1. Introduction
The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle enables access to non-Bluetooth VE.Direct Victron products via Bluetooth. This allows for monitoring, changing settings, and updating firmware using the VictronConnect App. The dongle can read data from any product equipped with a VE.Direct port, making it particularly useful for devices without built-in Bluetooth, such as the BMV 700 battery monitor, Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct, or BlueSolar MPPT Solar Charge Controllers. Additional documentation, including product photos and certificates, is available on the VE.Direct to Bluetooth Smart dongle product page.
The dongle features two indicator LEDs (Bluetooth and Error), a push button for clearing the PIN code, and a VE.Direct connector.
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 been updated from LE to Smart.
Diagram Description: A small black rectangular device, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle, is shown with labels pointing to its components: a blue Bluetooth LED, a red Error LED, a Clear PIN code button, and a VE.Direct connector. A cable connects the dongle to the VE.Direct connector.
1.1. Compatible products
The dongle is compatible with most Victron products featuring a built-in VE.Direct port. A comprehensive list can be found in the "Compatible Victron Products" section of the VictronConnect manual. Note that the dongle cannot be connected to a GX device or a GlobalLink device.
1.2. The VictronConnect App
To connect to a Victron product via the dongle:
- Open the VictronConnect App.
- The Victron app will establish communication with both the dongle and the connected Victron product.
- Once communication is active, the blue Bluetooth LED will stop blinking and remain solid.
- The connected product will appear in the VictronConnect App's device list, identified as "VE.Direct smart" followed by the product's name. This name can be customized.
App Screenshot Description: The VictronConnect app displays a device list showing various Victron products. One entry, an inverter, is selected, showing its status as "Normal" and operational details like voltage and state. Another screenshot shows a product info page for the inverter, detailing its firmware version and a separate section for the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle, including its firmware version.
To access dongle information within the VictronConnect App:
- Tap the cog symbol (⚙️) in the top right of the product screen to navigate to the settings page.
- Tap the three dots symbol (⋮) in the top right corner of the settings screen.
- Select "Product info" from the pop-up menu to open the product information page.
- Scroll down on the product info page to view the dongle's details.
2. Installation
Follow these steps to install the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle:
- Connect the dongle directly to the VE.Direct port of a compatible Victron product.
- Ensure the compatible Victron product is powered on, as this will also power the dongle.
- Upon powering up, the dongle's blue LED will blink, and the red LED will flash quickly. A brief flash of the red LED confirms its functionality.
- Establish a connection to the dongle using the VictronConnect App.
- If a firmware update is necessary, both the blue and red LEDs will blink rapidly in an alternating pattern. The VictronConnect App will automatically manage the firmware update.
- If no firmware update is required, the blue LED will blink slowly, and the red LED will be off.
- Once the VictronConnect App successfully connects to the dongle (and firmware is updated, if applicable), the blue LED will remain solid, and the red LED will turn off.
- Often, the firmware of the connected Victron product will also be updated automatically upon the first connection.
Important Note: It is not possible to extend the length of the included 1.5m VE.Direct cable.
Connection Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle connected to the VE.Direct port of a Victron product, such as an inverter. The dongle is also shown communicating wirelessly with a smartphone running the VictronConnect app.
3. Operation
The dongle receives power as soon as the Victron product it is connected to is powered up. Initially, the blue Bluetooth LED will blink slowly, indicating that the dongle is ready for connection.
3.1. LED Status codes Bluetooth module
The blue Bluetooth status LED and the red Error LED are associated with the Bluetooth interface:
- During power-up, the blue LED blinks, and the red LED flashes quickly. The red LED provides a short flash to confirm its operational status.
- When the blue LED is blinking, the Bluetooth interface is ready to connect with the VictronConnect App.
- When the blue LED is solid, the Bluetooth interface has successfully established a connection with the VictronConnect App via Bluetooth.
The table below provides an overview of the LED combinations and their meanings:
| Blue LED | RED LED | Operational state | Connection state | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slow blinking | Off | VE.Direct gateway | Not connected | Ready for connection via Bluetooth |
| On | Off | VE.Direct gateway | Connected | Bluetooth successfully connected |
| On | On | VE.Direct gateway | Connected | VE.Direct communication problem. Only the dongle itself can be updated in VictronConnect. |
| Slow blinking | Slow blinking | VE.Direct gateway | Not connected | VE.Direct communication problem. The dongle will only advertise itself and the attached device will not be visible in VictronConnect. |
| Double flash | Double flash | VE.Direct gateway | Not connected | Confirmation that the PIN code has been cleared |
| Fast blinking and alternating with red LED | Fast blinking and alternating with blue LED | Firmware update | Not connected | Red and blue LEDs are alternating - The firmware needs to be updated |
| On | Fast blinking | Firmware update | Connected | The firmware is being updated |
| On | Slow blinking | Firmware update | Programming | The firmware is being updated |
3.2. Update firmware
If the blue and red LEDs are blinking in a fast alternating pattern, it indicates that the dongle's firmware requires an update. This typically occurs during the initial installation when the dongle is powered on for the first time.
