Manual Victron Color Control GX (page 18 of 27) (English)

785457

Zoom out

Zoom in

1/27

2018-08-21 11:59 1/27 Color Control GX manual

Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/

Color Control GX manual

Thank you for choosing the Color Control Gateway transmitter (CCGX). It sits at the heart of your

energy installation allowing you to view both live and archived data; change settings; instigate

powerful functions; tailor your system to your needs; and to ensure that all the components of your

system are working together, optimally.

All this can be done either with the CCGX in front of you - or from anywhere in the world using an

internet connection, together with the VictonConnect application.

All the information in this manual refers to the latest software. Your device will update itself to the

latest version automatically. Check our blog posts to see that your device has the latest

ﬁrmware:https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/category/ﬁrmware-software/

1. Installation

1.1 Overview of connections

Last update: 2018-08-21 10:10 ccgx:start https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2018-08-21 11:59

1.2 Snap-on ferrite beads for class B EMI compliance

In order to reduce Electromagnetic emissions in compliance with class B EMI you should place the

provided snap-on ferrite beads around every connection cable as close as possible to the Color

Control.

HQ1700 and later

For serial numbers HQ1700 and later, mount a single snap-on ferrite bead (supplied with the unit)

2018-08-21 11:59 3/27 Color Control GX manual

Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/

around the power leads like this:

HQ1654 and earlier

For serial numbers HQ1654 and earlier, mount the snap-on ferrite beads as below:

Last update: 2018-08-21 10:10 ccgx:start https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2018-08-21 11:59

1.3 Power

Power the device using the Power in V+ connector. It accepts 8 to 70 V DC. The device will not power

itself from any of the network connections. Be sure to use a 1A slow blow fuse.

Powering in systems with VE.Bus BMS

When the CCGX is used in an installation with a VE.Bus BMS, connect the Power in V+ on the CCGX to

the terminal labelled 'Load disconnect' on the VE.Bus BMS. Connect both negative leads to the

negative stub of a common Battery.

A Cautionary word about Powering from the AC-out terminal of a VE.Bus Inverter, Multi or

Quattro:

If you power the CCGX from an AC adaptor connected to the AC-out port of any VE.Bus product

(Inverter, Multi or Quattro), then a deadlock will occur after the VE.Bus products are powered-down

2018-08-21 11:59 5/27 Color Control GX manual

Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/

for any reason (after any operational fault or during a black start). The VE.Bus devices will not boot-up

until the CCGX has power …but the CCGX will not boot-up until it has power. This deadlock can be

rectiﬁed by brieﬂy unplugging the CCGX VE.Bus cable at which point you will observe the VE.Bus

products will immediately begin to boot-up.

This deadlock can be avoided in two ways:

Power the CCGX from the battery; or

Cut pin 7 in the VE.Bus cable connected to the CCGX

Cutting/Removing pin 7 of the VE.Bus cable to the CCGX (brown/white according to standard RJ45

ethernet cable colour coding) allows the VE.Bus products to start up without waiting for the CCGX to

boot up ﬁrst.

The disadvantage of cutting pin 7 is that switching the VE.Bus device oﬀ will be less eﬀective:

although it will stop charging and inverting, it will still be in standby mode and therefore drawing

more current from the battery than if pin 7 had been left in place. Typically this is only relevant in

Marine or Automotive systems where it's normal to regularly switch the VE.Bus device oﬀ. For those

types of systems we recommend that you do not cut pin 7, but simply power the CCGX from the

battery.

Last update: 2018-08-21 10:10 ccgx:start https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2018-08-21 11:59

Isolation

Because the CCGX is connected to many diﬀerent products, please ensure that proper care is taken

with isolation to prevent ground loops. In 99% of installations this will not be a problem.

The VE.Bus ports are isolated

The VE.Direct ports are isolated

The VE.Can ports are isolated

The USB ports are not isolated. Connecting a Wi-Fi Dongle or GPS Dongle will not create a

problem as it is not connected to another power supply. Even though there will be ground loop

when you mount a separately-powered USB hub, during extensive testing we have not found

that it caused any issues.

The Ethernet port is isolated, except for the shield: use unshielded UTP cables for the Ethernet

network

Extending USB ports by use of a self-powered USB hub

Although the number of USB ports can be extended by using a hub, there is a limit to the amount of

power that the onboard USB port can provide. When extending the number of USB ports, we

recommend you always use powered USB hubs. And to minimize the chance of issues, be sure to use

good-quality USB hubs.

1.4 Connecting Victron products

1.4.1 Multis/Quattros/Inverters (VE.Bus products)

In order to keep this document short we are going to refer to all Multis, Quattros and Inverters as

VE.Bus products.

