Configuring the Victron VE.CAN Resistive Tank Sender Adapter

Key Takeaways

• The Victron VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter connects standard resistive tank senders to a VE.Can network.
• Configuration involves setting a rotary switch on the adapter for the correct sender type and tank instance.
• It supports European standard 0-180 Ohm and US standard 240-30 Ohm senders.
• Up to 16 adapters can be used on a single VE.Can network for monitoring multiple tanks.

How do I configure the Victron VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter?

Configuration of the Victron VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter involves physically connecting the tank sender and the VE.Can network, then setting the rotary switch on the adapter for the correct sender resistance range and tank type. Further settings like capacity, fluid type, and volume unit are configured via the connected Color Control GX.

Setup Steps for the VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter

The VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter is designed for straightforward integration into a Victron VE.Can network. Follow these steps to connect and configure your adapter:

1. Prepare the VE.Can Network: Ensure your VE.Can network is properly terminated at both ends. The network also requires power. Compatible Victron products such as Skylla-i (all models), Lynx Ion + Shunt (both the 250A and the 600A model), Lynx Shunt VE.Can, BlueSolar MPPT 150/70 VE.Can, and BlueSolar MPPT 150/85 VE.Can can power the VE.Can network. If your installation does not include one of these products, add the VE.Can Power Cable - ASS030690000 to provide power.
2. Connect the Tank Sender: Your resistive tank sender (not included) will have two wires. Wire these two leads into the two spring-loaded terminals on the tank sender adapter.
3. Connect to VE.Can Network: Use a standard straight RJ-45 cable to connect the adapter to your existing VE.Can network.
4. Set Sender Resistance and Tank Type: The adapter features a rotary switch. This switch allows you to select both the sender resistance standard and the tank type.

• • For European standard 0-180 Ohm senders, use rotary switch positions 0-5. Each position corresponds to a specific tank type (e.g., 0 for Fuel, 1 for Fresh Water).
  • For American standard 240-30 Ohm senders, use rotary switch positions 8-F. Each position also corresponds to a specific tank type (e.g., 8 for Fuel, 9 for Fresh Water).

5. Set Tank Instance: The rotary switch also assigns a unique instance number to the tank. This is crucial when using multiple tank sender adapters, as it allows the Color Control GX to distinguish between up to 16 tanks of the same type. The adapter does not support custom naming; instance numbers are used for identification.
6. Configure via Color Control GX: Once the adapter is connected to the VE.Can network and the Color Control GX, a new entry will appear on the main menu of the Color Control GX. Through this interface, you can configure additional settings such as the tank's capacity, fluid type, and volume unit.

Configuration Settings Overview

The rotary switch on the VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter is central to its initial setup, allowing you to define the type of sender connected and the fluid it monitors.

Integrating with your Victron System

The VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter is designed to seamlessly integrate into a Victron VE.Can network. It allows a standard resistive tank level sender to connect to a Color Control GX, providing tank level information within your Victron monitoring system.

VE.Can Network Requirements

The adapter connects to the VE.Can network using standard straight RJ-45 cable. The network itself must be properly terminated with VE.Can terminators at both ends. The VE.Can network requires power, which can be supplied by certain Victron products like the Skylla-i or Lynx Ion + Shunt. If no such product is present, a VE.Can Power Cable (ASS030690000) is needed. The adapter itself has a low power usage, under 50mA, and operates with an input voltage range of 9 to 70 VDC.

Display Integration

Once correctly connected and configured, a new entry will appear on the main menu of your Color Control GX. This allows you to monitor tank levels directly from your Victron display. The adapter offers high ±1% accuracy for reliable readings. Its robust ABS construction is sealed to IP67, providing protection against dust and water ingress.

Safety: Electrical Connections

When working with any electrical system, always prioritize safety. The VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter operates within a 9 to 70 VDC input voltage range. Before making any connections, ensure that all power sources to the VE.Can network and the tank sender are disconnected. Use appropriate insulated tools to prevent accidental short circuits. Always double-check wiring before restoring power.

When to call a technician instead

While connecting and configuring the VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter is generally a straightforward process, there are situations where professional assistance is advisable. If you are unsure about wiring your tank sender, configuring your VE.Can network, or if you encounter persistent issues after following the setup steps, contact a qualified Victron Energy installer or technician. This ensures correct installation and avoids potential damage to your equipment or system.