victron energy HTML5 Smart Solar Control Display User Manual
- June 24, 2024
- victron energy
Table of Contents
HTML5 Smart Solar Control Display
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Product Information
Specifications
- Model: SmartSolar Control Display
- Revision: 01 – 03/2024
- Format: HTML5
Product Usage Instructions
1. Installation
Ensure the SmartSolar Control display is connected
appropriately. If used temporarily, no tape or screws are required.
The display is hot-swappable, allowing for plug-in/removal while
the solar charger operates.
2. Operation
2.1 Full LCD Readout
The front buttons navigate through solar charger readings and
settings. Functions include:
- Cancel/Back
- Select/Conform
- Next/Previous item or Increase/Decrease value
2.2 Status Menu
The status menu displays live solar charger readings. To cycle
through menu items, use the – and + buttons. Press – to view live
data. Auto scroll mode activates when + and – are pressed
simultaneously for 4 seconds. Menu items include Battery voltage,
charge current, charge stage, battery temperature, etc.
FAQ
Q: Can the display be left connected continuously?
A: Yes, the display can remain connected as it is hot-swappable
and can be plugged in or removed while the solar charger
operates.
Q: How do I stop the auto scroll mode?
A: Briefly press the – or the + button to stop the auto scroll
mode.
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ENGLISH
SmartSolar Control display manual
Rev 01 – 03/2024
This manual is also available in HTML5
SmartSolar Control display manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
2. Installation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
3. Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 3.1. Status menu
…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 3.2. History menu
………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 3.3. Setup menu
…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
4. Troubleshooting and Support ……………………………………………………………………………………… 12 4.1. The
display does not power up ……………………………………………………………………………… 12 4.2. The display
segments are faint or missing ………………………………………………………………….. 12 4.3. Display
keeps scrolling through different menu items ……………………………………………………….. 12 4.4.
Settings locked ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 12
5. Warranty …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
6. Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
SmartSolar Control display manual
1. Introduction
The SmartSolar Control display is a dedicated display for the following MPPT
solar charger ranges: · SmartSolar MPPT 150/45 up to 250/100 · SmartSolar MPPT
150/70 up to 250/100 VE.Can · BlueSolar MPPT 150/70 up to 250/100 VE.Can These
solar chargers can also be recognised by a small plastic cover on the front
face with the text “display option”.
Example of a solar charger without display and with display The display plugs
directly into the front face of the solar charger. It can act as both a
permanent or a temporary display. Simply remove the plastic cover that
protects the display terminal on the front of the controller and then plug in
the display. The display can be used to monitor the solar charger and to view
both live and historic data. The display can also be used to configure solar
charger settings. Examples of live and historic monitoring: · PV power, yield,
voltage and current. · Battery voltage, current and charge stage. · Load
output state and current (only available if the solar charger is equipped with
a load output). · 30-day historical values. · Cumulative historic values over
the live of the solar charger.
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Introduction
SmartSolar Control display manual
2. Installation
The display connects to the display terminal on the front of the solar
charger. The display terminal is located behind the plastic cover with the
text: “display option”. To install the SmartSolar Control display do the
following: 1. Remove the two screws of the plastic cover. Keep the screws,
they are needed again when securing the display. 2. Remove the plastic cover.
The display terminal is now exposed. 3. Remove the two plastic plugs on either
side of the display plug. 4. Remove the paper backing of the double sided tape
on the back of the display. 5. Insert the display into the plug and make sure
it has been inserted all the way in. 6. Screw the display down by using the
two screws that were used for the plastic cover.
How and where to connect the SmartSolar Control display
If the display is used as a temporary display, it is not necessary to use the
tape and to screw down the display into the solar charger.
The display is hot-swappable, this means that the display can be plugged in or
removed while the solar charger is operating.
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Installation
SmartSolar Control display manual
3. Operation
The LCD screen displays the following information: · A number reading. · The
unit of the reading: V, A, W, kWh, h or °C/°F. · The type of reading: battery,
PV or temperature. · State: charge and charge stage indication. · Connection
indicator and warning indicator.
Full LCD readout
The digits used to represent letters and numbers
The buttons on the front of the display are used to navigate through the solar charger readings and are used when making solar controller and display settings.They have the following functions:
Button
Action
Cancel or
Back
Select or
Conform
Go to next or previous item or
Increase or decrease value
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Operation
SmartSolar Control display manual
3.1. Status menu
This menu shows the live solar charger readings. The SmartSolar Control
display always starts up in this menu.
