How devices connect

Devices talk to the panel in four different ways, and knowing which is which explains most "why won't it…" questions.

Broadcast devices (no connection)

Victron devices and Mopeka tank sensors just broadcast their readings over Bluetooth; the panel listens. They never occupy a connection, any number of them can be installed, and their own phone apps keep working at the same time.

Connected Bluetooth devices

The KL shunt, Renogy, diesel heater, JDB BMS, OBD-II dongle, Truma, the LED controllers in Bluetooth mode, and the Monoty A6 in Bluetooth mode each hold a private Bluetooth connection. Two consequences:

• Only about six connected devices can run at once. The Devices page lets you install more than that, but beyond the limit some will sit disconnected. If you're at the limit, switch the A6 or an SP530E to WiFi transport — each switch frees one connection.
• One client at a time. While the panel is connected to a device, that device's own phone app can't connect, and the other way round. If a device won't connect, the first question is always "is its app open on someone's phone?"

WiFi devices

The Monoty A6 and the SP530E LED controller can be switched to WiFi transport: they join the same network as the panel and stop using a Bluetooth connection. See each device's page for the trade-offs.

Built-in and wired devices

The level sensor is inside the panel; the GPS receiver plugs into its USB port. Neither uses Bluetooth at all.

Device slots

The panel has 12 device slots in total, independent of how devices connect. Adding, removing, or changing a device's address takes effect at the next restart (Restart to apply on the Devices page).

Range

Bluetooth range through a vehicle body is modest. The signal meter in Discovered nearby and erratic connections both point the same way: the closer a device is to the panel, the better.