5. Setup
5.1. Charge modes
There are 3 integrated charge modes (Normal, High and Li-Ion), as well as an optional Recondition stage that can be included (except for Li-ion mode).
The integrated charge modes combined with adaptive charge logic are well suited for most common battery types; such as flooded lead-acid, AGM, Gel and LiFePO4.
The required charge mode can be selected via the VictronConnect app - refer to the 'Settings - Using VictronConnect' section for more information.
If necessary, advanced configuration with user defined settings is possible using the VictronConnect app and a Bluetooth enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet) - refer to the 'Advanced Configuration' section for more information.
Any settings made are stored and will not be lost when the charger is disconnected from mains power or the battery.
5.1.1. Charge voltage
By simply selecting the integrated charge mode appropriate for the battery type being charged, (refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations) the voltage settings for each charge stage will be altered according to the table below:
Notice
Temperature Compensation: Charge voltage is automatically compensated depending on ambient temperature (except for Li-ion mode or if manually disabled) - refer to the 'Operation - Temperature compensation’ section for more information.
5.1.2. Recondition mode
If enabled the recondition stage is included in the charge cycle; use only if required as a corrective/maintenance action - refer to the 'Operation - Charge algorithm' section for more information.
Recondition mode can be enabled and disabled via the VictronConnect app - refer to the 'Settings - Using VictronConnect' section for more information.
5.1.3. Low current mode
If enabled the maximum charge current is limited to a significantly reduced level (varies per model - refer to 'Specification' section for more information) compared to the nominal maximum charge current.
Low current mode is recommended when charging lower capacity batteries with a high current charger; charging at an excessive charge current can cause premature battery degradation and overheating.
Typically the maximum charge current for lead acid batteries should not exceed ~0.3C (more than 30% of the battery capacity in Ah) and the maximum charge current for LiFePO4 batteries should exceed ~0.5C (more than 50% of the battery capacity in Ah).
Low current mode can be enabled and disabled via the VictronConnect app - refer to the 'Settings - Using VictronConnect' section for more information.
5.2. Using VictronConnect
Selection of an integrated charge mode and other general settings must be made with a Bluetooth enabled device (such as a mobile phone or tablet), using the VictronConnect app.
For further details about the VictonConnect app refer to the online user manual: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/victronconnect:start
To select an integrated charge mode using VictronConnect:
Download and install the VictronConnect app.
The VictronConnect app can be downloaded from the following locations:
Android – Google Play Store
iOS/Mac – Apple App Store
Enable Bluetooth on the mobile phone or tablet (if not already enabled).
Open the VictronConnect app and look for the Blue Smart IP65 Charger in the 'LOCAL' page, if it doesn’t automatically appear perform a manual scan for devices in range by selecting the ‘scan’ button (round orange button with circular arrow) in the bottom right corner.
Select the Blue Smart IP65 Charger from the 'LOCAL' device list.
During initial connection a ‘Bluetooth pairing request’ prompt will appear requesting the Bluetooth PIN code; enter the default PIN code 000000.
Access the 'Settings' menu by selecting the ‘Setting’ icon (gear) in the top right corner.
Select the required 'Battery voltage', 'Charge preset' and the 'Maximum charge current' (standard or low) directly from the settings list.
5.3. Bluetooth
5.3.1. Changing the PIN code
To prevent an unauthorised Bluetooth connection, it is highly recommended to change the default PIN code.
To change the Bluetooth PIN code:
Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000)
Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
Beside ‘Pin code’ select ‘CHANGE’ to open the ‘Change PIN code’ window.
Enter the current and new PIN code (twice), then select OK; avoid using an obvious PIN code that is easy for someone else to guess, such as 111111 or 123456.
5.3.2. Resetting the PIN code
If the PIN code is forgotten or lost, it can be easily reset to the default 000000 using the VictronConnect app.
To reset the Bluetooth PIN code:
Locate the blue smart charger in the LOCAL page and select the ‘device options’ icon (three vertical dots) on the right side of the description.
Select 'Reset PIN code' from the pop-up prompt.
Enter the PUK code and select ‘OK’. The PUK code is located on a label stuck to the back of the Blue Smart IP65 Charger.
Notice
During this procedure:
The PIN code is reset to default (000000)
Any active Bluetooth connections are disconnected
All Bluetooth pairing information is cleared
Subsequently, before attempting to re-connect it’s also necessary to remove/clear the Blue Smart IP65 Charger Bluetooth pairing information from any devices (mobile phones or tablets) that were previously paired.
5.3.3. Disabling Bluetooth
It is possible to totally disable Bluetooth communication if desired.
Typically, there is no need to disable Bluetooth since unauthorised access is protected with a PIN code, but certain situations may warrant it for an even higher level of security.
There are two options available:
This option allows a Bluetooth connection to made within the first 30 seconds after a power-up; enabling a firmware update to be completed or Bluetooth to be re-enabled. If no Bluetooth connection is made within the first 30 seconds, then Bluetooth is disabled thereafter.
To disable Bluetooth:
Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN code set.
Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
In the 'Bluetooth' section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Enabled for 30 seconds’.
Tick the checkbox and then select ‘OK' as confirmation.
Bluetooth will now be disabled, except for 30 second after every power-up.
Notice
Note: This option will permanently disable Bluetooth; use with extreme caution, as this procedure is irreversible.
To disable Bluetooth permanently:
Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN code set.
Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
In the 'Bluetooth' section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Disabled’.
If you are sure that you want to permanently disable Bluetooth, tick the checkbox and then select ‘OK’.
A four digit code is provided to avoid Bluetooth being permanently disabled accidentally, if you are sure that you want to permanently disable Bluetooth enter the code, then select ‘OK’.
This is the last chance to abort; after Bluetooth has been permanently disabled it is irreversible and cannot be re-enabled later.
Bluetooth will now be be permanently disabled.
5.3.4. Re-enabling Bluetooth
If Bluetooth was disabled using option #2 ‘Disabled’, this is irreversible, and Bluetooth cannot be re-enabled.
If Bluetooth was disabled using option #1 ‘Enabled for 30 seconds’, it is possible to re-enable Bluetooth.
To re-enable Bluetooth:
Disconnect AC power and perform a new power-up.
Within the first 30 seconds after power-up (before Bluetooth is disabled), complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000) or the current PIN code set.
Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
Open the 'Product info' page by selecting 'Product info’.
In the 'Bluetooth' section, select the dropdown arrow to expand the menu, then select ‘Enabled’.
Bluetooth will now be re-enabled.
Notice
During this procedure:
Bluetooth is re-enabled
The PIN code is reset to default (000000)
Any active Bluetooth connections are disconnected
All Bluetooth pairing information is cleared
Subsequently, before attempting to re-connect it’s also necessary to remove/clear the Blue Smart IP65 Charger Bluetooth pairing information from any devices (mobile phones or tablets) that were previously paired.
5.4. System reset
It is possible to perform a full system reset to restore all charger/battery related settings to their default value; using the VictronConnect app.
Note that this does not reset any Bluetooth related settings, such as the PIN code or pairing information.
To perform a system reset:
Complete initial Bluetooth pairing and connection using the default PIN code (000000).
Access the ‘device options’ by selecting the 'settings' icon (gear) in the top right corner, then the 'device options' icon (three vertical dots).
Open the 'restore device' page by selecting 'Reset to defaults’.
Select ‘YES’ to reset all settings to factory defaults.
