements on the Victron web site I should be able to connect via bluetooth ? Correct?
I watched your multiplus comparison video and still a bit confused. What multiplus should I purchase to run 12V battery bank and be able to charge with solar, charge while driving, and shore power from home and a RV site?
When you use your iPhone to program, are you just using the Victron dongle and adding an adapter to get to USB-C? Is that all I need to do to program with Victron Connect? Thank you - Great videos.
Quick Question, I have two starter and two leisure batteries currently being charged by m Victron Multiplus. Is it just a question of re-setting the Victron and swapping the batteries out for Lithium ones? I would love to replace the four lead acid ones with one large lithium, bit not sure if that would be possible.
This video has been a great help but I can't seem to get the "Lithium Battery" toggle to stay saved. Would anyone know the reason why it won't stay saved for me?
thanks for explaining this, i live on a canal boat and was having trouble with my multiplus compact not accepting the input from my generator, its now sorted. One query, i tried changing the DC input settings on the inverter section did a reset as it asked me to and they reverted back to default?
Can anyone help? My Victron connect has updated this morning, now settings don't work, you can put the password in to enable settings, however when you click on the Multiplus icon it does nothing.
Can the Quattro act as an automatic transfer switch between 2 a/c inputs, e.g., shore power and dc-to-ac inverter? I want to use an inverter to connect to my alternator and and connect the inverter the 2nd a/c input of the Quattro.
Hi! Thank you for all you do for solar community. I followed your steps for the settings for a Multiplus. Everything is working perfectly except I have a Champion 2500w generator that when I hook up to my RV it doesn’t show a AC coming in on Grid. I have a Victron 12/2000/80, a 100/30 SCC, and a. Victron shunt, 3 100ah LiFePO4 in parallel. Any ideas as to why it is not working? I have seen other people with Victron Multiplus using a Champion 2500w and it is working. Thank you so much as we are boondocking and need the generator as backup power.
Nate, your videos were a huge help as I put together my system. I have a Multiplus 12V/2000VA/80A that came as 230VAC output. Can I reprogram this to 120VAC? The manual says that all settings can be changed, but the case is printed with 230VAC. That would seem to indicate that particular seetting is fixed. I can't get through to technical support.
Oof... nope. That's not a setting you can change; that's just the wrong unit. Going to have to return and replace. Consider shop.explorist.life so that we can actually get you the right parts you need.
Looks like your Vanfest experience has given you some new content ideas. We appreciate it. Definitely needed. I wish this had been around when I did my first Victron system. It would have saved a lot of frustration. Keep up the excellent work!!
Hello. The Multiplus 3K comes with a T-sense cable which I see you didn't mount it on your builds. Isn't necessary for the good working of the system? Thank you
That depends on the battery. We recommend using Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries with internal BMS's which do not require temperature based voltage compensation, which is what that cable is for; rendering it unnecessary.
Nate, Thanks again for all the great content. While watching this one, I remembered that you did not install the Multiplus on the 5th wheel and truck camper videos in units with a surge protector (unless they were using an outside device on the pole). Does the High and Low AC voltage parms negate the need for a surge protector? And if so, how does the error show if I am not using a Cerbo GX?
Thanks for that! The high and low AC cutoffs are pretty robust, but aren't a 'surge protector' when it comes to, say, lightning or grid failures/issues and we recommend getting one of the surge protectors that plugs into the shore power pedestal for stuff like that.
That was a great video. Thanks. I know lots of settings will be the same but will you be doing another video or cheat sheet to show the differences for a 24V and 48V system? Love these last few videos, especially the problem/trouble shooting ones...
I won't be doing another video, no, as it would be incredibly repetitive. I hope that the education that you've received in this video will help you figure out what settings that you need for your own setup. Recall what I said at the first of the video: My goal is not to tell you the exact settings to use, necessarily, but to educate you so that you can learn what settings to use based on the parts, components, and battery brands you've chosen to use.
Thank you for doing this video. I learn so much from your content. As you did the various rig upgrades earlier this year I was bummed you skipped over this programming. I'm glad you circled back to it! This has confirmed a question I've seen from Victron programming for BattleBorn: Why are Solar charge controllers programmed to float at 13.5v where as Multis are programmed to float at 13.6v?
It seems like this causes a measure of battery depletion to happen before real-time solar power generation handles the DC load. I’m guessing there is little to no risk of making them the same or flip-flopping them to see if there is an observable uptick in solar power generation.
@@EXPLORISTlife for some reason my PC is not connecting to the multiplus compact. I'm using an MK3 dongle and a properly tested RJ45 cat 5 cable. It's not registering on either VE config or Victron connect
Great video, thank you. Once the Multiplus II is configured, can you change the Input Current from the display panel? For example, when boon docking and you only have a 15 Amp service, can I reduce it to 12 VAC or do I have to go into programming mode?
