Victron Energy Digital Multi Control 200/200A

Introduction

The Victron Energy Digital Multi Control 200/200A is a control panel designed for remote monitoring and control of inverter/charger systems. It supports stand-alone, parallel, and 2- or 3-phase configurations, integrating seamlessly with vessel, vehicle, or home systems. The term 'System' refers to interconnected inverter/chargers linked via RJ45 UTP cables.

Compatibility

• MultiCompact.
• MultiPlus, MultiPlus-II and MultiPlus-II GX.
• Quattro and Quattro-II.
• EasySolar and EasySolar-II GX.
• Legacy (pre-VE.Bus) Multi, MultiCompact, MultiPlus and Quattro (2008 and earlier).

Quick Start Guide

Installation involves connecting the panel to the inverter/charger system using an RJ45 UTP cable. In most cases, no further setup is needed.

What's in the Box

• Digital Multi Control 200/200A unit.
• Four mounting screws.

Features

System Connectivity

The control panel integrates with inverter/charger systems in stand-alone, parallel, and 2- or 3-phase configurations.

Power Mode Switch

A switch allows turning the inverter/charger system on, off, or to charger-only mode.

LEDs

Eight LEDs replicate the inverter/charger status. They auto-adjust brightness in low-light conditions.

Display

A 7-segment display primarily shows the AC input current and, if applicable, the AC input source or VE.Bus error codes.

AC Input Control

A knob adjusts the AC input current limit, useful for mobile setups connecting to various AC sources with different circuit breaker ratings. The adjustment range synchronizes with the system. Custom upper thresholds can be configured, and a fixed AC current can be specified in inverter/charger settings, which cannot be modified by the remote panel.

Multiple AC Inputs

The control panel automatically adapts to systems with multiple AC inputs, such as Quattro or extended VE.Bus systems. The display alternates between the AC current limit value and the input name (AC2, AC3, etc.) when switching. For AC1, only the current limit is shown. The last used AC current limit value is remembered for each input.

Generator Support with External Transfer Switch

For systems with a MultiPlus and an external transfer switch, the panel can be configured to allow AC current changes while connected to the grid but with a fixed generator limit. When screw terminals on the panel's back are short-circuited, a preset current limit is sent, and 'GEN' is displayed. This requires connecting to an external transfer switch's auxiliary relay.

System Types

This chapter describes the different inverter/charger system types the control panel can connect to.

MultiPlus System with 1 AC Source

Setup is simple: connect the panel to the VE.Bus system. It automatically adapts. No adjustments are required unless you wish to restrict the maximum AC current setting.

Quattro System with 2 AC Sources

Setup is easy for systems with one or more Quattros. Connect the panel to the VE.Bus system; it automatically adapts. AC1 input takes precedence over AC2. By default, the AC2 input current limit is remotely adjustable, while the AC1 limit remains fixed. A common setup involves connecting a generator to AC1 and grid power to AC2. While the generator runs, 'AC1' is displayed, and the knob cannot alter the AC1 limit. When the generator stops and shore power is active, the panel toggles between 'AC2' and the AC current value, allowing adjustment of the AC2 limit.

MultiPlus System with 2 AC Sources and Transfer Switch

When using an external transfer switch with a MultiPlus system, the switch dictates the AC source. The panel uses a screw connector on its backside to indicate generator status ('GEN') by short-circuiting the terminals, sending a preset AC current limit. The auxiliary relay of the transfer switch controls this.

MultiPlus System with 2 AC Sources

Multiple MultiPlus units can be configured using the 'VE.Bus System Configurator' software to create systems with multiple AC inputs. From the control panel's perspective, this is similar to using Quattro systems.

Installation

To install the control panel, you will need an RJ45 UTP cable (available in lengths from 30cm to 30m, not included) to connect it to the inverter/charger. If using the generator support functionality, two wires (0.25-1.0mm², not included) are required to connect the panel to the transfer switch.

Mounting

Use the four provided screws to mount the control panel. Refer to the Dimensions section for detailed mounting hole locations.

Inverter/Charger Connection

Connect the control panel to the inverter/charger or system using a straight UTP cable with RJ45 connectors. If multiple units are present, connect to any unit with an available unused RJ45 port. For pre-VE.Bus multiple unit systems, connect to the master unit.

External Transfer Switch Connection

If an external transfer switch is used, connect its auxiliary relay to the screw connector terminals on the control panel's backside. When the auxiliary relay is open, the AC current limit is adjustable via the knob. When the relay is closed, the control panel sends a preset generator AC current limit to the inverter/charger system.

Configuration

Setup Menu

To enter configuration mode, press the button on the back of the control panel for approximately 4 seconds until the bottom LED in the right column blinks. Use the knob to change parameter values and the button to advance to the next parameter. All parameters must be cycled through to exit configuration mode and activate settings. During configuration, the inverter/charger(s) will switch to 'Inverter only' mode.

