Victron Energy
Victron VE.Direct to USB-C Interface — Connect MPPT, SmartShunt, BMV & Orion XS to a Computer
Victron VE.Direct to USB-C Interface — Connect MPPT, SmartShunt, BMV & Orion XS to a Computer
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The Victron VE.Direct to USB-C interface is the cable that lets a laptop talk to your Victron gear. It converts the RJ12 VE.Direct port found on SmartSolar and BlueSolar MPPT controllers, SmartShunt, BMV battery monitors, Orion XS DC-DC chargers and Phoenix VE.Direct inverters into a standard USB-C connection, so you can run VictronConnect on a computer instead of a phone.
This is the USB-C version (ASS030530030). Victron also makes a USB-A version, ASS030530010 — the electronics are identical, only the computer-end plug differs. Pick USB-C if your laptop has no full-size USB ports, which is most machines made in the last few years. If you're not sure, call us and we'll sort it out before it ships.
When you actually need one
- Firmware updates — the most common reason. Some updates are far more reliable over cable than over Bluetooth, and non-Smart devices have no Bluetooth at all
- Non-Smart devices — BlueSolar MPPTs and plain BMV units have no radio. A cable is the only way to configure or read them
- Pulling logged data — downloading history off an MPPT or SmartShunt to a spreadsheet for fault-finding
- Commissioning on site — a wired connection doesn't drop out halfway through writing a setting, which matters when you're standing in someone's engine bay
- Bluetooth already in use — a busy installation can have more Smart devices than one phone will hold a stable connection to
What it connects to
| Device family | Notes |
|---|---|
| SmartSolar and BlueSolar MPPT | All models with a VE.Direct port |
| SmartShunt (all sizes) | Configuration and data download |
| BMV-700 / BMV-712 battery monitors | Includes non-Smart BMV models |
| Orion XS DC-DC chargers | Firmware and settings |
| Phoenix Inverter VE.Direct | The VE.Direct models, not VE.Bus |
| Peak Power Pack, Smart Battery Sense | Where a VE.Direct port is fitted |
It will not connect a MultiPlus or Quattro. Those use VE.Bus, not VE.Direct — for those you need the VE.Bus Smart Dongle, or an MK3-USB interface for wired access.
Specifications
| Device end | RJ12 (VE.Direct) |
|---|---|
| Computer end | USB-C |
| Cable length | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Isolation | Not galvanically isolated — see the note below |
| Software | VictronConnect for Windows, macOS and Linux (free download from Victron) |
| Drivers | Standard USB serial — recognised without a manual driver install on current operating systems |
| Country of origin | India |
| Manufacturer SKU | ASS030530030 (verify with distributor) |
| Warranty | 5 years (manufacturer) |
One thing worth knowing before you plug it in
The VE.Direct port is not galvanically isolated from the battery negative. If your laptop is running on mains power and its ground sits at a different potential to the vehicle or boat negative, you can create a current path through the interface. In practice this catches people out on boats with shore power connected.
The fix is simple and free: run the laptop on its own battery, unplugged from mains, while the interface is connected. Do that and there is nothing to worry about. If you need a permanently wired connection on a vessel, use an isolated USB hub instead.
Every Jonsson Tech order ships within 5 days nationwide from our Houston, Texas warehouse. Not sure which VE.Direct accessory your setup needs? Send us the model numbers at support@jonssontech.net or call 346-574-9652 and we'll tell you what to order.
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