Multiplus II, what else is needed to install?

[IamProStreet]

So my current project of installing lithium and solar panels is on its way. The next project I’m considering is replacing the inverter and converter. I figured I might as well just go with the Victron Multiplus II. What else do I need to get it up and running other then the wiring? I want to be able to update and change settings on the Multiplus. I don’t want to go to the extreme of the Cerbo GX. From what I read the dongle for VE networking is limited to a few settings. The usb-mk3 needs to be plugged into a computer to make changes or update firmware. Is there any cabling or anything else I would need to make the usb-mk3 and the dongle work. Does the dongle make my smart shunt and smart solar controller share info with the Multiplus?

[Aussieguy]

I was tossing around the idea of the multiplus II only, because it appeared easier to install for the automatic switching between inverting and charging modes.

I don't see much of a benefit from the power boost from generator / shorepower where the inverter will kick in to supply shortfall in power.
a) 90% of my time will be off-grid and will be relying on solar and batteries
b) have not had brownouts from paid camp grounds (touch wood)


communication ....
I won't be looking at how many "this and that" my system is producing
I really only care if........... it is working or not .
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have now decided to get a stand alone inverter and keep my charger
wired with a automatic transfer switch.

As per Titan Mike's suggestions on how to hook it up


Nice to have all that bluetooth communication dongles and info on all the equipment
but the only ones I will be worried about is the

Battery BMS
Solar charger controller (will be nice to see how much solar is getting produced)

[SacRV]

I have a complete Victron system. I added another battery, couple more solar panels and the Cerbo GX a year later. It was unequivocally the best thing I could have done. Our trailer is permanently setup on our mountain property. Being able to monitor our solar production and battery level remotely has been a game changer. It also gives you the ability to look at historical data. I’d rather have one less battery or solar panel in order to have the Cerbo GX. I was also able to add a couple temperature sensors via the Cerbo GX to monitor temperatures inside and outside of the trailer.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Aussieguy

*********************
a) 90% of my time will be off-grid and will be relying on solar and batteries
*******************

communication ....
I won't be looking at how many "this and that" my system is producing
I really only care if........... it is working or not .
**********************

The more time you spend "off grid" the more you will like the ability to monitor all of your system ---------or-------wish you had it if you left it out to save a few $$.


I (like many others) already spend 90% (actually more) of my camping time a long ways from a power pole. Because of my monitoring system I can tell when it's absolutely necessary to start my generator. As I've stated before, I spent all but 7 nights from the first week of January to the middle of February totally "off the post" and didn't have to start the generator once. 33 days powered totally by nature or from my engines alternator while driving 3,000+ miles too and from the SW desert area.

If you can't properly monitor the system you want to rely on that can lead to a lot of wasted fuel in a generator.

[Aussieguy]

Originally Posted by Aussieguy

Nice to have all that bluetooth communication dongles and info on all the equipment
but the only ones I will be worried about is the

Battery BMS
Solar charger controller (will be nice to see how much solar is getting produced)

Never said didn't want to monitor any stuff...
the Inverter is not one of the things that I would want to monitor.

It works when 120v is on the outlet........... or it don't work.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The question by the OP was on Multiplus and equipment

I don't see a great benefit in going to the Multiplus...
now that I understand the automatic transfer switching.

Multiplus has some good features ...
power monitoring ....... and top up
communication
Uninterruptible power supply if your campground looses power


BUT when you are trying to use just one power source ....... solar and battery , all of those nice Multiplus features are not required or able to be even used !

[IamProStreet]

My thinking about getting a Multiplus is because currently I have a 1000 watt inverter, I would like to be able to make a cup of coffee or use the microwave when off grid without having to get the generator out. To install a new inverter large enough I would have to rewire quite a bit to power the microwave as my current inverter only powers a few outlets. Not required because I have solar but the price of replacing the converter to a lithium capable charger and a new larger inverter would be half the price of the Multiplus along with a simpler install. Power sharing would also be nice with my small generator running the air conditioner.

[JimM2109S]

For just making morning coffee, a percolator on your propane stove works wonders.

Of course, you still would not have use of the microwave. Panasonic makes inverter microwaves that will run on your 1K inverter if power is set to 50%-ish or less.

[Aussieguy]

If you get solar upgrade... you don't need to replace the converter
the solar will charge it ...

the older converters can be used to charge lithiums enough



Just looked at your your profile...... says 2022 Flagstaff 529IKRL the converter may be already lithium capable ... double check it


your power panel / hookup is 50amp?
I haven't looked at 50amp setups

so other people will have to advise you the best way to hookup a large inverter or Multiplus into your trailer



you will need a lot of solar and battery power if you want to use the air conditioner more than a couple of hours to get the trailer cooled off a bit

[IamProStreet]

Originally Posted by Aussieguy

If you get solar upgrade... you don't need to replace the converter
the solar will charge it ...

the older converters can be used to charge lithiums enough



Just looked at your your profile...... says 2022 Flagstaff 529IKRL the converter may be already lithium capable ... double check it


your power panel / hookup is 50amp?
I haven't looked at 50amp setups

so other people will have to advise you the best way to hookup a large inverter or Multiplus into your trailer



you will need a lot of solar and battery power if you want to use the air conditioner more than a couple of hours to get the trailer cooled off a bit

Have checked the converter, not a lithium. Yes it’s a 50 Amp unit. I would use power share with a 2500 Watt generator for the air conditioning. Power share assists with the A/C load above a set point you choose in this case it would be set at 15 Amps. So anything over 15 Amps would be supplied by the inverter. I have most of the parts waiting to be installed, 800 Watts of solar and 400 Ah of lithium.

[Aussieguy]

found this for you

he explains it well and there is a parts list

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBYgkN1_r8Y

[SacRV]

Originally Posted by IamProStreet

Have checked the converter, not a lithium. Yes it’s a 50 Amp unit. I would use power share with a 2500 Watt generator for the air conditioning. Power share assists with the A/C load above a set point you choose in this case it would be set at 15 Amps. So anything over 15 Amps would be supplied by the inverter. I have most of the parts waiting to be installed, 800 Watts of solar and 400 Ah of lithium.

PowerShare is not for sustained use, only brief increases in power. If your calculating in PowerShare to meet your loads you will be sorely disappointed.

[IamProStreet]

Lithium is installed.


One of the 3 solar panels came broken so just waiting on the replacement to be delivered.

I will check out that video and also look more into the power share. The Multiplus will definitely be next spring’s project so no rush on that.