Troubleshooting Victron VRM Remote Firmware Updates

Key Takeaways

• A GX device (like Cerbo GX) connected to the VRM Portal is essential for remote updates.
• Check your device's compatibility before attempting an update; some older models are not supported.
• Ensure the VRM Portal access setting on your GX device is "Full" (or "Two way communication" for older firmware).
• Do not update firmware unless you are addressing a specific problem or need a new feature.

Why isn't my Victron device updating remotely via VRM?

Remote firmware updates for Victron devices often fail due to incorrect VRM Portal settings, incompatible hardware, or a lack of connection between your GX device and the VRM Portal. The first step is to verify your system's setup and device compatibility.

Diagnosis Steps for Remote Firmware Update Issues

1. Verify GX Device Connection to VRM Portal:

• • Check: Access your GX device menu. Navigate to Settings > VRM Portal.
  • Look for: The "Last contact" menu entry. This shows when your GX device last communicated with the VRM Portal.
  • Meaning: If the "Last contact" is old or missing, your GX device is not communicating with VRM. This prevents remote updates. Ensure your GX device has a stable internet connection.

2. Confirm VRM Portal Access Setting:

• • Check: On your GX device menu, go to Settings > VRM Online Portal > VRM Portal.
  • Look for: The access setting.
  • Meaning: This setting must be "Full" for remote firmware updates to function. For GX firmware versions prior to v3.50, the required setting is "Two way communication". If it's set to "Read-only" or another restricted option, change it to "Full".

3. Check Device Compatibility:

• • Check: Refer to the compatibility list for Victron devices.
  • Look for: Your specific device model.
  • Meaning: Not all Victron devices support remote firmware updates. For example, BMV Battery Monitors connected via a CANbus interface and certain Lynx Ion models (product-id 0x0142, 0xA130) are not compatible. Attempting to update an incompatible device will result in an error.

4. Identify Available Firmware Updates on VRM Portal:

• • Check: Log in to your VRM Portal account and navigate to your installation's device list.
  • Look for: A green "Update" button next to your device.
  • Meaning: This button only appears if a new firmware version is available for your device. If it's not present, there might not be an update, or the system doesn't recognize your device as eligible.

5. Review Error Codes:

• • Check: If an update attempt fails, note any error codes displayed.
  • Look for: Specific codes like 1341 or 1343.
  • Meaning: These codes indicate specific issues, such as the device not being a Victron product (1341) or being blacklisted for remote updates (1343).

Common Causes and Fixes for Remote Firmware Update Issues

Performing a Remote Firmware Update via VRM

The process for updating Victron device firmware remotely relies on your GX device (e.g., Cerbo GX) communicating with the VRM Portal. The VRM Portal typically hosts all necessary firmware files, so you usually do not need to source them yourself.

1. Ensure Prerequisites are Met:

• • Your Victron device must be connected to a GX device.
  • The GX device must be connected to the internet and communicating with the VRM Portal. Check the "Last contact" entry under Settings > VRM Portal on your GX device.
  • The VRM Portal access setting on your GX device must be "Full". This is found under Settings > VRM Online Portal > VRM Portal. For GX firmware versions prior to v3.50, this setting is called "Two way communication".
  • For Lynx Ion BMS updates, ensure the GX device's "Aux-power output" is powered on.

2. Initiate the Update from VRM Portal:

• • Log in to your VRM Portal account (https://vrm.victronenergy.com).
  • Navigate to your installation.
  • In the device list, look for your device. If a new firmware version is available, a green "Update" button will appear next to it.
  • Press the "Update" button to initiate the firmware update.

3. Monitor the Update Process:

• • The VRM Portal will display the progress of the update.
  • The system is designed to handle temporary internet connection interruptions. If the internet connection breaks while performing the update, the system will continue with the firmware update.

4. Special Considerations for Specific Devices:

• • VE.Direct MPPT Solar Charge Controllers: In the unlikely event that an update fails, these controllers will have lost their configuration, requiring manual re-configuration.
  • Lynx Ion BMS: If an update fails, it can be retried within 5 minutes. If more than 5 minutes pass, the BMS will enter sleep mode, and a physical push on its start button will be required to resume. During a Lynx Ion BMS update, all other ports (main contactor, Allow-to-charge and Allow-to-discharge signals) will disconnect, causing Multis and connected loads to switch off.

5. Self-Uploading Firmware Files:

• • In rare cases, such as for some Lynx Ion BMS models, the VRM Portal may not have the required firmware file. In these situations, you may need to upload a file from your computer, typically sourced from Victron Professional. The VRM Portal provides an option for this, though the detailed steps for self-upload are beyond the scope of this document.

Safety: Firmware Updates and System Operation

While firmware updates themselves are digital processes, they can impact the physical operation of your solar energy system.

• General Advice: Our main advice is to not update a running system, unless there are problems with it. Newer firmware is not always better if your current system is stable. Only update if you are troubleshooting an issue, or if a new feature or critical fix is provided in the update.
• Lynx Ion BMS Disconnection: Be aware that during a remote update of a Lynx Ion BMS, all other ports (main contactor, and also Allow-to-charge and Allow-to-discharge signals) will disconnect. This will cause connected Multis and loads to switch off. Ensure this temporary power interruption is acceptable for your system's operation and any critical loads.

When to call a technician instead

If you have followed all troubleshooting steps, verified compatibility, and ensured correct VRM Portal settings, but your Victron device still fails to update remotely, it may be time to contact a qualified Victron Energy technician. Issues such as persistent error codes not listed, or a device that becomes unresponsive after an attempted update, often require specialized diagnostic tools or direct intervention. Attempting to force an update or troubleshoot beyond the documented steps could potentially void your warranty or cause further damage to your equipment.