To start, an update on product availability. Overall, considering the circumstances, it is going rather well despite the continued serious and sudden shortages of components in production and logistics.
In most cases we have been able to keep the production lines running without interruption. For example by acting without hesitation in finding other parts, accepting severe and/or temporary price increases, and quickly adopting product design to slightly different parts. It works, but is not easy.
The outlook for the coming time is that this situation in production will endure for at least the rest of 2022. And, with the current information, the outlook for the availability of finished goods is the same: mostly all parts available, and most of them in significant quantities. In other words, there is no information that causes us to expect it to aggravate, but also no outlook for it to improve either.
The details about two popular items with worst availability:
- MultiPlus-II 5kVA 230V. For this model we have not been able to meet demand, already for quite some time. But the good news is that enormous quantities are now enroute to the various warehouses, by SEA, and once they come in we -at the moment- do not foresee any further continued shortages.
- MPPT RS 200A. For this product we expect continued shortages; due to component availability. The MPPT RS 100A is going well; no issues foreseen.
Our apologies for the troubles caused by those, and other, items not being in stock. Please be assured that we are doing the utmost to get it sorted.
Then there are several technical updates:
MPPT RS & Inverter RS
Up until recently, certain failures of the RS were handled by a field repair, replacing a few resistors. We stopped doing that; the root cause and solution has proven to be in firmware; and is available through all methods, including VRM Remote updates as well as VictronConnect, per firmware v1.08. That same firmware fixes various other issues, such as errors that could happen on a fairly large-sized, or over-sized, array. We recommend to install that update to all systems; and especially in case of issues: make sure to install v1.08 before claiming an RMA.
Furthermore on the RS products, we found an issue in the derating of the output current by voltage, and when looking further into that decided to reduce the maximum programmable charge voltage. The highest configurable charge voltage is now 62V, and that will be changed to 60V. For most systems this will not be a problem, since they need charging at 57.6V or similar voltages below 60V. But for some it might and we apologise for the confusion around this.
The changes are:
1) Output current now derates from full rated current at 57V to 5A at 63V. Which will change to full current up to 60V and then derate linearly down to 5 amps at 62V.
2) The maximum configurable charge voltage will be reduced from 62V to 60V. Due to the internals, the MPPT RS really is not suited to work with batteries operating at those higher voltages.
In the coming weeks we will update the documentation to reflect above changes, as well as release firmware version v1.09, which implements them.
Lastly, more improvements are being made, in hardware and in software, to further improve the robustness of the MPPT RS, for example relating to the readability of the display due to contrast.
Multi RS
As you might have seen, our new inverter/charger Multi RS is available on E-Order. A big step for us, as it is a totally new inverter/charger. But good to know that, compared to the other Multis and Quattros, various features are still missing. Please consult your sales manager for the details.
GX Devices, Venus OS v2.80
A few weeks ago, Venus OS v2.80 was released. A new release full of new features, such as wireless temperature monitoring, temperature controlled relays, AC and DC load metering and more. For details, please read the blogpost. Note that the current official version is v2.84.
Cerbo GX requires a Bluetooth USB adapter for Bluetooth
The Bluetooth Radio in the Cerbo GX is not reliable enough to work with the Ruuvi sensors. Therefore, when installing Ruuvi sensors, we recommend to install a Bluetooth USB adapter. List of tested USB Bluetooth adapters.
Yours sincerely,
Reinout and Matthijs Vader
New and updated documents
(Please be sure you always check our website for the latest updated documentation.)
- In the table of the Skylla-TG GMDSS datasheet Input voltage (VAC) has been updated by adding 120.
- And we also updated the table in the datasheet Skylla-TG Charger 24V: universal input and GL approval by adding 120 to Input voltage (VAC)
- In the table of the following datasheets we added the Bluetooth frequency and Bluetooth power.
- In the table of the datasheet and manual of the MultiPlus-II 12V/24V 3kVA 2x120V we corrected the Zero load power, Zero load power in AES mode and the Battery-connection.
- Both datasheets BlueSolar Monocrystalline Panels and BlueSolar Polycrystalline Panels have been updated.
- In the table in the manual and datasheet of the EasySolar-II GX the Operating temperature range is corrected to -20 to +45°C.
