In the headline image above you will note a new setting highlighted, named ‘VRM two-way communication’, and that it is on. What does this mean? It means Remote VEConfigure is here – and now you can adjust product settings remotely!
See the documentation here: CCGX Remote VEConfigure and firmware updates. Here is the principal functionality:
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Remote VEConfigure: changing settings in VE.Bus Inverters, Multis and Quattros. Both for single unit systems as parallel and three phase systems.
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Remotely update firmware of VE.Can products (note that this will erase the configuration. It is not possible to configure a product remotely!)
Before you rush in and try the excellent new ‘Remote VEConfigure’ functionality, please first read up on the most recent firmware releases prior to v1.23 by going through these two change logs:
https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2015/05/27/color-control-gx-v1-22-firmware-released/
https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2015/02/20/color-control-gx-v1-21-firmware-released/
Now we can look at the change log for v1.23 :
- Added Remote VEConfigure. FINALLY! It took quite a while and wasn’t easy. Documentation is here: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:ccgx_ve_power_setup. The version of VE Power Setup which you’ll need is here: VE Power Setup 4.1. The differences between the CCGX version of Remote VEConfigure and the version which some of you might be familiar with from the VGR2 are:
- CCGX Remote VEConfig supports changing/adding/removing assistants on a distance. VGR2 version does not
- CCGX Remote VEConfig uses its internet connection to listen for commands. VGR2 version used SMS mobile text messages
- Added remote firmware update via VE Power Setup. Right now this works only for VE.Can products (Skylla-i, MPPT 150/70, MPPT 150/85 and Lynx Shunt VE.Can). Important: most or even all of those products will lose their settings during an update! And it is not, yet, possible to remotely configure those products. This is (obviously) being worked on at our end.
- Several stability improvements and other changes.
Future releases
Future firmware release plans are many, but one to whet your appetite in the meantime is a 30 day history readout for VE.Direct MPPTS.
Current firmware v1.23 recovery image – 04 June 2015
Recovery image: http://www.victronenergy.com/feeds/ccgx/images/CCGX-v1_23-recover.zip
Remote VEConfigure example
Firstly make sure you follow these instructions: CCGX Remote VEConfigure and firmware updates
In my case I’ve adjusted my AGM battery inverter bank from the standard AGM charge settings to the fastest AGM charge settings, as shown below.
Adjusted and saved settings
Sending and writing the updated settings
CCGX to VRM communication
Whilst we all use different methods to connect to our CCGXes to the VRM, here is my recently upgraded 3G/4G router. It is a Dlink 4G 921 with direct SIM Card insertion slot.
I’m very pleased with its auto reconnect ability and the stable connection it gives me. I also like the direct SIM card insertion, as opposed to using a 3G USB Dongle which I had to use with my previous router.
The best price I found in the UK was from: http://www.dabs.com/products/d-link-4g-lte-router-9662.html?q=D-Link%20DWR-921&src=16
It is all working well, including dynamic IP updating and I have been able to remove the AC power supply as its output supply is 12 volts DC, so I now run direct from the 12v supply on my boat which is a stable 12v using an Orion DC-DC Converter. The 3G/4G aerials are also removable, so you could extend them for better mobile reception. For me they work fine attached directly to the router.
Conclusion
I’m privileged to be able to test firmware whilst it is being developed and I have to say there is a great deal of hard work that has gone into this release, which I think you’ll agree is a further major step forward. For this a big thanks must go out to Matthijs Vader and his hard working team. What say you?
John Rushworth
