Orion XS fw v1.12 - fixes VHF interference - feedback asked

Q&A and troubleshooting
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1

Hello!

Last week we released a new firmware version for the Orion XS models, which fixes the VHF interference issue.

And does that in a much better way than the improved hardware version does.

I’m putting this post out to get feedback from people frequenting Community. A few distributors as well we ourselves as have extensively tested this change, and are super happy with the result. And now it would be great to have some confirmations from systems out there before announcing it more widely.

So if anyone happens to be on their boat during this long weekend, please install and leave feedback below.

How to install using VRM

  1. Use the VRM remote firmware update method to do the update. Straight forward as always

How to install using Bluetooth / VictronConnect

As the firmware is not included as normal in VictronConnect yet, this requires a bit more work:

  1. Download the file from https://professional.victronenergy.com → Firmware section
  2. Add it to VictronConnect App
  3. Do the update

Details explained in section 9.2 of the manual.

Further details on the issue & fix:

The issue was that a VHF marine radio would think there is a signal, while there wasn’t. So you’d hear static coming out of the radio unless dialing the squelch all the way up - which effectively makes the radio unusable. Or derating the Orion XS or switching it off. The issue happened on some boats, some not. And mostly on the even channels (2, 4, 6, …, 16, etc.. )

The new firmware fixes it by a slight change in the frequency handling of the converter, which makes sure that the used frequencies no longer overlap with any over the VHF channel frequencies.

Firmware applies to all models:

  • Orion XS 12/12 50 - partnumber ORI121217040
  • Orion XS 12/12 50 - partnumber ORI121217050. This is the model with improved grounding/shielding
  • Orion XS 1400 (the new 12/24V model)

Thanks and best regards, Matthijs

4 Likes
2

Hey,

updated my first gen Orion XS and the VHF interference on Channel 16 is gone! On my VHF radio I reduced squelch back to normal/low and on my handheld I don’t have any statics anymore.

Thank you so much!

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Hi @Maik - good to hear! thanks for the feedback.

4

You might have just shifted the interference to other licensed or unlicensed services :grimacing: I assume you checked for that, but I will check in our shop with a spectrum analyzer when I get back into town. I use both LMR and amateur VHF bands. Thanks for the update!

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Hey @OGPS , thanks for your comment!

Indeed, that it might have shifted into frequencies that are an issue for other systems is be possible.

The product complies to legal EMC limits, (already complied to them before all this), and now no longer causes disturbance on Marine VHF as well as has that fixed for a few (European) police VHF radio systems.

We didn’t check for anything else. Its indeed a matter of shifting all the harmonics to frequencies that cause the least of issues.

Wrt R&D, the the issue is now closed, until there is a good reason to open it again.

6

Thank you for the update on this fix. I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out what I did wrong when converting my boat to Lithium over the winter (2 Orion XS being part of the system). After a complete rebuild of the electrical system, the last few trips my VHF16 has the above mentioned problem but also not mentioned is that it affects the Garmin electronic compass and autopilot. The amount of charge directly affects the amount of compass error. ie- simply trimming the motors (or turning off the Orion) will the reduce the charge (supply battery voltage dropping), in turn throwing me into a hard left turn as the compass returns closer to being correct and then back right when trim is released. I have seen up to 40deg error depending on the heading and amps flowing.

I just figured out over the weekend the issue is the Orion and jumped on this site to research, so my timing is good to not to have found the problem last trip out because this thread would not have shown up. I will post any updates I find after doing the update as well as which model 12/12 50 I am using.

7

On June12 this issue was closed, does that mean the update which popped up in the last couple days via the normal update on the VictronConnect App has this fix in it? If so the update was completed and the problem is not fixed. Or do I still need to do it through the “professional” site? (in which case is it the OrionXS_12_12_50_A3F0_v01.12xup?)

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Hey, which problem is not fixed - the VHF issue?

Or the compass issue that you mentioned?

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Sorry, I wasn’t clear on that. Both the VHF and the AutoPilot are still having the same problem. Although I’m not 100% sure the update actually happened. The Ipad which I was using VictronConnect did not have an internet connection since leaving the house on Thurs, it was used all weekend and then on Sun all of a sudden an update was available (also a message along the lines of it being a non critical update). I was still on the water, how did it all of a sudden have an update available with no internet (no sim card installed)? I did the update, both issues unresolved. I will let you know one way or the other what I find after testing here in the driveway but most likelyit will be on Weds before I’m able to look at it. Thanks for such a quick response inquiring back about this.

