STILL too hot?! 🔥🥵 Orion XS 50A test & unboxing.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video, we unbox Victron's new Orion XS and do a stress test/heat test to see how this new device performs compared to the old Orion Smart.
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00:00 Introduction
00:25 Unboxing - Name Update
01:39 No Heat Sink
02:09 Terminal Size
03:01 Built-in Strain Relief
03:36 Remote Port
03:55 VE.Direct Port
04:13 No equipment ground
04:37 Communications - VE.Direct to GX Device
05:34 Communications - Victron Connect App
06:01 Communications - VE Smart Networking
06:54 Why do we need to heat test?
08:00 Heat Test
10:22 Heat Test Results
12:42 Efficiency Comparison
14:09 Why the Orion XS didn't put out 700W
16:59 Why we mounted it flat
17:47 Final Thoughts - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Hey! Just a heads up but we got our first shipment in for the new Victron Orion XS 50A DC DC Chargers: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
And here is the wiring kit for it: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-12-12-50-dc-to-dc-charger-wiring-kit/
Dual Orion XS wiring kit coming soon. Orion 30A to Orion 50A retrofit coming soon. Stay tuned to our social media for the announcement for those.
NOTE: I'm sending this everybody on the waiting list at the same time as well as a social media blast; and there are a lot more on the waiting list than I have available as of today and these WILL SELL OUT, But... since we have gotten our first shipment, that gives me confidence that we will have more in a timely manner; which means that we will be taking backorders. This means that if we sell out, you can pre-purchase for our next shipment and we will fulfil those IN THE ORDER THEY ARE RECEIVED, so time is still of the essence if you want one.
So, when will the next shipment of these arrive? Our current best estimate is April 26th for the next small shipment, and then by early June, we anticipate having enough to fulfill ALL orders.
I will not be sending out waiting list emails for these. If you want to get 'on the list'; purchase one (or two) on backorder and we will send them out as we get them in: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
Great video! Two things to cover if you can:
1. Can you now prioritize solar over orion when driving? Reduces strain on the alternator when hitting max input current limits.
2. Can you use two of these together and set a maximum current based on your alternator's output limits? Say 80A from both combined.
Thanks!
I would love to see you do a Dual Orion XS 50 amp video!
I would love to see them tested in their vertical orientation as that’s how they are supposed to be used.
This...in a worst-case environment - i.e. my van's been left out in the desert heat all day. Will it charge in a +120F cabin? If so, what's its performance?
Thanks for the test. Our rig has (2) alternators putting out a theoretical maximum of 260amps. We would like to see how and installation of (2) Orion XS units would perform and a little about how they communicate while in operation.
Very clearly a better unit. Thanks for the review
Thanks Nate. Excellent work on presentation. I would love to see the differences between the non-isolated and isolated version coming out in a truck/camper combo. Thanks for all of your team’s hard work.
I’d like to see mounted in an RV and how to ground it. Thanks for the great videos.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive video. Really helpful
Well done mate! Love your work. Solid!!
Was nice meeting you at the Vanfest on the weekend take care and safe travels - Lance
I was surprised to see see the size. From the released pics it looked bigger than the Orion smart. I will def swop my Orion smart for the XS. More amps to my bank is always welcome. Thanks Nate, for the testing and update
Definitely worth the extra cost. I have a Unity LTV with the dc-dc under the passenger seat so keeping it cool is a challenge. Also, the additional 20A is worth the cost. Getting both more power and lower temperature and improved communication is a win.
Worth the upgrade for sure.
Thank you. We use this on a Sailing voedsel kruising oceans. We use the engine for 12 hours of more in many occasions.
Thanks for this great test.🎉
Our pleasure!
I am building a new system so the choice is easy I am going to get the new 50 amp charger. In regard to your question, would it be worth the cost to upgrade from the old 30 amp? For me absolutely yes. After seeing your testing I would easily pay to upgrade primarily for the efficiency but the heat reduction is also a big positive factor. This is precisely the type of video I like to see from your channel. Nothing beats objective data on innovations. It makes it easy to justify spending the money. I can see the benefits and then know immediately if it justifies the cost. Thanks great video.