The earliest version of the VE.Bus devices which can be connected to the CCGX is 19xx111 or

20xx111, which were released in 2007. VE.Bus ﬁrmware 26xxxxx and 27xxxxx are also supported

…but 18xxxxx is not.

Note that it is not possible to use the Remote On/Oﬀ (header on the VE.Bus control PCB) in

combination with a CCGX. The jumper link needs to be in the header, as it is by default.

Single VE.Bus products

To connect a single VE.Bus product, connect it to one of the VE.Bus sockets on the back of the CCGX.

Both sockets are identical, use either one. Use a standard RJ45 UTP cable, see our pricelist.

Parallel, split- and three-phase VE.Bus systems

To connect multiple VE.Bus products, conﬁgured as a parallel, split-phase or three phase VE.Bus

system, connect either the ﬁrst or the last VE.Bus product in the chain to either one of the VE.Bus

sockets on the back of the CCGX. Use a standard RJ45 UTP cable, see our pricelist.

Systems consisting of ﬁve or more VE.Bus products, connected to a CCGX with serial number HQ1628

or earlier require the 'CCGX dongle for large VE.Bus systems (Product Number: BPP900300100).

2018-08-21 11:59 7/27 Color Control GX manual

Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/

VE.Bus systems with Lithium batteries and a VE.Bus BMS

Connect the CCGX to the socket labelled ‘MultiPlus/Quattro’, or to one of the Multis/Quattros in

the system. Do not connect it to the Remote panel socket on the VE.Bus BMS.

Note that it will not be possible to control the On/Oﬀ/Charger Only switch, nor to change the

input current limit with the CCGX: these options are automatically disabled in the CCGX menu

when a VE.Bus BMS is used. The only way to control a Multi or Quattro when used with a VE.Bus

BMS is to add a Digital Multi Control to the system.

Combining MultiPlus/Quattro with a VE.Bus BMS and a Digital Multi Control is possible. Simply

connect the Digital Multi Control to the RJ-45 socket on the VE.Bus BMS labelled Remote panel.

To allow auto-power-down in the CCGX in case of a low battery, make sure the CCGX is powered

via the VE.Bus BMS: connect Power in V+ on the CCGX to Load disconnect on the VE.Bus BMS.

And connect both negative leads to the negative stub of a common Battery.

Combining the CCGX with a Digital Multi Control

It is possible to connect both a CCGX and a Digital Multi control to a VE.Bus system. The ability to

switch the product On, Oﬀ or set it to Charger Only via the CCGX will be disabled. The same applies to

the input current limit: when there is a Digital Multi Control in the system, the input current limit

which is set at that control panel will be the master-setting, and changing it on the CCGX will not be

possible.

Connecting multiple VE.Bus systems to a single CCGX

Only one VE.Bus system can be eﬀectively connected to the VE.Bus ports on the back of the CCGX.

The professional way to to monitor more systems is to add a second CCGX.

If you intend to connect more than one system to the same CCGX, use one VE.Bus to VE.Can interface

(ASS030520105) for each additional system. Note that the VE.Can network needs to be terminated

and powered. For powering the VE.Can network, see Q17 in our data communication whitepaper.

Note that the functionality will be very limited: Only one VE.Bus system will be visible in the

overviews …and the data on the VRM Portal will either be incorrect or it will only contain data

from one of the VE.Bus systems. We have no short term plans to change this.

You may wonder if it is possible to use a USB-MK2 or USB-MK3 to connect the second system …but

unfortunately that is not possible.

1.4.2 Battery Monitor BMV-700 series; and MPPTs with a VE.Direct port

Either one or two compatible products can be connected directly on the back of the CCGX using a

standard VE.Direct cable. There are two types of VE.Direct cable available:

Straight VE.Direct cables, ASS030530xxx1.

VE.Direct cables with an angled connector on one end. These are designed to minimize the2.

required depth behind a panel, ASS030531xxx

VE.Direct cables have a maximum length of 10 metres. It is not possible to extend them. If longer

lengths are required, use the VE.Direct to VE.Can interface. Note that this is only works for BMV700

and BMV702. Not for the BMV712, MPPT solar chargers and Inverters with a VE.Direct port. See next

paragraph for more information on that VE.Can interface.

Last update: 2018-08-21 10:10 ccgx:start https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2018-08-21 11:59

Connecting more than two devices to your CCGX using VE.Direct

Option 1: Use the VE.Direct to USB interface. The CCGX has two USB ports. Use a USB-hub when

more than two USB ports are required.

The maximum number of VE.Direct devices that can be connected is 5. This is achieved by having two

devices on a direct connection, and a maximum of three connected via USB.

From version 2.12 of the ﬁrmware the number is increased to 8 devices.

