Introduction to the Orion XS; a lightweight non-isolated DC/DC charger

[@sutliffgnassi9925]

Can't wait for a 24V to 24V non-isolated version!!!

[@johannesboonstra6917]

Almost there, its going to be the XS 1400 (watt) and input and output voltages can be selected 12/24V)

[@AlexV89]

@@johannesboonstra6917 Very much looking forward to this as well - any update on the timeline?

[@johannesboonstra6917]

@@AlexV89 Q2

[@AlexV89]

@@johannesboonstra6917 thanks for the update

[@Bigorse91]

Can't wait for the isolated version

[@johannesboonstra6917]

really need isolation? that model is far away yet I ama afraid

[@fredturk6447]

Brilliant. All the required features! At 98.5% efficiency only dissipating 10 watts at full output and not wasting energy.

[@ray32825]

If I install a heat sink in the back, that should help it run even cooler.

[@rhoderzau]

Still looking forward to the 12 - 24v version

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

On its way, we expect these end of the year!.

[@krikkenstein]

I second that! Please release quickly! 🙏🏻

[@doughdfzr]

Yup lots of us waiting!

[@kymschubert5042]

Yes. 48V is the future…

[@SavageBeastChronicles]

Wating for the 12-24V too ! Thanks.

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

Im hanging out for the 24 and 48v versions for so many installs i have planned

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

working hard on them !

[@krikkenstein]

@@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz What to expect? 12/24-25? Or is there something more powerful coming?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@krikkenstein yes and yes, a more powerful as well.

[@drc6940]

You're going to have to go with Sterling Power's products for now. I have a 12v to 48v, 750 watt converter in my camper and it seems decent so far.

[@TRAVISGOLDIE]

@@drc6940 no im happy to wait for these

[@niconahla]

On a vraiment hâte que la version 24/24 arrive enfin 👍

[@gergodrabik6208]

Gamechanger already I have already installed 3. Genius. Also I wait to have a littlebit more VRM implementation. Should have its on tile for example :)

[@13thdukeofwybourne69]

This is OK, but I'm waiting for the 12-24v Orion XS please!

[@Slay3rOne]

I seem to remember reading somewhere there will be a version with selectable voltage for 12-24V maybe 48V, or are those separate units? My house is on 48V, desperately waiting for something to bridge the gap between 48V and 12/24V systems. Looking forward to it! Also bidirectional is definitely something I'm eagerly waiting for, that will be a gamechanger!

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

yes, these unit will come (in time).

[@robertstuckle6198]

Hello, did you think about a Orion with alternator temperature monitoring? What's with bi-directional charging and VE. Bus Connection? Best regards Robert

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

yes, these idea's are on the list already!

[@robertstuckle6198]

Thank you. Sound's good.

[@johnharding123john]

When is the 48-12v 50A coming out really looking forward to it!

[@outbackelectrical7707]

Will a 48V version be made available ? would be awesome for our wind turbine and hydro DC-DC conversion side!

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

yes,

[@UKsystems]

Both of these need very specialist charge controllers that keep a constant load. This may not be the best option.

[@outbackelectrical7707]

@@UKsystems False, The turbines controller is built in and the existing Orions work fine.

[@UKsystems]

@@outbackelectrical7707 actually very few turbines have a controller built in so in your case it may work but it’s definitely worth knowing that a lot of them do not like a load that could just switch off suddenly

[@UmbrellaProject6790]

Habe ich schon das Teil ist super Das Beste ist dass man die Zeit verkürzen oder verlängern kann zwischen Bulk und Absorption bei den Ladereglern Wenn der Wechselrichter wegfährt schalten alle Laderegler auf Blau/Bulk

[@wanderingzythophile9083]

I'm curious, why not build in the feature where you can reverse the current flow, and push power from a leisure system into the starter battery?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

theoraticly everything I possible, but we take it step by step and will get there.

[@wanderingzythophile9083]

@@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz It's a shame you folks didn't roll that in with this revision!

