Victron Hubble AM2 HV Battery Settings and GX Communications Setup

Key Takeaways

• A Hubble CloudLink is mandatory for official support and proper communication between Hubble batteries and Victron GX devices.
• Ensure all firmware is updated to the specified minimum versions before beginning installation.
• Correct cabling and CAN bus settings on both the CloudLink and Victron GX device are critical for communication.
• Specific charge and discharge voltage settings are dynamically managed by the CloudLink, not set manually.
• Always consult a qualified technician if you are unsure about any wiring or high-voltage connections.

How do I set up my Hubble AM2 HV battery to communicate with a Victron GX device?

To establish communication between your Hubble AM2 HV battery and a Victron GX device, you must use a Hubble CloudLink. This device acts as an interface, translating battery data into the extended Victron CAN bus protocol. The CloudLink also dynamically manages voltage and current control for optimal battery performance and system integration.

Diagnosis and Setup Steps

Follow these steps to correctly set up communication and configure your Hubble AM2 HV battery with a Victron GX device.

1. Gather Required Components:

• • Hubble Battery (e.g., AM2 HV)
  • Hubble CloudLink and necessary cables (if not integrated into a '+' model battery)
  • Victron Type A BMS Cable
  • Laptop or cellphone for configuration
  • Victron GX Device (e.g., Cerbo GX or Ekrano GX)

2. Update Firmware:

• • Ensure your CloudLink firmware is version >= 4.60.
  • Ensure your Victron GX Device firmware is version >= 3.00.
  • For VE.Bus devices, use the current recommended firmware release.
  • Safety Warning: Please ensure the CloudLink and the GX device are updated before beginning the installation.

3. Physical Connections:

• • Connect the battery side of the Victron Type A BMS cable into the CloudLink's CAN port.
  • Connect the Victron side of the Type A cable to the CAN BMS port on your Victron GX device.

4. Configure CloudLink Settings:

• • Access the CloudLink interface using a laptop or cellphone.
  • Set the CAN Mode to "Victron".
  • Set the CAN Conn. To option to "Inverter".
  • If using an external CloudLink, set Serial Conn. To "Battery". If using a '+' model with internal CloudLink, set RS232 Conn. To "Nothing".
  • Enable "Adaptive Cell Limits".
  • Optionally, set the Inverter Brand to "Victron" and add the IP address of the GX device to improve the CloudLink display.
  • After making changes, scroll down and click "Reboot" for the settings to take effect.

5. Configure Victron GX Device:

• • On your Victron GX device, configure the CAN BMS Port to "500kbps CAN BMS". This setting ensures the GX device can properly interpret data from the CloudLink. For detailed troubleshooting of CAN bus issues, refer to our guide on Victron GX CAN Bus Troubleshooting.

6. Configure Victron Multi RS (if applicable) using VictronConnect:

• • Battery capacity: For a single Hubble AM2 HV battery, the capacity is 100Ah. If you have multiple Hubble batteries, sum their capacities (e.g., 3 x AM-4 would be 300Ah).
  • Battery preset: Select "Smart Lithium (LiFePO4)".
  • Dynamic cut off: Set to "Disabled".
  • Low battery shutdown, restart, alarm, charge detect, absorption, float, and storage voltages: These values are dynamically managed by the CloudLink. The Victron documentation states to "Set this to the cutoff value from the tables below" or "Set this to the charge value from the tables below," but these specific tables are not provided in the available documentation. The CloudLink dynamically adjusts charge voltages based on the battery's internal status.

7. Configure Victron MPPT & MPPT RS (if applicable) using VictronConnect:

• • Battery preset: Select "Smart Lithium (LiFePO4)".
  • Absorption voltage and Float voltage: Similar to the Multi RS, these values are dynamically managed by the CloudLink, and specific static values are not provided in the documentation.

8. Configure Victron GX Device (DVCC settings):

• • In normal operation, the default DVCC settings can be used.
  • Limit charge current: Set to "Off".
  • Limit managed battery charge voltage: Set to "Off".
  • SVS - Shared voltage sense: Set to "Off".
  • STS - Shared temperature sense: Set to "Forced off".
  • SCS - Shared current sense: Set to "Off".
  • Controlling BMS: Set to "Automatic selection".

Cause/fix table section

Pairing and Communication Setup

The Hubble Lithium range, including the AM2 HV (NMC chemistry), is designed for compatibility with Victron products when a CloudLink is integrated. The CloudLink's primary function is to enable the extended Victron CAN bus protocol, allowing the battery's internal BMS to communicate critical data and control parameters to the Victron GX device and connected inverters/chargers. This enables dynamic adjustment of charge and discharge parameters, optimizing battery life and system performance.

For systems using Victron Multi RS inverters or MPPT solar charge controllers, the battery preset should be set to "Smart Lithium (LiFePO4)" in VictronConnect. While the AM2 is an NMC battery, this preset is the appropriate general setting for managed lithium batteries. Crucially, settings like dynamic cut-off should be disabled, as the CloudLink will manage these parameters.

The Victron GX device's Distributed Voltage and Current Control (DVCC) settings should generally remain at their default values, with specific options like "Limit charge current" and "Limit managed battery charge voltage" set to "Off" to allow the CloudLink to dictate these parameters. "Shared temperature sense" (STS) should be "Forced off" to prevent conflicts with the battery's internal temperature management.

For further details on managing your battery system, including understanding BMS faults, you may find our guide on LiFePO4 Battery BMS Faults helpful. If you encounter issues with your Victron inverter, consult our article on Victron MultiPlus-II Error Codes.

Safety: Lithium Battery Considerations

Hubble Lithium batteries, including the AM2 HV, are equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) that handles critical safety functions. However, proper installation and handling are still paramount.

• Thermal Management: Lithium batteries are sensitive to temperature. Ensure adequate ventilation around the battery and CloudLink to prevent overheating.
• Short Circuits: When tightening or disconnecting terminals, always kill power first and use insulated tools. A spanner across a battery bank can short hundreds of amps, causing severe burns and equipment damage.
• Fusing: Proper fusing is critical.
• • For parallel installations with inverters 5kW or smaller, batteries can be daisy-chained, but negative and positive leads must be drawn diagonally across the bank. Links between the battery bank and the inverter must be fused.
  • For parallel installations with inverters larger than 5kW, each battery must be individually wired to a busbar. Each battery must be fused between the busbar and the battery.
• Pre-charge Resistors: Hubble batteries have built-in pre-charge resistors to manage in-rush currents, particularly with Victron low-frequency inverters. This helps protect the system components during initial connection.

When to call a technician instead

While many configuration steps can be performed by a competent user, certain situations warrant professional assistance. If you are uncomfortable with high-voltage wiring, cannot resolve communication issues after following the steps, or if the system is behaving unexpectedly despite correct settings, contact a qualified solar technician. Any modifications to the battery's internal components or wiring beyond standard terminal connections should only be performed by authorized service personnel to avoid voiding your warranty and to ensure safety.