Option 2: The BMV700 and BMV712 can also be connected using the VE.Direct to VE.Can

interface. Note that the BMV712, MPPTs and VEDirect Inverters cannot be connected using this

canbus interface as it does not translate the data into canbus messages. When using the

VE.Direct to VE.Can interface, make sure that the VE.Can network is terminated, and also

powered. For powering the VE.Can network, see Q17 in our data communication whitepaper.

Notes about older VE.Direct MPPTs

The MPPTs need to run ﬁrmware version v1.09 or later. See the Victron Professional website

https://professional.victronenergy.com/ to obtain ﬁles and for update instructions.

An MPPT 70/15 needs to be from year/week 1308 or later. Earlier 70/15s are not compatible

with the CCGX, and unfortunately upgrading the MPPT ﬁrmware will not help. To ﬁnd the

year/week number of your model, look for the serial number which is printed on a label on its

back. For example number HQ1309DER4F means 2013, week 09.

1.4.3 Skylla-i, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, Lynx Ion + Shunt and MPPTs with a VE.Can port

To connect a product with a VE.Can port, use a standard RJ45 UTP cable. (Available with straight and

elbow connectors)

Don't forget to terminate the VE.Can network at both ends using a VE.Can terminator. A bag with two

terminators is supplied with each VE.Can product. They are also available separately.

Other notes:

In order to work with the CCGX an MPPT 150/70 needs run ﬁrmware v2.00 or newer.1.

You can combine a Skylla-i control panel with a CCGX.2.

You can combine a Ion Control panel with a CCGX.3.

The Skylla-i, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, Lynx Ion + Shunt and the MPPTs with a VE.Can port all power4.

the VE.Can network …so it won't be necessary to power the VE.Can network separately in these

circumstances. All the protocol converters - for example the VE.Bus to VE.Can interface; and the

BMV to VE.Can interface, do not power the VE.Can network.

1.4.4 BMV-600 series

Connect the BMV-600 using the VE.Direct to BMV-60xS cable supplied. (ASS0305322xx)

1.4.5 DC Link box

Connect the DC Link box, using the RJ-12 cable supplied. Then connect the BMV-700 to the CCGX -

2018-08-21 11:59 9/27 Color Control GX manual

Victron Energy - https://www.victronenergy.com/live/

see 1.2.2 above for instructions.

1.2.6 VE.Can Resistive Tank Sender Adapter

See its page and manual on our website for details about the Adapter.

To connect a product with a VE.Can port, use a standard RJ45 UTP cable.

Don't forget to terminate the VE.Can network on both ends using a VE.Can terminator. A bag with two

terminators is supplied with each VE.Can product. They are also available separately

(ASS030700000). (Available with straight or elbow connectors.)

Make sure that the canbus is powered, see the Power chapter in the Tank Sender Adapter manual for

details.

1.4.7 NMEA Tank senders from other manufacturers

A tank sender must meet the following requirements to be visible on the CCGX:

Transmit the NMEA2000 Fluid Level PGN, 127505

The NMEA2000 device class needs to be 'General', 80

The NMEA2000 function class needs to be 'Transducer', 190

For some tank senders it is also possible to conﬁgure the capacity and the ﬂuid type from the CCGX -

for example the Maretron TLA100. This facility may be available with other senders made by other

manufacturers - it's well-worth trying.

To connect an NMEA2000 network to the VE.Can port on the CCGX, use a VE.Can to NMEA2000 cable.

Alternatively, instead of a VE.Can to NMEA200, you can use a 3802 cable from Oceanic Systems:

https://osukl.com/ve-can-adaptor/. The diﬀerence is that it lends itself well to connecting a single

NMEA-2000 device into a VE.Can network. It's also able to power a lower voltage NMEA-2000 network

directly from a 48V Victron system.

1.5 Measuring PV Inverter output

Measuring the output of a PV Inverter will provide the user with an overview of both actual power

balance and the energy distribution. Note that these measurements are only used to display

information. They are not needed, nor used, by the installation.

There are several ways to show the output of a PV Inverter:

An AC Current Sensor, wired to the analog inputs of a Multi or Quattro provides the information1.

at the lowest cost - though it is the least accurate. AC Current Sensor Manual.

Fronius PV Inverters can be read digitally via the local LAN. See the CCGX / Fronius manual.2.

Using an Energy Meter, either wired to the CCGX, or connected wirelessly using our Zigbee to3.

USB/RS485 interfaces. See the Energy Meters start page.

By using Wireless AC sensors. See the Wireless AC Sensor manual.4.