- In the following manuals the topic DC load: disconnecting the load with a BatteryProtect has been updated/corrected by deleting the sentence: Contrary to a Cyrix or contactor, a BatteryProtect…… (etc.)
- In the table of the datasheet MultiPlus 500VA – 2000VA - Three Phase and parallel operation (in the column MultiPlus 500VA) has been corrected to ‘Yes’.
- Certificate of Safety UL 458 is now mentioned in the table of the datasheet and the manual MultiPlus-II 3kVA 2x 120V.
Certificates
- Now on the website the UN 38.3 transportation Certificate 12,8V/50Ah battery Smart
- New on the website the Certificate Safety UL 458 - MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x 120V
Victron training events
Sign up for one of our training events or webinars and learn more about our products.
- March 8th – March 9th, Supervision et autoconsommation – Module 2 – Formation pratique in Sainte Tulle, France
- April 5th – April 6th, Lithium et configuration avancée – Module 3 – Formation pratique in Sainte Tulle, France
- April 26th – April 27th, Formation Régional Nantes – initiale in La Chapelle sur Erdre, France
North America Training Tour
Make sure to check the Training Tour page on our website for all the latest event information.
- February 23rd – February 24th, FreedomVanGo, Jacksonville (FL), USA
For more training events and webinars, see Victron Professional.
Upcoming exhibitions
Check our exhibition schedule online if you are interested in visiting an exhibition in your area over the coming months.
Please refer to our website or the event's website to check if the event's date has been changed or cancelled:
- February 16th – February 18th, Solar Power Africa in Cape Town, South Africa
- March 7th – March 9th, Intersolar Middle East 2022 in Dubai, U.A.E.
- March 9th – March 13th, Dubai Boat Show 2022 in Dubai, U.A.E.
OUR LATEST BLOG POSTS
Did You Know?
Video learning for people in a hurry
Got a question? Afraid to ask?
Our series of Did You Know videos answers FAQ’s – fast. In only a minute or two, each one demonstrates a useful – but little-known – setting or feature on your device; or they de-mystify power generation, storage, and supply.
The videos are presented by knowledgeable members of Victron staff, or Ambassadors who work with our products every day. They present complicated technology, simply.
At the time of writing there are 24 videos in our Did You Know playlist – and we’re adding more all the time.
Read the blog post to find out what questions we’ve already answered so far.
North America Training Tour
Last chance to be a part of it.
The Training Trailer is on the last leg of the North America tour. Now in Florida, it will be welcoming its last visitors during the final month of tour dates. Will you be among them?
This trailer is a hands-on, single-day, rapid learning event offering in-depth knowledge on designing and installing private power systems. During the day you will rotate between seven power installation-examples.
And it is for everyone!
First Nation Community Building
Solar Power helps cultural heritage
Sunchild First Nation Outdoor Education Centre – set amongst the Canadian plains of Alberta – has been built as a meeting place and educational facility for the people of the Sunchild Band.
In the past the log cabin buildings had no power at all – not even a generator. But now, with the addition of a modern new timber building a solar based energy system has also been installed to serve the whole facility.
Commercial Fishing
Monitoring opens up Global supply chain to small islanders
Did you know that most of the global fish supply comes from the Southern Ocean? Me neither… Let's enter the world of fishing fleet monitoring.
Integrated Monitoring Inc. in partnership with local Broadband and Mobile operator Ooredoo Maldives , began a five-year program for the Maldives Ministry of Fisheries Marine Resources and Agriculture to fit 730 small vessels in the Maldives with their Fleet One surveillance and monitoring system – a programme funded by the World Bank.
Read the blog post.
Students get guaranteed internship
Ghanaian initiative prepares for Solar revolution
A new Solar Training facility based at Takoradi Technical University in Ghana has been established and is now recruiting students.
Offering a solid grounding in solar education plus guaranteed internship with a Solar Installer on graduation, students can get real work-experience – greatly increasing their chances of future employment.
The initiative was a collaboration between a number of organisations and the facility was equipped with donations from leading solar brands such as Victron Energy, Jinko Solar, and Fronius.
Read more in the blog post.