Color Control GX automatic updates back to v3.55 (no longer v3.60)

Good day,

Firmware updates to Venus OS v3.60 for the Color Control GX (CCGX) have been temporarily disabled due to reported issues, which are most likely related to CPU overload.

Until further notice, the latest available firmware version for the CCGX in the online update system is v3.55. We are currently investigating the problem and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

For any user that does want to install v3.60 on her or his CCGX, please refer to the manual update method as explained in the manual.

To revert a CCGX that has already been updated to v3.60 to an earlier version, ie. v3.55 the previous official release, use either the Settings → Firmware → Stored backup firmware feature, or use the manual update method

The Ekrano GX and Cerbo GX, as well as other GX devices are not affected / not involved.

How wide this issue is, is as of yet unknown. That v3.60 slightly increases required CPU usage compared to the previous version is known, and is the result of updating all components like the Linux Kernel, Python, and various other parts to the latest and most update version.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused!

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Hi all, an update on this. The cause is indeed that a small percentage of CCGX-es is just at its limits, and updating it to v3.60 pushes it over.

Rather unfortunate that we - I - have not recognised that during the development.

Also, while today most GX-es being installed have automatic updates disabled by default, most CCGX-es where manufactured when we had that the default to be enabled. And - apparently - left that way, as the vast majority of CCGX-es that report to VRM were updated overnight. Note that we recommend to keep the auto updates setting to Check only. Don’t let a GX update itself automatically.

Anyway, we’re now sending below email out to all (admin) users of the concerning installations on VRM. Which means CCGX-es with a concerning high CPU usage, measured by looking at D-Bus round trip time (see custom widgets on VRM advanced page). And recommend to roll back to v3.55.

On a similar note, there have been three or four reports of similar issues but then on an Ekrano GX, MultiPlus-II GX, EasySolar-II GX, or Cerbo GX. And they were either modded systems where some installed mod was constantly crashing, restarting, and causing a lot of extra CPU load, or very nice systems but also ones with lots and lots of devices connected, which apparently were on the edge and then tipped over after updating to v3.60.

It looks like we’ll decide that v3.55, and if needed due to bug fixes perhaps a v3.56 or v3.57, will be the last CCGX firmware version available for online updates. And then anyone that does want to go to a newer firmware version can still do that manually.

All the best, Matthijs


Hi,

Your Victron Energy system recently updated the firmware on your Color Control GX (CCGX) to a new version, v3.60.

This release includes some changes which have increased the CPU load on the CCGX leading to some issues (specifically Error 67 - BMS not found, VRM realtime being disabled, GX rebooting, and others).

Our statistics show that approximately 3% of all the CCGX-es that were updated, and unfortunately this includes one or more of your systems.

When investigating the cause, we identified those who are most affected have three or more solar charge sources (either Victron MPPT or AC PV) connected.

If you are managing a large fleet of systems using the CCGX as their GX device, there is no need to immediately worry about all of them. Our VRM stats show that 97% of updated CCGX are still working well and as expected.

To solve the issue, we recommend to manually revert to the previous version. This is a simple procedure, documented below, accessible via the CCGX screen, or via the VRM remote console.

If you are not experiencing any issues, it is fine to do nothing right now. This situation is not urgent unless you are having problems. We are treating it as a priority to assist in resolving any issues as soon as possible.

A few notes on future updates: The CCGX is quite an outdated design and the majority of units was sold a long long time ago, having shifted to the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX. We’re currently analysing this deeper and might very well decide that there will be no further (automatic) updates for the CCGX - except for serious bug fixes. To remain up to date on how we’ll proceed with the CCGX & Venus OS updates, subscribe to the news section on Victron Professional and or below linked Community thread.

We’re sorry for any trouble this has caused!

Yours sincerely,

Victron Energy BV

How to downgrade the CCGX to v3.55

The CCGX keeps a copy of the previous firmware version to make it fast and easy to revert to it.

The step by step instructions for how to “Revert to a previous firmware version” are here.

If you are a fleet operator and not sure which site this is referring to, please reply to this email and we will be able to help more directly.

Further information on CCGX and Venus OS on Community

More details on the CCGX and Venus OS will be shared on this community thread.

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15 posts were split to a new topic: What is the future of the CCGX?

I have the following system:
Victron Multiplus 48/5000/70-100 v2624498
Smart Solar MPPT 150/100 v1.64
Colour Control GX v3.55
Fronius Primo 4.0 (on the AC Output of the victron) v0.3.30.2
BYD Lithium Battery B-BOX Premium LVL 15.4kWh
I have 12 x 380w JA solar panels on the Fronius and 12 x 380w JA solar panels on the Victron MPPT

Since these updates my Victron Smart Solar MPPT has stopped drawing any power to charge the batteries.

Its strange because the BYD Battery is still accepting charge from the excess power coming from the Fronius but nothing from the Victron MPPT.

I have rolled back to 3.55. Whe have checked all the ESS settings which look fine. We have done a full shut down and rebooted everthing. I even out of desperation manuall down grades to v3.4 just to see it there would be any difference. Nothing.

Pulling our hair out!

Any suggestions :folded_hands: