Victron Orion XS

[geem]

Navico and SH both say to use it to reduce interference. You don't think it's odd that they install a connector and label it ground but tell you never to use it? Why put it there?

No idea, but that's what it says

 

[Ian_Rob]

https://communityarchive.victronenergy.com/questions/276162/orion-xs-safe-vhf-antenna-distance.html

 

[KompetentKrew]

I am too having issues with interference on CH16 when the Orion XS is delivering a relatively high current (above 20 amps). ... It seems to impact CH16 more than any other, we regularly use CH72 and there is no interference present.

I wonder if this is because the antenna is tuned to be optimal on channel 16 - the interference is only detected when the antenna is at its most sensitive?

I think one could test this by using an antenna which is tuned to be optimal for AIS or some other frequency.

I don't suppose you know if the interference can be detected on channels 14 or 18?

 

[B27]

I wonder if this is because the antenna is tuned to be optimal on channel 16 - the interference is only detected when the antenna is at its most sensitive?

I think one could test this by using an antenna which is tuned to be optimal for AIS or some other frequency.

I don't suppose you know if the interference can be detected on channels 14 or 18?

The differences will be quite small, a reasonable antenna will not vary by more than a dB or so across the band.

You might get better results mounting everything on a metal plate.

Many yachts seem to have wiring with lots of separation between the +ve and return lines.
This causes 'loop area' to be high, perfect for any AC or RF current in the circuit to radiate.
A grounded metal base plate can help that, but many yachts look like they need a complete re-think of their 12V insulation practices before putting any more metal anywhere near their high current wiring.

Ferrites can help. Or they can sometimes make things worse!
Small capacitors or RC snubber networks from the various wires to ground may help.
The problem is, the RF currents causing the issues must be quite high to have such a bad effect, there is a risk that capacitors will fail!

Fundamentally, it sounds like the real issue is internal to the design.
Fast switching in search of small size and high efficiency creates harmonics.
If that's been neglected at the design phase, most solutions are just sticking plasters.
It's often the case that remedial action will appear to work, but then something changes and the problem returns.

 

[SYTomkat]

Sorry for the thread revival but I’ve just experienced this issue on a new installation. My supplier has spoken to their Victron UK Rep and they have admitted there is an issue with VHF interference and that my unit is to be replaced under warranty with an updated unit. I believe the new part number is ORI121217050.

A number of retailers are now advertising Orion XS 12-12/50s with “EMC Improvements” which are “suitable or marine use” although I don’t think anyone in the UK is going to get stock until next week.

 

[Ian_Rob]

Sorry for the thread revival but I’ve just experienced this issue on a new installation. My supplier has spoken to their Victron UK Rep and they have admitted there is an issue with VHF interference and that my unit is to be replaced under warranty with an updated unit. I believe the new part number is ORI121217050.

A number of retailers are now advertising Orion XS 12-12/50s with “EMC Improvements” which are “suitable or marine use” although I don’t think anyone in the UK is going to get stock until next week.

Thankyou for this. Very interesting. I posted a query on line on the product description video and they did reply saying there was an issue that they would be addressing. Good company Victron!

 

[MattS]

I don’t suppose you could share the link to that post could you?

I enquired directly to their email address about known issues with the first gen XS’s and they denied there being any issues at all!

 

[Ian_Rob]

I am 95% certain I copied the reply - I will try and find it.

 

[Ian_Rob]

Thought I had:

You can see the thread at

.

I took this to imply that they would be addressing the issue.

 

[bergie]

Now Victron has released a software fix for the VHF interference issue. I installed it on ours, but won't be in position to test for quite a while

Orion XS fw v1.12 - fixes VHF interference - feedback asked

 

[lustyd]

Thanks I’ve updated. I’ve not been consistently getting VHF interference but I do think we’ve had some. As such I can’t really test as I couldn’t get consistently bad behaviour out of it.