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Victron Energy Consulting Services

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Michael Pail - On A New Tack, LLC


Please note: This webpage and this service offering is in no way affiliated with Victron Energy.  While I have attended training classes for Victron and live on a sailing catamaran which uses a complete Victron Energy solution, I am not a Victron employee nor do I have any direct affiliation with Victron Energy.
Any and all Victron logos and marks are trademarked by Victron Energy.

Victron and Off-grid Living is a Match Made in Heaven

Victron Energy offers a complete ecosystem of products to enable Energy Harvesting, Off-grid living, Marine power systems, and Van and RV power systems. 

A Near Total Power System Solution

Specifically in regards to the Marine and RV/Van power solutions, minus things like alternators and alternator controllers, they offer products that cover the entire needs of these markets. 

The Victron Energy System has become the Go-to Standard for Marine and RV

With this breadth of products comes the challenge of part selection and then part and system configuration. Victron Energy products and the complete solution is so well suited for Marine, Van and RV power systems, that their use and availability has quickly become wide-spread.

The Challenge of Deploying a Complex and Safe System

Unfortunately, depending on where you are in the world, getting support can either be near impossible or comes with a huge wait and/or expense.

When you do find support, how do you know the level of expertise, the reliability of the provider in holding appointments and trust that the implementation will be done to best possible standards?

The On A New Tack Victron Energy Support Solution!

Expertise

Michael Pail of On A New Tack, LLC wants to help you make sure your System be complete, safe and reliable.
He lives on his sailing catamaran "Mira", with his wife Suzanne after retiring from Electrical Engineering product design and then business ownership. He holds US 10 patents from his work in Electrical Engineering and their custom furniture business consistently held design and installation appointments set up to 6 months out.
Quality is evident in every project and will not be compromised.
They started their live aboard Mira in South Africa, sailed to Maine, USA, and are currently in the Caribbean with plans of circumnavigating the planet.

Familiarity with Victron Energy Products

"Mira" contains the following Victron Energy Products and their full functioning is an absolute requirement for our daily lives:

  • Auto Selecting Isolation Transformer (1)
  • Multiplus - 5000Watt, 230v (2, in parallel)
  • Smart Lithium 400A, 24V LiFePO4batteries (4)
  • SmartBMS 500 (1)
  • Lynx Distributors (2)
  • MPPT 75/15 Solar Controllers (8)
  • 24V - 48V DC-DC Converter (for powering Starlink from DC) (1)
  • 24V - 12V (25A) DC-Dc Converter (for powering 12V loads) (1)
  • 24V - 12V (20A) DC- DC Converter (for powering 12V air inflator) (1)
  • Cerbo GX, making extensive use of Node-RED scripting for automation (1)
  • GX Touch 50 (1)
  • Smart Battery Protect (1)
  • Integration of Victron VRM display into B&G Chartplotters

Services Offered

  • System Design Services, including Bill of Materials, diagrams and documentation package
  • Remote Assistance and Troubleshooting, using a combination of Victron's VRM portal remote access, Zoom/Google Meet screen shares and WhatsApp video calls. *
  • On-Site Assistance and Troubleshooting. *
    I would expect this to only be for those close to our current location (We Are Here!), however, if you are not getting the assistance you need and are willing to cover the travel and lodging expenses, may be possible, but is determined on a case-by-case basis.
  • Training, which is currently on a one-to-one basis, however group classes may be offered in the future - email if interested.
    You tell me what you are interested and I'll create a lesson-plan and quote.
  • Remote or Local Firmware Updates, Configuration Review or Changes. 
    Note, remote configuration changes and firmware updates may not be possible with your system configuration. There are options, so reach out.
  • Custom or Pre-made Node-RED scripts, which can automate function of your power system.
    Examples:
    • Auto Power-on and Power-off of inverters based on numerous conditions
    • Transfer of live power generation status to a Garmin watch.
    • Auto powering of Hot Water heaters when there is surplus incoming energy.
    • Auto-run of programmed On/Off cycles of an inverter at night for powering an air-conditioning system, while minimizing power consumption.

* Results, Guaranteed with No Risk

For Remote and On-site Assistance and Troubleshooting, I will give up to an hour of evaluation in trying to find the source of the problem.  If I don't find the source of the problem, there is no charge. (Travel expenses required for On-Site Assistance and Troubleshooting are not covered by this.)

Next Steps

Interested in any of these services? Let's have a conversation and see if I can help!

I don't believe in high-pressure and I do believe in up-front pricing. I am an expert in my field and my time has value, however, because of this expertise, I can be very efficient with the time billed.

You can reach out at: victron@onanewtack.com or call at +1-919-412-7058 (WhatsApp and phone)

Pricing

  • All consulting services are billed at US $125 / hour worked, with a 1 hour minimum and 15 minute billing increments, thereafter.
    • I'll spend up to an hour trying to find the source of a Assistance and Troubleshooting problem.  If I don't know how to get you back up and running by the end of that hour, there is no charge!
    • Projects may require more than an hour to correct, and the first hour is not free if I work more than that to solve your issue.
  • Travel related expenses, where applicable are determined on a case-by-case basis.
  • Custom Node-RED scripts will be estimated prior to the commencement of work.  
  • Ready-to-go Node-RED Scripts are being considered and will be listed here when available, along with their price for a one-site license.

Whitepapers, Blog Articles, etc that relate to Victron Energy


References, Reviews and Testimonials

“Mike was a huge help in helping set up my Victron Charger and Inverter. He was able to log in virtually and configure the system for optimal performance, while offering helpful advice on added equipment and wiring for better performance. He is a good communicator and is super knowledgeable on the systems.  I would highly recommend his services.”
- Mark Donaldson - S/V Yacht Rocker

"Thanks for your help in converting our AGM batteries to the LiFePo4 batteries.  Your knowledge and experience was greatly appreciated.  I would highly recommend you to anyone undergoing this endeavor."
- Scott Dovey - Skipper of SV Cocomo

Instructions to Enable Remote Access

Follow these steps to enable remote access and configuration control of your GX based system (Victron Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX, Venus GX, Multiplus II GX,etc).
Note: Your GX device must have an internet connection and this access should not be given out to people you don't trust, as serious damage, or system shutdown can occur!
  1. Navigate to vrm.victronenergy.com.
  2. Sign in, or if you don't yet have an account, create one using the link at the bottom.
    1. If this is your first time logging in, you will have to verify your email account, then you will be asked to "Add an Installation". 
    2. Select the GX product used in your system.
    3. Then, enter your VRM Portal ID and give the Installation a name, such as your boat name.
      1. This is found on the GX device under Menu › Settings › VRM online portal.
    4. Click Connect
  3. You should now see your installation information.
  4. On the left Menu, click on your Installation Name (it may already be selected), then select Settings, then Users.
  5. Click the blue Invite user button.
  6. In the window that pops up, enter the following:
    1. Name: Mike Pail
    2. Email Address: mike@onanewtack.com
    3. Access Level: Technician
    4. Personal Message: Give a brief overview of your system and what you need help with.
    5. Click Send.
  7. At this point, I will be emailed your personal message and will have access to your system within my VRM Portal Account!


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