Victron VE Power Setup: CAN-bus Firmware Update Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use VE Power Setup only when a GX device and internet access are unavailable.
• A specific CANUSB adapter (ASS030532000) is essential for VE.Can firmware updates.
• Firmware updates for VE.Bus products are not supported by VE Power Setup.
• Product configurations are preserved during firmware updates when using VE Power Setup version 5.0 or newer.

When to use Victron VE Power Setup for firmware updates?

You should use Victron VE Power Setup primarily when there is no GX device present and no internet connection is available. This tool is designed for offline firmware updates of specific Victron VE.Can products.

Diagnosing firmware update needs

Before proceeding with a firmware update, identify the product type and the available connection methods. Not all Victron products can be updated using VE Power Setup, and some require different procedures.

Step-by-step diagnosis:

1. Check for GX Device and Internet:

• • Observation: Is a Victron GX device (e.g., Cerbo GX) connected to your system, and do you have an active internet connection?
  • Meaning: If yes, consider using the newer, recommended remote update mechanisms. The only reason to use VE Power Setup is when there is no GX device and no internet available.

2. Identify Product Type (VE.Can vs. VE.Bus):

• • Observation: Is your product a VE.Can device (e.g., Skylla-i, BlueSolar Charger CAN-bus) or a VE.Bus device (e.g., MultiPlus, Quattro)?
  • Meaning: VE Power Setup is primarily for VE.Can product firmware updates. Remotely updating firmware in VE.Bus products is not possible and will not become possible.

3. Check for Specific Incompatibilities:

• • Observation: Is your product a Lynx Ion or Lynx Ion + Shunt?
  • Meaning: These products cannot be updated via their VE.Can port using VE Power Setup. They require an update via their USB port instead.

4. Verify Required Hardware:

• • Observation: Do you have a CANUSB adapter, specifically the ASS030532000 model?
  • Meaning: This adapter is required to update the firmware of a VE.Can product connected via USB to your computer.

Firmware update compatibility and requirements

Understanding which products are compatible and what hardware is needed is crucial for a successful firmware update using VE Power Setup.

Using VE Power Setup for CAN-bus firmware updates

VE Power Setup facilitates firmware updates for compatible VE.Can products when other methods are unavailable. This process involves connecting the device directly to your computer using a specific adapter.

Compatible Products for VE.Can Firmware Updates:

Products which can be firmware updated via its VE.Can port using VE Power Setup include:

• All four Skylla-i Battery Chargers
• Skylla-IP44
• BlueSolar Charger 150/70 CAN-bus
• BlueSolar Charger 150/85 CAN-bus

Incompatible Products for VE.Can Firmware Updates:

Some products that cannot be updated via their VE.Can port using this method are:

• Lynx Ion (update via USB port instead)
• Lynx Ion + Shunt (update via USB port instead)

Deprecated Update Methods:

It is important to note that certain remote update mechanisms are deprecated. This includes remotely updating firmware of a VE.Can product and remotely changing the configuration of a VE.Bus system using Remote VEConfigure. For these, you should use the new mechanisms or the direct VE Power Setup method as described.

Configuration Preservation:

A significant improvement in VE Power Setup is that since version 5.0, the product configuration is preserved during a firmware update. This means you generally do not need to reconfigure your device after updating its firmware.

Safety: Electrical connections and firmware updates

Working with electrical systems always carries risks. While firmware updates are primarily software operations, they involve connecting to live equipment.

Always ensure the system is de-energized before making or breaking physical connections to prevent electrical shock or damage to equipment. Use appropriate personal protective equipment. When connecting a CANUSB adapter, ensure it is correctly seated and that cables are not strained. Opening the unit to access internal ports for updates should only be done by authorized service personnel after isolating all power sources (PV, battery, AC breakers) and waiting for the manual's specified capacitor discharge time.

When to call a technician instead

While VE Power Setup can be a useful tool for specific firmware updates, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary.

Call a qualified Victron technician if:

• You are unsure about the compatibility of your product with VE Power Setup.
• You do not have the required CANUSB adapter (ASS030532000) and cannot acquire it.
• You encounter persistent errors during the update process that are not resolved by following the steps outlined.
• You are uncomfortable working with electrical connections or accessing internal components of your Victron device.
• Your product is a VE.Bus device, as its firmware cannot be updated using this method, and attempting to do so may lead to further issues.