The Victron Connect app shows your solar charger and battery status in real time. Connect it to a Victron device like a smart shunt or MPPT solar charge controller. The app works with Bluetooth devices, giving an instant readout of battery voltage drops.
Found in many RVs and marine installations, Isotemp water heaters provide warm water using either shore-supplied electricity or excess heat from an engine. To prevent dangerous overheating, these systems are equipped with a dedicated safety thermostat that acts as a high-temperature cutout. When internal water temperature exceeds safe operational limits, this thermal device interrupts the electrical circuit to avoid potential hazards. Should this safety element fail or become permanently tripped, the electric heating mode may cease functioning entirely.
In this guide, you'll learn how to identify, assess, and change the overheating protection switch within your Isotemp system. Whether you're resolving a hot water issue or carrying out routine maintenance, the following steps will help you get your heater safely back in working condition.
Confused between the Lynx Distributor and Power In? Both are part of Victron’s modular Lynx system, but they serve different roles. In this guide, we’ll break down what each unit does—and help you choose the right one for your electrical setup.
What Are the Victron Lynx Distributor and Lynx Power-In Components?
The Victron Lynx distribution system is a modular DC setup designed for safe, high-current power distribution. It consists of key components like the Victron Lynx Distributor, Lynx Power-In, Lynx Shunt VE.Can, and Lynx Smart BMS, each serving a specific role in managing battery banks and DC loads.
Short Answer: If you're wondering which Victron controller to get, the answer depends on your battery setup, panel wattage, and how much power you want to harvest. Let’s break it down, without the jargon.
What is a Solar Charge Controller and Why Do I Need One?
A solar charge controller is the middleman between your solar panel and your battery. It prevents overcharging, regulates voltage, and keeps things from frying. Think of it as your system’s power bouncer: letting in only what your batteries can handle.
When it comes to building a reliable DC-DC charging setup, the showdown between Victron Buck Boost and Orion converters is hard to ignore. Both offer dependable solutions for regulating voltage between alternators, batteries, and power-hungry systems in RVs, vans, and boats. But which one fits your setup best? In this article, we break down the converter vs converter debate with a side-by-side look at performance, pricing, features, and installation.
Knowing how much anchor chain you have deployed is a critical part of safe and effective anchoring. It determines your scope, holding power, and ability to react in changing conditions. While there are several ways to mark your chain, Osculati Chain Markers offer a durable, highly visible, and easy-to-install solution. These simple plastic inserts create a clear rainbow chain that allows you to see the length of chain you have paid out directly from the deck. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right size to properly installing them on your anchor chain.
Choosing the right Victron inverter starts with understanding your power system. Whether you’re managing energy for a cabin, RV, or boat, sizing your battery bank, inverter, and charge controller correctly is the first step. The Victron Multiplus family offers advanced options, including inverter charger combinations with transfer switch features. Brands like Victron Energy stand out for their modular approach to energy storage and solar charger compatibility.
Knowing the specific model of your Jabsco marine toilet is the first and most important step before you can order spare parts, download the correct manual, or ask for help on a boating forum. If you have a new boat, the previous owner may not have left manuals, leaving you to identify the unit yourself. This guide will help you determine which Jabsco toilet model you have and point you toward the right resources for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Definitely—provided you treat them as identical twins and follow Victron’s exact wiring script. A matched pair of Phoenix units can be ganged to double their wattage or arranged as the two halves of a split-phase or three-phase stack. The catch: Phoenix inverters have their own rulebook, very different from the routine used for Multiplus or Quattro hybrids. This walkthrough covers the Phoenix-specific checklist—firmware requirements, VE.Bus jumpers, equal-length DC cables, and the shared AC bus—that lets the two machines lock their sinewaves in step and behave like one much larger inverter.
The first task on any passage is deciding where to aim the bow. Touch-screen plotters can freeze or lose signal, but a magnetic compass keeps pointing the way, no batteries required. Reading that dial is fundamental seamanship: it lets you trace an exact course and stay on it even when every electronic aid goes dark. The pages that follow break down the markings on the compass card and share practical steering tips so you can pilot with confidence in all conditions.
The Quattro II and MultiPlus II handle different power needs. Quattros support two AC inputs, while Multiplus has one AC input. Both work as pure sine wave inverters and battery chargers.
The Quattro offers higher power, like 5000VA, for larger systems. Multiplus suits smaller setups with a single AC input. Quattro automatically switches between AC sources if the grid fails. Multiplus also provides backup power but with less flexibility. For split-phase systems, Quattro manages L1 and L2 separately. Multiplus works well with 120V or 230V AC loads.
