Victron energy Venus GX User manual

Venus GX (VGX) manual
1. Introduction
1.1 Description
In many ways the Venus GX (VGX) and the Color Control GX (CCGX) are the same device. They
share a lot of hardware, and they run on identical software - our 'Venus OS' - therefore firmware
numbering is the same; and new version releases always apply to both devices at the same time.
As many of the functions of the two devices are identical, the CCGX Manual should also be consulted
if something is not specifically covered in this VGX manual.
This manual refers to the latest firmware version. A device connected to the internet will perform
new-version updates automatically. Check the latest firmware version here.
Venus GX/CCGX comparison table
See the Victron GX product range page.
1.2 What's in the Box?
Venus GX (VGX)
VE.Can terminator (2 pcs).
Power cable with inline fuse and M8 terminal eyes for battery- or DC busbar-attachment.
Terminal Blocks for all the connectors on each side.
Label showing WiFi key and product details.
Venus GX (VGX) manual

1.3 Overview of connections
2. Accessing the device
Because the Venus GX has no visual display or buttons, you need either a smartphone, tablet or
laptop to access it.
This access is called Remote Console. There are three ways to access the Remote Console:
Through the online VRM Portal, which requires internet, see chapter 2.1;1.
By using the built-in WiFi Access Point, see chapter 2.2;2.
Or, via the local LAN/WiFi network; see chapter 2.3.3.

Venus GX (VGX) manual
2.1 Accessing via VRM
This method requires a working internet connection, both on your phone/tablet/laptop as well as for
the Venus GX. For a new install, this means that it needs to be connected by Ethernet cable.
Step by step instructions:
First, connect the Venus GX to the internet by plugging it into a working Ethernet network which has a
DHCP server, as most networks do, and which is connected to the internet. The Venus GX will
immediately connect to VRM.
Then once visible on VRM, click the 'Remote Console' link to open the window. Which will look like
below screenshot.
More information about 'Remote Console' on VRM is explained in the CCGX Manual, VRM Remote
Console chapter.
2.2 Accessing via the built-in WiFi Access Point
This method requires the VictronConnect App to be installed on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Steps:
Make sure you are no further than a few metres away from the Venus GX1.
Go to the WiFi settings on your phone / tablet / laptop.2.
After searching, the Venus GX will show up in the list, as Venus-HQ1940DEFR4-3b6. Where3.
HQ… is the serial number as printed on the side of the box.
Connect to WiFi using the 'WiFi key' which you will find printed on the side of the box …and also4.
on a card in the plastic bag. Keep that in a safe place.

Open VictronConnect, it will start scanning the WiFi network automatically.5.
Once found, select the GX device from the list.6.
Open the Remote Console7.
Notes:
If you cannot use VictronConnect, you can use a web browser and navigate to the IP address
172.24.24.1
For added security it is possible to disable the WiFi Access Point. See Settings → Wi-Fi → Create
access point. See below chapter explaining the Push button for how to restore access in case
ever necessary.
Instruction video
Step by step instruction video on how to connect to a GX device using the VictronConnect App.
Video
Detailed instruction video
This second video was made before VictronConnect got the feature to find a device on a network. All
the explanations in the video regarding IP Addressing can be ignored, and use VictronConnect as in
above video instead.
Video

2.3 Accessing via the local LAN/WiFi Network
2.3.1 Introduction and common installations
This section explains how to connected to Remote Console when the Venus GX is connected to the
local computer network, with either an Ethernet cable, or having it configured to connect to a local
WiFi network.
This method does not require an internet connection. Just a local computer network is sufficient.
Once connected, connect to the GX Device by running the VictronConnect App on a phone, tablet or
laptop. Note that will need to be connected to the same computer network as the Venus GX.
This video shows how its done:
Video
2.3.2 Alternative methods to find the IP Address
In case VictronConnect can't be used, here are a few other methods to find the Venus GX, ie. its IP
Address.
IP Address on VRM
On the VRM Portal, you'll find the IP address on the Device List page of the installation. Note that this
does require the Venus GX to be connected to the internet.

Network (on Microsoft Windows)
In a local network, for example at home, you can also find the Venus GX in the Windows 'Network'
overview:
Double-clicking the icon will open up Remote Console on LAN.
Open the 'Properties' window to see the IP address.

