Digital Multi Control PDF en
Digital Multi Control PDF en
rev 00 - 10/2023
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Digital Multi Control
Table of Contents
1. Safety instructions ................................................................................................................... 1
2. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Compatibility ................................................................................................................. 2
2.2. Quick start guide ............................................................................................................. 2
2.3. What's in the box ............................................................................................................ 2
3. Features ................................................................................................................................ 3
3.1. System connectivity ......................................................................................................... 3
3.2. Power mode switch ......................................................................................................... 3
3.3. LEDs .......................................................................................................................... 3
3.4. Display ........................................................................................................................ 3
3.5. AC input control .............................................................................................................. 3
3.6. Multiple AC inputs ........................................................................................................... 3
3.7. Generator support with external transfer switch ......................................................................... 3
5. Installation ............................................................................................................................. 5
5.1. Mounting ...................................................................................................................... 5
5.2. Inverter/charger connection ................................................................................................ 5
5.3. External transfer switch connection ....................................................................................... 5
6. Configuration ......................................................................................................................... 6
6.1. Setup menu .................................................................................................................. 6
6.2. Scaling factor ................................................................................................................ 7
6.3. Generator current limit ...................................................................................................... 7
6.4. Upper AC input limit 1 to 4 ................................................................................................. 7
6.4.1. Special display feature ............................................................................................ 7
6.5. Current limit overruled by remote .......................................................................................... 7
6.6. Configuration example ...................................................................................................... 7
7. Operation .............................................................................................................................. 9
7.1. Turning the system on and off ............................................................................................. 9
7.2. Adjusting AC input current limit ............................................................................................ 9
7.3. LED brightness ............................................................................................................ 10
9. Dimensions .......................................................................................................................... 13
Digital Multi Control
1. Safety instructions
General
• Review the included documentation for instructions before using this product.
• This product has been tested in accordance with international standards. Only use this product for the intended purpose or
application.
• Never use the product in locations with a gas or dust explosion danger.
Installation
• Always refer to the installation section in this manual before applying power to the equipment.
• Ensure that the environmental conditions are suitable for the operation of this product. Never operate the product in the rain or
a dusty environment.
2. Introduction
The Digital Multi Control 200/200A enables remote monitoring and control of inverter/charger systems in stand-alone, parallel,
and 2- or 3-phase configurations. It seamlessly integrates with the helm, dashboard or control panel of your vessel, vehicle, or
home system.
2.1. Compatibility
The control panel is compatible with these inverter/charger models:
• MultiCompact.
• Legacy (pre-VE.Bus) Multi, MultiCompact, MultiPlus and Quattro (2008 and earlier).
For expedited installation instructions, find your system type in the list below and click the appropriate link:
System types:
• MultiPlus system with 1 AC source [4].
For comprehensive details about the control panel, including features, configuration, and operational information, consult the
complete manual.
Page 2 Introduction
Digital Multi Control
3. Features
3.3. LEDs
Eight LEDs replicate the inverter/charger LEDs.
Note that if the panel is connected to an inverter/charger model with only three LEDs, the full eight LED indications will be shown.
3.4. Display
The 7-segment display primarily shows the AC input current and, if applicable, displays the AC input source or VE.Bus error
codes.
The adjustment range is synchronised with the inverter/charger system range. For instance, when connected to an inverter/
charger with 16A feed-through capacity, the AC input range remains within 16A. If linked to five of these units in parallel, it is
scaled up to 80A.
If an AC input range below the feed-through capacity of the inverter/charger is required, a custom upper threshold can be
configured. Refer to the Upper AC input limit 1 to 4 [7] chapter.
If needed, a fixed AC current can be specified in the inverter/charger settings, which then cannot be modified by the remote
panel. Refer to the Current limit overruled by remote [7] chapter.
When switching between the different AC inputs, the display alternates between showing the AC current limit value and the input
name (AC2, AC3, etc.). For AC1, only the current limit will be shown.
The display remembers the last used AC current limit value for each input.
The panel sends the current limit to the inverter/charger system as set via the knob. If the screw terminals on the panel's back are
short-circuited, a preset current limit is sent instead, and "GEN" is displayed.
To enable this, connect the screw connector terminals to an externally controlled switch, typically the auxiliary relay of an external
transfer switch. For setup, refer to the Generator current limit [7] chapter.
This feature is not relevant to a standard Quattro setup, which does not need an external transfer switch, and a fixed generator
AC input limit can be configured in the Quattro.
Page 3 Features
Digital Multi Control
4. System types
This chapter describes the different inverter/charger system types that the control panel can connect to.
You probably will not need to adjust any settings in the control panel. In a Quattro setup, the AC1 input takes precedence over the
AC2 input. By default, the AC2 input current limit can be overridden by the remote panel, while the AC1 input current limit remains
fixed (this can be altered in the Quattro settings).
A common setup involves connecting a generator to the AC1 input and grid power to the AC2 input. While the generator runs, the
control panel shows "AC1," and the know can not alter the AC1 input current limit. Once the generator stops and shore power is
active, the panel toggles between "AC2" and the AC current value. Turning the knob will alter the AC2 input current limit.