Thank you Nate! These were great videos. Since smelling warm electronics coming off a fresh orion 30a I've been looking for an alternative.
I'll be waiting for the isolated version but would like to see a longer test with the device mounted vertically and higher voltage input.
Higher voltage input should mean higher wattage which in turn means more loss.
I'd love to see where the temperature "tops out" and it'd be great if that was done in an ambient of 20 degree centigrade (this would be the typical internal temperature of a van on a long drive).
More power is always preferred. I don’t ever hear anyone complaining about having too much power. I have 810ah of lithium and the Orion Smart 30 dc-dc charger which has a theoretical charge time of ~30 hours from 0, clearly inadequate at this scale even with the 50a charger. I recently purchased a 2nd alternator from Nations with a Wakespeed controller however I haven’t had the opportunity to install yet. This 270a configuration has a theoretical charge time of ~3 hours which made more sense to me but I’ll believe it when I see it. I will keep the Orion Smart in use for the additional amps and as a backup should the primary fail. I would consider upgrading to the XS too just for the additional amps. I mitigated the Smart heat issue with a thermostat controlled fan exactly per Nate’s design. Thank you @EXPLORISTlife you ROCK.
Good stuff 👍
Get video as usual, thanks for helping to answer the questions everyone wants to know. Another point to consider for future testing. Simulating a true 700w input, and therefore full 50A output, may skew the temperature figures resulting in the unit getting hotter than in your table top test.
I would be curious about that too, but I also hypothesize that it may not matter because the Orion is having to work harder to boost the 11.8V up to 13.8V as opposed to a closer voltage difference. 🤷 Not sure or tested there. Just a hypothesis.
The communications is what makes this most worthwhile to me. The efficiency/power is a second order benefit as I am going from LFP house bank to AGM starter battery. My use-case needs the future 24/12 version, and I will likely do the upgrade when I get an LFP capable of handling engine start CCA.
👍
Nice job explaining the power/voltage relationship(s) for those who will panic when they don’t see 50A or 700W charging in all cases, especially due to voltage drops (from front of vehicle to rear with possible poor crimps and connections.)
Great test! Super excited about this. I hope they plan on using the same tech to decrease the footprint of their solar controllers.
Thanks, Very Interesting!
Superb presentation. Extremely professional and scientifically credible. It couldn't be better, well done. As to the questions: 1) I would like to see parallel testing with another unit and what happens with combined charging rates of 100A. I suspect the results would be pretty predictable, but this is the key feature this model offers that I'm most desirous of. It would also be good to see if two of the units can be stacked on top of each other (either vertically or horizontally stacked and either directly stacked or with aluminum bases opposing one another) with a little airspace in between and not overheat. Some builds have smaller available mounting footprints (like mine). So this would be good to see if it's possible and advisable to do.
2) A 40 deg F delta is important. ~150 F is the temp of scalding water! I don't have an A/C and effectively having a small heater in the back during hot/muggy weather is unwanted. Also, it is somewhat of a burn hazard because I keep these units accessible in my build for serviceability reasons. Also, the bulk is unwanted in my Econoline build where space is more constrained than in a Transit or Sprinter. Streamlined is good, especially because I want to run two units. Lastly, the improved efficiency means my alternator and engine work less for the same charge, which of course is another benefit. So, there's a lot to like on these units - other than price, especially for two of them.
I'm currently running a Renogy 40A DC/DC charger which is a fraction of the price of the Victron. I've had it a few years now and it's worked flawlessly so far. I definitely would not pay the premium for a single new Victron XS for only 10 more amps of charging capacity. The main feature that sells me is the ability to couple it to another unit and achieve 100A charge rates. The compact size and efficiency are very nice to haves as well, but 100A charging rates is the crown jewel for me.
Yes worth it to upgrade.
The energy saved from the increased efficiency is definitely worth the upgrade
Great video. I have a 30a Smart waiting to be installed (replacing a 30a Renogy so all my components are Victron) I want to go with the 50a XS instead because…why not? :). I need to go back and watch your other video on the XS to understand the isolated/non-isolated configuration.
Just here for the bloopers and comments. 😂
btw... sick cap 🥰
Are there plans for an isolated version?
