Victron solar controller connections to Cerbo

[ksanders]

Here is a challenge...

i have two charge controllers, and a BMV battery SOC monitor all connected to my CERBO hub via VE direct.
All of my CERBO Ve direct ports are in use, and I want to add probably two new charge controllers, maybe three.

How are folks hooking up the connections so the CERBO recognizes new new charge controllers????

 

[rslifkin]

If you're out of VE.Direct ports and need to connect more VE.Direct only devices, Victron's recommended method is to use the VE.Direct -> USB cables (and a USB hub if needed).

 

[tpbrady]

Another Victron idiosyncrasy. I read the same thing about a week ago and thought why did they invent Ve direct when it’s only USB with a different connector. Looking at all the different network interfaces on a Cerbo, and you kind of wonder what they were thinking.

 

[heysteve]

I had the same problem and wound up connecting my three solar charge controllers to a powered USB switch (this). The switch takes 12 VDC as input so can be wired directly. Been working for a year... so far so good.

 

[wfleenor]

Yes, the USB hub is the only way. I just had a solar installation completed this summer and have 4 controllers (2 run 4 panels each and 2 run 3 panels each). USB hub is black unit on the short wall.

 

[ksanders]

Thanks! USB is the route I'll go.