Victron GX Version 3.70 Update

This release offers a significantly expanded switch panel with Node-RED virtual switches, improvements to the GX Boat page and E-drive integration, cell-level monitoring for Lynx Smart BMS NG, Garmin EmpirBus digital switching, integration of Shelly smart devices, and much more.

Key Control Innovations

The Switch Panel Just Got Better

The switch panel was introduced in Venus OS version 3.60 with support for Energy Solutions SmartSwitch. In version 3.70, it has become the central hub for the entire digital control system.

  •   GX Relays added to the panel: The built-in relays on the GX device can now be controlled from the switch panel. Set the relay function to "Manual" under Settings → Integrations → Relay, and it will appear as a controllable output.
  •   Virtual Switches: Node-RED virtual switches and supported third-party digital switches (such as Garmin, Shelly, and Safiery) are now also displayed on the switch panel, allowing you to configure controls.
  •   Marine MFD App: Now supports the switch panel. GX relays, digital switches, and Node-RED virtual switches can be viewed and controlled directly from the MFD display.

Node-RED: Virtual Switches and Smarter Workflows

Building upon the virtual devices introduced in version 3.60, Node-RED now offers a powerful set of virtual switch types. These create interactive controls in the switch area that can be linked to any automation logic in Node-RED flows. This merges Node-RED programming with the standard GX user interface.

  •   Message Optimization: A significant workflow improvement is the ability to configure multiple virtual device properties in a single message, reducing both CPU usage and flow complexity. Where it previously required 4-5 input nodes, it can now be done with one.
  •   Conditional Evaluation: Input nodes have a new feature to trigger actions when values cross thresholds (e.g., "battery level below 20%").
  •   AND/OR Logic: Victron nodes can output TRUE/FALSE on a second output, combining two conditions (e.g., SOC% and PV power).
  •   A short documentation snippet has been added to each Victron node for quick understanding.

Integrations and Digital Switching

GX Boat Page: Various Enhancements and New CANopen Integration

Venus OS 3.70 introduces new CANopen profiles, expanding integration options for electric propulsion systems, including Sevcon and Curtis motor controllers. This CANopen path complements the existing NMEA2000 integration.

Together, these options allow for electric propulsion monitoring on the GX device for an even wider range of setups, displaying engine RPM, power, current, temperature, and direction.

Enhancements to the GX Boat page apply to both CANopen and NMEA2000 integrations and include:

Support for dual-engine setups Regeneration visualization Smoother RPM indicator animation Configurability for inverted motion direction

Garmin EmpirBus Digital Switching

A welcome addition for camper builders, boat builders, and OEMs – Garmin EmpirBus digital switching is now supported on the switch panel, both on the GX display and via the remote console on VRM.

New features also improve integration with Garmin and other marine displays equipped with NMEA 2000.

  •   Alarms: Alarms from the GX device are now transmitted to the NMEA 2000 network. Garmin MFDs will visualize these alerts, immediately providing the crew with system warning information from the helm.
  •   Internet Access: In systems where the GX device is connected to the Garmin system via Ethernet and then needs to use WiFi for the internet, you can now select which network interface has internet access.

Shelly Integration

Venus OS now has built-in support for Shelly Gen2 (and newer) smart switches, energy meters, and RGB light controllers. This provides better integration of the affordable and widely available range of Shelly smart home equipment into the Victron ecosystem. They are useful for controlling and monitoring AC loads such as water heaters, pool pumps, or lighting circuits.

Shelly devices on the same network are discovered automatically, although they are disabled by default. Once enabled in Settings -> Integrations, Shelly devices appear on the switch panel.

Supported device types include switches/breakers, dimmable and slider-controlled outputs, and energy meters. You can also set the color of an RGB controller in the user interface using presets.

Safiery STAR and Lynx Smart BMS NG

Safiery STAR Digital Switching Integration: Venus OS now supports Safiery STAR-Power, STAR-Light, and STAR-Rover digital switching controllers. Connected via VE.Can, they offer control of 12V or 24V switching circuits directly from the GX switch panel.

Individual Battery and Cell Monitoring for Lynx Smart BMS NG: Detailed information about each specific battery connected to the Lynx Smart BMS NG, including individual cell voltages and cell temperatures for each battery, can now be seen on the GX.

Additional Updates and Fixes (Details)

Support for New Sensors and Devices

This release is complemented by several new device integrations:

  •   Gobius tank sensors, as well as Ruuvi Air sensors, are now supported via Bluetooth.
  •   The firmware of Pylontech batteries can now be updated remotely via the VRM portal. This is a significant time saver for installers with a large fleet of systems connected via VRM. Go to the device list on VRM to find Pylontech batteries eligible for updates. You will need to obtain the Pylontech firmware files and advice on update necessity from Pylontech battery dealers, as VRM does not host these files.
  •   SSS StorageDock batteries have passed Victron BMS-Can standard testing and are now supported.
  •   Orion XS is now supported for NMEA 2000.
  •   Tank sensor improvements include tank shape configuration and high/low-level alarm settings for Mopeka wireless sensors, as well as improved handling of tank levels across multiple devices for MFDs via VE.Can.
New User Interface Enhancements

The new user interface has received many improvements:

  •   A new watt/amp display option called "Mixed" shows the AC value in watts and the DC value in amps.
  •   An option to disable all animations can save up to 40% CPU load on the Cerbo GX, making the interface noticeably faster.
  •   Keyboard navigation has been added throughout the interface.
  •   Portuguese has been added as a new language option.
  •   Notification handling has been improved overall. Silencing alarms is clearer, and the overall interface is more intuitive. The phase rotation alarm can now be enabled or disabled in the settings.
Fixes: Dynamic ESS and DVCC

This release contains important fixes in several areas:

  •   Dynamic ESS: Fixed accuracy issues caused by shifting to 15-minute windows, especially for systems with decimal battery charge values. Also fixed erroneous battery discharge during scheduled charging with inter-grid limits and a bug with negative grid insertions.
  •   DVCC: Fixed charge current distribution between Multi-RS and external solar chargers in systems with PV inverters. Fixed an issue where CCL was not applied after turning the Multi off and back on. Added limited CCL control for a second VE.Bus system via MK3-USB.
Fixes: Inverters, Security, and Raspberry Pi
  •   Peak Power Shaving: Fixed bugs where peak power shaving was insufficient under certain conditions when battery self-consumption was set to "Critical Loads Only".
  •   PV Inverters: Fixed issues with Enphase limitation and repeating the SolarEdge limiter setup upon reconnection.
  •   Security: Added brute-force protection for MQTT and HTTP(S) logins. A new read-only mode for Modbus-TCP provides a more secure option.
  •  Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi 5 is now supported and includes the new user interface. Please note: the new user interface cannot display portrait orientation yet. Use the classic UI if you have a Raspberry Pi 2 touch display or another portrait-oriented display.