BlueSolar vs. SmartSolar

[jkingseed]

I'm trying to work the bugs out of our 2019 33' Classic. I struggled with what electronics could be used under what situation (shore power, generator, solar, nothing) with our 2014 EB and don't what to continue to go down the same path again. Im struggling understanding the control panel, for the solar, on our Classic. It's located off the side of the stove in the kitchen area. The Airstream Owners Manual says next to nothing in it and the small booklet from Victron Energy doesn't seem to help much either. Do you let the solar just do its thing or are there different settings to adjust based on different situations? While looking into this today I stumbled onto the Victron site. I saw that there was an app for some of their devices. This app allows one to view all the solar data on their phone via bluetooth. Our trailer has a BlueSolar charge controller MPPT 150/35. Am I correct in that this is not bluetooth enabled? But a SmartSolar is bluetooth equipped? Any other differences between the two? Can a Blue be easily changed out for a Smart? Anyone have any experience with using the app? Pros/Cons?
Thanks in advance if you respond and teach me a thing or two today.

[lsbrodsky]

I have older Victron equipment but you are correct. Smart has the BT dongle built in, for Blue Solar you need the separate dongle:

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energ...tronics&sr=1-3

It just plugs in on the side of the controller and then you can use the App to monitor and control.

Larry

[turk123]

Hello

I have the 2019 classic 30 and assume that your electronics are the same as mine. The round Victron dial can give you data if you figure out how to use it. I just bought the Victron dongle for the Mttp controller and that adds bluetooth to the unit. You can then download the app Victron connect and get all the information from your phone. $49

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energ...67051188&psc=1

[turk123]

Ahhhhh . beat me to it!

[jkingseed]

Thanks to both of you.
I downloaded the app earlier today and was unable to detect anything. That lead to my further research and then question. Nice to find out that they make an "adaptor" to go from Blue (non bluetooth) to Smart (Bluetooth). Not necessary to have to buy a whole new controller.
So get he dongle from Amazon, plug it in, download the app, and away you go? So the "dial" will simply be a wall decoration that you don't need to do anything with now or in the future? It's that easy?

[lsbrodsky]

Yep
Larry

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by jkingseed

Thanks to both of you.
I downloaded the app earlier today and was unable to detect anything. That lead to my further research and then question. Nice to find out that they make an "adaptor" to go from Blue (non bluetooth) to Smart (Bluetooth). Not necessary to have to buy a whole new controller.
So get he dongle from Amazon, plug it in, download the app, and away you go? So the "dial" will simply be a wall decoration that you don't need to do anything with now or in the future? It's that easy?

Wall decoration that can display, voltage, current, and ampere-hours consumed, the BMV-700 series also displays state of charge, time to go, and power consumption in Watts.

The 'smart' display makes it easier, with a few more options...👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Just to complete the info: Yes, you can switch out the Blue Solar for a Smart Solar device and not have to play with the dongle. Indeed there is a MPPT 100/35 that will do just fine. You will not be using the 150V capability on the 150/35 with a stock setup.

There really isn't a lot to tweak on the solar. Mostly it's just eye candy to look at from time to time and be able to brag about how well things are working. You *can* turn solar off with the app if you need to. That's about the only useful thing there ....

Bob

[pbach1957]

Hi everyone,
I just purchased a2023 Flying Cloud 28RBQ with the solar package.
I swapped out the 2 agm batteries for 2 100ah lithium batteries. I have the victron Blue Solar charge controller 150/35. How do I change to lithium battery charging?

[jeffb831]

On the controller, there is a little round dial. You need to move it to 7. It's next to the inputs/outputs for the wires. It can be seen on section 4.5 of the manual found here: https://www.victronenergy.com/upload...ual-pdf-en.pdf

[3OnOurWay]

That’s one benefit of the BT dongle or BT Smart MPPT

You can use phone to sign in see setting and make adjustments that are battery specific or fine tune to a manufacturer or personal style.

I’m sure the 7 rotary dial setting work great
And just finished switching from our MH the original AI Blue Solar out for the BT Smart Solar about 30 mins ago.
I’m interested to see the actual driveway charging rates