To cap the maximum settable current, adjust the "Upper shore limit for AC input 2" parameter. For details, see the Upper AC input
limit 1 to 4 [7] chapter, and refer to the Special display feature [7] chapter to stop the display from toggling between "AC2"
and the AC input current value.
To ascertain the transfer status, the control panel features a screw connector on its backside. Normally, the panel sends the AC
current set point from the knob to the inverter/charger system. But, by short-circuiting the screw terminals, the panel displays
"GEN" and sends a preset AC current limit to the inverter/charger system.
For connection advice refer to the External transfer switch connection [5] chapter and for configuration instructions, refer to the
Generator current limit [7] chapter.
5. Installation
• Use an RJ45 UTP cable to connect the control panel to the inverter/charger. The cable is available in a variety of lengths (30cm
to 30m) and is not included with the control panel.
• If you are utilising the generator support [3] functionality, two wires are required to connect the control panel to the transfer
switch. Use wires with a thickness between 0.25 and 1.0mm². These wires are not included with the control panel.
5.1. Mounting
Use the four screws to mount the control panel as indicated below.
For control panel dimensions and mounting hole locations, refer to the Dimensions [13] chapter.
Note: In the case of a pre-VE.Bus multiple unit system, connect the control panel to the master unit.
Page 5 Installation
Digital Multi Control
6. Configuration
• To change the value of a parameter, turn the knob until the displayed value is as required.
• Pressing the configuration button, after the last parameter is selected, will exit configuration mode and activate all parameters.
So even if only one parameter needs adjustment, you will have to go through all parameters.
• When the configuration button is pressed, or during configuration, the inverter/charger(s) will switch to "Inverter only" mode.
The lower three LEDs in the left column on the control panel indicate which parameter is being adjusted according to the table
below:
Page 6 Configuration
Digital Multi Control
For legacy pre-VE.Bus systems, refer to the Pre-VE.Bus scaling factor [11] chapter.
The generator AC current limit can be adjusted within the range of 0 to 198A, with increments of 2A.
When configuring the generator AC current limit, be aware that not all generators can operate at full load. Particularly, smaller
3000 rpm generators from certain brands can overheat during extended full-load operation, and the maximum current should be
less than the rated maximum, while the AC current limit for 1500 rpm generators can be set higher.
An extended VE.Bus system can have up to four AC inputs. Yet, a basic VE.Bus MultiPlus system has one AC input. As such,
only the upper limit for AC input 1 needs to be configured. The other AC input limits can be safely ignored.
You have an inverter/charger system with two AC inputs, namely generator and shore power. You want to prioritise the generator
over shore power. You connect the generator to AC input 1 and shore power to AC input 2. You do not want the user to alter
the generator AC input limit, so in the inverter/charger settings, you disable the "overruled by remote" setting for AC input 1, and
enable it for AC input 2.
• When the generator stopped and shore power is active, the panel alternates between displaying "AC2" and the current limit for
AC2. Yet, this alternating display might not match your preferences.
To resolve this:
A simpler approach is to show just the current limit value when AC input 2 is active. This is enough to indicate the switch to shore
power. To achieve this, set all but one of the upper AC input limit parameters to zero. In this example, the limits for AC1, AC3 and
AC4 should be set to zero. This adjustment eliminates the unwanted alternating behavior.
In the case of a Quattro, both inputs have an "overruled by remote" setting and are independently configurable.
Two VE.Bus Multis 16A/230V + 4kVA gen. (3000 rpm) + external transfer switch.
Because this is a VE.Bus system, the scaling factor does not need to be set.
A 4kVA generator can supply a maximum current of 17.4A. Using a 70% safety margin, we will set the generator current to 12A.
Page 7 Configuration
Digital Multi Control
1. Press and hold the configuration button until the bottom LED in the left column starts flashing. This means you entered the
configuration mode, and you can change the scaling factor. As said, this parameter can be ignored in the case of VE.Bus
Multis.
2. Press the button to go to the next setting. The lower left LED will turn on, indicating that the generator current can be set.
4. Press the button to advance to the “Upper Shore limit for AC input 1” setting.
5. If you want the maximum shore current the operator can set to be lower than 32A, you can change this value.
6. Since the next 3 parameters (Upper Shore limit for AC input 2, 3 and 4) do not need to be configured, you can press the
button 4 times to step through the settings and finalise the configuration.
Page 8 Configuration
Digital Multi Control
7. Operation
The control panel is active as soon as the inverter/charger system is switched on.
ID Description
A Charger LEDs: mains on, bulk, absorption and float.
B Light sensor, used to automatically dim the LED brightness.
C Inverter LEDs: inverter on, overload, low battery and temperature.
D Display, showing the AC input current limit, AC source or VE.Bus errors.
E AC current limiter knob, use to adjust the AC input current limit.
F On / off / charger-only switch, use to turn the inverter/charger on, off or to charger-only mode.
When PowerAssist is enabled in the inverter/charger system, a minimum AC input current limit value applies. See the table below.
If set below this value, the inverter/charger stops charging, opens its internal transfer relay, disconnects from the AC supply and
starts inverting.
Current limits adjust in 0.5A steps under 10A, and 1A steps over 10A. For instance, an 11.1A limit rounds to 12A.
The control panel prevents setting a limit below the inverter/charger system's minimum AC current. If the AC input current limit
needs to be set to 0A (below the inverter/charger's limit), quickly turn the knob anticlockwise. The control panel display shows 0.0,
and the inverter/charger(s) will stop charging and start inverting. Turn clockwise to revert back to the minimum AC current limit.
AC voltage (V) rating Power (VA) rating Minimum configurable AC current limit (A)
2000 5.5 - 8.4 *
3000 7.5 - 9.5 *
120
5000 13.0 - 13.4 *
10000 18.5
Page 9 Operation
Digital Multi Control
AC voltage (V) rating Power (VA) rating Minimum configurable AC current limit (A)
1600 2.4 - 2.8 *
2000 2.4 - 4.5 *
3000 3.0 - 4.5 *
5000 3.9 - 6.4 *
8000 7.6 - 10.5 *
10000 8.6 - 10.5 *
15000 10.1 - 14.5 *
*) The exact value depends on the inverter/charger model. Refer to the "Minimum input current limits" spreadsheet, located in the
"VE.Bus (Multies, Inverters and Quattros)" folder in the firmware section on the Victron Professional website.
Page 10 Operation
Digital Multi Control
The control panel is backwards compatible with legacy (pre-VE.Bus) inverter/chargers running firmware versions 15xxyyy,
17xxyyy, and 18xxyyy. The transition from pre-VE.Bus to VE.Bus occurred from late 2007 to mid-2008.
For pre-VE.Bus systems, the control panel operation and setup align with the manual, except that the control panel does not
automatically adapt to the system. The default setting is for a standalone inverter/charger with a 16A transfer switch, but if a
different AC transfer current applies, the Scaling factor [7] needs to be adjusted.
The control panel must be scaled (matched to the system) when it is used with pre-VE.Bus systems. This can be done by
changing the “scaling factor” parameter. For instructions, refer to the Scaling factor [7] chapter.
Once the scaling is accurately configured, proceed to set up any other relevant parameters. For instructions, refer to the
Configuration [6] chapter.
For a pre-VE.Bus system with 2 AC sources, an external transfer switch (VE Transfer Switch) is essential.
The control panel must be scaled (matched to the system) when it is used with pre-VE.Bus systems. This can be done by
changing the “scaling factor” parameter. For instructions refer to the Scaling factor [7] chapter.
Once the scaling factor is configured, follow the installation process similar to using a VE.Bus system with an external transfer
switch. Refer to the MultiPlus system with 2 AC sources and transfer switch [4] chapter for instructions.
8.2. Configuration
Configuration is the same as described in this manual, with the exception that a scaling factor needs to be set up.
To set up the scaling factor, see the next paragraph, and for configuration of the remaining parameters, see the Configuration [6]
chapter
The scaling factor aligns the control panel AC current with the system AC current and is exclusive to pre-VE.Bus inverter/
chargers.
Begin by calculating the scaling factor as directed in this chapter. Afterwards, move on to configuring the scaling factor. For
guidance on configuration, consult the Setup menu [6] chapter.
Examples:
• One 16A unit: Scaling factor is: (1 * 1) – 1 = 0
• Six 30A units in 3-phase (2 paralleled units per phase): Scaling factor is: (2 * 2) – 1 = 3
Important:
1. When configuring a non-zero scaling factor in the control panel, do not specify the number of slaves in the VEConfigure
software. Instead, set the slave count to zero.
2. In a split-phase or 3-phase setup, the NrOfDevices reflects the number of devices per phase. So for a 3-phase system
consisting of 6 units (2 per phase), the NrOfDevices is 2.
A 13kVA generator 120V can supply a maximum current of 108.3A. Using a 90% safety margin, we will set the generator current
to 98A.
1. Press and hold the configuration button until the bottom LED in the left column starts flashing. This means you entered the
configuration mode, and you can change the scaling factor.
3. Press the button to go to the next setting. The lower left LED will turn on, indicating that the generator current can be set.
5. Press the button to advance to the “Upper Shore limit for AC input 1” setting.
6. You probably want the maximum shore current the operator can set to be lower than 128A, so turn the knob until the display
indicates a proper maximum shore current.
7. Since the next 3 parameters (Upper Shore limit for AC input 2, 3 and 4) do not need to be configured, you can press the
button 4 times to step through the settings and finalise the configuration.
9. Dimensions
Dimensions in mm
a. ø 7.00mm
b. ø 6.50mm
c. ø 3.90mm
d. ø 4.20mm
Revision : v1.0
Date : 01-09-2015
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Page 13 Dimensions
Digital Multi Control
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Template for
drilling and
cutting
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60
doc: PN001501
© victron energy b.v. Dimension diagram Victron Energy remote panels article: metal panel
date: 30-06-2015 rev: 02
Page 14 Dimensions