A Thetford Tecma toilet brings residential comfort to your RV or boat, but when it suddenly fails, it can be incredibly frustrating. Whether you're facing an unresponsive flush button, a persistent red light on the control panel, or a silent macerator pump, the issue can seem complex and overwhelming. However, before calling for expensive service, it's important to know that most common Tecma problems can be solved with basic troubleshooting. Often, the solution is as simple as performing a system reset or cleaning a dirty tank sensor. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you diagnose the issue and get your toilet system working again, covering everything from the flush controls to the macerator pump.
The BlueSolar and SmartSolar controllers both charge batteries from solar. SmartSolar models add Bluetooth to communicate with your smartphone. BlueSolar needs a Bluetooth dongle for remote monitoring.
Both work as MPPT solar chargers for 12V to 48V systems. SmartSolar lets you adjust settings via the VictronEnergy VRM portal. BlueSolar only offers basic control without smart features. The difference between the two is connectivity and advanced tuning. SmartSolar enables load output control and battery voltage tracking.
BlueSolar works in read-only archive mode for simple setups. Choose SmartSolar if you need remote access and data logging. Pick BlueSolar for basic, reliable solar charging without extras.
The liquid inside a marine compass is far more than just a simple fluid; it is a critical component that ensures the instrument provides a steady and accurate reading, which is essential for safe navigation and sailing. This clear liquid is specially chosen for its unique properties that allow the compass to function reliably in a demanding marine environment.
Getting your MultiPlus-II working right takes just a few steps. Grab your phone and open the Victron Connect app - that's where the magic happens. You'll need either the little VE.Bus dongle or an MK3 cable to connect.
First things first: tell it what kind of battery you're using. AGM? Lithium? The app's got options for all of them. Set your voltage (12V or 24V) and how much power it should store. Those tiny dip switches on the side matter more than you'd think. They handle the basic stuff so you don't have to. If you're running solar, you might want to tweak the charging settings. The app lets you turn off the charger when the sun's doing all the work.
One of the most common questions for new owners of an Isotherm refrigerator is a simple one: "How long will it take to cool down?" While a general estimate for an empty fridge is typically between 4 and 8 hours, the actual time can vary significantly based on real-world conditions. This cooldown performance depends on a range of critical factors, including the surrounding ambient temperature, the quality of ventilation around the unit, the stability of your power supply, and whether you are loading it with warm or pre-chilled contents. This guide will provide a detailed look at typical cooling timeframes for popular models.
The Cerbo-S GX is a new Victron device with USB ports and a CAN-bus port. Unlike the standard Cerbo GX, it has fewer VE.Direct ports. Both work with MultiPlus, MPPT controllers, and solar systems.
The Cerbo-S GX fits smaller setups but keeps key features. It supports BMS communication for lithium batteries and PV monitoring. The original Cerbo GX handles more complex systems with extra ports. Both display data on an MFD or via Victron’s remote portal. The Cerbo-S GX has a resistive tank input for tank monitoring.
Webasto air heaters keep you warm on cold voyages. Start by checking the main diesel tank fuel level. Locate your Webasto unit—often near the engine compartment. Always disconnect the wire before working on it.
Reference your service manual for specific instructions. Inspect the air inlet and outlet for blockages. Clean any soot buildup around the flame sensor. Replace the fuse if it’s blown.For Thermo Top or Air Top 2000 models, check the engine sensor. The 2000 STC version may need extra attention. If you see an error code, diagnose it first.
Quick Take: Victron is a top-tier brand in off-grid solar. Their panels, controllers, and chargers are ideal for mobile, marine, and off-grid living. This article breaks down how and why.
How Do Victron Solar Panels Compare to Other Brands?
Case Study: Anna and Leo upgraded their van with a Victron setup: a 200W panel, MPPT charge controller, and 12V lithium battery. After a year on the road, they reported a 20% boost in daily energy production versus their old Renogy system.
Webasto heaters sometimes need a reset to work properly. First, check your fuel tank has enough diesel fuel. Make sure the 12v charging system has power.
Turn off the heater completely before starting. Locate the reset button on your Airtop unit. Press and hold it for five seconds. For Land Rover or camper setups, the process stays similar. Ensure the coolant levels look correct first. Verify the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked.
If the burner won’t ignite, check the combustion air supply. Try to start the heater again after resetting. Let it run the heater for a full cycle. Webasto owners and enthusiasts swear by this simple fix.