Venus GX (VGX) manual
This uses Universal plug-and-play broadcast technology.
3. LEDs and Push-button
3.1 LEDs
Boot-up
On the side of the Venus GX, there is a LED. During power-up it it goes through these states:
Stage 1: Both green and red illuminate briefly and faintly (it's hard to see the green) for
approximately 1 second.
Stage 2: Red illuminates for approximately 1 second.
Stage 3: Green illuminates for approximately 0.5 seconds.
Stage 4: Both green and red illuminate briefly and faintly (it's hard to see the green) for
approximately 1 second.
During operation
Slow blinking: built-in WiFi access point disabled
Fast blinking: built-in WiFi access point enabled (default)
Slow blinking is once per second. Fast blinking is twice per second.

3.2 Small button located to the right of the green 14-Terminal Connector
Block
Short press: WiFi Access point on/off
A single short press toggles the internal WiFi access point on and off. The LED indicates its state:
when the LED blinks green slow, then the built-in Access Point is disabled. when the LED is green and
blinking fast, then the built-in Access Point is enabled.
Long press: reset all network settings to factory defaults
Press and hold the small button for a minimum of four seconds. The LED will stay on for 2 seconds to
indicate that the log press has been recognised; then release the button again.
Ethernet is set back to DHCP
WiFi Access Point is enabled
Remote Console password is disabled
Remote Console on LAN and on VRM is enabled
The same button is available on the Octo GX, button is marked SD_BOOT and available under the lid
at the top.
4. Digital Inputs
The Venus GX has five digital inputs. The channels are accessible via the RJ-12 socket on the side.
This is available for self-wiring by the user/installer.
4.1. Wiring details
The inputs are non-isolated. They operate at 3V3 levels, and can withstand up to 5V input. Each input
has an internal 10k pull-up resistor to 3V3. We recommend wiring it to a potential free relay or
otherwise open collector/optocoupler output.

Venus GX (VGX) manual
RJ12 pinout Input
pin1 input1
pin2 input2
pin3 input3
pin4 input4
pin5 gnd
pin6 input5
4.2. Configuration
Each of the digital inputs can be configured as a pulse meter, or as one of a number of predefined
sensors that can also be configured as alarms.
The possible configurable functions are:
Function States
Pulse meter N/A
Door alarm Open/Closed
Bilge pump On/Off
Bilge alarm Ok/Alarm
Burglar alarm Ok/Alarm
Smoke alarm Ok/Alarm
Fire alarm Ok/Alarm
CO2 alarm Ok/Alarm
Generator Running/Stopped
The function of each input can be configured in the GUI under Settings → I/O → Digital Inputs.

Once the input is configured for its intended purpose, it will show up with other devices.
Other parameters related to that function can be configured by entering the device menu and
selecting Setup. For pulse meters, you can configure the unit, the multiplier (the volume represented
by each pulse) and reset the counter.

Venus GX (VGX) manual
For other sensors and alarms, you can decide whether the input should be treated as an alarm
condition, whether the labels should be inverted, and whether the logical levels should be inverted.
To swap the labels attached to the alarm, set Inverted to on.
If a logical low input (0V) should be considered a positive condition, set Inverted alarm logic to
on.
4.3. Read-out of digital inputs via Modbus-TCP
The values/states of the digital inputs are available on Modbus-TCP. For more details about this,
please download a copy of the document “Modbus-TCP register list” from our website. And see our
Modbus-TCP FAQ.
5. Factory reset
See above chapter 3.2 on the push button.
6. More information
Color Control GX manual
GX - Generator auto start/stop
CCGX Frequently asked questions
How to update a GX device
CCGX Remote VEConfigure and remote firmware updates
VRM Portal
VRM Portal - trouble shooting Remote Console
Open source

AC-coupled PV with Fronius PV Inverters
AC-coupled PV with Fronius PV Inverters
This document describes how to setup Energy-storage, Off-grid/Micro-grid and Backup systems with
AC-coupled PV, using Fronius PV Inverters. For Fronius information on the same subject, see their
MicroGrid flyer.
The Victron system monitor, the Color Control GX includes built-in Fronius monitoring.
Frequency shifting
To make sure that the Fronius PV inverter works well with Victron inverter/chargers, both must be
configured with the right 'frequency shift settings':
The Fronius PV Inverter must be set to Setup MG, short for Micro-Grid.
For off-grid systems, load the Multi or Quattro with the PV Inverter support Assistant
For on-grid / energy-storage systems, load the Multi or Quattro with the ESS Assistant. Read
information about ESS in the ESS Design & installation manual.
And the 1:1 limit rule must be adhered to.

Fronius / Victron specifics
This is a very easy setup. The Fronius Setup Microgrid has been developed in close cooperation with
Victron. During commissioning, set the PV Inverter to Setup MG50 (or Setup MG60 for 60 Hz systems).
Everything is then pre-configured. The Setup MG settings match the default Victron Assistant settings.
Compatible ROW inverters (for “European type AC grid”) are:
Fronius Primo (1~, 3 kW up to 8.2 kW) → Software fro27140.upd or higher (see FAQ Q5!)
Fronius Symo (3~, 3 kW up to 20 kW) → Software fro27140.upd or higher (see FAQ Q5!)
Fronius Eco (3~, 25 kW or 27 kW) → Software fro27140.upd or higher (see FAQ Q5!)
Fronius Agilo (3~, 75 kW up to 100 kW) → Software update19.tl or higher
Fronius IG Plus V (1~, 2~, 3~, 2.5 kW up to 12 kW) → from IGF 5.0.66 on with settings according
to the Victron recommendations
For new systems the Fronius Symo and Fronius Eco inverters are recommended for 3~ applications.
The Fronius Primo inverters are recommended for 1~ applications. Please note that all these inverters
are transformerless and therefore PV-Modules that require pole-grounding (on the Plus or Minus pole)
cannot be connected.
The use of Fronius Galvo inverters is not recommended anymore for new applications - the Fronius
Primo is the best substitute and offers higher efficiency, wider DC voltage range and two MPP
trackers.
Compatible UL inverters (for “US type AC grid”) are:
Fronius Primo UL (1~, 3.8 kW up to 15 kW) → Software fro27470.upd or higher (see FAQ Q5!)
Fronius Symo 10-24 480V (3~, 10 kW up to 24 kW) → Software fro27140.upd or higher (see FAQ
Q5!)
Fronius Symo 10-15 208-240V (3~, 10 up to 15 kW) → Software fro27140.upd or higher (see
FAQ Q5!)
For the UL inverters, some more Microgrid Setups are available (e.g. for connection with Neutral
conductor or without). Also the UL inverters can be used in 60Hz as well as in 50Hz applications. More
information can be found in the user manuals.
When setting up a system, always update both the Fronius and the Victron devices to their latest
firmware versions. For the latest Fronius firmware and information how to update use this link: Fronius
firmware update
Setting up the Fronius with Setup MG50/MG60
When not pre-ordered with a MicroGrid setup, follow these steps:
Make sure that the Fronius PV inverter is updated to at least the firmware version mentioned1.
above. See Inverter list above.
After making the inverter operational according to the manual, select the language and after2.
this the country specific setup.
Here choose MG50 or MG60 depending on the system frequency.3.

AC-coupled PV with Fronius PV Inverters
Ready to start up.4.
Setting up the Victron Multi or Quattro
After connecting the MultiPlus or Quattro with the battery, you can now connect a computer1.
through the VE.Bus (in combination with the Victron interface MK2USB) to configure the system
with the latest version of the software VE.Configure.
Go to the tab Assistants:2.
3. Add one of the Assistants that regulate output frequency:
1. ESS Assistant
2. PV Inverter support
4. Note that it is not necessary to change the default settings in the Assistant.
Complete the rest of the Assistant and write the new settings to the MultiPlus or Quattro.5.
Table for settings for 50Hz and 60Hz frequency
State 50Hz 60Hz .
Start 51.0 60.2 Hz

Minimum 52.7 62.7 Hz
Disconnect 53.0 63.0 Hz
More information on adding Assistants is here.
Remote system monitoring
The Victron system can be monitored through Victron VRM Portal if a Color Control GX is present at
the site. The Fronius PV inverter data can be integrated into the Color Control GX and therefore also in
the VRM portal. So the VRM portal is the recommended monitoring platform also for AC-coupled
installations.
However, also Fronius offers an equivalent monitoring solution. The Fronius portal is called Fronius
Solar.web. The PV system data can be transfered to the portal if the inverter is equipped with a
Datamanager 1.0 or Datamanager 2.0.
The usage of both portals in parallel is possible.
A video instruction how to set up the Datamanager 2.0 + Solar.web can be found here.
Zero Feed-in
It is possible to make a Zero feed-in system with Victron & Fronius. The Venus device will the control
the Fronius output power. See the ESS manual, chapter 4.3.11 Fronius Zero feed-in for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Why doesn't the frequency settings in the Multi and the Fronius need to
be the same?
The first two frequencies do not need to be the same since the Multi actively regulates.
Q2 I have an Fronius IG inverter (not Plus), can that work?
No, the IG inverters cannot be made to work in a MicroGrid system. The appropriate substitute for an
IG 30 is the GALVO 2.5-1 or an IG Plus 25V-1 (depending on the desired DC voltage range).
Q3 The system is locked to 53 Hz and does not resume
See here.

