SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 - VictronConnect doesn't see it

donmontalvo

My new nuCamp T@B 320S Boondock Black Canyon comes with a SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 which has Bluetooth.

The VictronConnect app doesn't see it. I read somewhere that it can only connect to one device.

If so, should I reset the device, or would that mess things up?

Sharon_is_SAM

There are often firmware updates.  Give it some time.  

donmontalvo

Wouldn’t it need to connect to update the firmware?

pthomas745

Here is the Victron trouble shooting page for connecting.  It could be something simple like not allowing location services.

https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/VictronConnect_Manual/en/connecting.html

The troubleshooting section does say:

"Only one phone can be connected to a product at the same time. Make sure that no other phone is already connected."

Grumpy_G

Does your phone OS see the bluetooth device ? Or did you already pair the controller at the OS level ? The Victron app can't find the device if it's already paired to the phone, you would need to remove the device at the OS level. 

RTWCTS

Additional thoughts from your posts @donmontalvo...
-Victron connect CAN see multiple devices (I have two MPPT controllers and SmartShunt connected to mine).
-Yes, you'd need to see the device in the list to update firmware.
-Range can be an issue for the Bluetooth signal. Mine works best when I'm inside the trailer. Even 10FT from the trailer and my devices start falling off.
-Try uninstalling/reinstalling the App on your phone. That has fixed issues for me in the past.
Good luck!

donmontalvo

pthomas745 said:

Here is the Victron trouble shooting page for connecting.  It could be something simple like not allowing location services.

https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/VictronConnect_Manual/en/connecting.html

Location Services doesn’t list VictronConnect as Location Services capable.

The troubleshooting section does say: "Only one phone can be connected to a product at the same time. Make sure that no other phone is already connected."

There is not a device connected to it at the moment.

It does not show up in the iOS Bluetooth available devices list.

donmontalvo

RTWCTS said:

Additional thoughts from your posts @donmontalvo...
-Victron connect CAN see multiple devices (I have two MPPT controllers and SmartShunt connected to mine).
-Yes, you'd need to see the device in the list to update firmware.
-Range can be an issue for the Bluetooth signal. Mine works best when I'm inside the trailer. Even 10FT from the trailer and my devices start falling off.
-Try uninstalling/reinstalling the App on your phone. That has fixed issues for me in the past.
Good luck!

Bingo! I deleted and reinstalled the app. My knee jerk responses to the privacy prompts may have prevented connection!

This should go into the FAQ!

donmontalvo

Nice, so VictronConnect is also available through the Apple App Store, so it can run on a Mac.

Installed it, approved both prompts, paired and changed the default PIN.

Updated the firmware on both devices, noticed more than one Firmware update might be needed.

Binghi

Would be a good idea to record the unique PUK number for the MPPT controller. It’s on the backside of the device; unscrew the device from the wall and take a picture of the backside to get it. You’ll need it if you ever have to reset the device or possibly if you buy a new phone and the Victron app on the new phone won’t connect to the device. The latter happened to me.

donmontalvo

Binghi said:

Would be a good idea to record the unique PUK number for the MPPT controller. It’s on the backside of the device; unscrew the device from the wall and take a picture of the backside to get it. You’ll need it if you ever have to reset the device or possibly if you buy a new phone and the Victron app on the new phone won’t connect to the device. The latter happened to me.

My SmartSolar MPPT device has disappeared from VictronConnect, it isn’t showing up as a device I can connect to.

I tried deleting VictronConnect from my iPhone and re-installed it, allowing at the privacy prompts.

VictronConnect saw the SmartShunt and it connected fine.

VictronConnect did not see the SmartSolar MPPT device.

I’m not sure how to troubleshoot the issue.

elbolillo

Can you confirm that the Bluetooth is active on the MPPT?

elbolillo

Also, make sure that the Victron MPPT is not connected under the bluetooth settings for your phone. If it is, forget the device, then reopen the Victron connection app and make the connection through the app.

donmontalvo

elbolillo said:

Can you confirm that the Bluetooth is active on the MPPT?

The manual says:

"Connect with the VictronConnect app to the solar charger. Note that if Bluetooth has been disabled, a connection via its built-in

Bluetooth is not possible anymore. In that case use the VE.Direct to USB interface, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle or

VRM to connect to the solar charger."

I don’t have a “VE.Direct to USB interface” or a “VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle”.

Not sure how “VRM” would be possible without a way to connect to it.

donmontalvo

elbolillo said:

Also, make sure that the Victron MPPT is not connected under the bluetooth settings for your phone. If it is, forget the device, then reopen the Victron connection app and make the connection through the app.

It isn’t.

donmontalvo

I went ahead and opened a ticket with Victron Support in the Netherlands. I will create a VRM in case I need it.

CORRECTION: It appears I do have a VRM account. Looks like I created it when I registered all the components when I bought the T@B. I don’t see any of my devices lister there, I will wait to hear back from Victron Support before proceeding.

Marceline

elbolillo said:

Can you confirm that the Bluetooth is active on the MPPT?

This. There should be a blue flashing light on the controller. 

donmontalvo

Marceline said:

elbolillo said:

Can you confirm that the Bluetooth is active on the MPPT?

This. There should be a blue flashing light on the controller. 

Interesting, do we know where the blue light might be on the SmartSolar MPPT 100/30? None of the lights on the front is for Bluetooth.

donmontalvo

Wait. Wat?

VictronConnect app on macOS is able to see both devices...I wonder why my iPhone can only see the SmartShunt.

Oh well, will tackle that tomorrow. I'm tired from the Jack-E-Up work I did today.

donmontalvo

Wow, just noticed mg iPhone now sees the SmartSolar MPPT. Strange.

Marceline

donmontalvo said:

Marceline said:

elbolillo said:

Can you confirm that the Bluetooth is active on the MPPT?

This. There should be a blue flashing light on the controller. 

Interesting, do we know where the blue light might be on the SmartSolar MPPT 100/30? None of the lights on the front is for Bluetooth.

I was pretty sure there was a Bluetooth indicator light but maybe I’m misremembering. In any case, if your Mac sees it, it’s transmitting. So maybe something went wrong with the phone pairing…

Binghi

donmontalvo said:

Wow, just noticed mg iPhone now sees the SmartSolar MPPT. Strange.

Don’t you love modern technology? Those little goblins are so cute!