@EXPLORISTlife Thank you and I like the new direction your channel is taking. It shows how your business is expanding and that you are willing to adapt and expand along with customer expectations and demands. Great work and kudos to both of you for making a life out of something you are passionate about.
Nate, can you access the multiplus settings via cerbo and gx touch or do you still need the mk3 dongle?
Official Answer: You should use the MK3-USB dongle.
More technical answer: You can also change the settings through an internet connected cerbo GX through the VRM portal with the remote config function; but it's not nearly as user friendly as shown in this video. You can't do it though the touchscreen, though.
I am not clear about Maximum Absorption Time vs Repeated Absorption time. If I have 2 100 amp hours, then set to 40 minute max, and.... 1 hour? How will that charge my batteries to full?
thanks! such sad that there no bluetooth or ethernet for such high price
Thanks for posting this video in an easy to understand and "walk thru" method.
You bet! Thanks for watching!
I think it should be noted that you don't need the mk3 adaptor, you can update the firmware via VRM and settings of the inverter can be changed via remote ve config. Will save people money!
Yes and no:
You don't need the MK3 USB dongle do that what I showed in this video, no, although it is the easiest and most straightforward way to change Multiplus settings.
You CAN use the VRM portal as mentioned; but in order to do that, you must have a GX device in the system (Cerbo GX or similar) in order for the Multiplus to communicate with the VRM portal; so if somebody was only planning to monitor locally via VictronConnect without the use of a GX device, it would not be cheaper to go this route.
@@EXPLORISTlifeperfectly put, I hope I didn't come across as rude or anything. Your videos have helped me immensely, and you uploaded this 6 hrs after I set mine up, in which I spent a good couple hrs a night for a week searching videos and asking through forums to get answers!
Hope you're well!
Not rude, no. 🙂👍 Just replying to add some additional context.
Using the dongle to reprogram gave me the confidence to look into the vrm. In Australia auto electricians charge $110 per hour…. So any diy set up pretty much pays for itself… as long as you are careful with your research and meticulously minded.
@@EXPLORISTlifeExcuse my ignorance. I can setup/program a multiplus ii from victron connect via ve bus cable connected to a cerbo gx with internet connection?
I have a Quattro with a victron digital multi control. After updating the Quattro firmware The control now shows “Ac1” and turning the control knob does nothing. Any suggestions to correct this issue?
Thanks!
Yes, I have some suggestions, but this will take some more in-depth troubleshooting. If you have purchased/are purchasing from our store (shop.explorist.life) reach out for some more personalized help: shop.explorist.life/support
If you've purchased/are purchasing elsewhere, reach out to your dealer for support. We'd love to have you as a shop.explorist.life customer so we can provide a bit more help in the future. 🙂
Thanks. I'm having difficulty in powering up the unit. I have nothing hooked up to it except a 120vac shore power connection . any suggestions?
This may take some more in-depth troubleshooting. If you have purchased/are purchasing from our store (shop.explorist.life) reach out for some more personalized help: shop.explorist.life/support
If you've purchased/are purchasing elsewhere, reach out to your dealer for support. We'd love to have you as a shop.explorist.life customer so we can provide a bit more help in the future. 🙂
Wow! Thanks for packing so much info & logic into a clear & concise tutorial. Can’t wait for the next one. Keep them coming!
Thank you! Will do!
Where is the Apple version of the software? And I’m not talking about VictronConnect, as it’s very limited compared to the Microsoft software. 🖖
The MK3-USB is only compatible with windows, android, and iOS. So you can't use an iPhone for Multiplus programming.
@@EXPLORISTlife Nate, I am no tech wizard, trust me (!) but I am confused by this answer. Did you mean to say "The MK3-USB is only compatible with windows, android, and "OS" "
The only reason I say that is that "iOS" stands for "iPhone Operating System". So I think that what you meant was (in regards to Apple prods) that my MacBook Pro laptop (OS) or an iPad (OS) should be compatible but NOT the iPhone (which is "iOS").
I just got my MPII wired up today.. but it's not showing up on the app. When it got turned on today.. It was charging the batteries (four BB 100Ah lithiums) and was getting just over 840w with my 2 arrays 1200w and 1740w on a pair of matching 100\70 controllers. The mains light is on and green and it's in (yellow light) float mode. I have saved these settings on the laptop that's connected to the MPII.
Just curious. Does disabling the UPS function prevent the Multiplus from keeping power to AC loads when the shore power is disconnected or fails? I thought that automatic transfer switch function was one of the big features of the Multiplus.
