GX IO-Extender 150
By Victron Energy
Introduction
The GX IO-Extender 150 is a USB-connected expansion module designed to extend the Input/Output (IO) capabilities of Victron's GX devices, such as the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX. It serves as a bridge between the GX device and external systems, enabling enhanced monitoring, control, and automation possibilities.
Features
- 8 digital IOs, configurable as inputs or outputs in two sets of four via DIP switch.
- 4 PWM ports supporting 0-5V output with 0.05V steps for precise device regulation.
- 2 latching relays that retain their state even when power is lost.
- 1 solid switch with dedicated connections for battery (Bat+), load, and battery negative (Bat-) for switching requirements.
The module offers plug-and-play USB connectivity, simplifying installation by connecting directly to a GX device's USB port. It expands system capabilities for managing complex off-grid solar installations, marine electrical systems, or industrial backup power solutions by allowing users to:
- Monitor additional sensors and equipment.
- Control external devices with precision.
- Automate complex system responses.
- Implement sophisticated control logic.
Note: The relays and solid switch are primarily intended for signalling purposes due to their low current ratings. For general load switching applications, products with higher current ratings are recommended.
Specifications
Relay and Solid Switch Specifications
Latching Relays
Contact rating (resistive load):
- DC: 3 A @ 30 V, 1 A @ 60 V, 0.3 A @ 220 V (max. 90 W)
- AC: 2 A @ 60 V, 1 A @ 125 V, 0.5 A @ 250 V (max. 125 VA)
Solid Switch
- Max. battery voltage: 70 VDC
- Max. load current: 4 A
- Max. capacitive load: Vbat up to 15 V: 1000 µF; 15 V < Vbat < 30 V: 400 µF; 30 V < Vbat < 70 V: 50 µF
- Max. inductive load: Up to 1 A: 1000 mH; 1 A < I < 2 A: 100 mH; More than 2 A: 10 mH
General Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | Powered by USB |
| Power consumption | < 100 mW (idle), max. 1 W (< 200 mA @ 5 V) |
| Mounting | Wall or DIN-rail (with adapter accessory) |
| Digital I/Os (isolated from USB) | 8 I/Os with LEDs, configurable as 8 inputs, 8 outputs, or 4 inputs + 4 outputs. Inputs: 3.8-5.5 V, Outputs: 5 V, 4 mA max. Capable of handling voltages up to 5.5 V. |
| PWM output (isolated from USB) | 4 channels with LEDs. Voltage level: 5 V, Precision: 8 bits @ 1.5625 kHz. |
| Latching relays (potential free) | 2x bi-stable relays with LEDs. Contact rating (resistive load) as detailed above. |
| Solid switch (isolated from USB) | Max. battery voltage: 70 VDC. Max. load current: 4 A. Load/capacitive/inductive ratings as detailed above. |
| Outer dimensions (h x w x d) | 123 x 67 x 23 mm |
| Weight | 0.170 kg |
| Operating temperature range | -20 °C to +50 °C |
Installation
The GX IO-Extender 150 is compatible with all Victron GX devices and is particularly well-suited for use with Node-RED. For Node-RED compatibility with specific GX devices, consult the Venus OS Large documentation.
Steps
- Configure digital I/Os: Use the DIP switches on each bank of 4 digital I/Os to set them as inputs (OFF) or outputs (ON). A device power cycle is required after changing DIP switch settings.
- Connect USB: Connect the GX IO-Extender 150 to an available USB port on the GX device. Note: Some GX devices may have specific USB port recommendations; refer to the GX device manual.
- Verify power: Confirm the GX IO-Extender 150 is powered via the USB connection.
- Access system: Use the GX device's remote console to view the available relays, PWMs, and digital inputs/outputs.
Hardware Details
All ports feature blue or orange LEDs indicating their current state.
Digital I/O: Ports are split into two groups of four, configurable as inputs or outputs. They are intended for signalling, not direct load switching. ⚠️ Technical Note: Digital outputs can source a maximum of 4 mA. Driving at this current results in a voltage drop, potentially requiring a transistor or FET to switch loads like relays.
PWM Ports: Connect between GND and signal. LEDs illuminate when active, with intensity reflecting the PWM slider value.
Software Integration (Node-RED)
Node-RED is a low-code programming environment for event-driven applications. See the installation manual for more information on the Node-RED and GX device combination: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:large. To integrate the GX IO-Extender 150:
- Set firmware image type to 'Large' and update the firmware on the GX device.
- After reboot, enable Node-RED in the GX device's settings.
- Access the Node-RED dashboard via the Venus OS Large menu or a local URL (e.g., https://venus.local:1881/).
- Import and use the 'node-red-contrib-victron' package nodes (Switch and Switch control) to manage the GX IO-Extender 150.
Example Flows
Example flows can be imported into Node-RED for various applications. These demonstrate how to control the GX IO-Extender 150's outputs and read its inputs.
Simple Digital Output Control
An example flow shows how to turn a digital output on and off using a button or signal.
Simple Digital Input Control
Digital inputs require configuration on the GX device first, assigning a type (e.g., Pulse meter, Door alarm Open/Closed, Bilge pump On/Off, Bilge alarm Ok/Alarm, Burglar alarm Ok/Alarm, Smoke alarm Ok/Alarm, Fire alarm Ok/Alarm, CO2 alarm Ok/Alarm, Generator Running/Stopped, Touch input control). Once configured, a Digital input node can read the input's status. For pulse meters, a '/Count' path is available; for others, a '/State' path is used.
Increase PWM
A flow example demonstrates controlling PWM output state and dimming. It shows how to switch a PWM port on/off and adjust its dimming value (0-100%). An inject node can be used to increment the PWM value over time, with logic to reset it if it exceeds a threshold.
Appendix
Available Control Paths
The device exposes control paths via the dbus service 'com.victronenergy.switch.<serial>'. Detailed path information and usage can be found at the Victron GitHub wiki: https://github.com/victronenergy/venus/wiki/dbus#switch.
Digital Inputs
Input types can be set via 'com.victronenergy.digitalinputs/Devices/<input>Type'. Options include: Disabled (0), Pulse meter (1), Door (2), Bilge pump (3), Bilge Alarm (4), Burglar Alarm (5), Smoke Alarm (6), Fire Alarm (7), CO2 Alarm (8), Generator (9).
Paths for Pulse meter: '/Count'. Paths for other digital inputs: '/State'.
Digital Outputs
Paths for outputs (when configured as output): '/SwitchableOutput/output_X/State' (0=Off, 1=On), where X is the output number (1-8).
PWM Outputs
Paths for PWM outputs: '/SwitchableOutput/pwm_X/State' (0=Off, 1=On) and '/SwitchableOutput/pwm_X/Dimming' (0-100 integer value), where X is the PWM channel number (1-4).
Relay Outputs
Paths for relay outputs: '/SwitchableOutput/relay_1/State' (0=Off, 1=On) for bi-stable relay A/B, '/SwitchableOutput/relay_2/State' (0=Off, 1=On) for bi-stable relay A/B, and '/SwitchableOutput/relay_3/State' (0=Off, 1=On) for the solid switch load state.
Enclosure Dimensions
A technical drawing shows the front, side, and top views of the GX IO-Extender 150, with dimensions indicated in millimeters. Key dimensions include a width of 122.5 mm, height of 23.3 mm, and depth of 67.1 mm (excluding connectors).
