Victron Venus OS Large Node-RED: Installation, Access, and Troubleshooting

Key Takeaways

• Venus OS Large extends Victron GX devices with Node-RED and Signal K capabilities.
• Installation involves a firmware update and selecting the 'Large' image type.
• Access Node-RED via https://venus.local:1881 and Signal K via http://venus.local:3000.
• System instability, including reboots, can occur on less powerful GX devices if both Node-RED and Signal K are run simultaneously.

How do I install Victron Venus OS Large with Node-RED on my GX device?

Installing Victron Venus OS Large involves updating your GX device's firmware to a specific 'Large' image type. This process enables advanced features like Node-RED and Signal K, which are not present in the standard Venus OS. The first step is to ensure your GX device is compatible and, for some models, to perform a preliminary update.

Installation Steps for Venus OS Large

Follow these steps to install Venus OS Large on your compatible Victron GX device.

1. Check Device Compatibility:

• • Venus OS Large is compatible with Ekrano GX, Cerbo GX, Cerbo-S GX, Venus GX, Octo GX, MultiPlus-II GX, EasySolar-II GX, and Raspberry Pi 3 or 4.
  • The Color Control GX (CCGX) and CanVU GX are not able to run Venus OS Large.

2. Perform Initial Update (Venus GX only):

• • If you are installing on a Venus GX, first install and boot version 2.73 or a later standard Venus OS version. This ensures the flash partitioning meets the requirements for Venus OS Large.
  • For Cerbo GX and other compatible GX devices, including Raspberry Pi 3 and 4, no preparations are required before proceeding to the next step.

3. Update to the Latest Firmware:

• • Navigate to the settings menu on your GX device.
  • Go to Settings > General > Firmware > Online updates.
  • Ensure your device has access to the internet for online updates.

4. Select 'Large' Image Type:

• • Within the Online updates menu, set the Image type to 'Large'.
  • Go back one level in the menu.

5. Check for and Install New Version:

• • Check for a new version of the firmware. The system should now identify the Venus OS Large image.
  • Install the identified Venus OS Large firmware.

6. Verify Installation and Enable Features:

• • After the installation is complete and the device has rebooted, go to the Settings menu.
  • Check under Integrations for the availability of Node-RED and Signal K.
  • To enable either Signal K or Node-RED, you must have Installer access level configured on your GX device.

Accessing Node-RED and Signal K

Once Venus OS Large is installed and the features are enabled, you can access them via a web browser.

• Node-RED Access:
• • Open a web browser and type https://venus.local:1881.
  • If venus.local does not resolve, replace it with your GX device's IP address. For example: https://192.168.178.224:1881.
  • Node-RED provides a browser-based editor for PLC-like programming, allowing you to connect hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It also features a fully customisable dashboard, viewable locally or remotely via VRM Servers.
• Signal K Access:
• • Open a web browser and type http://venus.local:3000.
  • Similarly, if venus.local does not resolve, use the GX device's IP address. For example: http://192.168.178.224:3000/.
  • Signal K functions as a WiFi navigation and AIS data server for charting applications such as iSailor, Navionics, iNavX, and Aqua Map. It also supports features like an anchor alarm and an automatic log book, serving as a full-featured marine instrumentation package.

Troubleshooting Venus OS Large Instability

If your GX device experiences reboots or system instability after installing Venus OS Large, especially when running Node-RED and Signal K, the issue is often related to resource limitations.

System Stability and Performance Considerations

While Venus OS Large enhances the capabilities of your Victron GX device, it is important to manage system resources to maintain stability. The addition of Node-RED and Signal K means the GX device's CPU and memory are under increased load.

• Resource Management: Monitor your GX device's performance, especially if you are running complex Node-RED flows or extensive Signal K data processing.
• Device Performance Tiers: Compatible GX devices have varying processing power. The Ekrano GX and MultiPlus-II GX are noted as having the fastest processors, while the Cerbo GX is second-fastest. The Venus GX has the slowest processor, making it more susceptible to overload when running multiple demanding applications.
• Updates: Both online and offline update methods can be used for Venus OS Large. The Image type setting defines which image type is updated, ensuring you continue to receive 'Large' specific updates.

When to call a technician instead

If your GX device continues to experience reboots or instability after you have attempted to reduce the load by disabling either Node-RED or Signal K, or if you suspect a hardware fault with the GX device itself, it may be time to contact a qualified Victron Energy technician. Persistent issues could indicate an underlying hardware problem that cannot be resolved through software adjustments. Any attempts to open the GX device enclosure should only be performed by authorised service personnel to avoid voiding warranties or causing further damage.