Victron VRM Remote Firmware Update Guide

Key Takeaways

• Ensure your GX device has "Full access" enabled and a stable internet connection for VRM updates.
• Check the VRM Portal's "Firmware updates" section for a green "Update" button to confirm device eligibility.
• Do not update a running system unless there are problems with it, as failed updates can lead to configuration loss or device shutdown.
• If you encounter Error 1341 or 1343, or if a Lynx BMS enters sleep mode after a failed update, remote updating is not possible or requires physical intervention.

Why isn't my Victron device updating remotely?

Remote firmware updates via Victron VRM require specific conditions: your device must be connected to a GX device, have an active internet connection, and the correct VRM Portal settings enabled. The most common issues are incorrect GX device settings or a lack of internet connectivity.

Diagnosis

Follow these steps to diagnose why your Victron device is not updating remotely via VRM.

1. Verify GX device connection and internet access.

• • Check: Ensure your Victron system is connected to a GX device (such as a Cerbo GX) and that the GX device has an active internet connection. The system must be communicating to the VRM Portal.
  • Meaning: Remote firmware updates require the device to be updated to be connected to a GX device. The system must also be connected to the internet and communicating to the VRM Portal. If this connection is absent, the VRM Portal cannot initiate the update.

2. Confirm VRM Portal settings on your GX device.

• • Check: Navigate to the GX device menu → Settings → VRM Online Portal → VRM Portal. Ensure the "Full access" setting is enabled.
  • Meaning: This setting grants the VRM Portal the necessary permissions to perform remote operations, including firmware updates. For firmware versions prior to v3.50, the required setting is called "Two way communication." If this setting is not enabled, remote updates will fail.

3. Check device compatibility for remote updates.

• • Check: Identify the specific Victron product you are trying to update. Refer to the Victron VRM Portal documentation to confirm if your model supports remote firmware updates via VRM. Many devices, including MPPT Solar Charge Controllers (VE.Direct and VE.Can), BMV Battery Monitors, SmartShunts, Inverter VE.Direct, Smart IP43 Charger, Orion XS, Skylla-i battery chargers, Inverter RS, Multi RS, MPPT RS, Lynx Smart BMS, Victron Energy Multis, Quattros, other VE.Bus-connected Inverter/chargers, and the VE.Bus BMS V2, are compatible. Remote updating the Lynx Ion BMS 150A, 400A, 600A and 1000A model is also possible.
  • Meaning: Not all Victron products or communication interfaces support remote firmware updates. If your device is not listed as compatible, remote updating via VRM is not an option.

4. Look for the "Update" button on the VRM Portal.

• • Check: Log into your VRM Portal and go to the "Firmware updates" section. For any device where a new firmware version is available, a green "Update" button should be visible.
  • Meaning: The presence of this button indicates that the VRM Portal has detected a new firmware version for your device and that the device is eligible for a remote update. If the button is not present, either no new firmware is available, or the device is not properly communicating with VRM.

5. Review any error codes if an update attempt fails.

• • Check: If an update process begins but then fails, check for specific error codes. Common codes include Error 1341 or Error 1343.
  • Meaning: Error 1341 "Not updatable" typically shows when the product is not a Victron product. Error 1343 "Not updatable: Blacklisted" indicates that the product you are trying to update cannot be updated remotely. These codes provide direct feedback on why the update failed.

Cause/fix table

Remote Firmware Update Process and Considerations

The Victron VRM Portal allows you to remotely update internet-connected products. This functionality requires the device to be updated to be connected to a GX device (such as a Cerbo GX) and for the entire system to be connected to the internet and communicating to the VRM Portal.

Essential Settings

For successful remote firmware updates, specific settings must be enabled on your GX device:

• Full access: The "Full access" setting, found on the GX device menu → Settings → VRM Online Portal → VRM Portal, must be enabled. This grants the VRM Portal the necessary permissions.
• Two way communication (for older firmware): For GX device firmware versions prior to v3.50, the required setting is called "Two way communication." Ensure this is enabled instead of "Full access."

Initiating an Update

To begin a remote firmware update:

1. Access VRM Portal: Go to the "Firmware updates" section on the VRM Portal.
2. Identify devices: Any device for which a new firmware version is available will show a green "Update" button.
3. Manual upload (optional): If you need to upload a specific firmware file, click the three dots on the right of a device line, then select the "upload file" button.

Device-Specific Considerations

• VE.Direct connected devices: Products connected via VE.Direct communication port, such as MPPT Solar Charge Controllers, BMV Battery Monitors, SmartShunts, Inverter VE.Direct, Smart IP43 Charger, and Orion XS, can be updated remotely. If an update fails for a VE.Direct connected MPPT Solar Charger, any configuration in the device will be lost.
• VE.Can connected devices: Products connected via VE.Can communication port, including MPPT Solar Charge Controllers, Skylla-i battery chargers, Inverter RS, Multi RS, MPPT RS, and Lynx Smart BMS, can also be updated remotely.
• VE.Bus connected devices: Victron Energy Multis, Quattros, other VE.Bus-connected Inverter/chargers, and the VE.Bus BMS V2 can be updated as well.
• Lynx Ion BMS: Remote updating the Lynx Ion BMS 150A, 400A, 600A and 1000A model is possible. During the firmware update process for a Lynx Ion BMS, ensure that the GX device is powered on the Aux-power output, as this is the only port that will remain powered. All other ports (main contactor, Allow-to-charge, and Allow-to-discharge signals) will disconnect, causing Multis and loads to switch off. If a Lynx BMS update fails and is not retried within 5 minutes, it will go to sleep mode and require a push on the start button.

Safety: Firmware Update Best Practices

Our main advice is to not update a running system, unless there are problems with it. While remote firmware updates offer convenience, they carry risks.

• Power stability: Ensure a stable power supply to all components, especially the GX device and the product being updated. For Lynx Ion BMS models, the GX device must be powered via the Aux-power output during the update.
• System impact: Be aware that for devices like the Lynx Ion BMS, all ports except the Aux-power output will disconnect during the update, causing Multis and loads to switch off. Plan updates during periods when power interruptions are acceptable.
• Configuration loss: In the unlikely event that an update fails for a VE.Direct connected MPPT Solar Charger, it will have lost its configuration. Be prepared to reconfigure the device locally if this occurs.

When to call a technician instead

While many remote firmware update issues can be resolved by checking settings and connectivity, there are situations where professional assistance is recommended:

• Persistent Error 1341 or 1343: If you consistently receive Error 1341 ("Not updatable" for non-Victron products) or Error 1343 ("Not updatable: Blacklisted"), the device is fundamentally incompatible with remote updates, and a technician cannot override this.
• Lynx BMS in sleep mode: If a Lynx BMS goes into sleep mode after a failed update and you are unable to physically access the start button to wake it up, a technician will be required.
• Unexplained failures: If all settings are correct, internet connectivity is stable, and the device is compatible, but updates repeatedly fail without clear error codes, there may be an underlying hardware or communication issue that requires expert diagnosis.
• Critical system operation: If updating a critical system and you are unsure about the process or potential impact, it is safer to consult a qualified Victron installer.