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@wanderingzythophile9083 Haha , I know but things ar not as easy as writing it down on a wish list. It's hardware plus software. At development it's always about priorities, and this one was just not high enough on the list.

[@UKsystems]

In most cases that is pointless also if you really need to keep the starter battery charged it may be worth putting lots of the loads onto the leisure battery like radio and things like that if not you probably have a problem inside of the vehicle discharging the battery

[@andrzejkwiatos7378]

what size fuse should be used at the input from the alternator to Orion XS?

[@gd4997]

Really interesting. Can it be used with a D+ signal (not ignition) and if so how?

[@johannesboonstra6917]

Yes , there is a remote port for this But through a setting this can be automatically switching as well

[@benshke]

Quick question, in the dc dc charging from starter battery to living battery if the engine is running and the starter battery gets disconnected does the dcdc charger still works? Could you test this? Been searching for days on info on this on the inter webs and couldn't find any info.

[@asennaydenov6461]

Hi! Recently I’ve installed XS and have found out right after the engine is on there is a disturbance on the VHF especially on channel 16 from the XS device. Test with oscilloscope shows the distribution frequencies on the negative side. When I connect the old Orion 30A the issue disappears…. As I understood this is well known issue with XS, do have a solution for this problem?

[@RealeaD]

does it reverse charge? In my country, temperature drops to -30 in winter. My car has Eberspacher engine heater and when I preheat the engine, it runs on the starter battery and very cold weather is bad for the battery at the same time. So, I am considering installing a DC DC charger with reverse charge function, which way I can bring my portable power station to the car before preheating the engine and connect it to the DC DC charger to protect the starter battery. My questions are: does it reverse charge? if so, will that function work in very cold, say -30. (Your website says it has low temp protection)

[@johannesboonstra6917]

No, it does not reverse charge , you could have a separate dcdc converter (switched) for that function.

[@RealeaD]

@@johannesboonstra6917 Thanks for the reply. In that case, I might consider Ecoflow charger which supports reverse charge according to sources

[@dantheman6698]

12v input to 48v ~1kw output is what interests me. could use it on an old car alternator powered by an old lawnmower engine instead of using expensive generators that keep failing.

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

yes I know, it will come, not any time soon though

[@brianwadsworth5752]

I see in the liturature that this charge controller has a low temporature cutout. Can this feature be turned off? I have a 300 ah lifepo4 self heating house battery. At low ambient temperatures, I need the charge controller to be able to be energized, and to push power to the battery heaters via the bult in battery BMS. Once the battery has warmed up, and the heaters have turned off, I need the charge controller to charge the battery, even in low ambient temperartures. Will this charge controller allow me to configure it to turn off the low temperature cutout?

[@Jsak666]

Can you tell me what the charge current limiters can go to? Can the input current be changed to sub 10amp so this can potentially be used to plug into a 12v 10amp cigarette socket and use that as the charge input rather than the alternator??? This feature is exactly what I have been looking for so I can use my portable battery in both my work car that has alternator connection, but then move the battery to my partners car and use the cigarette socket without blowing the fuse. If it can do that then consider it sold!

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

it can be less then 10A indeed , but then a 50A unit is overkill right?

[@Jsak666]

@@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz that's great thanks, but it won't be overkill as the battery spends majority of the time in my work truck getting 50amp charge, weekend trips in the other car where I don't want to run a cable from the starter battery and can use the 12v cig socket would be perfect for the odd occasion

[@Paul_______]

Very nice. Any worf if the Phoenix series of inverters will receive larger VA units in 120v lile 1600 or 2000?

[@roboda1]

Hi, new user on fresh install in Motorhome. On the app, Is there a way to change the picture of a battery showing charging level to a percentage? I have the direct wired wall display that shows battery percentage but it doesn’t show on the app. Thanks

[@johannesboonstra6917]

The data comes from a Orion or other device, so if that doesnt know the battery capacity, it can also not show this I am afraid

[@romeobravo3793]

Great. Are you planning to launch a 24V | 24V 40A version as well?

