Victron GX Product Range: Monitoring and Control with Venus OS

Key Takeaways

• Victron GX products are advanced monitoring and control hubs for Victron energy systems.
• All GX devices run Venus OS, enabling comprehensive system oversight and remote management.
• The Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal offers free remote monitoring, firmware updates, and settings adjustments.
• Models range from integrated solutions like the Ekrano GX to modular units like the Cerbo GX, offering various display and connectivity options.

What are Victron GX Products and Venus OS?

Victron GX products are Victron Energy's state-of-the-art monitoring solutions. These devices serve as the central communication hub for your Victron energy system, collecting data from all connected components. They run Venus OS, which is the operating system that powers these monitoring capabilities.

Through a GX device, you can monitor your battery state of charge, power consumption, solar yield, and inverter/charger status. Monitoring can be carried out locally via an integrated or external display, or remotely through the free-to-use Victron Remote Management portal (VRM). The GX device also provides remote firmware updates and allows inverter/charger settings to be changed remotely.

Overview of Victron GX Device Models

Victron offers a range of GX devices, each designed to suit different system requirements and preferences.

• Ekrano GX: This is Victron's latest GX product, featuring an integrated 7-inch touchscreen. It offers a comprehensive monitoring experience directly on the device.
• Cerbo GX: The Cerbo GX is the most commonly used GX product. It is a compact unit designed to connect to external displays like the GX Touch 50 or GX Touch 70.
• Cerbo GX MK2: This model is almost identical to the Cerbo GX but includes improvements in its VE.Can ports, USB ports, and pulse counting capabilities.
• Cerbo-S GX: A lower-cost version of the Cerbo GX, the Cerbo-S GX is similar to the standard Cerbo GX but does not include a BMS-Can port, tank monitoring inputs, or temperature monitoring inputs.
• Color Control GX (CCGX): As Victron's first released GX product, the CCGX features a built-in display and physical buttons for interaction.
• Venus GX: The Venus GX offers more analog and digital I/O compared to the CCGX. It does not have an LCD display, making it a more cost-effective option for systems where a dedicated display is not required.
• MultiPlus-II GX: This is an inverter/charger with a GX device built directly into it, offering an integrated solution for power conversion and monitoring.
• EasySolar-II GX: Similar to the MultiPlus-II GX, the EasySolar-II GX is an inverter/charger that also has a GX device built into it, providing an all-in-one solar solution.

Key Features and Connectivity

Victron GX devices offer a wide array of features for system integration, monitoring, and control.

Display Options

Different GX models provide various display capabilities:

• Ekrano GX: Features a built-in 7-inch touchscreen with a 1024 x 600 LCD resolution.
• Cerbo GX: Connects to optional GX Touch displays, specifically the GX Touch 50 (800 x 480) or GX Touch 70 (1024 x 600).
• Color Control GX (CCGX): Includes a 480 x 272 LCD display and 7 buttons.
• Venus GX: This model has no display.
• MultiPlus-II GX and EasySolar-II GX: These integrated units feature a 2x16 character display.

Communication Ports

GX devices are equipped with various ports to connect to other Victron products and external systems.

• VE.Direct Ports:
• • Ekrano GX and Venus GX: 3 ports.
  • CCGX: 2 ports.
  • MultiPlus-II GX and EasySolar-II GX: 1 port.
• VE.Bus: The Ekrano GX features two paralleled RJ45 sockets for VE.Bus communication.
• VE.Can:
• • Ekrano GX: Includes two VE.Can ports (one isolated, one non-isolated).
  • Cerbo GX MK2: Also has two VE.Can ports (one isolated, one non-isolated).
  • Cerbo GX: Features a non-isolated VE.Can port.
  • CCGX: Equipped with two paralleled RJ45 sockets for isolated VE.Can.
• USB Host Ports:
• • Cerbo GX MK2: Features 3 USB Host ports.
  • Ekrano GX, Cerbo GX, and CCGX: Each have 2 USB Host ports. The Cerbo GX also includes 1 power-only port.
• Ethernet:
• • Ekrano GX: Provides a 10/100 RJ45 socket that is isolated except for the shield.
  • Venus GX, MultiPlus-II GX, and EasySolar-II GX: Each have a 10/100 RJ45 socket.

Wireless Connectivity

Many GX devices offer built-in wireless options for network access and local communication.

• WiFi: Built-in on Ekrano GX, Venus GX, MultiPlus-II GX, and EasySolar-II GX. It is optional for CCGX.
• Bluetooth Smart: The Ekrano GX includes Bluetooth Smart connectivity.

Input/Output Capabilities

GX devices provide various inputs and outputs for system control and monitoring.

• Programmable Relays:
• • Cerbo GX: Two NO/NC relays, supporting DC up to 30VDC: 6A, DC up to 70VDC: 1A, and AC: 6A, 125VAC.
  • Ekrano GX: Two NO/NC relays, supporting DC up to 30VDC: 3A and AC: 1A, 125VAC.
  • Venus GX: One NO/NC relay.
  • CCGX: One NO relay.
• Resistive Tank Level Inputs:
• • Cerbo GX: 4 inputs.
  • Ekrano GX and Venus GX: 3 inputs.
• Temperature Sense Inputs:
• • Cerbo GX: 4 inputs.
  • Ekrano GX and Venus GX: 2 inputs.
• Digital Inputs:
• • Venus GX: 5 inputs.
  • Cerbo GX: 4 inputs.
  • Ekrano GX: 2 inputs.

Data Storage

The Ekrano GX includes a Micro SDcard slot that supports SDHC cards up to a maximum of 32GB.

Choosing the Right GX Device for Your System

Selecting the appropriate GX device depends on your system's complexity, budget, and desired level of integration.

• For a fully integrated experience with a built-in display, the Ekrano GX is the latest option.
• The Cerbo GX is a versatile choice for most systems, especially when paired with an external GX Touch display. The Cerbo GX MK2 offers enhanced connectivity.
• If cost is a primary concern and you do not need tank/temperature monitoring or a BMS-Can port, the Cerbo-S GX is a suitable alternative.
• For all-in-one power conversion and monitoring, the MultiPlus-II GX or EasySolar-II GX are ideal.
• The Venus GX is a good option if you need extensive I/O without a local display.

Safety: General Considerations

The provided documentation does not list specific safety facts for the hardware class of Victron GX devices. As with any electronic equipment, ensure proper installation according to manufacturer guidelines, use appropriate wiring, and protect devices from environmental hazards like moisture and extreme temperatures. Always disconnect power before making or changing connections to avoid electrical shock or damage to the device.

When to call a technician instead

While GX devices are designed for user-friendly monitoring, complex installations or persistent communication issues may require professional assistance. If you are unsure about wiring, network configuration, or integrating specific components, consult a qualified Victron installer or technician. Attempting repairs or modifications beyond basic setup can void warranties and potentially damage your system. Refer to the official Victron Energy manuals for detailed installation and troubleshooting procedures.