FAQ
FAQ
Does this work without a Victron GX?
Yes. AquaLoad is a Node-RED palette. It runs on any device with Node-RED and MQTT, including Home Assistant. Victron GX is one host, not the only one. Day-to-day control on Victron is Cerbo, VRM and Remote Console. On Home Assistant it is a phone, computer or a dedicated screen.
What firmware?
On a Victron GX: VenusOS 3.75+. Not compatible with CCGX. On Home Assistant or any other Node-RED host: Node-RED and MQTT required. Firmware depends on that device. Latest is best. No VenusOS needed for Home Assistant. It works independently.
Which hardware?
GeyserwiseESP, Geyserwala Connect, Shelly, Elon Smart and contactors via Victron GX relays. Not smart-geyser-only. Other loads like pumps will work perfectly. The same hardware works wherever Node-RED runs.
Home Assistant or Venus OS?
Yes. AquaLoad runs on Home Assistant Node-RED. Day-to-day control is then Home Assistant. Victron sites can still use GX / VRM. A Sync node is in the last steps. That will allow control from both Victron and Home Assistant on the same site.
Do I download a file?
No. Pay, share access, Blue Dynamics installs and tests. Victron sites share VRM. Home Assistant sites can share access in a similar way by adding us as a user.
Do I need solar?
Ideally, but no. Boost, min temp and timers work without PV. Solar dump uses battery SoC. On non-solar sites we bypass Solar Dump. The Coordinator uses consumption, max load and priority, and can still balance loads.
Is this cloud control?
No. It runs on the Node-RED host. VRM is a remote view on Victron sites, not the brain. Works if the internet is down.
Official Victron software?
No. It is a Blue Dynamics Node-RED palette. It can use Victron Node-RED and Virtual Switches. It is not a Victron Energy product. As an official Victron Integrator, Blue Dynamics works with Victron products to create solutions for Victron customers.
If Node-RED stops?
Loads stay as they were. Manual on the device screen or app. Still runs locally if the internet is down.
Multiple loads?
Yes. Add several loads on one Node-RED host. The Coordinator starts and stops them from priority, max load and current consumption.
Updates?
No auto-updates at the moment. It will be on npm later in 2026/2027.