To update the firmware during the first installation:
- Connect to the dongle using VictronConnect.
- Upon connection, VictronConnect will automatically initiate the firmware update process.
App Screenshot Description: A screenshot shows the VictronConnect app's firmware update screen for the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle, indicating the current and new firmware versions and a prompt to update. Another screenshot displays the "Product info" screen, showing firmware versions for both the connected product (e.g., an inverter) and the dongle itself, with options to update.
To check the firmware version or perform a manual update:
- Navigate to the product info screen as described in the previous section.
- Check the displayed firmware version.
- If the latest version is already installed, no action is necessary.
- If a newer version is available, select the "UPDATE" link to install it.
4. Troubleshooting and Support
Consult this chapter if you encounter unexpected behavior or suspect a product fault. The recommended troubleshooting process involves first reviewing the common issues detailed here. If these steps do not resolve the problem, contact your point of purchase for technical support. If the point of purchase is unknown, please refer to the Victron Energy Support webpage.
4.1. Unable to connect to the dongle
Follow these steps to diagnose and fix connection problems:
- Verify that the Victron product to which the dongle is connected is listed in the "compatible Victron products" chapter of the VictronConnect manual.
- The dongle is powered via the VE.Direct cable connection. Confirm that the device the dongle connects to is powered and that its LEDs blink when connected to the VE.Direct port.
- Ensure you are within adequate range of the dongle. In open spaces, a distance of up to approximately 20 meters should be effective.
- Only one phone or tablet can be connected to a dongle at any given time. Make sure no other devices are currently connected to the dongle, then try connecting again.
- Attempt to disconnect the dongle and then reconnect it to the same product.
- If possible, try connecting the dongle to a different Victron product.
- Check if VictronConnect can detect the device when using a VE.Direct USB cable connected to a PC or an Android phone.
- To re-pair the connection, first remove the existing pairing from your phone: go to your phone's Settings, select Bluetooth, tap the information icon (?) next to any "VE.Direct LE" device, and choose "Forget This Device". Then, reopen the VictronConnect App and pull down the Discovery screen to refresh the list of devices. Put the dongle into pairing mode by pressing its button, then select the Victron product from the app's Discovery screen. Confirm the pairing process; you should now be connected to the dongle.
- Specific Issue: If using a Motorola Moto G 2014 (also known as Moto G2), there is a known compatibility issue with VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongles that have serial numbers HQ1606 and earlier. If you are using this phone model with such a dongle, please contact your Victron supplier for a replacement (newer) dongle.
If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, consult the troubleshooting section within the VictronConnect manual for more detailed information.
5. Warranty
This product is covered by a 5-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty period lasts for three years from the original date of purchase. To make a warranty claim, customers must return the product along with the purchase receipt to the point of purchase. This limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration, or malfunction resulting from alterations, modifications, improper or unreasonable use or misuse, neglect, exposure to excessive moisture, fire, improper packing, lightning strikes, power surges, or other acts of nature. It also does not cover damage or malfunction resulting from repairs attempted by unauthorized personnel. Failure to comply with the instructions provided in this manual will void the warranty. Victron Energy is not liable for any consequential damages arising from the use of this product. The maximum liability of Victron Energy under this limited warranty shall not exceed the actual purchase price of the product.
6. Specifications
The following table details the product specifications for the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart Dongle:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Current draw when not connected via Bluetooth | 1mA |
| Current draw when connected via Bluetooth | 2.5mA |
| Length VE.Direct cable | 1.5m |
6.1. Enclosure dimensions
Dimension Drawing Description: A technical drawing illustrates the physical dimensions of the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle. Key measurements are provided in millimeters (mm). The drawing includes overall length, width, and height, as well as details of the VE.Direct connector and cable. A magnified view, labeled "DETAIL A", shows specific radii and mounting features. The product part number ASS030536011 is also indicated.
