Victron GlobalLink 520

The Victron GlobalLink 520 is a device designed to connect Victron equipment, such as Battery Monitors (BMV), SmartShunts, Solar Chargers, Phoenix Smart IP43 Chargers, and Phoenix Inverters, to the Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal via VE.Direct or Bluetooth. It also supports RuuviTag and RuuviTag Pro sensors via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The VRM portal offers free access to monitor installation status from anywhere using desktop or mobile devices. The device includes five years of cellular connectivity and comes pre-configured for immediate use. Ensure LTE-M coverage is available in your region before purchasing. Coverage details can be found at 1nce.com/en/coverage/. A list of operators with active GlobalLink 520 units is available at community.victronenergy.com.

1.1. Supported countries March 2022 (This list will change over time)

• Argentina
• Austria
• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Great Britain
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Jersey
• Korea, Republic of
• Latvia
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Puerto Rico
• Romania (Bucharest area only, pending further roll-out LTE-M)
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• US Virgin Islands
• USA

Installation

2.1. What's in the box?

• GlobalLink 520 unit
• 1.5m power cable with 1A inline fuse and M10 eyelets and power connector
• 2 pluggable terminal blocks

What's not in the box

• VE.Direct cables

2.2. Assembly instructions

1. Note the VRM Portal ID from the sticker on the GlobalLink 520.
2. Mount the GlobalLink 520 near the device to be monitored.
3. Connect compatible devices via a VE.Direct cable or Bluetooth (refer to the 'Victron smart devices and RuuviTags' chapter).
4. Connect the DC Power (8V - 70V).
5. The LED will blink blue while attempting to connect to the network (up to 5 minutes).
6. The LED will blink green and yellow when one VE.Direct device is connected, or solid green for two VE.Direct devices.
7. Add your installation to your VRM account using the Portal ID via the VRM portal. The device must be connected to the network (blinking yellow and/or green) before it can be added.

The status LED

Cellular connectivity

The GlobalLink 520 uses LTE-M compatible 4G networks. The default SIM card provider is '1nce'. Check LTE-M coverage at 1nce.com/en/coverage/.

4.1. 4G LTE-M

LTE-M (LTE Cat-M1) is designed for low-power IoT devices, utilizing existing 4G towers. It supports handover and roaming, enabling use in moving vehicles.

4.2. Antenna

The device features an internal antenna and an SMA connector for an optional external antenna. A switch selects between them. Warning: Do not use the 'external' setting without an external antenna connected, as this can permanently damage the device.

While not rated for outdoor use, an external antenna can improve signal strength. LTE-M frequencies are 703-803 MHz and 2520-2620 MHz. Poor signal strength significantly impacts data transmission performance.

4.3. Internal SIM card

A locked nano SIM card is included for connectivity, with a limited data bundle for device operation and updates.

4.4. Custom SIM card

The factory SIM can be replaced with a custom SIM card, provided the operator supports LTE-M (CAT-M1). The GlobalLink 520 typically uses 1-2MB of data per week.

4.4.1. Steps to replace the SIM card

1. Disconnect all cables and power.
2. Open the enclosure using a Phillips screwdriver.
3. Locate and open the SIM card holder mechanism.
4. Insert the custom SIM card with connectors facing down, close the holder, and slide it into place.
5. Reconnect cables, power up, and configure the PIN and APN in the VictronConnect app.
6. Wait for the device to connect (indicated by a blinking green LED). If connection fails after 15 minutes, it will reboot. If issues persist, disconnect power for 10 seconds and retry. Double-check APN settings if PIN is correct.

If switching back to the factory SIM, the custom APN must be deleted.

Image description: A close-up view of the GlobalLink 520 circuit board showing the location of the nano SIM card slot.

Product compatibility

The GlobalLink 520 supports VE.Direct protocol and Bluetooth broadcast data. It is compatible with:

• MPPT Solar Charge Controllers with VE.Direct Port
• BMV Battery Monitor 700 series
• BMV Battery Monitor 710 Smart series
• Multi RS Solar and Inverter RS Smart Solar
• MPPT RS
• Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct
• SmartShunt
• IP43 Chargers

Bluetooth compatible devices include:

• Smart Battery Sense
• SmartBMV
• SmartShunt
• SmartSolar MPPT charger
• Lithium Battery Smart
• RuuviTag and RuuviTag Pro

The device is not compatible with Peak Power Packs. Refer to Chapter 7 for data transmission details to VRM. More information is available at victronenergy.com.

Power

The GlobalLink 520 can be powered directly from a battery bank, operating between 8V and 70V. Current consumption varies based on relay state:

Data transmission to VRM

Upon power-up, the GlobalLink 520 connects to the LTE-M network to gather information from connected VE.Direct and Smart devices, transmitting it to the VRM portal every 15 minutes. Some data is only available via VE.Direct or Bluetooth live data advertisement.

