Venus OS v3.50 – New user interface, security and generator improvements

We are pleased to announce that Venus OS v3.50 is now released. A major milestone and improvement for our range of GX control and monitoring solutions. Whether you manage a system at home, in a marine environment or on an industrial site, this release has something for you.

The New User Interface

The most significant change in the new version is the new graphical user interface. The new UI

offers a modern look, improved functionality and a faster, more responsive experience. The best introduction is to watch this video:

To discover all the details and benefits of the new interface, explore our detailed images about this release.

Marine Specific Updates

The Marine MFD HTML5 app now supports Amp -devices for real-time monitoring on multifunction displays and chartplotters. To show current in amps instead of power, set the preference in the new UI

. The integration with the ARGO Zeus alternator control now has DVCC integration, where the GX controls and optimizes the entire system – including limiting the charging current to the maximum allowed charging current for the batteries. The MG Energy Systems AFC 300 is now supported as an alternator controller. The Fischer Panda AGT series of DC generators can now be integrated over the CAN bus, enabling (remote) reading of all parameters. Energy from wind turbines, as well as alternator outputs, can now be displayed on the screen with a SmartShunt as a DC energy meter. Support has been added for the soon-to-be-launched Safiery STAR tank sensors, which connect wirelessly to the GX via Bluetooth. These long-range Bluetooth radar tank sensors, part of the Safiery STARSHIP product range, will be launched at METSTRADE Amsterdam next month. For boats with multiple tanks, the new interface includes features that show the total amount of fresh water available summarized across all tanks, and the same for fuel or other liquid type.

Improved Security

The new version means improved local network security in Venus OS by adding HTTPS security to Remote Console on LAN. In addition, the settings have been simplified to a new setting: “Network Security Profile”. Password protection for MQTT provides additional security for third-party integrations such as Home Assistant and Node-RED.

The settings related to the VRM portal have been simplified to a single option, allowing either complete disconnection from the VRM portal, read-only connection mode (without allowing changes or firmware updates) or full control. This change removes the previous "VRM Two-way communication on/off" setting.

See the security section in the images for this release for more information.

Improved Integration & generator start/stop

Support has been added for five new generator controls, including the popular Deep Sea DSE4520 MKII, as well as support for DSE over RTU.

Connection over RTU is a significant improvement then it reduces costs (no DSE Ethernet gateway required) and simplifies installation by eliminating the need for Ethernet hardware or network knowledge. Note the requirement for an isolated USB to RS485 interface; see generator functions in the images for more information.

DC generators are now also supported in the form of Hatz and Fischer Panda.

Improvements have been made to the accuracy of generator uptime reporting for both controller connected generators and relay-controlled generators.

To see full details of these updates, please refer to generator functions in the images.

Node-RED

This version allows factory reset Node-RED on a GX device from the Venus OS Large menu. This removes all flows and settings, making it possible to start over without needing physical access to reset the Node-RED settings.

In addition, various new nodes have been added and existing nodes improved, especially for Dynamic ESS, Peak Shaving, VRM and generators. For details, see its changelog from v1.5.18 through v1.5.23.

Improvements for managed batteries

Various improvements have been made, including:

< li>Venus OS 3.50 now better handles Pylontech batteries experiencing cell voltage imbalance. For this enhancement to be active, the GX needs access to cell voltages from the Pylontech BMS.
• Leoch, new to the compatibility list, and Pyte's battery integration now includes auto configuration, DVCC force enabled, SVS and STS disabled.
< li>The ZYC batteries now also have automatic configuration and can also receive firmware updates directly via the GX unit and VRM portal, which is a big step in expanding the remote management capabilities of compatible batteries.
• Lithium Batteries South Africa (LBSA) was added to our battery compatibility list earlier this week. Note that there is no automatic configuration in GX for LBSA yet: make sure DVCC and other settings are enabled according to the LBSA/Victron manual.

How to install and the full changelog

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In addition to the improvements highlighted above, there are further improvements and changes. To read the details, refer to the full changelog by logging into Victron Professional and selecting 'Firmware' -> 'Venus Olympics' -> 'firmware changelog'.

Information on how to install firmware can be found in the manual of your GX device. Quick links to relevant pages can be found here: Ekrano GX, Cerbo GX, Color Control GX and for Venus GX.