Press the – and + button to cycle through all menu items.
Press the – button to see the live data of the solar charger. Each time the –
button is pressed, the next parameter will be displayed.
If the + and – button is pressed at the same time for 4 seconds, the auto
scroll mode will be activated. The display will continuously cycle through
each menu item every 5 seconds. To stop the auto scroll mode, briefly press
the “-” or the “+” button.
These menu items will be displayed in order of appearance as indicated in
below table:
LCD display
Menu item
Description and notes
Battery voltage and charge current when no PV is present
Battery voltage and charge current when PV is present
The first number indicates the battery voltage (V), the second number indicates the battery charge current (A).
Battery charge current
Charge stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float or off.
Battery voltage
Charge stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float or off.
Battery charge power
Charge stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float or off.
Battery temperature
Solar charger temperature
The temperature is shown or A special message is shown: · “—” = No sensor
information
· “Err” = Invalid sensor data The temperature is shown or A special message is
shown: · “—” = No sensor information
· “Err” = Invalid sensor data
PV current
Solar array output current
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Operation
LCD display
SmartSolar Control display manual
Menu item
Description and notes
PV voltage
Solar array output voltage
PV power
Solar array output power
In addition to above menu items, the following menu items will appear when special conditions occur:
LCD display
Menu item Warning message
Description and notes
“Inf” together with a number is displayed. This number refers to an error
code, see solar charger manual for the meaning of this code.
Error message
“Err” together with a number is displayed. This number refers to an error code, see solar charger manual for the meaning of this code.
Remote operation
“remote” is displayed.
BMS operation
“bms” is displayed.
The charge stage and if PV is active is indicated by the bottom line of the display:
LCD display
Description Bulk charge stage
Notes
The first charge stage, the battery is between 0 and 80% state of charge.
Absorption charge stage
The middle charge stage, the battery is between 80% and 100% state of charge.
Float charge stage
The last charge stage, the battery 100% state of charge.
3.2. History menu
The history menu shows both the daily and overall solar charger history data.
It shows items such as solar yield, battery voltages, time spend in each
charge stage and past errors. To enter and read out the historical menu: ·
Press the SELECT button, while in the status menu.
· A scrolling text will be visible.
· Press the + or button to navigate through the history items.
· When arriving at the desired history item, press the SELECT button to see
the value of that item.
· If an item contains multiple values, Press + or button to browse the
various values within that item. For the daily items it is possible to scroll
back to 30 days ago (data becomes available over time), a brief popup shows
the day number.
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Operation
SmartSolar Control display manual
· To go back to the main history menu, press the SETUP button. · To go back to the status menu, press the SETUP button again. All available history menu items are listed in below table, in the order they appear when scrolling through the items.
Scrolling text
LCD
Description
YIELD TOTAL
The cumulative PV yield since the last history reset.
LAST ERROR
PANEL VOLTAGE MAXIMUM BATTERY VOLTAGE MAXIMUM
The last 4 errors since the last history reset. Only available if there
actually were any error(s): · E0 – Total error 0 (most recent) · E1 – Total
error 2 (shown when available) · E2 – Total error 3 (shown when available) ·
E3 – Total error 4 (shown when available)
The maximum PV voltage since the last history reset.
The maximum battery voltage since the last history reset.
YIELD
The daily PV yield, available for each day for the past 30 days.
BATTERY VOLTAGE MAXIMUM
The daily maximum battery voltage, available for each day for the past 30 days.
BATTERY VOLTAGE MINIMUM
The daily minimum battery voltage, available for each day for the past 30 days.
LAST ERROR
The last 4 daily errors. Only available if there actually were any error(s): ·
E0 – Total error 0 (most recent)
· E1 – Total error 2 (shown when available)
· E2 – Total error 3 (shown when available)
· E3 – Total error 3 (shown when available)
- When the charger is not active (night time) the bulk, absorption and float icons will be shown as in the table above. When the charger is active only one icon will be shown: the icon corresponding to the actual charge state.
Page 6
Operation
Scrolling text TIME BULK
TIME ABSORPTION
SmartSolar Control display manual
LCD
Description
Daily time spent in bulk charge stage or in ESS, in minutes, available for
each day for the past 30 days. *
Daily time spent in absorption charger stage, in minutes, available for each day for the past 30 days. *
TIME FLOAT
Daily time spent in float charge stage, in minutes, available for each day for the past 30 days. *
MAXIMUM POWER
The daily maximum PV power, available for each day for the past 30 days.
BATTERY CURRENT MAXIMUM
The daily maximum battery current, available for each day for the past 30 days.
PANEL VOLTAGE MAXIMUM
The daily maximum PV current, available for each day for the past 30 days.
- When the charger is not active (night time) the bulk, absorption and float icons will be shown as in the table above. When the charger is active only one icon will be shown: the icon corresponding to the actual charge state.
3.3. Setup menu
In the settings menu the solar charger and SmartSolar Control settings can be viewed and/or changed.
Do not change settings unless you know what they are and what the effect of changing these setting can be. Incorrect settings may cause system problems including damage to batteries. When in doubt, seek advice from and experienced Victron Energy installer, dealer or distributor.
To navigate the settings menu: · Press the SETUP button for 3 seconds to enter the setup menu. · The display will show the text “Menu” and the first menu item is shown via a scrolling text. · Navigate to the desired setting by pressing the – or + button. · Once arrived at the desired setting press the SELECT button to view the value the setting has been set to. · To modify this setting press the SELECT button again, the value will now blink. · Press the – or + button to choose the desired value. · Press SELECT to confirm the change, the value will stop blinking, and the change is made final. · Navigate to the next menu item, or press SETUP to return to the setup menu. · To leave the setup menu, press the SETUP button.
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Operation
SmartSolar Control display manual
Any settings change via the display or the VictronConnect App will override the rotary switch setting. Turning the rotary switch will override settings made with the display or via the VictronConnect App.
All available settings are indicated in below table, in the order they appear when scrolling through the menu, together with a basic description and notes for each setting. For the full description of the solar charger settings refer to the solar charger manual.
Nu
mb
Scrolling text
er
LCD
Desription and notes
01 POWER ON OFF
This setting turns the charger in the solar charger ON or OFF.
MAXIMUM 02 CHARGER
CURRENT
03
BATTERY VOLTAGE
04
CHARGE ALGORITHM
05
ABSORPTION VOLTAGE
06 FLOAT VOLTAGE
08
EQUALIZATION VOLTAGE
09
AUTOMATIC EQUALIZATION
Sets the maximum charge current (A).
Sets the system voltage 12, 24, 36 or 48V.
Sets the charge algorithm. A preset charge algorithm has been selected via the
rotary switch. This setting toggles between the preset algorithm or a USER
defined algorithm. Only when the USER algorithm has been selected, the charge
settings in the remainder of the setup menu can be changed.
Sets the absorption voltage (V). This setting can only be changed when the
charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.
Sets the float voltage (V). This setting can only be changed when the charge
algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.
Sets the equalization voltage (V). This setting can only be changed when the
charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.
Sets if an automatic equalization should take place and how often this should
be. Set to OFF 0 (default) or a number between 1 (every day) and 250 (once
every 250 days).
Do not equalize charge Gel, AGM, VRLA or lithium batteries. Equalization can
cause damage to the battery if the battery is not suitable for an equalization
charge. Always check with the battery manufacturer prior to enabling
equalization.
10
MANUAL EQUALIZATION
Initiates a manual equalization (START, STOP).
Only perform a manual equalisation during absorption or float charge stage,
and when there is sufficient sunlight.
Press SELECT: the text START will blink, press SELECT again to start
equalisation.
The manual equalise duration is 1 hour.
To terminate the equalisation mode prematurely, enter the setup menu and
navigate to setup item 10, press SELECT: the text STOP will blink, press
SELECT again to stop equalisation.
Do not equalize charge Gel, AGM, VRLA or lithium batteries. Equalization can
cause damage to the battery if the battery is not suitable for an equalization
charge. Always check with the battery manufacturer prior to enabling
equalization.
