lustyd
Well-known member
I thought it worth a thread on this new device since I've not seen much around here. I fitted an Orion 12/12/30 about a year ago and it's worked very well, although output fades a bit when it gets warm and the in/out can't be limited it's on or off.
Roll on a year and Victron released the completely reworked XS which was said to be smaller, cooler, more efficient etc. so I decided to give it a whirl. For those with the old Orion the first thing you'll notice is the size, it's tiny. About the same height looking from the front, but half the width and half the depth. Same cable size so easy to swap out, although they did add in optional VE direct.
It's definitely cooler, and output seems better after a short trial. I love the ability to fix input or output amps, so for longer passages I can dial it back and keep things cooler. Everything about usage seems better.
The only downsides for me (and it's nitpicking) are - it needs several different tools to install, a small phillips and a medium flat head screwdriver plus whatever screws you use to attach (probably pozi these days!). This could easily have been standardised. They also changed the cable clamps from plates to screws, although their install manual says ferrules are not needed. I don't like screws directly on cables but the wires are in and tight so we'll see.
The other (unrelated) thing I loved was my Fogstar Drift app let me disconnect the power without going near the battery, which is much more civilised than unbolting cables from the battery.
So, overall, yes I recommend the upgrade for the lower temp, higher output and smaller size. If starting from scratch definitely get this over the old Orion Smart
Roll on a year and Victron released the completely reworked XS which was said to be smaller, cooler, more efficient etc. so I decided to give it a whirl. For those with the old Orion the first thing you'll notice is the size, it's tiny. About the same height looking from the front, but half the width and half the depth. Same cable size so easy to swap out, although they did add in optional VE direct.
It's definitely cooler, and output seems better after a short trial. I love the ability to fix input or output amps, so for longer passages I can dial it back and keep things cooler. Everything about usage seems better.
The only downsides for me (and it's nitpicking) are - it needs several different tools to install, a small phillips and a medium flat head screwdriver plus whatever screws you use to attach (probably pozi these days!). This could easily have been standardised. They also changed the cable clamps from plates to screws, although their install manual says ferrules are not needed. I don't like screws directly on cables but the wires are in and tight so we'll see.
The other (unrelated) thing I loved was my Fogstar Drift app let me disconnect the power without going near the battery, which is much more civilised than unbolting cables from the battery.
So, overall, yes I recommend the upgrade for the lower temp, higher output and smaller size. If starting from scratch definitely get this over the old Orion Smart
