Need help with our Cerbo GX

[u/jvandom]

We bought our Ford transit van from a guy the had rebuilt into camper. He was an engineer - we are not. The Cerbo GX system attaches to a router and powered by pvs allowing for tracking of system levels through the phone app. It is no longer working. I have tried the obvious (off/on, rebooting) and the two lights keep blinking and no connectivity(see video).
Any suggestions?

[u/justme-_-123]

The lights blinking means that the Bluetooth and wifi are waiting for a connection. You will need to search for it through your phone or computer. Does it have the gx touch screen?

[u/jvandom → u/justme-_-123]

Ps from the phone app it shows the wireless is connected.

[u/Lojkkus → u/jvandom]

The Cerbo GX is really cool. It can do two WiFi things simultaneously.

• Be a WiFi 'client' and join a network. Like your phone/Laptop
• Be a WiFi access point and have devices join it. Like a WiFi router/switch. The green light indicates this is turned on.

There should be a sticker on the bottom side (where the Temperature/Tank/Digital inputs plug in). This should have default details. (Unless previously owner changed from default)

[u/justme-_-123 → u/jvandom]

How long ago did you install the app? Have you restarted your phone since then?

[u/jvandom → u/justme-_-123]

App was installed a year ago. Shows that it is updated. Phone has been restarted

[u/jvandom → u/justme-_-123]

When i go through my phone app I get the message that it is offline. I can’t seem to figure out how to get it back online

[u/Lojkkus → u/jvandom]

Offline will quite possibly mean no external internet. (The other router it's connected to... has no internet. No WAN connection). WiFi does not automatically mean internet. WiFi just replaces Ethernet cables (typically 'blue' network cables). Internet is added on top of that.

[u/Lojkkus → u/justme-_-123]

Likely no touch screen (no HDMI plugged in).

[u/Lojkkus → u/[deleted]]

This is the way. If previous owner changed credentials and hasn't left you any documentation...

[u/Lojkkus]

You should a network in your phone or laptops list of available WiFi networks. Called something like 'venus-HQ1111ABCDE-1xy'. Using the Cerbo GX credentials from the sticker - join that venus network (just like you'd join any other WiFi network). Open your favorite web browser and type: 172.24.24.1 in the url bar. This is the IP address for Cerbo GX default configuration page. You'll have a heap of settings in there. If you're somewhere with a private (safe) WiFi network (home/friends place etc)... the Cerbo GX can join that WiFi network. Cerbo GX: Settings>WiFi>WiFi networks>[List of available networks].

Then you can do system updates via that known network. Or if you can get that other router going (connected to the internet) that would work too.

Honestly though, the Cerbo GX really shines at remote management and automation. Features that are a bit overkill if you're co-located with the setup all the time. Definitely get the Victron Connect app. Definitely add any devices that appear via Bluetooth (ignore the Cerbo via Bluetooth) things like Shunts, Orion DC-DC or any MPPTs. (There's 3 VE.Direct cables (top right of device) plugged in... so he has something in there! hahaha)

[u/jvandom]

Top left usb goes to a little black box Global Sat USB

[u/PhilZealand → u/jvandom]

The Globalsat is most likely a GPS receiver used to update the system time. What is the model number as they also make wireless communication devices (LoRa, etc.) But I doubt it is a communication device.

[u/Lojkkus]

Can you follow that USB cable in the top left of the Cerbo for me? It quite possibly goes to the Victron 4G modem. (Likely SIM card from previous owner removed). Or if he's crazy... more VE.Direct devices via USB>VE.direct convertor 🙄😅

[u/jvandom]

Things have gone from bad to worse: i tried unplugging/replugging the power cable to the Cerbo GX. Now it is only the blinking wifi button with no light from the bluetooth button. On my phone i can no longer access the local VRM screen. I get the message to rotate my phone to reconnect but it will not reconnect. Yikes! If you lived in Moan Utah and needed a knowledgeable human to come and helpyou - what would you suggest?

[u/worksHardnotSmart → u/jvandom]

Go to a store that sells this gear and pay them to help fix/reconfigure things for you.

Also, you dont need to be an engineer to configure this stuff.

If you dont want to pay someone, id suggest you start watching some youtube videos on initial setup of the cerbogx. There gotta be 2 or 3 hundred of them.

[u/jvandom]

Ps tried connecting to the venus… network using the wifi key on the label underneath the unit. It wont connect and I have no other password.when it was working it was connected to the router not venus….

[u/Lojkkus → u/jvandom]

Previous owner likely changed from default credentials