No. Enabling/disabling UPS doesn’t affect the transfer switch directly. It’s about how fast the switch is allowed to happen based on the readings of the quality of incoming power.
@@EXPLORISTlife ok. Thanks. Your channel is extremely helpful!
Thanks for the video! Also, bought a wiring diagram and thats been a great reference. Do you have a video or blog post about the entire order of operation for connecting the multiplus, batteries ( wiring in parallel) shore power, solar charge etc. doing a full build and soon will be setting up my VICTRON system.
Fantastic video, Nate! Appreciate the insights. I've got a setup in my van with 6 100AH lithium batteries arranged in parallel. They generally stay at 100% charge, but during weekends of heavy use (cooking, fridge, etc.), it might drop to around 80% overnight. Here's my question: By the time we're back home, the batteries are normally back to 100%, and then I turn off the fridge, there's virtually no current draw. I don't even plug my Victron 3000-watt inverter/charger into the mains (240v Australia). Is it detrimental for the batteries to remain idle for up to two weeks? They're still at 100% after this time, but I'm curious if it's harmful to the system when it's not receiving current from mains at all?
Hoping you can shed some light on my setup. I have Multiplus 3000/120 and 4 BB 100Ah batteries and when I use my induction cooktop (900 W) I see a 2+ volt drop on my Victron connect monitor causing the inverter to shutdown/reboot. I have dropped the setting for shutdown to 10.5 and this has stopped the shutdown. I tested the cooktop on a friends setup which is slightly different and only see a .5 drop in voltage. Ideas?
3:53 You said no downside to having it ON, I think you meant no downside to having it OFF.
…so basically, if you drive on the right, it’s 120V, if you drive on the left, it’s 230V 😎
Please could you shed some light as to why my Transit Van batt is running flat and my 2 leisure batts are ok . I try to run my Truma heating and getting an error saying voltage . I have nothing running off the system I have a 240 extension into the van while working off and only tun everything on to get some solar energy if anything back into my batts. 3 times now i have had to charge my vans bat ,Why isn't it using the leisure batts and when testing there at 12 volt I have 2 linked together running a 12 volt system. I must have something wired wrong as it seems to drain the power from the van batt. Any clues
Sorry if its not as clear as you want Never easy explaining Thanks guys
Question about connecting via VictronConnect App, on the web site they say "It can connect to Victron products via Bluetooth, USB and WiFi/LAN/Internet." and "Use the VictronConnect app to , monitor, update and diagnose your Victron product. Available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS X."....If I have the smart dongle attached to the inverter and according to the quoted statements on the Victron web site I should be able to connect via bluetooth ? Correct?
I watched your multiplus comparison video and still a bit confused. What multiplus should I purchase to run 12V battery bank and be able to charge with solar, charge while driving, and shore power from home and a RV site?
Nate have you ever heard of a Multiplus II losing its programming? Mine has complete reverted back to the factory settings twice in a year.
When you use your iPhone to program, are you just using the Victron dongle and adding an adapter to get to USB-C? Is that all I need to do to program with Victron Connect? Thank you - Great videos.
My camper 50 amp. Has its own plug in the same box the cord is in. Can I somehow wire this plug to my inverter and plug my camper into itself?
Will y'all do a 200/300 level video that goes over the Advanced and AC input control options? Always great videos from you
How do you program power assist?
Quick Question, I have two starter and two leisure batteries currently being charged by m Victron Multiplus.
Is it just a question of re-setting the Victron and swapping the batteries out for Lithium ones?
I would love to replace the four lead acid ones with one large lithium, bit not sure if that would be possible.
This video has been a great help but I can't seem to get the "Lithium Battery" toggle to stay saved. Would anyone know the reason why it won't stay saved for me?
thanks for explaining this, i live on a canal boat and was having trouble with my multiplus compact not accepting the input from my generator, its now sorted. One query, i tried changing the DC input settings on the inverter section did a reset as it asked me to and they reverted back to default?
Can anyone help? My Victron connect has updated this morning, now settings don't work, you can put the password in to enable settings, however when you click on the Multiplus icon it does nothing.
Can the Quattro act as an automatic transfer switch between 2 a/c inputs, e.g., shore power and dc-to-ac inverter? I want to use an inverter to connect to my alternator and and connect the inverter the 2nd a/c input of the Quattro.
Your information was spot on and made setting up my mp2 very simple! Thank you!
Hi! Thank you for all you do for solar community. I followed your steps for the settings for a Multiplus. Everything is working perfectly except I have a Champion 2500w generator that when I hook up to my RV it doesn’t show a AC coming in on Grid. I have a Victron 12/2000/80, a 100/30 SCC, and a. Victron shunt, 3 100ah LiFePO4 in parallel. Any ideas as to why it is not working? I have seen other people with Victron Multiplus using a Champion 2500w and it is working. Thank you so much as we are boondocking and need the generator as backup power.
