4. Accessing the GX device
It is possible to access the GX device using either a smartphone, tablet or computer.
This access is called Remote Console. In GX devices with a display this Remote Console feature may be disabled by default and need to be enabled. GX devices without a display have Remote Console enabled by default.
There are several ways to get access:
Using VictronConnect via Bluetooth
By using the built-in WiFi Access Point
Via the local LAN/WiFi network
Through the online VRM Portal, which requires internet
4.1. Using VictronConnect via Bluetooth
If you are just getting started for the first time with VictronConnect, you may wish to begin with the VictronConnect manual.
Load the latest version of the VictronConnect app onto your bluetooth compatible device (phone or laptop), and make sure that bluetooth is enabled.
Make sure that the Cerbo GX is powered on, and the Bluetooth LED is blinking.
Open the VictronConnect App within 10 meters of the Cerbo GX and wait for nearby devices to be discovered.
Once discovered, Click or Tap on the Cerbo GX.
On first connection you will be asked to enter a bluetooth PIN code - the default PIN is 000000
You will then be asked to change this insecure default PIN code to a more secure unique code. Please set your unique code, and then put it in a safe place for passwords in case you forget.
From the main device screen it is possible to change the networking settings, view the system on VRM, or open the Remote Console.
Network settings for the Cerbo GX are set in the Cog menu.
Note - Bluetooth functionality is limited to the features mentioned above. It is intended to be used to assist with initial connection and networking configuration. You cannot use Bluetooth to connect to other Victron products (e.g. SmartSolar charge controllers). For more information about how to connect other Victron products, please see Connecting Victron products
4.2. Accessing via the built-in WiFi Access Point
This method requires the VictronConnect App to be installed on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Steps to Connect Automatically via the QR Code:
Locate the QR code sticker on the side of the Cerbo GX
Scan the QR code using your phone's camera function, or a QR code scanning app.
If supported by your phone, this will prompt you to connect you to the WiFi Access point.
Once connected, open VictronConnect
Select the GX device from the list
Open the Remote Console
Steps to Manually Connect:
Stand as close as possible from the Cerbo GX, and no further than a few meters away.
Go to the WiFi settings on your phone / tablet / laptop.
After searching, the Cerbo GX will show up in the list, as Venus-HQ1940DEFR4-3b6. Where HQ… is the serial number as printed on the side of the box.
Connect to WiFi using the 'WiFi key' which you will find printed on the side of the box …and also on a card in the plastic bag. Keep that in a safe place.
Open VictronConnect, it will start scanning the WiFi network automatically.
Once found, select the GX device from the list.
Open the Remote Console
Notes:
If you cannot use VictronConnect, you can use a web browser and navigate to the IP address http://172.24.24.1 or http://venus.local
For added security it is possible to disable the WiFi Access Point. See Settings → Wi-Fi → Create access point. See below chapter explaining the Push button for how to restore access in case ever necessary.
Instruction video
Step by step instruction video on how to connect to a GX device using the VictronConnect App.
Detailed instruction video
This second video was made before VictronConnect got the feature to find a device on a network. All the explanations in the video regarding IP Addressing can be ignored, and use VictronConnect as in above video instead.
4.3. Accessing Remote Console via the local LAN/WiFi Network
This section explains how to connect to Remote Console when the Cerbo GX is connected to the local computer network, with either an Ethernet cable, or having it configured to connect to a local WiFi network.
This method does not require an internet connection. Just a local computer network is sufficient.
Once connected, connect to the GX Device by running the VictronConnect App on a phone, tablet or laptop. Note that will need to be connected to the same computer network as the Cerbo GX.
This video shows how it is done
4.3.1. Alternative methods to find the IP Address for Remote Console
In case VictronConnect can't be used, here are a few other methods to find the Cerbo GX, ie. its IP Address.
Link Local Address - Venus.local
When the Remote Console on LAN setting is enabled. A direct connection (via network cable without a router or DHCP server) is possible. You can access the GX device by typing venus.local or http://venus.local into a web browser, or in VictronConnect when connected to the same network. Only Enable this function on trusted networks or direct connections. Make sure you have disabled the password check, or set a password first.
IP Address on VRM
On the VRM Portal, you'll find the IP address on the Device List page of the installation. Note that this does require the Cerbo GX to be connected to the internet.
Network (on Microsoft Windows)
In a local network, for example at home, you can also find the Cerbo GX in the Windows 'Network' overview:
Double-clicking the icon will open up Remote Console on LAN.
Open the 'Properties' window to see the IP address.
This uses Universal plug-and-play broadcast technology.
4.4. Accessing via VRM
This method requires a working internet connection, both on your phone/tablet/laptop as well as for the Cerbo GX. For a new install, this means that it needs to be connected by Ethernet cable.
Step by step instructions:
First, connect the Cerbo GX to the internet by plugging it into a working Ethernet network which has a DHCP server, as most networks do, and which is connected to the internet. The Cerbo GX will immediately connect to VRM.
Now, go to the VRM Portal, https://vrm.victronenergy.com/, and follow the instructions to add the device. More information about this is available in the VRM Manual.
Then once visible on VRM, click the 'Remote Console' link to open the window. Which will look like below screenshot.
More technical information in the related troubleshooting chapter: Remote Console on VRM - Troubleshooting.