Now, if they could shrink the 100/50a mppt controller to the same size, that would be great.
I just can’t get over how much smaller the XS is! 😮😮😮
Super helpful! Is it possible to have the unit stop charging if the source (battery) drops to a low voltage (like if you wanted to charge from a start battery). Also when will the additional voltage outputs be available (like 48V). Thanks!
I currently run a pair of 12/12-30s and I am 100% sold on the upgrade. Lower temperatures *AT A HIGHER OUTPUT* is a HUGE win. Only question now is 1 or 2 haha.
My existing units are mounted vertically but inside a very tight compartment, so I've been very concerned about temperatures when I'm on long drives. Integration with my Cerbo is also a big bonus, so I'd love to see how that works when the new GX firmware comes out.
It’s worth the money to upgrade. With most systems placed under a couch or in an enclosed area, just the temperature difference is a big plus.
I have been considering adding a dc to dc charger to the Victron system in our 5th wheel. I would go with the 50 amp charger just based on the actual size of the unit.
I am looking forward to any future videos of integrating it with an existing setup.
Promising unit indeed. My existing set up has a 2 in 1 dcdc+solar charge controller. It would be interesting to see how compact the new Orion + solar charge controller from victron could be. Space is often a big hurdle for existing installations to upgrade to Victron.
Great video Nate.
As I understand it you can configure in the VictronConnect app the current drawn by the Orion XS ie. 50A / 40A / 30A etc.
It would be interesting to see what impact changing the current settings has on the heat generated by the unit.
Also have you considered what impact a 50A draw has on the vehicles alternator ? When compared with the older Orion 30A models. Would the higher amperage potentially be shortening the lifespan of your vans alternator ?
Yes, I believe it is worth the extra cost. Please send me one with the wiring kit as soon as you get them in stock.
Hey! Just a heads up but we got our first shipment in for the new Victron Orion XS 50A DC DC Chargers: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
And here is the wiring kit for it: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-12-12-50-dc-to-dc-charger-wiring-kit/
Dual Orion XS wiring kit coming soon. Orion 30A to Orion 50A retrofit coming soon. Stay tuned to our social media for the announcement for those.
NOTE: I'm sending this everybody on the waiting list at the same time as well as a social media blast; and there are a lot more on the waiting list than I have available as of today and these WILL SELL OUT, But... since we have gotten our first shipment, that gives me confidence that we will have more in a timely manner; which means that we will be taking backorders. This means that if we sell out, you can pre-purchase for our next shipment and we will fulfil those IN THE ORDER THEY ARE RECEIVED, so time is still of the essence if you want one.
So, when will the next shipment of these arrive? Our current best estimate is April 26th for the next small shipment, and then by early June, we anticipate having enough to fulfill ALL orders.
I will not be sending out waiting list emails for these. If you want to get 'on the list'; purchase one (or two) on backorder and we will send them out as we get them in: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
Thanks for the information Nate. Sounds like they have indeed fixed all my gripes about the Orion. Waiting impatiently for your email about stock, so I can place an order ;)
Hey! Just a heads up but we got our first shipment in for the new Victron Orion XS 50A DC DC Chargers: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
And here is the wiring kit for it: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-12-12-50-dc-to-dc-charger-wiring-kit/
Dual Orion XS wiring kit coming soon. Orion 30A to Orion 50A retrofit coming soon. Stay tuned to our social media for the announcement for those.
NOTE: I'm sending this everybody on the waiting list at the same time as well as a social media blast; and there are a lot more on the waiting list than I have available as of today and these WILL SELL OUT, But... since we have gotten our first shipment, that gives me confidence that we will have more in a timely manner; which means that we will be taking backorders. This means that if we sell out, you can pre-purchase for our next shipment and we will fulfil those IN THE ORDER THEY ARE RECEIVED, so time is still of the essence if you want one.
So, when will the next shipment of these arrive? Our current best estimate is April 26th for the next small shipment, and then by early June, we anticipate having enough to fulfill ALL orders.
I will not be sending out waiting list emails for these. If you want to get 'on the list'; purchase one (or two) on backorder and we will send them out as we get them in: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
Hi Nate. Excellent videos, keep them coming. If you have a 70 - 80ah alternator as most boats near me have, and derate the XS accordingly, will it reduce the units heat output by much of a margin in your opinion. Thanks in advance.
