Victron Blue Tooth dongle install

[Froglips]

2019 Classic 30' RB Twin

Is there anyone that has installed the dongle in this trailer? The Victron monitor is mounted in the wall behind the range. There does not appear to be any easy access to the back side of the meter. I don't know where the MPPT is located.

[ErnieDurbin]

Yes... but installed directly to the controller under the hall closet. Unplug the cable to the gauge and plugin the bluetooth dongle. Gauge will not work but you will have the bluetooth. I could never read the gauge anyway

[Froglips]

Super! Thanks for the info!

[turk123]

I've done the same install. It does plug into the controller replacing the gauge on the wall. You will love it as it gives you access to so much more info in a friendly way.

[ROBERT CROSS]

And the reason why you wouldn't want both to operate is?

Bob
🇺🇸

[Froglips]

So what did you do in your install to get both to work?

[ROBERT CROSS]

To be honest I just followed Victron's instructions.
I'm no 'letricle expert and the hardest thing was getting the latest firmware update to load.
I had the benefit of being able to start from scratch. I don't like to drill unnecessary holes in 'Cloudsplitter'.
I ordered the surface mount housing for the gauge, velcro'd it to the 'mouse fur' on the wall and ran the wire out-of-sight to the shunt under the front couch.
The Victron is the only thing connected to the batteries while in storage this Winter. I fully charged them last Fall, still at 13.3v today
I have two battery switches both on the positive cables, one to isolate the AS, the other to disconnect them completely.
Hope this helps...👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by ErnieDurbin

Yes... but installed directly to the controller under the hall closet. Unplug the cable to the gauge and plugin the bluetooth dongle. Gauge will not work but you will have the bluetooth. I could never read the gauge anyway

Guys, The dongle can also plug into the back of the gauge and then both the gauge will work and the Bluetooth app. No need to not have them both no working.

[turk123]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Guys, The dongle can also plug into the back of the gauge and then both the gauge will work and the Bluetooth app. No need to not have them both no working.

I didn't know that! I wonder if the dongle will fit? Or my luck, drop down the wall never to be seen again!

[GMFL]

There is a cross member just under the gauge so it will fit and will not fall far.

[Froglips]

Yes, the directions say to plug into the back of the gauge. In the 2019 Classic 30' the gauge is on the wall behind the stove. I have pulled on it a bit in an attempt to get it out of the wall. There are no obvious screws holding it into the wall. I assume it is a press fit but was concerned it was glued it.

Has anyone removed the gauge from the wall? Instructions, please!

[lewster]

Hi Folks!

Just so you know, the BMV-712 does not need a dongle. It has blue tooth already in it, unlike the BMV-702 which needs a dongle for your phone to communicate.

Thanks!

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Froglips

Yes, the directions say to plug into the back of the gauge. In the 2019 Classic 30' the gauge is on the wall behind the stove. I have pulled on it a bit in an attempt to get it out of the wall. There are no obvious screws holding it into the wall. I assume it is a press fit but was concerned it was glued it.

Has anyone removed the gauge from the wall? Instructions, please!

I’ve have install and removed. There is a square bezel around the gauge that is off white in color it has a gray/silver cover over it. You can remove the snapped on cover with a small plastic pry tool. Be careful not to get behind the off white part of the bezel and just remove the bezel cover. Once you have removed the bezel cover there are four small screws through the off white bezel holding the gauge to the wall. That’s probably about as clear as mud. I’ll try to post some pics later today.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by lewster

Hi Folks!

Just so you know, the BMV-712 does not need a dongle. It has blue tooth already in it, unlike the BMV-702 which needs a dongle for your phone to communicate.

Thanks!

Great catch Lew. I forgot to mention the 712 you DO NOT need the Dongle
Only on the older 702 monitors.

[Njg]

On the forums I’m seeing talk of the victron monitor for the solar charge controller also refer to a victron bmv712 also being installed.. I’m looking at a 2021 classic 30, do they come with a Victron BMV7xx installed in addition to the solar controller from victron? Also, does anyone have any idea what victron solar controller is coming with the 2021s??

[mountaindrm]

Originally Posted by Njg

On the forums I’m seeing talk of the victron monitor for the solar charge controller also refer to a victron bmv712 also being installed.. I’m looking at a 2021 classic 30, do they come with a Victron BMV7xx installed in addition to the solar controller from victron? Also, does anyone have any idea what victron solar controller is coming with the 2021s??

And to pile on, did any of the 2020's come with a 712 installed?

[lewster]

To my knowledge, the only Victron components that come with these newer trailers is a Victron solar controller ( I believe it's a 75/30 unit) and the Victron MPPT battery monitor. If you really want the BMV-712 or another other Victron component, you will have to install it yourself.