Victron Cerbo GX

A powerful communication centre

Combined with a Victron Smartshunt, the Victron Cerbo GX is a powerful communication centre for any Victron onboard power system.

The Cerbo is sometimes fondly called "the heart of Victron", all cables come together on the Cerbo GX. From the heart, the Cerbo GX all info is pumped through to the laptop or phone and you can see all this info back. The Cerbo GX offers a wide range of functions, enabling not only monitoring, but also control and optimisation of your Victron equipment.

Victron Cerbo GX

The main functions of the Cerbo GX

Real-time monitoring

The Cerbo GX gives you live insight into the performance of your entire energy system. This includes:

  • Battery status: Monitor the voltage, current and state of charge (SoC) of your batteries.
  • Solar panels: View solar power generation in real time.
  • AC and DC users: Check how much power your users (such as fridge, navigation, lights, airfryer) consume.
  • Inverter and shore power: Get insight into the operation of your inverter and whether shore power is working properly.
  • Ruuvie: Combined with the Ruuvie sensors, all temperatures can also be read.

Remote access

The Cerbo GX allows you to remotely monitor and control your system via the internet, using the Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) portal or the VRM app. You can:

  • The manage system from any location in the world.
  • Notifications and alerts received via e-mail (e.g. when shore power fails or battery status is low).
  • Historical data view, allowing you to analyse consumption and energy yield over a day, week, month or year.

 

Comprehensive system monitoring

The Cerbo GX acts as the brain of your Victron system. It allows you to:

  • Switching inverters on and off.
  • Starting generators automatically if the battery status falls below a certain level.
  • Controlling relays, e.g. for switching equipment remotely.
  • Setting alarms, for example, if the voltage becomes too low or if there is a fault.

Built-in communication ports

The Cerbo GX is equipped with multiple communication ports to easily connect to all your Victron devices and other systems:

  • VE.Direct: For connection to Victron equipment such as the SmartSolar chargers, BMV battery monitors, and inverters.
  • VE.Can: For larger systems or connection to multiple devices, such as multiple SmartSolar chargers or a VE.Can solution.
  • USB and HDMI: For connecting additional screens or devices.
  • NMEA 2000: Integration with maritime networks for communication with other devices on the ship.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: For easy configuration and cable-free access to the system.

Extension options

The Cerbo GX works seamlessly with other Victron equipment. Some possible extensions include:

  • Victron Touch 50/70 display: An optional touchscreen to view all information instantly.
  • Ruuvitag sensors: Monitor temperature and humidity via Bluetooth with Ruuvitag sensors. We are the only ones in the Netherlands to have a sharp combination deal for!
  • Cerbo GX tank monitoring: Keep an eye on the level of fuel and water tanks by connecting tank gauges.

Data storage and history

The Cerbo GX records all your system data, which can be viewed back on the VRM portal. This is useful for:

  • The analyse of your energy consumption over a longer period of time.
  • The optimise of your system to use energy more efficiently.

Versatility and flexibility

Victron Cerbo GX

Thanks to its versatile functionality, the Cerbo GX can be adapted to different applications, on boats but are also commonly used in RVs or off-grid homes. Its extensive communication options and compatibility with various Victron devices make it a central hub that makes your power system work seamlessly.

Advantages:
✅ Full management of your Victron system, both locally and remotely
✅ Insight into power consumption and generation from e.g. solar panels
✅ Alarm notifications via e-mail when shore power is lost or battery status is too low

Disadvantages:
➖ Requires a SmartShunt for battery monitoring
➖ Only works with Victron equipment
➖ Screen must be purchased separately.

Victron Ekrano GX

The Victron Ekrano GX combines the functionality of the Cerbo GX with a built-in display. This is an all-in-one solution for those who have limited space and still want full control over the power system.

Advantages:
✅ Compact solution: controller and display in one
✅ Suitable for small spaces

Disadvantages:
➖ All cables have to be pulled to one place, which can sometimes be inconvenient and require unnecessarily long cables.

Quark-Elec A016

The only non-Victron monitor in our range, the Quark-Elec A016 is the only one we can offer in Europe. This monitor works with NMEA data, allowing you to easily read out information on, for example, your plotter, mfd or tablet(in combination with a multiplex).

Advantages:
✅ NMEA-compatible
✅ Clear screen
✅ Affordable

Disadvantages:
➖ Only works for the service battery
➖ No Bluetooth support

Importance of correct settings for a reliable SoC

The State of Charge (SoC) is an important indicator of your battery's remaining capacity. Unfortunately, it often happens that the SoC is not completely reliable due to wrong settings or incomplete calibration or old data after power has been off. This can lead to incorrect information about the status of your battery and thus even damage your battery. To ensure an accurate SoC, it is important to set your system's settings correctly.

Besides monitoring the SoC, it is therefore wise to monitor the battery voltage from time to time, especially when the battery is at rest. This gives a more reliable indication of your battery's actual state of charge. With lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lead-acid and AGM batteries, there are differences in how the voltage reflects the charge. This can help you better determine when the battery is fully charged or when it is time to recharge.

The best choice for your situation

At Smartmarine, we understand that every situation is unique. The most expensive solution is not always the best. Do you have any questions after reading this article? Are you looking to upgrade or partially replace your system? Our team is ready to help you make the right choices so you can hit the water worry-free. Contact us today and discover the perfect solution for your boat!

Installation and service

Installing your battery monitor yourself? No problem! Our monitors come with clear (online) instructions. Don't have the tools or prefer an expert to do it? No worries, Smartmarine collaborates with reliable parties who will ensure a professional installation, so you can hit the water without any worries.

Ask us for advice