Very informative, thank you! (1) I would be interested in knowing more about if/how the XS would integrate with a BMV-712 using VE Smart Networking. (2) I'm quite interested in purchasing an XS and this wouldn't be an upgrade for me. I stayed away from the previous unit due to size and heat... a big concern as I'm running a smaller platform (Jeep JT with an Alucab Canopy Camper).
Question: as this only has a single ground wire point, if installing in an towed RV setting using an Anderson connector type setup, do you actually need to run two wires from the tow vehicle battery back through the Anderson, or can you just run a single wire, since it’s using a common ground in the camper?
I would like to see two of theae devices delivering power; the best way to connect them - each with its own source wire or running a larger wire (and fuses); and especially how i can i add the 50amp Orion to my existing 30amp Orion. What would be the alternator requirements for the sprinter, promaster and transit for rinning two 50amp Orions? Keep up the excellent work and thank you for teaching us.
Great information
I really appreciate the info on your videos. I'd love to see a set up with dual Orion XS's, dual factory 125A alternators and dual batteries (specifically a 2013 GMC diesel truck).
May be upgrading mine soon. Any date on software updates?
Will you update your existing electrical plans to include the new Orion XS?
Does the lack of traditional vertical finned heatsink and distance from mounting surface mean that it can be mounted at any orientation? Also, considering this, would both have registered a bit cooler if they weren’t flat on table, or is it negligible. I’m now considering the space beneath the Promaster driver seat as a viable option…. And you just answered my question about orientation! Should’ve watched to end. 😃
Really looking forward to buying one of these from you!
I have no idea if my current Orion even works. My truck has "smart" charging out the 7-pin so I can never see it charging when parked and the bluetooth on the old Orion can't penetrate the double wall aluminum of my Airstream plus the metal from the truck. I assume I'll be able to see this in the VRM portal.
The adjustable charging current is another plus for me. I'd like to see how much current I can get out my factory wiring without running additional cable between the truck and trailer.
Hello, thank you for your great videos. Can you see if there will be compatibility with the Victron Battery Sense in the future? As far as I know, the Battery Sense currently only works with the MPPT charge controllers. Or is there an alternative way to monitor the starter battery voltage?
Yes, it's worth planning an upgrade because the increased output with decreased temperature is better especially in considering higher ambient temperatures and decreased air flow and space limitations.
I suspect the tech is probably state of the art high quality Fet's, triacs, rectifier diodes, and top notch processor like maybe Texas Instruments which is another win but I digress.
Can the output voltage be set to any desired voltage?
Can the XS use vehicle ground in the back of the van? Don’t want to run the ground cable back to the front. If you could explain the pros and cons of the 2 wiring scenarios. Thanks.
Great Test! I'd be keen to know if there are any 24v variants being released soon? We do have an 24v battery in the caravan charged by the 12v alternator output of the car. The old unit is almost useless to charge a 7kw battery within a one day drive.
I have a smart 30A can advise on a fan setup for it and the XS 50 (will purchase soon) ....the cooler the better
Do you know about another units being released in reasonable future? I am interested in 12V to 24V.
Please go through the settings pages
Awesome video!! I have 2 quesions. 1 - Do I wire from my truck (F-450 with 397 amp alternator) battery or directly from alternator? I've seen many video's and folks do it both ways...figured you'd have the correct answer.. Question #2...I see that small negative cable junction box. Do you have a link for that? I was hoping to simply connect to my trucks chassis at the rear of the truck to avoid running 4 gauge wire all the way from engine compartment. Is it ok to do that?
Great info. Being non isolated, is this unit appropriate for tow vehicle/trailer application?
Great video. Appreciate the time and testing you did. I do not have a DC - DC charger, but this new unit is on my list. Look forward to seeing it in your store. I have questions about my current installation. Do you offer a consultation service?
Hey! Just a heads up but we got our first shipment in for the new Victron Orion XS 50A DC DC Chargers: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
And here is the wiring kit for it: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-12-12-50-dc-to-dc-charger-wiring-kit/
Dual Orion XS wiring kit coming soon. Orion 30A to Orion 50A retrofit coming soon. Stay tuned to our social media for the announcement for those.
NOTE: I'm sending this everybody on the waiting list at the same time as well as a social media blast; and there are a lot more on the waiting list than I have available as of today and these WILL SELL OUT, But... since we have gotten our first shipment, that gives me confidence that we will have more in a timely manner; which means that we will be taking backorders. This means that if we sell out, you can pre-purchase for our next shipment and we will fulfil those IN THE ORDER THEY ARE RECEIVED, so time is still of the essence if you want one.
So, when will the next shipment of these arrive? Our current best estimate is April 26th for the next small shipment, and then by early June, we anticipate having enough to fulfill ALL orders.
I will not be sending out waiting list emails for these. If you want to get 'on the list'; purchase one (or two) on backorder and we will send them out as we get them in: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/victron-orion-xs-1212-50-dc-dc-charger-non-isolated
Thanks for the video and all your years of helping. I currently have the 30 AMP Isloated Charger in my 5th wheel. Would this non isolated version work? I have a frame ground wire coming from my truck connected to my current charger. Would this ground be good enough if I replaced my 30 amp with the 50 amp? Also how would you be able to connect the VE Direct cable if their are no more VE ports left on my Cerbo?
I have some questions/requests.
1) Do you know if there will there be other voltages such as 24/12-50a and a 12/24-50a and if so, when?
2) You showed the charging side, can these also be used as constant voltage power supplies as the current Orions can and can you run some tests of the the power supply capabilities?
Back feed charging the start battery is a feature I would like to see Victron adopt. If you have a way that you do that already, please share, thanks.
Love the videos! Especially how you break things down into component processes. Regarding this Orion XS, I have a 30amp Imagine 2600RB with a basic DC system, no solar, no inverter but 200AH of lithium batteries and an upgraded stock style converter/charger in the WFCO AC/DC panel to support a lithium charging profile. Is this Orion XS a good choice/needed to protect the tow vehicle's alternator and wiring through the standard 7-way connection low current charging function from the potential heavy load of a mostly discharged 200AH lithium battery back?
Hello! If you connect the 12v alternator and charge a 240 amp 24 amp lithium battery. I can load
Can’t answer whether I’d upgrade (don’t have TV HO charging to trailer yet), I can clearly tell you I would NOT buy the Orion Smart (30a) due to the heat release, not to mention the wasted energy that never gets to my battery bank. Thanks for the direct look at how these compare!!
Hi nate
Great video again. At what point is it better to just get an alternator that can charge lithium price wise?
will this unit work with a different manufacture shunt and inverter? or is it a proprietary design to work with orion only equipment, it would suck to replace equipment that is working fine and spending that money all over again. I like the size, my old dc to dc now is about the size of that inverter your using for testing.
Very helpful test!! It would be interesting to see a test using a 12V 100Ah engine battery charged with a 100+A charger/alternator, with two Orion XS running full output charging maybe a 200Ah LiFePO4 battery for maybe 2hrs. Measure temperatures, rates and net Ah delivered. This is ultimately what I think Victron says it will do and I would like to see what are the practical limitations.
Really curious how these work on the inside that generates so much heat
Nate, the XS stands for Extra Smart.
Thanks for doing the heat test, something I don’t have the equipment to do. I noted the ‘test rig’ was wired wrong when you were showing the table top test rig 😮 The new XS has the input/alternator on the left, the output/vehicle battery is on the right. Obviously corrected when doing the heat tests as it worked 😅(you can make out the correctly rearranged ‘in’ and ‘out’ cables on the infrared image). The graphics later in the video (15:28) are also misleading, would be better to show the Alternator on the left and the Battle Born batteries on the right - flow of power left to right thru the XS.
I too have the early Smart Buckboost labelled version and was disappointed to find the VE.Smart network not functioning, no advance warning of this from my supplier in the UK. Needed your video! I’ve had to provide external cold charge protection until the firmware is available.
