5. Setup
5.1. Using the MODE button
There are 3 easily selectable integrated charge modes that are suitable for most common battery types, as well as an optional recondition stage that can be included (except for Li-ion mode).
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 appropriate charge mode 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:
Mode | Absorption | Float | Storage | Recondition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 14.4V | 13.8V | 13.2V | 16.2V |
High | 14.7V | 13.8V | 13.2V | 16.5V |
Li-ion | 14.2V | 13.5V | 13.5V | N/A |
Notes:
For 24V chargers multiply all voltages by 2
Charge voltage is automatically compensated depending on ambient temperature (except for Li-ion mode or if manually disabled) - see section 4.2 ‘Temperature compensation’ for more information.
The desired charge mode can be selected by briefly pressing the MODE button to cycle through the charge modes – the LED beside the active charge mode (NORMAL / HIGH / LI-ION) will be illuminated.
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 - see section 4.1 ‘Recondition’ for more information.
If recondition mode is enabled the RECONDITION LED will be illuminated and blink during recondition stage.
5.1.3. Low current mode
If enabled the charge current is continuously limited to a significantly reduced level (varies per model - refer to specifications) compared to the nominal charge current.
Low current mode is recommended when charging lower capacity batteries with a high current charger, for example some lead acid batteries can overheat if charged with a current that exceeds 0.3C (more than 30% of the battery capacity in Ah).
To enable low current mode, depress and hold the MODE button for 6 seconds; the selected mode LED (normal / high / li-ion) will blink once activated.
To disable low current mode, also depress and hold the MODE button for 6 seconds.
5.2. Using VictronConnect
With the Blue Smart Charger range, selection of an integrated charge mode and other general settings can also 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 setup the charger 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 Charger in the LOCAL page, if it doesn’t automatically appear perform a 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 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 'charge preset' and the 'maximum charge current' (standard or low) directly from the settings list.
The indicator LEDs on the Blue Smart Charger will be illuminated to confirm the active charge mode and settings implemented.
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 MODE button on the charger.
Using the MODE button
To reset the Bluetooth PIN code:
Depress and hold the MODE button (on the Blue Smart Charger) for 10 seconds.
After 10 seconds have elapsed all blue LEDs will blink twice to indicate that the PIN code has been reset.
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 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.
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’.
Beside 'Bluetooth Enabled' select 'DISABLE' to open the 'Disable Bluetooth' window.
Select ‘OK’ as confirmation.
5.3.4. Re-enabling Bluetooth
It is possible to re-enable Bluetooth using the MODE button.
To re-enable Bluetooth:
Depress and hold the MODE button (on the Blue Smart Charger) for 10 seconds.
After 10 seconds have elapsed all blue LEDs will blink twice to indicate that Bluetooth has been re-enabled, and all Bluetooth settings reset.
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 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.
