Subject: Orion XS keeps charging with engine OFF (Victron NG system, D+ present)

DIY
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1

Hi all,

I am experiencing an issue with my Orion XS 12/12-50A that continues charging even when the engine is OFF. I would appreciate technical insight.

:wrench: System configuration

Vehicle: Camper with smart alternator

Installed Victron equipment:

  • 2x Victron LiFePO4 200Ah NG batteries (12.8V)

  • Lynx Smart BMS (NG system)

  • MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-32

  • Orion XS 12/12-50A

  • SmartSolar MPPT 100/30

  • Cerbo GX

The system is normally fully integrated via Cerbo GX.

:gear: Orion XS configuration

  • Function: Charger

  • Charger enabled

  • Input current limit: 50A

  • Output current limit: 50A

  • Engine shutdown detection: Enabled

  • Alternator type: Smart alternator (12V)

Settings:

  • Start voltage: 14.0V

  • Delayed start voltage: 13.3V (120s delay)

  • Shutdown voltage: 13.1V

:electric_plug: D+ / Remote testing

  • Real D+ signal measured:

    • Engine OFF → 0.0V

    • Engine ON → ~14V

Tests performed:

  • D+ connected to Remote H, Remote L to ground

  • Remote connector completely removed

  • Orion disconnected from Cerbo GX (VE.Direct removed)

  • Engine shutdown detection enabled

:red_exclamation_mark: Observed behavior

With:

  • Engine OFF

  • Shore power active (starter battery around 13.0–13.2V)

The Orion XS enters Bulk charging, typically:

  • Input: ~13.0–13.1V

  • Output: ~13.3V

  • 12–15A charge current

Even when:

  • D+ = 0V

  • Remote terminals removed

  • Cerbo GX disconnected

The Orion still responds to input voltage and starts charging.

:red_question_mark: Questions

  1. Is voltage-based engine detection always active when enabled, even if D+ is present?

  2. Can the Orion XS be forced to operate ONLY based on D+?

  3. Does the NG BMS or system integration influence this behavior even when VE.Direct is removed?

  4. What is the recommended configuration when shore power raises the starter battery voltage above 13V?

Goal:
I want the Orion XS to charge ONLY when the engine is running, while keeping full Cerbo GX integration.

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
Harry Smulders

2

This permanently sets remote on, it essentially does the same as the original wire bridge

This also only sets remote on.

But since this is mentioned in the tests section i guess this was done for testing only, how is it wired normally? Depending on where exactly you connected the D+ and where you got that signal from that wire could be pulled to ground when the engine is not running, again enabling the charger.

This so far is normal. Once the input voltage is high enough, it will assume the engine is running and start charging, whether VE.direct is connected or not.

Again, the first depends on where you connected the D+ and how that signals source behaves.

But, at least the second part, removing the connector entirely, should definitely switch the orion off. And thats the part i would be concerned in. Originally theres a bridge connecting L and H pins, removing that bridge turns the charger off. Since it doesnt seem to do that anymore, i would first look into that.

Yes

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Yes, just under the above Note in the manual is the explanation (I cant link to the exact point, but its in section 3.10)

The Cerbo does influence the output section of the Orion through DVCC, because thats the side that concerns the Cerbo. If the cable is removed, how could the Cerbo still influence the Orion?

Personally i wouldnt do anything. Two batteries charged at once, perfect.

But i guess thats not what you’re after. The shore charger seems to raise the starter battery voltage above the delayed start voltage, so you either set that higher, or you find out why exactly that remote on/off isnt working