VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle

1. Introduction

1.1. Introduction

The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle connects to a non-Bluetooth VE.Direct Victron product, allowing access via Bluetooth using the VictronConnect app for monitoring, setup, and firmware updates. It is compatible with Victron Energy products featuring a VE.Direct port, excluding GX devices. It is particularly useful for products without built-in Bluetooth, such as BMV 700 and 702 battery monitors, Phoenix Inverters VE.Direct, and BlueSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controllers. For additional documentation, including product photos and certificates, refer to the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle product page.

The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle was formerly known as the VE.Direct to Bluetooth LE dongle. There are no functional differences; only the name has changed from LE to Smart.

1.2. Features

The main features of the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle include:

• View data (e.g., battery status, solar panel power) from non-smart devices like BlueSolar MPPTs, Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct, and BMV wirelessly on iOS or Android mobile devices via the VictronConnect app.
• VE.Smart Networking: Enables wireless communication between Victron products. Refer to the VE.Smart Networking manual and the Limitations chapter for more details.
• Instant Readout: When connected to a BlueSolar MPPT, BMV-70x, or Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct, VictronConnect displays key product data on the Device list page without needing an active connection. This includes visual notifications for warnings, alarms, and errors for quick diagnostics (requires VictronConnect firmware 2.41 or later).
• Compatibility with iOS, Android, and macOS.
• Two status LEDs for Bluetooth and errors.
• A button to clear the PIN code.

Diagram Description: The dongle features a Bluetooth LED and an Error LED. A button labeled "Clear PIN code button" is present. The device connects via a "VE.Direct connector".

1.3. Limitations

Key limitations to be aware of:

• The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle is not compatible with Windows PCs.
• Synchronised charging is not supported with VE.Smart Networking.
• Stored trends are not supported.
• The "Keep SOC" option is not supported for the Battery SOC on reset setting.
• Bluetooth GATT service is not supported.

1.4. Compatible products

The dongle can connect to most Victron products with a built-in VE.Direct port. For a comprehensive list, consult the "Compatible Victron Products" section in the VictronConnect manual.

[info] The dongle cannot be connected to a GX device or a GlobalLink device.

1.5. The VictronConnect App

To connect to a Victron product via the dongle:

1. Open the VictronConnect App.
2. The app establishes communication with the dongle and the Victron product.
3. Once connected, the blue Bluetooth LED stops blinking and becomes solid.
4. The connected product appears in the VictronConnect App's device list, named "VE.Direct smart" along with the product's name (which can be changed).
5. Select "VE.Direct smart" from the device list.
6. The Victron product is now accessible via the dongle and VictronConnect App.
7. Use the VictronConnect App to monitor, configure settings, or update firmware.

For more information on monitoring and settings, refer to the VictronConnect product page and the manual of the connected Victron product.

To access dongle information via the VictronConnect App:

• Tap the cog symbol (⚙️) in the top right of the product screen to go to the settings page.
• Tap the 3 dots symbol (⋮) in the top right corner of the settings screen.
• Select "Product info" from the pop-up menu to open the product page.
• Scroll down the product info page to view dongle information.

Bluetooth Live Data Advertisement: This feature allows viewing data from the connected VE.Direct product instantly and without establishing a full connection. If the dongle firmware is updated to version 2.41 or later via VictronConnect, a prompt will appear to activate Bluetooth live data advertisement, making data immediately visible in the device overview. This can also be enabled/disabled later:

1. Open the VictronConnect app and tap the VE.Direct dongle.
2. Navigate to the Product info page and ensure firmware v2.41 or later is installed.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and use the slider to enable/disable Bluetooth live data advertisement.

App Screenshot Description: Images show the VictronConnect app interface, including a device list and a product detail page for an inverter, displaying various operational data.

2. Installation

• Connect the dongle directly to the VE.Direct port of a compatible Victron product.
• Ensure the compatible Victron product is powered on, which also powers the dongle.
• Upon power-up, the blue LED blinks, and the red LED flashes quickly. A short red LED flash confirms the red LED is functional.
• Connect to the dongle using the VictronConnect app.
• If a firmware update is needed, the blue and red LEDs will blink rapidly and alternately. The VictronConnect app will automatically initiate the update.
• If no firmware update is required, the blue LED will blink slowly, and the red LED will be off.
• Once VictronConnect establishes a successful connection (and firmware is updated), the blue LED will be solid, and the red LED will be off.
• Often, the firmware of the connected Victron product will also update upon the first connection.

