Powering Victron MPPT Control, supplied battery connection vs. VE.Direct

[Ruck_and_Roll]

Hi, hoping for a little feedback from those other Victron users here.

Recently finished install of my solar system, Renogy 160 watt panel, Victron 75/15 controller, and the Victron MPPT Control monitor/plate. Based on the bluetooth technology and my already installed BMV-712 seems everything is working and I'm getting charging.

My only problem is the supplied power cord is not long enough to reach my battery box so I can't program it and would have to rely on presets through the iPhone application.

My limited understanding is that that I can power the control through either the VE.direct cable that connects to the charge controller or the supplied power cable. The supplied power cable is fused and isn't long enough to reach my battery.

So two questions:
1. Any further benefits with the VE.Direct Cable? The manual is pretty spartan. Any other benefits with connecting through this cable (besides power)?
2. Did anyone else have this cable length issue with the supplied cable that goes to the battery? Can I just splice and lengthen the wire?

 

[rando]

In order for the MPPT control to work with the MPPT 75/15 it has to be connected via the VE.direct cable. You will need a longer VE.direct cable, or to extend the one you have. They come in several different lengths and aren't all that expensive:
https://www.amazon.com/Victron-Energy-VE-Direct-Cable-10m/dp/B01F9ESJVI

The power cable is only used with some older charge controllers which don't provide power on the VE.direct port at night.

 

[veryactivelife]

The Victron MPPT Control is really optional. Assuming that you have a Smart Controller, which I believe all the current Victrons are, the app allows complete programing of the charge controller and is much easier to program than using the control panel.

Dean

 

[Ruck_and_Roll]

Thanks Rando and Dean. Dean, I'll have to review the instructions again. When I went into the specific settings for programming, I could only select pre-sets and I was not able to edit these through the app. I was trying to match the exact charger settings to the recommendations on my Vmax 110ah tank.

 

[Vic Harder]

Thanks Rando and Dean. Dean, I'll have to review the instructions again. When I went into the specific settings for programming, I could only select pre-sets and I was not able to edit these through the app. I was trying to match the exact charger settings to the recommendations on my Vmax 110ah tank.

In the same area as the presets is an option for "user defined". Check that out.