Digital inputs

The GlobalLink 520 features two digital inputs that also function as pulse counters (up to 1000Hz). Pulse counts reset on reboot. The module also reboots if there is no network connection.

Pinout

• pin1: input1
• pin2: input2
• pin3: gnd

Inputs are non-isolated, operating at 3V3 levels and tolerating up to 5V. They have an internal 10k pull-up resistor to 3V3. Wiring to a potential-free relay or an open collector/optocoupler output is recommended.

8.1. Digital inputs as VRM alarm notification trigger

Digital inputs can trigger VRM alarms and send email notifications. The GlobalLink 520 sends cloud updates every 15 minutes, meaning there can be a latency delay between input state change and alarm notification, making it unsuitable for near real-time alarms. Alarm options are configured in VRM Settings > Alarm rules.

Image description: Screenshot of the VRM portal showing alarm rule configuration with fields for device selection, parameter, and alarm conditions.

To create a new alarm rule, click 'Add new alarm rule'. Digital inputs are displayed as separate items (e.g., 'GlobalLink 520 [1] - Digital input 1').

Select the digital input device, then the parameter (e.g., 'Digital input state'). Choose 'High' or 'Low' value based on desired alarm behavior. Testing may be required. Enabling 'Digital input state' widgets in VRM's advanced tab can help configure the alarm correctly.

Set the minimum time the condition must be active for an alarm to be generated. Note that an additional delay (up to 15 minutes) may occur before the alarm is sent to VRM and email notifications are dispatched. After adding the rule, review email notifications and enable/disable alerts for registered users. Finally, click 'Save all changes'.

Image description: Screenshot of the VRM portal showing alarm notification settings and email notification example.

Image description: Screenshot of the VRM portal showing alarm logs.

Relay switch

The GlobalLink 520 includes one relay controllable via the VRM portal. Changes are propagated upon the next data transmission, which may take up to 15 minutes or longer if there is no connection.

Pinout

• pin1: NO
• pin2: COM
• pin3: NC

Current reported value: Closed, Last requested value: Open.

Input Voltage Measurement

The GlobalLink measures voltage at its power connector. This measurement is used in VRM if connected devices cannot measure voltage. Accuracy is limited: +/- 0.2V at 14V, +/- 0.5V at 24V, and +/- 1V at 48V.

Firmware updates

The GlobalLink 520 can automatically check and update its firmware to the latest stable or beta version. Settings can be managed via the VictronConnect app or the VRM portal.

1. Open the VictronConnect app and select the GlobalLink 520.
2. Tap the cog wheel icon to access Settings.
3. Select the Auto-update option:
   • Disabled: No automatic updates.
   • Official release (stable): Only stable firmware versions are installed.
   • Beta release: Installs the latest beta version if newer than the current one.
4. If an update is available, the unit will update, indicated by a purple blinking LED. This process can take up to 10 minutes. Do not power down the unit during the update.

Settings and diagnostics

Compatibility Note: Not all Android devices, such as the HUAWEI Y6 2019, are compatible with the GlobalLink 520. If your device is incompatible, use an alternative mobile device. Victron Support cannot assist with mobile device compatibility issues.

12.1. VictronConnect

The GlobalLink 520 (firmware v2.05+) can be monitored live using the VictronConnect app via Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device. If the device is not visible, check VRM's device overview to enable Bluetooth; changes may take up to 15 minutes to apply.

The VictronConnect app displays the GlobalLink 520's serial number and BLE signal strength. Connection may take longer than usual as the device waits for LTE-M network information (should be less than 30 seconds).

Image description: Screenshots of the VictronConnect mobile application displaying device status, settings menus, and smart device lists.

The status screen provides information on LTE-M network and VRM portal connectivity. For proper operation, SIM status must be 'Ready' and LTE-M status 'Connected'. Check antenna selection and signal strength. The operator name and number are displayed, but selection is not possible.

The status screen also shows the status of VE.Direct ports, connected Bluetooth devices, and digital inputs.

If connecting very early during power-up, the SIM Status might show an error. Power cycle the device and wait for it to fully boot before connecting. The device does not auto-restart on detected errors if an active BLE connection exists.

12.2. Settings

Access settings by tapping the cog wheel icon. This section allows viewing/changing settings, product information (firmware versions), toggling the onboard relay, and managing the update channel.

Caution: Release candidate firmware is not intended for normal use or critical systems, as accidental errors could lead to remote inaccessibility or system shutdown.

CEREG output on the settings page can aid in troubleshooting LTE-M modem connectivity issues.

12.3. Victron smart devices and RuuviTags

The GlobalLink 520 supports Victron smart devices and RuuviTag sensors via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Data such as voltage, current, temperature, humidity, and air pressure is directly available in VRM.

12.3.1. Setting up Victron smart devices incl. RuuviTag sensors

Configure smart devices and RuuviTags in VictronConnect. Ensure the GlobalLink is powered on and devices are within ~10 meters. Update firmware on smart devices and enable Bluetooth live data advertisement before setup. Refer to the Product compatibility list for supported devices.