[info] It is not possible to extend the 1.5m VE.Direct cable.

Connection Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the connection of the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle to a Victron product. It shows the dongle with its VE.Direct connector plugging into a port labeled "VE.DIRECT" on a device. Power and ground connections are also indicated.

3. Operation

Once the Victron product connected to the dongle is powered on, the dongle also receives power. The blue Bluetooth LED will blink slowly, indicating the dongle is ready for connection.

3.1. LED Status codes Bluetooth module

The Bluetooth status LED (blue) and the error LED (red) are associated with the Bluetooth interface.

• On power-up, the blue LED blinks, and the red LED flashes quickly. A short red LED flash confirms the red LED is functional.
• When the blue LED blinks, the Bluetooth interface is ready for connection to the VictronConnect App.
• When the blue LED is solid, the Bluetooth interface has successfully connected via Bluetooth to the VictronConnect App.

The table below provides an overview of LED combinations and their meanings:

3.2. Update firmware

If the blue and red LEDs blink alternately and rapidly, the dongle firmware requires an update. This typically occurs during the initial installation when the dongle is powered up for the first time.

To update the firmware on first install:

• Connect to the dongle using VictronConnect.
• Once connected, VictronConnect will automatically start the firmware update process.

To check or manually update firmware:

• Navigate to the product info screen as described in the previous chapter.
• Check the firmware version.
• If the latest version is installed, no action is required.
• If a newer version is available, click the "UPDATE" link to install it.

Firmware Update Screenshot Description: Images show the VictronConnect app screens for firmware updates, including a screen indicating current and new versions, and a product info screen displaying firmware details for both the dongle and a connected inverter.

4. Troubleshooting and Support

For unexpected behavior or suspected product faults, consult this chapter. Begin by checking the common issues listed here. If problems persist, contact your Victron dealer or distributor for technical support. If you are unsure who to contact or the point of purchase is unknown, visit the Victron Energy Support webpage.

4.1. Unable to connect to the dongle

Troubleshooting connection problems:

• Verify that the Victron product the dongle is connected to is listed in the "Compatible Victron products" chapter of the VictronConnect manual.
• The dongle is powered via the VE.Direct cable. Ensure the connected device is powered and its LEDs blink when connecting to the VE.Direct port.
• Ensure proximity to the dongle; a range of up to approximately 20 meters is effective in open space.
• Only one phone or tablet can connect to a dongle at a time. Disconnect any other devices and try again.
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting the dongle to the same product.
• Attempt to connect the dongle to a different product if available.
• Check if VictronConnect detects the device when using a VE.Direct USB cable connected to a PC or Android phone.
• Re-pairing: Remove the dongle's pairing from your phone's Bluetooth settings (Settings > Bluetooth > tap 'i' icon next to "VE.Direct LE" device > "Forget This Device"). Then, open VictronConnect, pull down the Discovery screen to rediscover products. Put the dongle in pairing mode by pressing its button, then select the Victron product in the app's Discovery screen. Confirm pairing to connect.
• Motorola Moto G 2014 (Moto G2) Issue: This model has a known issue with VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongles with serial numbers HQ1606 and earlier. If you use this phone with such a dongle, contact your Victron supplier for a replacement dongle.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, refer to the troubleshooting section in the VictronConnect manual for further assistance.

5. Warranty

This product is covered by a 5-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, valid for five years from the original purchase date. To claim warranty, return the product with the purchase receipt to the point of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage, deterioration, or malfunction resulting from alteration, modification, improper or unreasonable use, misuse, neglect, exposure to moisture, fire, improper packing, lightning, power surges, or other acts of nature. It also excludes damage from repairs attempted by unauthorized personnel. Failure to comply with the manual's instructions voids the warranty. Victron Energy is not liable for consequential damages from product use. The maximum liability under this warranty is limited to the product's actual purchase price.

6. Specifications

Table 2. Product specifications VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle

6.1. Enclosure dimensions

Dimension Drawing Description: A technical drawing illustrates the physical dimensions of the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. It provides measurements in millimeters from various angles, including a detailed view (DETAIL A) and the part number ASS030536011.