Last update: 2018-08-21 10:10 ccgx:start https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2018-08-21 11:59

1.6 Internet connectivity

Connect the CCGX to the internet to get all the advantages of the VRM Portal. The CCGX sends data

from all connected products to the VRM portal - from where you can monitor energy usage, view the

current status of connected products, conﬁgure email alarms and download data in CSV and Excel

formats.

To monitor this data from your smartphone or tablet download the iOS or Android VRM App.

In addition to remote monitoring, an active internet connection allows the CCGX to regularly check for

a new ﬁrmware versions - which will be automatically downloaded and installed.

There are several ways to connect a CCGX to the internet:

Run a network cable between a router and the CCGX Ethernet LAN port

Connect to a router wirelessly using a USB Wi-Fi dongle plugged into the CCGX

Via the mobile (cellular) network, using a 3G or 4G router

USB Tethering on a mobile phone

The four chapters below describe these options in detail.

1.6.1 Ethernet LAN port

When you connect an ethernet cable between a router and CCGX, the Settings>Ethernet page of your

CCGX will conﬁrm connection.

1.6.2 Wi-Fi USB dongle

Using a Wi-Fi dongle it is possible to connect to WEP, WPA and WPA2 secured networks. There are

four supported USB Wi-Fi dongles. Two of them are also available from stock at Victron Energy:

CCGX WiFi module simple (Nano USB), small, low cost. Victron part number BPP900100200

Gembird WNP-UA-002, slightly higher cost and also better reception. Victron part number:

BPP900200200

Last update: 2018-08-21 10:10 ccgx:start https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ccgx:start

https://www.victronenergy.com/live/ Printed on 2018-08-21 11:59

Because of the aforementioned improvement in sending of backlog data, the data logging is also

highly resillient to bad internet connections. Lines of up to 70% permenant packet loss are still

suﬃcient to get the data out, albeit somewhat delayed.

With a log interval of once per minute, the required storage space roughly amounts to about 25 MB

per month, depending on the number of connected products. So with a 1 GB microSD card, you can

store about 3 years of backlog. In other words, any microSD card or USB stick should be suﬃcient to

store the 6 months of data which VRM retains.

When the storage device is full, no more data will be logged. This is due to the nature of Sqlite ﬁles.

Removing data from the Sqlite database doesn't free-up usable disk space; and because of internal

fragmentation, it doesn't guarantee more data storage.

If both a microSD card and a USB ﬂash drive are connected to the CCGX, then data is logged to the

one that was inserted ﬁrst. If one is removed, the CCGX will not try to write to the other, but will

create an internal backlog buﬀer until a new storage medium is inserted when it will use that storage

medium.

MicroSD cards or USB ﬂash drives must be formatted as FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32 ﬁle systems -

and not exFAT or NTFS.

SD and SDHC type microSD cards of 32 GB capacity and smaller are sold containing FAT12,

FAT16 or FAT32. They can be used without a problem, unless they are subsequently re-

formatted to a diﬀerent ﬁle system.

SDXC type microSD cards which have greater than 32 GB capacity are often formatted with

exFAT, and therefore cannot be used with the CCGX without reformatting and possibly re-

partitioning.

2.3 Using the Multi and Quattro input current-limiter setting

'Overruled by remote' setting in VEConﬁgure

This chapter explains the implications of enabling or disabling user control of the input current-limiter

setting, as seen here in the menu:

Report abuse

Libble takes abuse of its services very seriously. We're committed to dealing with such abuse according to the laws in your country of residence. When you submit a report, we'll investigate it and take the appropriate action. We'll get back to you only if we require additional details or have more information to share.

Product:

Forumrules

To achieve meaningful questions, we apply the following rules:

First, read the manual;
Check if your question has been asked previously;
Try to ask your question as clearly as possible;
Did you already try to solve the problem? Please mention this;
Is your problem solved by a visitor then let him/her know in this forum;
To give a response to a question or answer, do not use this form but click on the button 'reply to this question';
Your question will be posted here and emailed to our subscribers. Therefore, avoid filling in personal details.

new questions and answers
new manuals

You will receive an email to register for one or both of the options.

Get your user manual by e-mail

Enter your email address to receive the manual of Victron Color Control GX in the language / languages: English as an attachment in your email.

The manual is 0.97 mb in size.

You will receive the manual in your email within minutes. If you have not received an email, then probably have entered the wrong email address or your mailbox is too full. In addition, it may be that your ISP may have a maximum size for emails to receive.

The manual is sent by email. Check your email

If you have not received an email with the manual within fifteen minutes, it may be that you have a entered a wrong email address or that your ISP has set a maximum size to receive email that is smaller than the size of the manual.

The email address you have provided is not correct.

Please check the email address and correct it.

Your question is posted on this page

Would you like to receive an email when new answers and questions are posted? Please enter your email address.

Info

Victron Color Control GX Manual

Product: