VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle

The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is an adapter designed to extend the connectivity of Victron Energy equipment without built-in Bluetooth. It enables wireless interaction with these products via the VictronConnect app, providing monitoring, configuration, and firmware update capabilities.

Main features of the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle include:

Wireless data visualization (battery status, solar panel power, etc.) on iOS, Android and macOS mobile devices via the VictronConnect app. The VE.Smart Networking wireless communication network between Victron products. The "Instant Readout" function that displays key data in the VictronConnect device list without requiring an active connection (requires firmware 2.41 or later). Two status LEDs (blue for Bluetooth, red for errors). A button to clear the PIN code.

Yes, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle supports firmware updates for itself. The VictronConnect app automatically handles these updates, including on the first connection. It is also possible to manually check and update the firmware via the product information screen in the app.

There is no functional or technical difference between the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle and the older VE.Direct to Bluetooth LE dongle. Only the name has changed from "LE" to "Smart". Both devices offer the same features.

The dongle uses status LEDs to indicate its state:

If the blue LED blinks slowly, the dongle is ready for a Bluetooth connection. If the blue LED stays solidly lit, it means the Bluetooth interface is successfully connected to the VictronConnect app.

Yes, via the "Bluetooth Live Data Advertisement" feature. If the dongle's firmware is version 2.41 or later, this option can be enabled to display key product data directly in the VictronConnect app's device list without needing an active connection to the dongle.

Yes, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is equipped with a button to clear the PIN code. This can be useful if forgotten or if resetting access security is required.

The dongle is compatible with almost all Victron Energy products equipped with a VE.Direct port and which do not have integrated Bluetooth. Examples of compatible products include the BMV 700 and 702 battery monitors, Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct inverters, and BlueSolar MPPT solar charge controllers.

No, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is not compatible with Victron Energy GX or GlobalLink devices. It is specifically designed for Victron products that do not have built-in Bluetooth and feature a VE.Direct port.

The VictronConnect application, required to interact with the dongle, is compatible with iOS (for iPhone/iPad), Android (for smartphones/tablets), and macOS (for Apple computers).

No, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is not compatible with Windows computers. The VictronConnect app works with iOS, Android, and macOS for connection via this dongle.

No, although the dongle supports VE.Smart Networking for wireless communication between Victron products, synchronized charging is not a feature supported by this network.

No, the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle does not support displaying stored data trends. It provides real-time monitoring and access to current device data.

No, the "Keep SOC" option for the battery state of charge (SOC) setting at reset is not supported by the VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle.

No, it is not possible to extend the 1.5-meter VE.Direct cable supplied with the dongle. It must be connected directly to the VE.Direct port of the compatible device.

The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is powered directly by the Victron Energy product to which it is connected via the VE.Direct port. It does not require a separate external power supply.

If a firmware update is required during the first installation, the dongle’s blue and red LEDs will flash rapidly in alternation. The VictronConnect app will automatically detect this requirement and initiate the firmware update once the connection is established.

To enable the "Bluetooth Live Data Advertisement" function (requires firmware v2.41 or later):

Open the VictronConnect app and tap the VE.Direct dongle to open it. Go to the "Product info" page. Scroll to the bottom of the page and use the slider to enable or disable Bluetooth live data advertising.

If the blue LED is continuously lit and the red LED is also continuously lit, this indicates a VE.Direct communication issue. In this case, only the dongle itself can be updated in VictronConnect. If both LEDs are flashing slowly, this also means a VE.Direct communication issue, and the dongle will only advertise itself; the connected device will not be visible in VictronConnect.

The VE.Direct Bluetooth Smart dongle is designed to connect to most Victron Energy products that feature an integrated VE.Direct port. It adds Bluetooth connectivity to these devices for monitoring, configuration, and software updates via the VictronConnect app.

Compatible products include:

BMV 700 and BMV 702 battery monitorsPhoenix Inverter VE.Direct invertersBlueSolar MPPT solar charge controllersNote that the dongle is not compatible with Victron Energy GX-type devices or GlobalLink products.