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Operation
Nu
mb
Scrolling text
er
11
RELAY MODE
12
RELAY LOW VOLTAGE
13
RELAY CLEAR LOW VOLTAGE
14
RELAY HIGH VOLTAGE
15
RELAY CLEAR HIGH VOLTAGE
16
RELAY HIGH PANEL VOLTAGE
RELAY CLEAR 17 HIGH PANEL
VOLTAGE
18
RELAY MINIMUM CLOSED TIME
20
TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION
21 TAIL CURRENT
MAXIMUM 23 ABSORPTION
TIME
28
REBULK OFFSET VOLTAGE
LOW
29
TEMPERATURE CHARGE
CURRENT
SmartSolar Control display manual
LCD
Desription and notes
Sets the relay function: · 0 – Relay always off. · 1 – High PV voltage, see
setup items 16 and 17. · 2 – High internal temperature solar charger, above
85°C. · 3 – Battery voltage too low, see setup items 12 and 13. · 4 –
Equalization active. · 5 – Error condition present. · 6 – Low internal
temperature solar charger, below – 20°C. · 7 – High battery voltage, see setup
items 14 and 15. · 8 – Solar charger in float or storage charge stage. · 9 –
Daylight detection, solar array irradiation. · 10 – Load control. The relay
switches according to load control
mode, see setting 35.
Sets the low battery voltage alarm activation level (V)
Sets the low battery voltage alarm clear level (V).
Sets the high battery voltage alarm activation level (V).
Sets the high battery voltage alarm clear level (V).
Sets the high PV voltage alarm activation level (V).
Sets the high PV voltage alarm clear level (V).
Sets the relay minimum closed time (minutes).
Sets the temperature charge voltage compensation factor (°C/mV or °F/mV). This
is the value per cell. A 12V lead acid battery has 4 cells. A setting of 0
disables the temperature compensation. Temperature compensated charging is not
required for lithium batteries. This setting can only be changed when the
charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4. Sets the tail current (A).
Sets maximum absorption time (h).
Sets the re-bulk offset voltage (V). This voltage is subtracted from setting
6.
Sets the low temperature charge current (A) for when the temperature drops
below 5°C or the temperature as set in setting 30 (A).
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Operation
Nu
mb
Scrolling text
er
LOW 30 TEMPERATURE
LEVEL
31 BMS PRESENT
35 LOAD MODE
36
LOAD LOW VOLTAGE
37
LOAD HIGH VOLTAGE
MAXIMUM 40 EQUALIZATION
TIME
41
EQUALIZATION AUTO STOP
EQUALIZATION 42 CURRENT
PERCENTAGE
49
BACKLIGHT INTENSITY
50
BACKLIGHT ALWAYS ON
51 SCROLL SPEED
SmartSolar Control display manual
LCD
Desription and notes
Sets low temperature level at which charging has to stop (°C or °F).
Sets if BMS is present (Y or N). This setting is automatically set to Y when a
compatible BMS is detected. To revert the solar charger to normal operation
(without BMS) set manually to N. For example if the charger is moved to
another location were a BMS is not needed.
Do not set to Y when a BMS is connected to the solar charger’s remote on/off
terminal.
Sets the load control mode the relay (setting 11, value 10) or the VE.Direct
port (setting 58, value 4) is using to control a load: · 0 – Load output
always off · 1 – Batterylife algorithm (default) · 2 – Conventional algorithm
1 (off 22.2V, on 26.2V) · 3 – Conventional algorithm 2 (off 23.6V, on 28.0V)
· 4 – Load output always on · 5 – User defined algorithm 1 (off 20.0V, on
28.0V) · 6 – User defined algorithm 2 (off 20.0V, on 28.0V) * Settings are
for 24V systems, for 12V systems devide by 2, for 24V systems multiply by 2.
Sets the load low voltage (V).
Sets the load high voltage (V).
Sets the maximum automatic equalization time (h).
Sets if the equalization should stop when the equalization voltage (setting 8)
has been reached (Y or N). Sets the equalization current as a percentage (%)
of the maximum charge current setting entered in setting 2. This setting can
only be changed when the charge algorithm has been set to USER in setting 4.
Sets the display’s backlight intensity level (0 or 1).
Sets when the back light should turn off after the last keypress: · ON – Back
light is always on. · OFF – Back light turns off 60 seconds after the last
keypress. · AUTO – Back light is only on when the solar charger is charging.
Sets the scroll speed (1 to 5).
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Operation
Nu
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Scrolling text
er
57 RX MODE
58 TX MODE
61
SOFTWARE VERSION
62
RESTORE DEFAULTS
63 CLEAR HISTORY
64 LOCK SETUP
67
TEMPERATURE UNIT
SmartSolar Control display manual
LCD
Desription and notes
Sets the VE.Direct port RX pin mode: · 0 – The VE.Direct port is used for
on/off control by an external
device, such as a BMS. It is an option to connect a BMS to the VE.Direct port,
(instead of connecting the BMS to the remote on/off terminal). A VE.Direct
non-inverting remote on/off cable is needed.
