Victron VRM Portal: How to Get Started and Add Your System

Key Takeaways

• Ensure your Victron GX device or Global Remote has an active internet connection and has successfully transmitted data to the VRM Portal before attempting to add it.
• Locate your system's unique VRM Portal ID (IMEI or MAC Address) from the device label or menu before starting the setup process.
• The VRM Portal ID is crucial for linking your physical system to your online account. Without it, you cannot add your installation.
• If your system fails to connect to the internet or transmit data, troubleshooting the physical device's network connection is necessary before proceeding with VRM setup.

How do I set up my Victron VRM Portal account and add my system?

Setting up your Victron VRM Portal account and adding your system involves two main steps: creating a free user account and then linking your Victron Energy installation using its unique VRM Portal ID. Before you can add an installation, your Victron system must have successfully connected to the VRM Portal and transmitted its first data.

Before You Start: Requirements and Finding Your VRM Portal ID

Before you begin, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Internet Access: You need a computer with an active internet connection to access the VRM Portal website.
• VRM Portal ID: This is a unique identifier for your system. You will need this ID to add your installation to your account.
• Successful Connection: Your Victron system needs to have had a successful connection to the VRM Portal before you can add the installation to your user account. It is not necessary to connect equipment like a Multi or BMV battery monitor; applying power to a stand-alone GX device or Victron Global Remote is sufficient for it to connect to the VRM Portal.

Finding Your VRM Portal ID

The location of your VRM Portal ID depends on your Victron device:

• Cerbo GX with GX touch display: The VRM Portal ID can be found in the device menu under Settings → VRM Logger.
• Venus GX & Cerbo GX (label): The VRM Portal ID is printed on a label on the side of the device.
• VGR, VGR2, and VER devices: For these devices, the VRM Portal ID is the IMEI number. This number is written on a label on the back of the modem and on a label on the outside of the carton. You can also request it by sending a text message with the command 'GSM' to the modem.

Verifying Internet Connection

It is recommended, especially when working with SIM cards, to first configure and test the internet connection in your office before installing the system on location. If you encounter an "Installation could not be found" error during the addition process, double-check the internet connection of your system.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your VRM Account

Follow these steps to create your free Victron VRM Portal account:

1. Go to the VRM Portal: Open your web browser and navigate to https://vrm.victronenergy.com.
2. Register: Click the ‘Register for Free’ button.
3. Complete Information: Fill in all the requested information in the registration form.
4. Activate Account: You will receive a confirmation email with a link to activate your account. Click this link to complete your registration.

Step-by-Step: Adding Your Installation

Once your account is active and your system has transmitted data to the VRM Portal, you can add your installation:

1. Log In: Log in to your newly created VRM Portal account.
2. Select Product: Select the type of product you want to add.
3. Enter ID: Enter the IMEI or MAC Address number for your VGR, VER, or GX device product.
4. Add Device: Click 'Add'. Your device is now paired with your VRM user account.

Important Note: Adding an installation is only possible after the VRM Portal has received the first data transmission from your system. For off-grid installations where an SD card or USB-Stick is used, you must first upload the data file.

Managing Your Installation and Users

After adding your installation, you can configure various settings and manage user access through the VRM Portal's Settings tab.

User Rights and Administration

• Admin Rights: If you are the first user to add an installation to your account, you will automatically have Admin rights for this installation. Admin users can assign Admin rights to other users on the Settings page.
• Normal Users: Any subsequent users that add the same installation to their account will become a normal user, who cannot change any settings.
• Inviting Users: You can use the "Invite a user" function to pair an installation to other user accounts. This also works for users who do not yet have a VRM user account; they will be directed to the account creation page.

General Settings

In the Settings tab, you can manage:

• Description: Set the name or description of your installation.
• GSM Number: This field is useful for saving the GSM number of a SIM card for a Victron Global Remote. Its only function is to keep the number in a safe place.
• Location: Set the physical location of the installation by dragging a cursor on a map. This automatically sets the timezone used for all x-axes on the graphs.
• Tags: Tags are useful for accounts with many installations. For example, a company with multiple depots (North, South, West, East) can add a tag for the relevant depot to each installation. This allows you to filter installations in the overview. Adding tags is done in the 'Settings' page by typing the tag name and clicking 'save'.

Monitoring and Alarms

• Alarm Rules: The VRM Portal allows configuration of alarm rules. You can check and alter the default alarm monitoring setup to your needs.
• Device List: To see a list of all connected products and their firmware version numbers, go to the Settings tab, and then the Device List section.

VRM App and Screensaver

• VRM App: Do not forget to install the VRM app on your phone. It is available for free in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android. For Android, it is also possible to download the APK files on the Victron Energy software and downloads page.
• Screensaver: The screensaver enables you to quickly see the state of the installation you are currently viewing. You can configure the screensaver in your profile settings to automatically show up after a period of inactivity, or press the "s" key twice while viewing an installation.

Protecting Your Data and System Access

While setting up your VRM Portal, remember that you are creating an online account that grants access to your system's data and potentially its settings. Use strong, unique passwords for your VRM account. Be mindful when inviting other users and assigning Admin rights, as Admin users can change settings. The VRM Portal provides tools to manage user access, ensuring only authorized individuals can view or modify your system's configuration.

When to call a technician instead

If your Victron GX device or Global Remote cannot establish an internet connection or consistently fails to transmit data to the VRM Portal, preventing you from adding your installation, it is time to consult a qualified technician. Network connectivity issues, device malfunctions, or incorrect physical setup can prevent VRM access and may require on-site diagnosis and repair.