Victron Orion XS

[lustyd]

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

 

[Buck Turgidson]

I fitted one about 3 months ago and so far it’s working as advertised. I have a 35 amp alternator so the ability the set amps draw was crucial. I have it set to 20 to prevent overheating

 

[geem]

I am waiting for a 24/24v version to come out.
I have two of the old 24/24 17A models in parallel. They work OK, but even with computer fans cooling each one directly, they lose output when they get warm.

 

[lustyd]

Yes I'm debating what to set mine to. Theoretically my Alternator is 70A but it has a v-belt and gets hot so I don't think I want to let it do maximum. The battery will take anything up to 200A so got to be careful

 

[lustyd]

I am waiting for a 24/24v version to come out.

Yes I was surprised there was only one model. They must have the others in development, but given the lack of availability maybe they just don't have the production capacity to do more just yet. Makes sense that 12V is first given all the van lifers out there these days

 

[Sea Change]

Thanks for the review. I'm quite tempted by one of these. Surprising that they've downgraded the terminals though.

 

[lustyd]

Yes I was surprised too. Don't get me wrong, they work just fine but I definitely prefer the ones with a metal plate against the strands.

 

[lustyd]

Just realised I forgot to add the most important part, the Orion XS has fixed the tacho issue I posted about a while ago. No more feedback from the system

 

[Rhylsailer99]

Thanks for the review. I'm quite tempted by one of these. Surprising that they've downgraded the terminals though.

Yes I was surprised too. Don't get me wrong, they work just fine but I definitely prefer the ones with a metal plate against the strands.

Would attaching something like in the pic help.

 

[lustyd]

Would attaching something like in the pic help.

Standard bootlace ferrules would work just fine, and the manual says you can optionally use them. The old Orion didn't need them though due to the better clamps. It's really not a big deal, just old men groaning about change really

 

[Sea Change]

Just scrolled past an advert showing these on offer at £250. That's really very good. Fitting lithium just got easier and cheaper

 

[bergie]

We fitted an Orion XS this spring. Definitely night and day on how much power we get out of the alternator.

However, the experience hasn't been without warts, as often is with new products. Installed in exactly the same position and with same wires as the old isolated Orion-Tr, with the XS we do get occasionally quite bad VHF interference. This was significantly improved by adding ferrite blocks, but still does happen at times.

 

[lustyd]

That’s a worry, although I have a B&G radio so I can’t imagine the signal getting worse

 

[Ian_Rob]

Is the fact that the Orion XS is only available in a non-isolated version at the moment an issue when installing on a boat…..??

 

[lustyd]

Is the fact that the Orion XS is only available in a non-isolated version at the moment an issue when installing on a boat…..??

Very few boats have separate negatives for the two banks. Most have a single negative busbar.

 

[Ian_Rob]

Is VHF interference with the Orion XS something that others have experienced and if so, is it likely to be just a proximity issue or as a result of noise that that the XS induces on the electrical supply??

 

[DuncanHall]

I fitted the 30A 12V orion and with a cooling fan it delivered 30A fine to my bank of fogstar drifts. I did fit a temperature controled cooling fan which improved matters but the old unit still achived 50C. I am tempted to switch to the XS as on my previous system the stirling alternator to battery charger delivered 50A. The other benefit is the integration to the rest of the victron kit.

 

[Daverw]

Is VHF interference with the Orion XS something that others have experienced and if so, is it likely to be just a proximity issue or as a result of noise that that the XS induces on the electrical supply??

I’ve not noticed any issues with vhf having fitted Orion beginning of this year. It’s located about 1m from radio

 

[geem]

Is VHF interference with the Orion XS something that others have experienced and if so, is it likely to be just a proximity issue or as a result of noise that that the XS induces on the electrical supply??

I can't comment on the XS but certainly the older Orion generates noise in the power supply. My Orions are nowhere near my navigational electronics or vhf and I have seen no problems there. I only get interference with my rev counter. The revs read more than actual and wander up and down when the Orions are in use. Pretty poor performance from Victron

 

[Gadget257]

Yes I'm debating what to set mine to. Theoretically my Alternator is 70A but it has a v-belt and gets hot so I don't think I want to let it do maximum. The battery will take anything up to 200A so got to be careful

The rule of thumb is charging should not be more than 50% of alternator max amperage. I have 75 amp alternator so have set my XS to 37A.