On another note, what would be the avenue to go through for making suggestions for future updates or to report issues, is , I am unable to find one and I don’t want to hijack this thread.
Thanks, Charlie

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I know this update is affecting more than myself and I made the time to test this new update to see if the compass issue was also fixed.
Test procedure…
Firmware v1.05
Both Orion XS 50 settings set to allow 50A charge from “supply” battery to Lithium.
Orions Off= VHF normal(no squelch break), Compass hdg 235
1st Orion On(50A charge)= VHF intermittent-constant static, Compass hdg 246
2nd Orion On(100A total charge)= VHF constant static, Compass 242

Updated to Firmware v1.12
VHF static gone(no squelch break), no change on compass hdg as listed above.
To clarify, depending on heading, it happened to be sitting at a 235 Hdg in the driveway for this test which had a 11deg error. Testing on the water at multiple different headings(I believe a 180hdg had the most error?) had up to 40deg error when the Orions were in a full charge state.

These are the model ORI121217040 purchased a couple months ago. Does the …050 version correct this problem? And if so is Victron offering the option to correct this problem for whatever the price difference may be between the 2 models to get a model that works? As-is this renders my autopilot extremely reduced to not usable without a working compass.

Thanks,
Charlie

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@mpvader any update on the issue mentioned above? (heading error) I have a version 40 and I don’t want to mess with my compass. thanks

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Hi @duemme ,

There is no general issue with the Orion XS and compasses.

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Hi Charlie, I’ll send you an email.

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ok, I’ll install the version 40 and report any issue with the compass (if any). Thanks

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The last update did not correct the issue with the Garmin Electronic Compass, which for my usage makes my autopilot mostly unusable. I have made the offer with the Local Victron Rep to do any testing with either the -050 to see if this fixes the problem, or any Firmware updates and have not heard anything back.

With the Orion turned off everything works flawless. Orion on- the Autopilot compass will be off up to 40deg and will change if for say the trim is used (in my case has a voltage drop which in turn changes the amount of charge) or will vary on it’s own. It’s completely unusable in most applications. I would go with the -050 and maybe have a better chance of it working?? But I am not getting any help from Victron if this is the case. I am leaving in a couple of hours for 2 weeks on the water without a functional autopilot when 90% of my running I would use it. Not happy.

1 Like
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Hi, is there any upgrade that can be done to the 040 to improve the shielding to what the 050 has. I have a fair amount of intereference on my fishfinders when i have the amperage turned up over 40amps.

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Here’s a quick update on my finding with the Orion -040 and -050 versions… Victron loaned me a -050 to test, for my specific problem there was no improvement, if anything it was a very minute amount worse. And it doesn’t appear to be a “line interference” as much as an airborne electrical magnetic problem? The Input cables for the Orion DC-DC convertor passing by within 8" of my Garmin Electronic Compass has a 22deg error while charging at 43.2A, and up to 80deg error depending on the amperage and heading if I start up my other outboard and 2nd Orion charger (differnent headings will be affected more than others). If moving the compass to 20" distance from the cables the error is reduced to 1-2deg error which tells me it is not a “line interference” as much as a proximity thing to the wires. Yes, I know a compass near electrical cabling is bad, however, prior to adding the Orions (converted to Lithium) these same cables have carried the same current for my Lead Acid charging for years with no issue with the compass in the same location, and testing yesterday with a colocated wire pumping the same amount of current thru it, non-Orion charging, there was 0deg error. So 100% the Orion is causing a problem as I turn it on and off and record my compass error.

From my testing and after talking with a local Marine Electronics Technician, my best guess is that the Orion is throwing out an interference on the input cable, and more or less is turning the cable into an antenna of magnetic interference. If I move my compass to 20" from the cable vs 8" at the same amperage, I only get 1-2deg instead of 22deg error when turning on the Orion. Sorry, I did not test distances in-between to see where the breaking point, my cables only allowed 20" and this was an acceptable error for me so that is what I tested.

So for the fishfinder guy… is the input or output wiring for your -040 anywhere close to your fishfinder? Or the Fishfinder’s Power or Transducer cable? I’d try moving things farther apart and see if there is a change in your problem? Please repost, I’m curious if this is your problem as I’m sure a lot of others will be.

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Good to see that it is solved!

And thanks for posting back here @INREQ.

And meanwhile we have dozens and dozens of reports in from our distributor and dealer network that the firmware update resolved all Marine VHF issues.

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I just installed my new Orion XS and updated it immediately.
I did not noticed any change in VHF behaviour, but will check that more in depth.

Regarding Electronic Compass and AP misbehaviour
I have Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot and MSC10 satellite compass installed, plus many other Garmin devices.
As we have stormy weather here in Sardinia i fear i will not be able to go out in the next days and test this, i stayed only in harbour during and after installation.
As soon weather is better i will test that as on a fast motorboat a sudden turn is absolutely not what i want to experience. Meanwhile i can do a test if compass changes direction when Orion XS is charging or if sleeping.
Model is HQ24342P62T

Chris

20

I just checked the vhf and no interference.
Need to check AP but too wavy today but will test soon
Chris