Cerbo GX receives its biggest hardware update
Victron Energy has introduced the third hardware generation of its Cerbo GX system controller, moving the platform to a faster 64-bit processor while retaining the familiar port arrangement. The MK3 uses a Texas Instruments AM625 system-on-chip with four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.4GHz and 1GB of DDR4 memory.
The processing change is aimed at installations that increasingly use Node-RED, Signal K, digital switching and larger numbers of connected chargers and sensors. Victron has also increased the supported number of VE.Direct devices from 15 on the earlier Cerbo GX to 25 on the MK3.
Orion XS gains emergency reverse charging
A separate software update enables emergency reverse charging on compatible Orion XS DC-to-DC chargers. The feature allows energy to flow from the house side back toward a starter battery when normal forward charging is inactive because of input-voltage lockout or engine-shutdown detection.
Reverse charging is currently limited to half the charger’s rated current and to a 15-minute session followed by a fixed cool-down period. The function is therefore designed as an emergency recovery tool rather than a continuous starter-battery maintenance mode.
More capable control systems reflect larger onboard networks
Modern yacht electrical systems are carrying more solar controllers, chargers, battery monitors, networked sensors and automation logic than earlier generations. A faster central controller can improve responsiveness and provide additional headroom as owners and builders add energy-management features over the life of the vessel.
The Cerbo GX MK3 and Orion XS update address two different parts of that trend: computing capacity and energy flow between battery banks. For installers, the value will depend on compatibility with existing systems and whether the additional performance reduces the need for separate computing or emergency-charging hardware.