I recently invested in a Cerbo GX and a Phoenix Smart IP43 Charger (12/50/3) to monitor my system. While the hardware is great, I am disappointed with the current software integration in Venus OS (GX Touch/Remote Console).
1. Graphical Representation of 3 Outputs
The Phoenix Smart IP43 is a 3-output charger, but in the GX Dashboard (Flow Overview), it is barely visible. Even with GuiMods, it’s just a generic block. As a user, I expect to see the individual power/current flow for each of the three outputs (e.g., Starter and Service battery) directly in the GUI, without having to dig deep into the device list.
2. Confusing “OFF” / “AUS” Status
I am also seeing an “OFF” (or “AUS”) status on the GX device list for the charger, even though the unit is powered “ON” and according to the VictronConnect App, it is working correctly. This is very confusing for monitoring. It should clearly show the current charging state (Bulk/Absorption/Float/Storage) at all times on the main screen. I have even tried to manually override the internal relay settings and set the relay status to ‘Closed’ via VictronConnect, but the Cerbo GX still insists on displaying ‘OFF’. This confirms that the issue is not with the physical remote/relay state, but a faulty status interpretation within the Venus OS firmware for the Phoenix Smart IP43 series
My Request:
Please improve the integration of AC chargers, specifically those with multiple outputs, in the upcoming GUI v2. We need a native way to visualize these devices as a central part of the power flow, just like MPPTs or MultiPlus units.
What you circled on the screen is the tile that represents the inverter/Multiplus, since thats the central piece of equipment of a victron system. Since the system does not see an inverter on the VE.bus, it assumes it is switched off. In your case there is no inverter, but thats not what the system assumes. In essence, using a GX to control/monitor only a charger is not what it was designed to do.
Having separate inverter and AC/DC chargers is hardly an edge case is it? I get that Victron wants it to be that way. I have 1 ac/dc charger for shore power, and separate inverter on the boat as well.
I see from many posts here that this is not unusual.
I also have the same issue and am quite disappointed that the menu does not allow for tiles that represent the actual equipment connected. Now there could be a valid argument that “non Victron kit” should not be able to be visible, but even that is a mute point. For me, the disappointment is more that the Victron kit I have purchased does not work as expected in its entirety, and this would be a very easy fix and a big win for Victron. Why on earth would a company manufacture and sell a peace of kit, that is capable of being shown on a tile, but is not enabled due to a laps in basic coding? What Victron don’t seem to understand is that customers have a wide variety of needs in today’s mobile world, and certain RV’s and Boat’s now have very complicated electrical systems. For my situation, I have limited space in the engine room of my Motor Cruiser, and the electrical systems already have Shore power and a dedicated variable 110 to 240V supply. Putting an inverter in place is not an option, so to be able to monitor and charge by “solar and DC power” the 3 batteries in place, means using a smart IP43 charger (3), but then it’s impossible to see the charge state on the overview tile, which (in my view) is a short-sight in coding. I also have a Solar MPPT 75/15 connected via VE.Connect “which is visible” on the overview tile!
This needs a firmware fix for all those loyal customers who don’t own a Victron Inverter.
This is brilliant kit, and I’m not knocking Victron, they are, in my opinion, far in advance of any other company that produce RV and Boating solutions, but this is definitely something they need to look at, and supply a fix for.
