218VBM Victron Battery Monitor Interface - Datasheet
Introduction
The 218VBM provides a digital interface linking E-Plex to the precision BMV-60xS and BMV-70x ranges of battery monitors from Victron Energy.
Key features
- Highly accurate battery monitoring
- State of charge tracking
- Measures time to go
Description
The 218VBM connects to the Victron Energy BMV using its VE.Direct serial interface connector. Because the BMV is always powered, it accurately tracks battery status. The E-Plex interface reads the values from the BMV as they are currently displayed on the BMV screen. When connected, the E-Plex system is able to read the following information:
| Name | Units | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | Volts | 3 digits to 1dp | 24.1 Volts |
| Amps | Amps | 4 digits to 1dp | 230.4 Amps |
| Consumed Energy | Ah | 4 digits to 1dp | 1056 Ah |
| State of Charge | Percent | 4 digits to 1dp | 87.2 % |
| Time to go | Minutes | 5 digits | 13542 minutes |
| Synchronised | True/false | 1 bit | true |
Notes:
- The interface only reads data from the BMV; does not control it.
- Battery parameter configuration is carried out on the BMV display.
- You cannot read the voltage of the second battery on the BMV-602 or BMV-702.
- Synchronised means that the BMV has seen a fully charged state on the battery, and is now tracking the state of charge accurately. It does not have anything to do with E-Plex functionality.
Isolation
The 218VBM incorporates galvanic isolation enabling the battery monitor to take measurements from a different battery bank to the one powering E-Plex. This also means that several 218VBM and BMV units may be connected to E-Plex to monitor several separate battery banks.
Compatibility List
The 218VBM will operate with the following list of Victron Energy battery monitors:
BMV-600 series
- BMV-600S
- BMV-602
- BMV-602S
- BMV-600HS
BMV-700 series
- BMV-700
- BMV-702
LED indicators
- Activity - Blinks whenever there is communication on the E-Plex system. When communication is fast it may appear that the LED is always illuminated.
- Transmit - Blinks whenever E-Plex transmits to the BMV. This LED will not usually illuminate.
- Receive - Blinks whenever data is received from the BMV. This LED should blink approximately once per second when the BMV and E-Plex system are powered.
Wiring diagram
It is important to note that the VE.Direct connector on the BMV-60x is not keyed which means the connector may be inserted either way around. If inserted with the incorrect polarity the BMV may be permanently damaged.
Wiring diagram showing how to connect BMV600 with polarity of connector.
Wiring diagram showing how to connect BMV700 with polarity of connector.
Electrical specifications
| Description | Minimum | Nominal | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Plex LEN | - | 3 | - |
| Voltage | Powered from E-Plex bus | ||
| Electrical isolation | 2500 Vrms | ||
Mechanical specifications
| Description | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% (non-condensing) |
| IP Rating | IP20 |
Insert mechanical drawing here
Ordering codes
| Ordering Code | Description |
|---|---|
| EP3-INTER-BMV60X-218VBM-F | E-Plex interface to 600 series battery monitors |
| EP3-INTER-BMV70X-218VBM-F | E-Plex interface to 700 series battery monitors |
Notes: The two versions of the module are the same. However they are supplied with a different BMV interconnection cable to match the respective VE.Direct socket on the BMV.
