Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- vedirect_protocol:faq [2020-07-20 21:25] – [Q8: How do I calculate the TEXT checksum?] mbosma
+++ vedirect_protocol:faq [2023-03-31 12:04] (current) – mvader
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== VE.Direct Protocol FAQ ======
+===== 1. Introduction =====
 More information on the VE.Direct protocol is available here:
   * [[https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Whitepaper-Data-communication-with-Victron-Energy-products_EN.pdf|Data communication whitepaper]]
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
   * [[open_source:start]]
-Note that, besides an FAQ, this page also contains a framehandler reference implementation in C code. See at the bottom.
+Note that, besides a FAQ, this page also contains a framehandler reference implementation in C code. See at the bottom.
-===== 1. FAQ =====
+From a hardware point of view, our VE.Direct ports have four pins: positive, TX, RX and GND. The TX and RX go (almost) directly into the UART of the microcontroller of the product.
+To connect directly to such port, we advise to use either our VE.Direct to USB interface, or our VE.Direct to RS232 interface. Both include galvanic isolation circuitry. Having such isolation is important, as in the product itself (ie. in the solar charger, bmv battery monitor, inverter and so forth) there is very little protection.
+More information, including pinout, is in our VE.Direct whitepaper, see link above.
+===== 2. FAQ =====
 ==== Q1: Can I use RS232 instead of USB? ====
 Yes, use the //VE.Direct to RS232 interface//, part number ASS030520500.
@@ Line 54: / Line 62: @@
 </code>
 ==== Q4:  Is the VE.Direct interface 3.3 or 5V ? ====
-It depends on the product: some are 5v, others 3.3.
+It depends on the product: some are 5v, others 3v3.
 The circuits in our panels and USB interfaces work on both voltages. And they automatically adapt their TX voltage to the voltage level coming from the VE.Direct product (bmv/mppt/inverter/etc).
@@ Line 62: / Line 70: @@
   * BMV-700: 3v3
   * MPPT all models: 5v
-  * Newer MPPTs (as now under development) will remain 5V.
+  * Newer MPPTs (as now under development) will be 5V.
+  * MPPT RS, Multi RS, any other RS: 3v3
+  * VE.Direct Inverters 250…500VA - 3V3
+  * VE.Direct Inverters 800VA & 1200VA 3V3
+  * Smart Inverters 1600VA...5000VA - 3V3
 ==== Q5: How much current can I draw from the power pin in the VE.Direct port? ====