Found the answer: Generator needed a Neutral-Ground Bonding Plug
Nate, your videos were a huge help as I put together my system. I have a Multiplus 12V/2000VA/80A that came as 230VAC output. Can I reprogram this to 120VAC? The manual says that all settings can be changed, but the case is printed with 230VAC. That would seem to indicate that particular seetting is fixed. I can't get through to technical support.
Oof... nope. That's not a setting you can change; that's just the wrong unit. Going to have to return and replace. Consider shop.explorist.life so that we can actually get you the right parts you need.
Looks like your Vanfest experience has given you some new content ideas. We appreciate it. Definitely needed. I wish this had been around when I did my first Victron system. It would have saved a lot of frustration. Keep up the excellent work!!
Hi Nate, are you able to program a Muliplus II with the VE.Bus Smart Dongle (Bluetooth) via Android device and also Windows computer?
Mk3-usb on android or windows
Hello. The Multiplus 3K comes with a T-sense cable which I see you didn't mount it on your builds. Isn't necessary for the good working of the system? Thank you
That depends on the battery. We recommend using Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries with internal BMS's which do not require temperature based voltage compensation, which is what that cable is for; rendering it unnecessary.
Thank you for this perfectly detailed video to set up a Multiplus 3000 for the average RV Joe!! It's exactly what I needed to finish my install.
Glad it was helpful!
You are Gun 💪 you are going from strength to strength with your channel … another awesome video 🙏
Nate, Thanks again for all the great content. While watching this one, I remembered that you did not install the Multiplus on the 5th wheel and truck camper videos in units with a surge protector (unless they were using an outside device on the pole). Does the High and Low AC voltage parms negate the need for a surge protector? And if so, how does the error show if I am not using a Cerbo GX?
Thanks for that! The high and low AC cutoffs are pretty robust, but aren't a 'surge protector' when it comes to, say, lightning or grid failures/issues and we recommend getting one of the surge protectors that plugs into the shore power pedestal for stuff like that.
That was a great video. Thanks. I know lots of settings will be the same but will you be doing another video or cheat sheet to show the differences for a 24V and 48V system? Love these last few videos, especially the problem/trouble shooting ones...
I won't be doing another video, no, as it would be incredibly repetitive. I hope that the education that you've received in this video will help you figure out what settings that you need for your own setup. Recall what I said at the first of the video: My goal is not to tell you the exact settings to use, necessarily, but to educate you so that you can learn what settings to use based on the parts, components, and battery brands you've chosen to use.
Excellently clear and concise. Thank you!!!
Great 101 /// ... helps a lot and always good for review. back to the flick ..
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
Thank you for doing this video. I learn so much from your content. As you did the various rig upgrades earlier this year I was bummed you skipped over this programming. I'm glad you circled back to it! This has confirmed a question I've seen from Victron programming for BattleBorn:
Why are Solar charge controllers programmed to float at 13.5v where as Multis are programmed to float at 13.6v?
Just small discrepencies to default changes & manufacturers recommendations over time. The difference between .1V won't matter in that application.
It seems like this causes a measure of battery depletion to happen before real-time solar power generation handles the DC load. I’m guessing there is little to no risk of making them the same or flip-flopping them to see if there is an observable uptick in solar power generation.
lol 😂
Is there a special dongle to connect with the MK to the iPhone, tried one that I had but didn't work?
Found the answer, iOS is not compatible with the MK3 only Android, dang!!
⚡👊🏻 Thanks for posting this informative video Nate!
No worries! Thanks for watching :)
😎
Thank you for another great video
That was phenomenal, Nate! Thank you so much!
Hey thanks so much! Cheers!!
Do I need a wifi connection to do this programming?
Nope.
@@EXPLORISTlife for some reason my PC is not connecting to the multiplus compact. I'm using an MK3 dongle and a properly tested RJ45 cat 5 cable. It's not registering on either VE config or Victron connect
Reach out to your Victron dealer for further personalized troubleshooting. If we are your dealer, that’s shop.explorist.life/support
Good information.
Thanks!☺️
Great video, thank you. Once the Multiplus II is configured, can you change the Input Current from the display panel? For example, when boon docking and you only have a 15 Amp service, can I reduce it to 12 VAC or do I have to go into programming mode?
It can be changed without reprogramming
@EXPLORISTlife Thank you and I like the new direction your channel is taking. It shows how your business is expanding and that you are willing to adapt and expand along with customer expectations and demands. Great work and kudos to both of you for making a life out of something you are passionate about.
Great refresher 😊 thanks time for the yearly update check 👍