Venus OS 3.60 – Switching panel, boat mode, and more improvements

The latest update to Venus OS 3.60 introduces a new switching panel for easier control, a dedicated boat mode for optimized energy management, and several improvements that enhance the user experience and system stability.

Venus OS for Victron GX devices has been updated to version 3.60 today. The new version offers several exciting new features in the user interface, important bug fixes, and smart functions under the hood. Before you read on – please take a look at our image walkthrough of the new features.

New switching panel

One of the biggest new features is the new switching panel, which provides quick access to control lighting, loads, and other functions – in vehicles, boats, or stationary systems. You open the panel via a button in the upper left corner of the new user interface (New UI).

Currently, the Energy Solutions DC4 SmartSwitch with four channels is supported, but more compatible devices from other Manufacturers are on the way.

Improvements for marine users

Improved MFD app: The HTML5 app for marine multifunction displays (MFD) has been updated with better image quality, especially on high-resolution screens like Garmin 9000. Night mode: A new night mode with red-toned light makes it more comfortable for the eyes during night driving.

Electric boat view: A new dedicated page for electric boats shows speed, RPM, power consumption, and battery status.

Tank display in Brief Page: You can now choose to display specific tanks as ring gauges – e.g., both day tank and total volume simultaneously.

Backup and restore for VE.Bus

The GX device can now create backups of VE.Bus configurations and restore them automatically when changing devices – perfect for redundant installations. The function also makes it possible to quickly switch between different setting profiles when needed.

Extended battery compatibility

Venus OS now supports automatic DVCC configuration for batteries from Sunwoda and Soluna. Both are tested and fully integrated into the system.

Temperature control for NG batteries

For those who winter camp or sail in cold waters: The GX device can now control heating and cooling of Victron NG-batteries via relays. This requires a Lynx Smart BMS NG and temperature data via the CAN-bus. Other batteries that send temperature data are also supported.

PV Inverter Limiter

GX devices now support limiting inverters with Sunspec™ protocol (model 123 or 704). This includes support for zero feed-in and dynamic power control. Known compatible Brands are SMA, SolarEdge, Kostal and Enphase.

Rebuilt settings menu

The menu in the new interface has been redesigned with improved navigation, new main categories, and “breadcrumbs” at the top, so you can easily see where you are and quickly jump back to the right place.

New page: Modification control

A new overview page under Settings > General shows if the system has been modified, e.g., by adding custom battery drivers or SSH keys. From here you can restore firmware, disable modifications, or update the system online.

Node-RED and virtual devices

Node-RED has received several improvements:

• Create virtual devices (batteries, inverters, tanks, GPS, motors, etc.) that are fully integrated into the GX system and displayed on the VRM portal.

• Control relays on MPPT chargers directly from Node-RED.

• More efficient communication reduces CPU load.

New hardware: GX IO-Extender 150

The new GX IO-Extender 150 provides more I/O options:

• 2 bistable relays

• 1 solid state relay

• 2 digital I/O (4-way)

• 4 PWM outputs

Perfect for system integrators with complex needs.

Bug fixes and other improvements

• Cerbo GX MK2 and GX LTE: Stability improvements for VE.Can port and IPv6.

• Orion XS: Can now be used as a regular DC-DC converter, not just a charger.

• ESS updates: Better management of PV production and SOC optimization.

• New VRM button in the interface: Add the device to VRM directly from the remote console.

• Generator control: New conditions based on tank level – avoid air in the system.

• Increased feed-in ceiling: Now over 32 kW.

• Improved dynamic control in ESS for deviations in forecast or actual production.