[@VictronEnergyBV]

Yes, also expected end of this year.

[@berndkleiner7031]

Excellent, can't wait to get it. Ideally a 24/24 50A version... Where can I get updates on availability?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@berndkleiner7031 this will be shared on the socials as soon as there is news.

[@berndkleiner7031]

The year is coming to an end very soon, and you shared the information that a 24/24 XS is coming this year. Are there delays or will it be presented as a Christmas surprise? ​@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz

[@steveanderson9135]

Can I assume an isolated version is coming soon ? Thank you.

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

it is in development but not delivered any time soon as we have prioritized the 24/48 models and higher power units.

[@shane7969]

you dont need to isolate it. it only activates after it senses the voltage increase when you start the engine and the alternator puts out power so the starter battery is never at risk of being depleted

[@shanesummerhayes7101]

With a GX controlled system, is the XS DVCC ready?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

Yes !

[@ianrobinson6788]

Reportedly the current model can interfere with VHF communications which, for boat installations at least, is a bit of an issue. Is this being addressed?

[@johannesboonstra6917]

Hello, any piece of electron can/will interfere and also a XS, there are guideline what level this should be and the XS is not crossing any lines there. They are close to be honest so there are some changes implemented to have these parts were they are close to another band.

[@ianrobinson6788]

Thank you. Is it possible to describe the changes that might help with the problem if it occurs?

[@johannesboonstra6917]

@@ianrobinson6788 the filters will be adapted do that the spikes on specific bands will be shifted to areas they are less probable to cause any interference. PS we dont levels above the required levels as it is, its just an improvement

[@ianrobinson6788]

Thank you.

[@crew0791]

which ground does the DC to DC connect to? The lithium and all the victron gear go into smart shunt into the lithium negative. The starter battery grounds to the chasis. Does this need to ground to car or shunt?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

Normally there is a common ground (beside systems which have isolated circuits of course) , When using a Smartshunt the load side is grounded so thats also the place for the XS to be connected

[@crew0791]

@@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz thanks for the reply. Is the load side of the smarthsunt considered a common ground in a typical setup? I haven't done any wiring yet, just laying it and had a decision on where to ground the XS. No issues running to the smarthsunt just wasn't sure how the lead acid circuit worked if its not grounding to the smart shunt also.

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@crew0791 yes, the Load side is also the common ground side ( as otherwise the shunt doesnt see 'all' current

[@JdZ-2023]

What is it's own power dissipation? How mutch is the efficiency?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

please have a look at 0;45 sec again...

[@JdZ-2023]

​@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz , that is at 50A, so the power consumption is negligible. If it's the same at 5A, then it's a lot.

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@JdZ-2023 self consumption as listed on the datasheet is

[@UKsystems]

@@JdZ-2023 why do you want to charge at very low current with this unit? You really need to get one which is not such high current

[@SAMSUNGTABLET-uh9is]

Ha comentado que sirve para todo tipo de baterías, pero se puede instalar cuando la batería de arranque es de plomo y la de servicio de lifepo4,( o hay que instalar algún mecanismo intermedio) , gracias

[@superjetsi3653]

Is there any way to have this in stand alone mode while still being monitored on a gx device thats running dvcc? I have a system where the xs is changing an agm from the lithium but external control takes over when the ve direct cable is plugged in.