To answer your “needing to know ..something..”😂 I’ll look forward to your follow-up video when the VE’s are functional, especially any Bluetooth linking to the BMV with temperature sensor. And, Yes, an upgrade is definitely worth it. The weight reduction is really significant at less than a 1/4 of the old unit. For example, those with 2x old smart Orion’s (i.e 2x360 watts), replacing with 1x new XS (700 watts) would be close to 90% lighter, and all that extra space for improved ventilation!
Looking forward to your next video.
Edit... Feb 22nd, just updated the XS to recently released firmware (1.03) to enable the V.E.Smart function to operate 😊, will test and then remove my temporary cold charge protection. Looking forward to the first EL Academy video…
good information! Do you think you can run a test comparing this XS to the Li-BIM 225 that Battleborn/Dragonfly sells. When would you use one over the other and what benefits if any would you get with the Li-Bim225. I ask because the folks at Battleborn told me because I have 8-100ah batteries the Li-Bim 225 would be my best choice. I bought the Li-BIM 225 and boy was that 2/0 wire expensive to run from my truck battery to the back bumper. Anyhow, it’s done but was wondering if I would gain anything by switching to the XS?
Great video. With the current limiting feature of this unit, would it be feasible to use this charger on a circuit fused at 60A? Ford Transit CCP1 is fused (under the seat) at 60A and the Victron XS manual suggests a 60-70 Amp External protection fuse. I don't want to be blowing that 60A fuse under the seat. Can I configure the output of the XS to 45 amps and install an external 50 amp breaker so that I never trip the 60A fuse?
Would love to see these compared to buckboost. A lot of people here in uk have started using buckboost instead of Orion's.
Can't wait for new software on Cerbo😊
The size of the unit and the adjustable A output is the biggest thing for me. I'm planning on putting one in the boat and the alternator is only 40A, that makes it possible to get the new features and not overpower the alternator of my boat.
Can we expect similar upgrades - smaller size, higher performance and less heating - for solar chargers in the near future?
Is this just the first of many next-generation Victron devices?
I'd like to see a video on the Orion DC-DC Converters.. If I'm using one or the other to charge a power station while on the road.. and possibly a LIPO battery as an aside. Why would I choose one vs the other?
I may consider 50a or add another alternator in our MB. Not happy with the 30a orion: 1. brevity of data to the phone 2. 30 amp limit and very hot under passenger seat in our Navion. The only victron product not happy with. Everything I have is victron except for the 6 BB batteries.
Test them vertically and compare notes many , thanks
Just an observation. In the final thermal picture shown on Orion XS it appeared the wires were hotter than the Orion TS. Is that the case or just an exaggeration of the Thermal Camera's image?
Also do think the size & form facto of other Victron Components like Solar Charge Contollers will follow suite?
I’m unsure why you didn’t mention how much hotter the wires were on the XS. In your test they are glowing brighter than the main unit. Seems like a lot of heat is being dissipated through them. Perhaps installing vertically would address this but it would need to be tested.
The FLIR camera display is relative. So we never see the actual temp of the wires, only that they are hotter than whatever else is in the image.
I took a look at the datasheet for Orion XS. It has this statement: "For use in dual battery systems charged with an (intelligent) alternator". Will the Orion XS work OK with non-smart alternators?
Question regarding the Multiplus 2. Read that it is very important not to mix up the phase and neutral. When plugging it in to shore power, I will be doing that through standard sockets here in the EU. That means I normally have no idea which way to plug it in to the socket. Whats the solution, does it really matter on the really new ones or what do I do?
thanks for the speedy video👍👍 keen to know 1. If the output of the XS is variable between 0-50a? 2. At what temperature will the XS start to throttle the output? 3. How does the XS differ from the 50A buckboost?
Affirm would love to see a Victron Buck boost vs Orion XS comparison. It would help many of us with 2020/2021 units the info to do the upgrade.
The output can be configured.
Can u test, show the Power Supply mode on this new unit?
I’m currently running 2 Orion 12-12 30’s an a 400A lithium service battery supplied by a 250A alternator and am keen to have more charging with less heat,
I would like to see a comparison between 2 of the new 50A Orion’s and a CTek D250se and smartpass 120s combo that is rated to put out 140A, I know you predominantly only use victron gear, but the CTeK is cheaper and puts out more power on paper
Great video once again.
