Victron MPPT Error 68 and 69: Network Misconfigured Troubleshooting

Key Takeaways

• Victron MPPT Errors 68 and 69 indicate conflicting network communication sources.
• The first step is to identify all connected communication devices and interfaces (VE.Can, VE.Direct, BLE).
• Always disconnect all power sources (PV and battery) before adjusting any wiring or communication cables.
• If the error persists after carefully checking and reconfiguring all communication settings, contact a Victron Energy dealer for support.

What do Victron MPPT Errors 68 and 69 mean?

Victron MPPT Errors 68 and 69 indicate a "Network misconfigured" state. This means the charger detects multiple conflicting network sources trying to send the same information to the charger. These errors specifically highlight conflicts between high-priority communication interfaces.

Error 68 indicates that the charger detects multiple conflicting network sources, with the same priority, trying to send the same information to the charger. Error 69 indicates that the charger detects multiple conflicting network sources. For both errors, VE.Can and VE.Direct interfaces have the same priority level, and BLE (using VE.Smart Networking) has a lower priority.

Diagnosis

Follow these steps to diagnose the cause of Victron MPPT Error 68 or 69. Each step helps identify potential communication conflicts.

1. Check the MPPT Display or App: Confirm the exact error code (68 or 69) displayed on your Victron MPPT charge controller, a remote panel like a Color Control GX, or through the VictronConnect app. Victron Solar Chargers indicate an error with their LEDs.
2. Identify All Communication Interfaces: List every device connected to your MPPT charge controller via its communication ports. This includes:

• • VE.Direct: Cables connecting to a GX device, a Smart Battery Sense, or other VE.Direct accessories.
  • VE.Can: Cables forming a CAN bus network with other Victron devices.
  • Bluetooth (BLE) / VE.Smart Networking: Devices wirelessly connected via VE.Smart Networking, such as a Smart Battery Sense or other Victron Smart products.

3. Understand Communication Priority: Note that VE.Can and VE.Direct interfaces both have the same priority level. BLE (using VE.Smart Networking) has a lower priority. Conflicts leading to Errors 68 or 69 typically arise when multiple high-priority sources attempt to send the same data.
4. Look for Redundant Data Sources: Determine if more than one device is configured to send the same type of information (e.g., battery voltage, temperature, or current limits) to the MPPT charger. For example, if both a Smart Battery Sense (via VE.Direct or BLE) and a VE.Can BMS are trying to provide battery temperature data, this could cause a conflict.
5. Inspect Wiring and Connections: Ensure all VE.Direct and VE.Can cables are securely connected and undamaged. Loose connections can sometimes lead to intermittent communication issues that mimic configuration errors.

Cause/fix table section

Resolving Network Misconfiguration

Victron MPPT errors 68 and 69 specifically point to conflicts in how your system's components are communicating. The core issue is that your MPPT charge controller is receiving the same critical information from multiple sources that have equal communication priority.

Understanding Communication Protocols:

• VE.Can: This is a CAN bus protocol used for high-speed communication between Victron devices, often involving Battery Management Systems (BMS) or other advanced system components.
• VE.Direct: This is a simpler, point-to-point communication protocol used for connecting devices like a Smart Battery Sense, GX devices, or other Victron accessories.
• BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) / VE.Smart Networking: This wireless protocol allows Victron Smart products to share information. It has a lower priority than VE.Can and VE.Direct.

Troubleshooting Steps for Communication Conflicts:

1. Map Your Communication Network: Draw a simple diagram of all devices connected to your MPPT via VE.Can, VE.Direct, and any VE.Smart Networking links.
2. Identify Redundant Data Sources:

• • Battery Voltage and Temperature: Are you using a Smart Battery Sense (VE.Direct or BLE) and a BMS (VE.Can) that both provide battery voltage and temperature data? You generally want only one authoritative source for this data.
  • Charge Current Limits: Is a BMS or another device setting charge current limits via VE.Can, while another device is attempting to do the same via VE.Direct?

3. Prioritize Data Sources:

• • For critical battery parameters, a dedicated BMS connected via VE.Can is often the most reliable source. If you have a BMS, ensure it is the sole provider of these parameters to the MPPT.
  • If using a Smart Battery Sense, ensure it is not conflicting with a higher-priority source. In some setups, you might need to disable certain data transmissions from the Smart Battery Sense if a BMS is present.

4. Configure Devices: Access the settings of each connected Victron device using the VictronConnect app or a GX device. Look for options related to "Battery Monitor," "DVCC" (Distributed Voltage and Current Control), or specific communication settings that dictate what data a device sends or receives.

• • Disable Redundant Transmissions: If a BMS is managing battery parameters via VE.Can, ensure other devices connected via VE.Direct or VE.Smart are not also trying to send the same parameters to the MPPT.
  • Check DVCC Settings: If your system includes a GX device, review its DVCC settings. DVCC allows the GX device to coordinate charge and discharge limits across multiple Victron components. Incorrect DVCC settings can contribute to network misconfiguration.

5. Firmware Update: Although not explicitly stated as a fix for Errors 68/69, ensuring all your Victron devices have the latest firmware is always a good practice. Firmware updates often include communication protocol improvements and bug fixes.
6. Reboot the System: After making any configuration changes, disconnect the PV input and then the battery from the MPPT. Wait at least 3 minutes, then reconnect the battery first, followed by the PV input. This allows the MPPT to restart and re-evaluate its network configuration.

For more general troubleshooting on Victron MPPT issues, you can refer to our guides on Victron MPPT PV Over-Voltage Error 33 or Victron MPPT Controller Overheated Error 17.

Safety: Electrical System Precautions

When working with solar charge controllers and battery systems, always prioritize safety.

• Disconnect Power: Before adjusting any wiring or communication cables, always disconnect all power sources from your MPPT charge controller. This means disconnecting the solar panels first, then the battery.
• Insulated Tools: Use insulated tools to prevent accidental short circuits.
• Battery Safety: Batteries can store significant energy. Avoid shorting battery terminals. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection.

When to call a technician instead

While many Victron MPPT errors can be resolved with careful troubleshooting, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary.

• If you have followed all diagnosis and troubleshooting steps and the "Network misconfigured" error (68 or 69) persists, there might be a more complex underlying issue.
• If you suspect a hardware defect in your MPPT charge controller or other communication devices, contact your Victron Energy dealer. They have specialized diagnostic tools and expertise to identify and resolve hardware-related problems.
• If you are uncomfortable performing any of the electrical checks or configuration changes, it is best to consult a qualified solar technician.