The lower three LEDs in the left column indicate the parameter being adjusted:

LED status: = LED is off, = LED is blinking, = LED is on

Scaling Factor

This parameter applies only to pre-VE.Bus systems; for VE.Bus systems, leave it at the default value of 1. For legacy pre-VE.Bus systems, refer to the Pre-VE.Bus scaling factor section. The scaling factor aligns the control panel AC current with the system AC current and is exclusive to pre-VE.Bus inverter/chargers. The formula is: Scaling factor = (NrOfDevices * DeviceType) - 1, where DeviceType is 1 for a 16A unit and 2 for a 30A unit. NrOfDevices counts all units, including the master unit. For split-phase or 3-phase setups, NrOfDevices reflects units per phase.

Generator Current Limit

This parameter applies only when an external transfer switch is used. The generator AC current limit can be adjusted from 0 to 198A in 2A increments. It is advised to set the limit lower for 3000 rpm generators (70% of rated maximum) and higher for 1500 rpm generators (90% of rated maximum) to prevent overheating.

Upper AC Input Limit 1 to 4

This provides an upper AC input limit adjustment to prevent overly high current limits, especially in systems with multiple parallel inverter/chargers. For extended VE.Bus systems with up to four AC inputs, these limits can be configured. For basic systems with one AC input, only the limit for AC input 1 needs configuration.

Special Display Feature

To avoid the alternating display of 'AC2' and the current limit when shore power is active, set unused AC input limit parameters (e.g., AC3, AC4) to zero. This ensures only the current limit is shown for AC2.

Current Limit Overruled by Remote

This setting in the inverter/charger determines if the control panel can modify the AC input current limit. For Quattro units, both inputs have independent 'overruled by remote' settings.

Configuration Example

For a system with two VE.Bus Multis 16A/230V + 4kVA generator (3000 rpm) + external transfer switch, the scaling factor is not needed. If a 4kVA generator supplies a maximum of 17.4A, a 70% safety margin sets the generator current to 12A. The configuration involves setting the scaling factor (if applicable), then the generator current, and then the upper shore limit for AC input 1. Unused upper shore limits can be skipped.

Operation

The control panel controls and monitors the inverter/charger system and is active as soon as the system is switched on.

Turning the System On and Off

Use the switch (F) on the control panel to turn the system on, off, or to charger-only operation.

Adjusting AC Input Current Limit

Use the control knob (E) to adjust the AC input current limit. The display shows the set limit and, for multiple AC inputs, the active AC input source (AC2, AC3, AC4). When PowerAssist is enabled, a minimum AC input current limit applies. Limits adjust in 0.5A steps under 10A and 1A steps over 10A. Setting the limit to 0A requires turning the knob anticlockwise. The control panel prevents setting a limit below the inverter/charger system's minimum AC current.

*) The exact value depends on the inverter/charger model. Refer to the "Minimum input current limits" spreadsheet, located in the "VE.Bus (Multies, Inverters and Quattros)" folder in the firmware section on the Victron Professional website.

LED Brightness

For comfort, the light sensor (B) auto-adjusts LED brightness, dimming them in low ambient light conditions to save power.

Backward Compatibility with Legacy pre-VE.Bus Units

The control panel is compatible with legacy (pre-VE.Bus) inverter/chargers running firmware versions 15xxyyy, 17xxyyy, and 18xxyyy. While operation and setup align with the manual, the panel does not automatically adapt to these systems. The default setting is for a 16A transfer switch, but the 'Scaling factor' parameter must be adjusted if a different AC transfer current applies.

System Examples pre-VE.Bus

For pre-VE.Bus systems, the control panel must be scaled (matched to the system) by adjusting the 'scaling factor' parameter. Refer to the Configuration section for instructions. For pre-VE.Bus systems with 2 AC sources, an external transfer switch is essential, and scaling is also required.

Configuration

Configuration is similar to VE.Bus systems, with the addition of setting up a scaling factor. Refer to the Setup menu and Configuration sections for details.

Pre-VE.Bus Scaling Factor

This parameter is exclusive to pre-VE.Bus systems. The scaling factor aligns the control panel AC current with the system AC current. The formula is: Scaling factor = (NrOfDevices * DeviceType) - 1. DeviceType is 1 for a 16A unit and 2 for a 30A unit. NrOfDevices is the total number of units per phase. For example, one 16A unit has a scaling factor of 0. Two 30A units in parallel have a scaling factor of 3. Important: When configuring a non-zero scaling factor, do not specify slave count in VEConfigure software; set it to zero. In split-phase or 3-phase setups, NrOfDevices reflects units per phase.

Configuration Example pre-VE.Bus

For a configuration with four pre-VE.Bus Multis 30A/120V + 13kVA generator (1500 rpm) + external transfer switch, the scaling factor is calculated as (4 x 2) - 1 = 7. A 13kVA generator (120V) supplies a maximum of 108.3A; using a 90% safety margin, the generator current is set to 98A. The configuration involves setting the scaling factor to 7, then the generator current to 98A, followed by the upper shore limit for AC input 1. Unused upper shore limits can be skipped.

Dimensions

Dimensions are provided in millimeters (mm).

Metal Panel Dimensions: REC020005000 Digital Multi Control 200/200A

Revision: v1.0, Date: 01-09-2015