Venus OS v2.60 – ESS, tank monitoring, NMEA 2000 and more news

The latest Venus OS update introduces improved Energy Storage System (ESS) management, advanced tank monitoring, and extended NMEA 2000 integration, along with several optimizations that make the system more flexible and user-friendly for both marine and off-grid installations.

Today, after a long development and field testing period, we are launching Venus OS version v2.60 – a true milestone. Unlike the minor updates in recent months (v2.51 to v2.58), this version includes a range of major improvements and new features.

In addition to the major changes, there are many minor adjustments – more than in any previous version. In this blog post, we will focus on the highlights. Let's start with a slightly more complex new feature.

1) Full NMEA2000-out function

NMEA2000 (also called N2K) is a CAN-BUS protocol used on boats and ships to allow devices to exchange information. In the Victron context, it is primarily used to send data from the energy system to multifunctional displays on board. NMEA2000-out allows the GX device to act as a "bridge" and makes information from all connected battery monitors, inverters/chargers, and other devices available on the NMEA2000 network.

In version v2.60, we have added PGNs for solar chargers and tank levels. Tank levels are now automatically numbered instead of all being set to 0, which simplifies configuration for Raymarine MFD – it works directly without additional settings.

We have also added a page to configure N2K Device Instances, made the menu system more intuitive, and added the ability to read GPS data (position, altitude, speed) from the N2K network.

For complete information, see the chapter on NMEA2000-out in the CCGX manual.

2) Improvements in the Marine MFD HTML5 app

We have made several layout improvements, including introducing pagination instead of hiding data when screen space is limited.

Support for Fischer Panda generators has been added, with full information and buttons to manually start and stop the generator – as well as activate the GX Auto start/stop function.

Other generators can now also be controlled directly from the app, including Auto start/stop settings.

More information about the Fischer Panda integration can be found in the GX Fischer Panda manual.

3) ESS: New feed-in limitation and Ethernet-connected energy meter

Three important new features, plus many more in the complete changelog:

1. Installer-configurable setting for feed-in limitation (power/Watt). Works for both AC-coupled PV (Fronius & ABB) and DC-coupled PV – as well as combinations. For DC-coupled PV, VE.Bus firmware 469 or later is required.
2. Improved menu structure – easier to navigate and better worded.
3. New energy meter: Carlo Gavazzi EM24 with Ethernet connection. In stock and available for order via E-Order. More information can be found in the energy meter manual.

4) Improved tank level monitoring

Tank level monitoring on Venus GX and Cerbo GX (with four analog inputs) has been improved:

• Each tank can now be named – practical on larger boats with, for example, starboard and port tanks.
• Resistance levels for "empty" and "full" can be customized.
• Measurement can be calibrated for any tank shape with up to ten calibration points.

We have also added filtered and unfiltered sensor values to the menu – useful during installation and troubleshooting.

5) New GX LTE 4G modem

As 2G and 3G networks are being phased out, a new version of the GX GSM modem was needed. Now the GX LTE 4G is available – same design and mounting as before, but with a 4G modem inside.

Details can be found on the product web page. Different models for different regions are in stock.

How to update and conclusion

Information on how to install Venus OS v2.60 can be found here. For the full changelog, including previous versions, log in to Victron Professional and select Firmware.

We are very pleased that v2.60 has now been released. At the same time, we are already working on integrating more major changes that are awaiting the next release.

Footnote:

1. The manual in the link has been updated. Other GX manuals and translations will be updated within the next few weeks.