No Victron Technical Support

[InsuredApple]

Just Catamarans put a bunch of Victron hardware on our boat - meh. We can't connect to the solar charge controllers anymore, because they REQUIRE a firmware update, which fails every-time we try -- using our precious mobile data along the way. Meh. The controllers still do their job and our Maretron system monitors the current coming from our solar panels, so we have that... I think the bluetooth thing is a gimmick that doesn't work for us. Even when it was working, I had to go sit by the service bay to get the bluetooth to connect (which is likely a bluetooth thing... not a Victron "issue"). Anyhow... meh

[john61ct]

Remember, a SC communicating to your cellphone reporting real-time data, showing graphed log info is freaking **amazing**.

https://youtu.be/kBLkX2VaQs4

Yes BT range is limited, so some setups require a GX-based hardwired solution to get that info away from the SC unit.

That's on the installer, not Victron.

Or if the added expense is an issue, just get closer to the SCs to see their data.

[Yellowjacket]

Originally Posted by InsuredApple

Just Catamarans put a bunch of Victron hardware on our boat - meh. We can't connect to the solar charge controllers anymore, because they REQUIRE a firmware update, which fails every-time we try -- using our precious mobile data along the way. Meh. The controllers still do their job and our Maretron system monitors the current coming from our solar panels, so we have that... I think the bluetooth thing is a gimmick that doesn't work for us. Even when it was working, I had to go sit by the service bay to get the bluetooth to connect (which is likely a bluetooth thing... not a Victron "issue"). Anyhow... meh

You may have a Victron Smart Battery Sense as part of your solar system. Victron and some resellers are aware of issues with the bluetooth in these units. This may also factor in failure of firmware update.

Perhaps if you unhooked that unit from the battery (if installed,) and made sure that your phone was talking to the MPPT directly, and had good data connection, the firmware update might be successful.

The update itself may be corrupted if you're using "precious mobile data" … Solid data connection is pretty important in downloading and installing the updates.

I would agree that a "required" update, one that takes down an otherwise working system, could be rethought by Victron for those of us on the water. "An update is available. Would you like to install now?" has been standard in other applications for quite some time now.

[john61ct]

Completely agree there.

Even better, only ask the question after testing for a solid internet connection.

But these issues have little to do with the OP's claim that their after-sales service is poor.

Fact is many (most?) top-end SC vendors do not even have a facility for updating their units' software with improved versions.