[@UKsystems]

Quite simply you can’t have something running in standalone road when it’s connected to a controller you can change the configuration to allow it to function with different parameters

[@brotheradam]

ok, we also need to be able to drop from 48 v solar to 24 or 12 v sub systems.. especially given the costs now to keep 12 v stuff going..plus need to be able to set up direct 20 or 18v charging for tool batteries instead of only running inverters to charge power tools

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

48V solar to 24?, thats a MPPT charge controller right? thats already there

[@UmbrellaProject6790]

Kann man mit dem MK3 Interface direkt in das Venus fahren und dann über den Wechselrichter die Werte ändern oder müsste man das RJ45 Kabel beim Venus ausstecken

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

The XS can (only) be adjusted using Victron Connect app/programm. not though an inverter or such I am afraid

[@UmbrellaProject6790]

@@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz Doch wenn das ganze System vernetzt ist aber Ich das Kabel vom Venus GX abstecken muss um die Batteriespannung in Volt zu programmieren und wenn man direkt daneben mit dem -MK3 Interface reinfahre über das Venus GX ob es einen Schaden verursachen würde das meine Ich Anders kann Ich es nicht mehr erklären Der Phoenix Inverter wird mit dem RJ45 Kabel mit dem MK3 Interface gesteckt/verbunden und über das VEConfig die Batterieunterspannung programmiert das der Wechselrichter Sich automatisch ein und ausschalten kann, oder über die Handy App Die Frage wäre ob man Sich das abstecken des Kabels aus dem Venus sparen könnte

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@UmbrellaProject6790 why have a cable unplugged ? you can control with bluetooth quite easy the XS while the system is running. Beside this, charge settings are only needed when first installing or swapping batteries, its not normally often changed

[@Stefanie_on_the_Road]

I pre-ordered it and it was delivered straight after the release. and I really have to say I'm very happy with it. I previously had the DC-DC 12-12/18, which was already very hot. I really like the fact that you can set the charging current, in my case ‘only’ 40 amps, and the option of configuring it via cable for data transfer to the Cerbo. I am thoroughly satisfied with it. Victron electrifies my Vanlife ❤

[@VictronEnergyBV]

We are glad to hear that, thank you very much for your kind words!

[@fred-n6f]

why not an isolated version?

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

thats make the unit more costly and the volume is in not isolated, but there will be isolated versions in the future

[@HybridShedIraq]

What is the obsession with isolation in the USA why not use ground 🤔 .

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

@@HybridShedIraq ;-)

[@sailingadventurous784]

⁠​⁠@@HybridShedIraqon a boat we typically don’t have a metal chassis to use as earth.

[@tonycarey1808]

So does anyone have an idea when the isolated version is coming

[@johannesboonstra6917]

That will be not before end next year I am afraid

[@tonycarey1808]

@@johannesboonstra6917 I've been advised by local marine electrician I can use the XS with a single ground wire to the negative bus bar from the bats.

[@robink.9459]

FINALLY! The old 30A Orion is such terrible design. It overheats all the time reducing output power due to it's bad efficiency - even with an external fan attached to the massive heat sink. I will throw out that thing as soon as the isolated XS comes to market. Love all my other Victron devices though

[@tyler0487]

How hot does this device get under full load? The old Orion's would reduce power output because they were so hot and this one seems to have no heat sink...

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

same here, but due to a higher efficiency they get less warm so will work longer at max power.

[@shanec.7105]

Its about time they come up to modern standards- engine on and off sensing. I had the old version and ran my battery down by not turning the on and off switch. Because of that, switched to Ecoflow. If price is right, this is the game changer.

[@UKsystems]

However, Victron devices are part of an ecosystem you could have introduced engine on and off detection if you configure the devices in such a way

[@mikegyver3193]

The problem with Victor excellent supply of products, is that if there’s ever an EMP problem, the whole system is wiped out. Or somebody can hack into your Wi-Fi and wipeout your system.

[@JohannesBoonstra-ol2nz]

Is there a brand in electronics different on tis prospective?

[@andrewford80]

If there is ever an EMP we have much bigger problems on our hands. I think you've been watching too many movies

[@erikj9962]

The solution is to buy 2 and keep the backup in a Faraday cage

[@UKsystems]

Why would you like your Victron energy gear to survive an EMP but everything else that its powering to fail? It seems pointless doesn’t it that way? You can easily configure that your GX device is not allowed to change settings from the Internet but you make this comment without without doing any research. If you completed their training courses it would literally tell you all of this.