AC-coupled PV with Fronius PV Inverters
Q4 Can I use the Fronius Smart Meter?
That depends on the type of system and software configuration.
A Fronius Smart Meter can be used in these two situations:
when used only for reporting to Solarweb1.
when used for limiting export, in a system where the Victron system is not configured as an ESS2.
system.
The Fronius Smart-Meter can not be used for the Fronius built-in export limiting feature when part of a
Victron ESS system. Instead, use the Victron ESS Fronius Zero-feed in feature, see chapter 4.3.11,
Fronius Zero Feed-in, in the ESS manual.
Q5 How can I get the Fronius firmware that improves flickering?
Fronius has a special firmware available, on request, that fixes light flickering issues that occur on
certain installations under certain circumstances.
For Fronius PV inverters produced after 2018-week 16, contain the flicker-fix already straight from
production.
To update earlier and/or already installed PV Inverters, contact Fronius Tech Support for the file. The
required file is fro29130.upd. Which works for all snap-inverter models (Primo, Symo and Eco). There
is no, and will be no, fix available for Fronius Galvos.

Automatic Generator start/stop
Automatic Generator start/stop
1. Which relay and control to use?
Various Victron products have functions to automatically signal when to start and stop a generator.
Here is advice on when to use which product and method.
Option 1: GX device like CCGX or Venus GX
When there is a GX device (CCGX, Venus GX, or other) in the system, the best option is to use its
Generator Start Stop mechanism. Its the most feature-rich generator start/stop system that we have
to offer. It provides for basic functions as starting and stopping on Battery State of Charge, Battery
voltage as well as High load situations. And also has many advanced features, including automatic
test runs and silent times.
Option 2: BMV Battery Monitor
The next most used option is a BMV-700 Battery Monitor or similar model. It can start the generator
on low battery voltage and/or low battery state of charge. See the BMV-700 manual for configuration.
Option 3: Using the relay in the Multis or Quattros
The Multis, MultiPlus-IIs, Quattros, EasySolars and the rest of the VE.Bus family also have Generator
start/stop feature with a relay. There are two different ways to configure them:
1. Generator Start/stop function of the Virtual Switch (recommended)
2. Generator start/stop Assistant (more advanced / complex)
Combining the options
Lastly, its of course also possible to combine above mentioned methods, by wiring the open contacts
in parallel to each other, or in series, to the Generator.
2. How to wire generators with a three-wire interface
All above Victron products and devices have a single relay; which will close when the generator needs
to starts; and then expect the generator to then keep running until the relay is opened again. Or the
other way around.
When having a generator that requires a start pulse and a stop pulse, such as for example
Cummins/Onan generators; additional wiring is required.

To start such a genset, the open/close contact needs to be converted into a start and stop pulse.
Below solution, using standard available timing relays, does exactly that: when the open/close contact
closes it generates the start pulse, and when the open/close contact opens again it generates the
stop pulse.
Note that this solution should only be used on gensets that have their OWN control panel monitoring
and automatically stopping on loss of oil pressure and other sensors. In other words: do not wire this
directly to the starter motor and fuel solenoid.
Alternative using Assistants
(provided by Thierry Cortasa)
hi
just for information, one solution using multiplus relay for start stop a three-wire generator. i use k1

Automatic Generator start/stop
and k2 relais and relai programmable assistant
first to close k1 if voltage under 24v (for exemple) segond to open k1 if ac1 avalable third to close k2
if voltage uper 27v (for exemple) last to open k2 if ac1 not avalable
in this case you have a three-wire system with out any think more needed !
i have some systeme using this solution and all looks ok

Color Control GX manual
Color Control GX manual
The Color Control GX (CCGX) sits at the heart of your energy installation. All the other system-
components - such as inverter/chargers, solar chargers, and batteries - are connected to it. The CCGX
ensures that they all work in harmony.
Monitoring can be done either with the CCGX in front of you - or from anywhere in the world using an
internet connection and the VRM Website
The CCGX also provides Remote firmware updates and even allows the settings to be Changed
Remotely.
The Color Control GX is part of the GX product family. GX products are Victron's state-of-the-art
monitoring solution that run our Venus OS operating system.