I have 2 of the Orion 30’s and find the Bluetooth range is awful. The only time I can dial into the units with the Connect App is when I’m less than 2 metres away from it. As opposed to most other devices I can reach from the drivers seat (regulators, BMV’s, and the shore chargers). Devices are mounted in caravans typically so are up to 7-8m away from driver.
Can you show us if the Bluetooth range has improved with the new model?
Cheers
Our camper is a metal body design and really effects the bluetooth on all our victron stuff. The BMV has an advantage over the smartshunt in that the bluetooth is transmitted from the display, which can be mounted away from the battery. I regret not getting a BMV instead of the shunt.
I realise this doesn't answer your question but wanted to add my experience.
HI Nate, Could you use this XS in a caravan? How would you need to wire it?
"peak efficiency" is a marketing number. Do they publish any efficiency curves (efficiency vs amps or efficiency vs watts) ?
Need to run #4 wire from tow vehicle to trailer. anderson Powerpole as a connector?
I've noticed that the Bluetooth signal's range on the old 30A version and also one of the MPPT controllers I own is extremely short. I have other bluetooth devices with much better signal range. Have you noticed any change in the BT signal range for the new Orion XS ?
How does this compare to the Victron 50 A Buck Boost in terms of heat? App controls are much nicer for sure.
Thanks! Our Audi Q7 tow vehicle is fused to 15A on the charging wire to our Airstream with a lithium battery bank. We have a Victron ecosystem but when I installed the Victron 12-12|18 charger, it was blowing fuses as it should before I figured out the Audi fusing. So, I'm very excited about this charger so I can set charging to15A (if a bit pricey). I know the 18A charger can sometimes draw 20A or so. So, I'd like to know what is the actual amperage draw is when the output is limited to 15A (or some other value)? Do I have to dummy it down to lower value or can I get a full 15A out of it?
Does the XS 50 still smell as much like burnt electrical components as the DC DC 30 when in operation? Thanks for your answer
I want to upgrade, but I assume I need to upgrade to 4awg wire as well. I currently have 6awg. Might be tricky to upgrade wire.
I have 7 Victron devices installed in my Van, love them all except the Orion 30/30 smart. The 30/30 is the only Victron unit that has ever failed me and was replaced under warranty eventually. It was mounted vertically, bolted to the metal chassis and cooled additionally via an extraction fan. I still worry about the heat it produces in the hot Aussie summers and therefore only rarely use it in winter in bad weather when solar output is low. My confidence in the design of the 30/30 is low, and expect it will fail again eventually. The XS sounds like what the 30/30 should have been ! Perhaps a free or subsidised upgrade on Victron's part to existing 30/30 owners would restore faith in this product and the "Victron Experience". 🙂
Will the 4 gauge wires fit in the terminals with a ferrules crimped on the wires?
I am waiting for some real life installs before actually buying one... do you know if an isolated version is coming in the near future?
Thank you for your review. I know you want to be one of the first out with a review on this. I can appreciate that. That said, you need test these the way they are going to be used. The output test is really useless without your "alternator/input" being at 14+ volts. Also, in this case, at least adjust the output of the XS to be 30 amps so that we have an apples to apples comparison at 30 amps for both with the exact same input. And we really need to see what the XS will do with a stable 14.1-14.4 high amperage input. Is it really a 50 amp/700 watt charger or not? We really don't know at this point and we have no idea how hot it will get at full 700 watt capacity. I would like to see the amperage output adjustment tested to see how low it will go and how well it works as you slowly increase it. The manual says it can be adjusted from 1-50 amps in "tenth amp increments" but I am wondering if it can go lower than 1 amp, say for example a 1/2 or 3/4 amp output. It would be nice if you could put an accurate clamp on the input and output so that we can actually see what the loss is across the unit and then test the lost at different out levels. For example, what is the loss when you adjust the output to 5 amps, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50? Some people may want to replace their old 30amp charger (or even a 10amp or 20amp) with this and run it adjusted to 30amps as they cannot update the wiring size (I am actually planning to do this until I can change my wiring out). Hope this all makes sense. Again, thank you.
Why wouldn't you use the BuckBooster?