1. In VictronConnect, navigate to your GlobalLink's Settings (cog wheel icon).
2. Select 'Smart devices'.
3. Toggle the slider to enable desired smart devices and RuuviTags from the list.
4. If a device is not listed, it may be out of range or have a depleted battery.
5. Custom names can be assigned by tapping the device name.
6. Verify functionality on the overview page.

Connecting more than 25 Victron smart devices is not recommended.

12.4. Custom names

Custom names can be assigned to the following connections via VictronConnect:

• VE.Direct Port 1
• VE.Direct Port 2
• Digital Input 1
• Digital Input 2
• All Victron smart devices including RuuviTags

Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the device has power.

Ensure the LED is blinking. If not, verify the power cable connection and sufficient power supply. Check the inline fuse if the power pins were reversed.

Step 2: Check for cellular (LTE-M) coverage.

The LED should blink green or yellow. After power-up, it blinks blue during connection establishment. It then blinks green (with VE.Direct device) or yellow (without). If it stays blue, the unit attempts connection for ~15 minutes before rebooting.

Check signal strength (RSSI) in VRM's advanced page graph. Ideal RSSI is between -50dB and -100dB. Below -100dB, the connection will fail. Latest RSSI is also visible in the device list.

Image description: A line graph showing signal strength (RSSI) over time, indicating fluctuations between -50dB and -100dB.

Verify coverage at 1nce.com/en/coverage/. If coverage exists but there's no signal, consider an external antenna.

Step 3: Check the connected VE.Direct devices.

Ensure the LED blinks green or green & yellow (one VE.Direct device) or solid green (two VE.Direct devices). If only yellow, check the VE.Direct device cable and power.

Step 4: Find the device in the VRM portal

Log in to VRM and use the 'Add installation' wizard. The module becomes available in VRM only after establishing a cellular network connection.

FAQ

• Q1: Will the device store data and send it out later when the gateway is in range? No.
• Q2: Can the firmware of the device be updated? Yes, it updates automatically; manual updates are not possible.
• Q3: How can I connect multiple VE.Direct devices to the device? You can connect up to two VE.Direct devices.
• Q4: Can I connect both this module and something else to the VE.Direct port at the same time? No.
• Q5: Can the module be used to remotely switch the load output of an MPPT? No.
• Q6: Can the module be used to remotely update firmware of the BMV, MPPT, or Inverter? No.
• Q7: Can the module be used to remotely change the configuration of the BMV, MPPT or Inverter? No.
• Q8: Can the module be used to remotely perform any other action? Yes, you can switch the onboard relay switch from VRM.
• Q9: Can I use the GlobalLink with a GX device (e.g Cerbo GX)? No, it is impossible to use a GlobalLink with a GX device. The GlobalLink connects supported VE.Direct devices directly to VRM via its built-in LTE-M connection. For connecting a GX device to a 4G network, use the GX LTE 4G instead.
• Q10: The Peak Power Pack has a VE.Direct port, will the device work with that? No.
• Q11: Can I use my own SIM card in the device? Yes, provided your operator supports LTE-M (Cat M1).
• Q12: Can I use the SIM card for other devices? No, the SIM card is locked, has a strict data limit, and will not work in other devices.
• Q13: Can I factory reset the device? No. You can delete the corresponding installation in VRM to remove historic data.
• Q14: Does the device have GPS? No.
• Q15: Can I use the device over WiFi? No.
• Q16: What happens after the 5th year? Do I have to buy a new device? If 4G LTE-M networks are operational, you can insert your own SIM card.
• Q17: Does the GlobalLink support NB-IoT networks? No.

Appendix

15.1. Data attributes sent to VRM

The following data attributes are sent to the VRM portal for compatible devices:

Smart Battery Protect

• Device state, output state
• Input voltage, output voltage
• Alarm reason, warning reason, off reason
• Error code

Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger

• Battery current for output 1, 2, and 3
• Battery voltage for output 1, 2, and 3
• Device state
• Charger error

Lithium Battery Smart

• Cell voltage for cells 1-8
• Battery voltage
• Balancer status
• BMS flags
• Error

Orion Smart DC-DC Charger

• Input and output voltage
• Device state
• Charger error
• Off reason

Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct

• AC voltage and current
• Battery voltage
• Device state
• Alarm reason

Battery monitors (BMV, SmartShunt)

• Battery voltage and current
• SoC (state-of-charge)
• Aux voltage
• Alarm reason

Solar chargers

• Battery voltage and current
• PV power
• Load current
• Yield today
• Device state
• Charger error

RuuviTag and RuuviTag Pro

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Pressure

15.2. Enclosure Dimensions

Image description: Technical drawings showing the physical dimensions of the GlobalLink 520 unit from multiple angles, with measurements in millimeters.