· 1 – No function.
· 2 or 3 – The RX pin is used to de-energize the relay. An AND function can be
created if the relay function (setting 10) has been set to value 10 and the
load control options (setting 35) remain valid. Both the load control and the
RX pin must be high (value 2) or low (value 3) to energize the relay.
Sets the VE.Direct port TX pin mode: · 0 – Normal VE.Direct
communication(default). For example
to communicate with a Color Control panel (VE.Direct cable needed)
· 1 – Pulse every 0.01kWh
· 2 – Light dimming control (pwm normal). A VE.Direct TX digital output cable
is needed
· 3 – Light dimming control (pwm inverted) A VE.Direct TX digital output cable
is needed.
· 4 – Load control mode: the TX pin switches according to the load control
mode (setting 35), see note. A VE.Direct TX digital output cable is needed to
interface to a logic level load control port.
Displays the firmware version of the solar charger.
Resets all settings to default. Press SELECT: the text “RESET” will blink,
press SELECT again to reset to original factory settings. The charger will re-
boot. The history data will not be affected.
Resets all historic data. Press SELECT: the text “CLEAR” will blink, press
SELECT again to erase the history data. Note that this takes a few seconds to
complete.
Locks settings (Y or N).
Sets the temperature unit to °C or °F (CELC or FAHR)
Page 11
Operation
SmartSolar Control display manual
4. Troubleshooting and Support
For unexpected behaviour or suspected product faults, refer to this chapter.
Start by checking the common issues described here. If the problem persists,
contact the point of purchase (Victron dealer or distributor) for technical
support. If you’re unsure who to contact or if the point of purchase is
unknown, refer to the Victron Energy Support webpage.
4.1. The display does not power up
The display does not power up. The screen is blank and the back-light is off.
The display is powered from the solar charger. The solar charger is powered
from either the battery or the PV array. If the PV voltage and the battery
voltage are both below 6V, the display will not power up. It could also be
that the LCD display is not properly inserted into the socket on the solar
charger.
4.2. The display segments are faint or missing
The screen is blank or faint, but the back-light is still operational. This
may be due to low ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is below
-10°C (14°F), the LCD segments can become faint. Below -20°C (-4°F) the LCD-
segments can become invisible. During charging the LCD-display will warm up,
and the LCD segments will become visible again.
4.3. Display keeps scrolling through different menu items
The display is in “auto scroll mode”. In this mode the display will
continuously cycle through each live data menu item every 5 seconds. To stop
the auto scroll mode, briefly press the “-” or the “+” button.
4.4. Settings locked
If the setup menu is locked settings can only be viewed but not changed. To
unlock the settings menu see the instruction in the Setup menu [7] chapter.
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Troubleshooting and Support
SmartSolar Control display manual
5. Warranty
This product has a 5-year limited warranty. This limited warranty covers
defects in materials and workmanship in this product and lasts for five years
from the date of original purchase of this product. To claim warranty the
customer must return the product together with the receipt of purchase to the
point of purchase. This limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration
or malfunction resulting from alteration, modification, improper or
unreasonable use or misuse, neglect, exposure to excess moisture, fire,
improper packing, lightning, power surges, or other acts of nature. This
limited warranty does not cover damage, deterioration or malfunction resulting
from repairs attempted by anyone unauthorized by Victron Energy to make such
repairs. Non-compliance with the instructions in this manual will render the
warranty void. Victron Energy is not liable for any consequential damages
arising from the use of this product. The maximum liability of Victron Energy
under this limited warranty shall not exceed the actual purchase price of the
product.
Page 13
Warranty
SmartSolar Control display manual
6. Specifications
Installation type
Suitability
Display port connector Dimensions (w x l x h) Weight
Technical specifications Inserts into the display port on the front of a solar charger. Suitable for the Victron Energy 150V and 250V BlueSolar and SmartSolar MPPT solar charger range that are equipped with a display port. RS232 9 pin pinout 116mm x 50mm x 25mm 66g
SmartSolar Control front view SmartSolar Control back view
Page 14
Specifications