GX IO-Extender 150 Enhanced Input and Output For GX Devices
“
Product Information
Specifications
- Product Name: GX IO-Extender 150
- Connectivity: USB
- Compatibility: Works with GX devices such as Ekrano GX and
Cerbo GX - Features: Extends available IO ports, latching relays, solid
switch specifications - LED Indicators: Blue or orange LEDs for port status
indication
Product Usage Instructions
Installation
- Use the DIP switches on each bank of 4 digital I/Os to set them
as inputs or outputs (ON = output, OFF = input). Note that changes
require a power cycle. - Connect the USB cable to an available port on the GX
device. - Ensure the GX IO-Extender 150 is powered via the USB
connection. - Review additional relays, PWMs, and digital inputs/outputs
using the remote console on the GX device.
Hardware
All ports on the GX IO-Extender 150 have blue or orange LEDs
indicating their status. Digital outputs are for signaling only,
not for directly switching loads. PWM outputs are suitable for LED
dimming, motor speed control, etc. Always refer to the datasheet
for maximum ratings of each output type.
Technical Note: After changing modes, reboot
the GX device or unplug/replug the USB cable to apply changes.
FAQ
Q: Can the GX IO-Extender 150 work with all GX devices?
A: The GX IO-Extender 150 is compatible with all GX devices but
is best used in combination with Node-RED. Refer to Venus OS Large
documentation for Node-RED support details.
Q: What should I do if the digital outputs are not suitable for
switching loads directly?
A: Use the digital outputs for signaling purposes only. For
switching loads, consider using appropriate devices compatible with
the load requirements.
“`
ENGLISH
GX IO-Extender 150
Rev 00 – 07/2025
GX IO-Extender 150
Table of Contents
1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1 1.1. Features ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1 1.1.1. Relay and Solid Switch specifications ……………………………………………………………….. 2
2. Installation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 2.1. Hardware ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 2.2. Software ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
3. Example flows ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
4. Technical specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
5. Appendix ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 5.1. Available Control Paths ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 5.1.1. Digital Inputs …………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 5.1.2. Digital Outputs ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 5.1.3. PWM Outputs ………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 5.1.4. Relay Outputs ……………………………………………………………………………………… 10 5.2. Enclosure dimensions ………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
GX IO-Extender 150
1. Introduction
The GX IO-Extender 150 is a USB-connected expansion module that extends the available IO ports of GX devices such as the Ekrano GX and Cerbo GX.
It bridges the gap between your GX device and the external world, creating endless possibilities for monitoring, control, and automation.
1.1. Features
· 8 digital IOs, configurable as in two sets of four as inputs or outputs (via DIP switch). · 4 PWM ports, 0 to 5V with 0.04V steps for device regulation. · 2 latching relays that maintain their state even if the power is lost. · 1 solid switch with bat-, load, and bat+ connections for switching requirements. The plug-and-play USB connectivity makes installation effortless. The GX IO-Extender 150 is simply plugged into an available USB port on the GX device and the inputs/outputs, PWMs and relays immediately become available to the system. Whether you’re managing a complex off-grid solar installation, a marine electrical system, or an industrial backup power solution, the GX IO-Extender 150 expands your ability to deliver on specific requirements: · Monitor additional sensors and equipment · Control external devices with precision · Automate complex system responses · Implement sophisticated control logic The GX IO-Extender is not intended to be used for general load switching, but rather for signalling. The relays and solid switch have low current ratings that vary based on the voltage being used. Compatible products like those from Energy Solutions (UK), Garmin (USA) and Safiery, and others will be better suited for general switching applications.
Page 1
Introduction
GX IO-Extender 150
1.1.1. 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
Page 2
Introduction
GX IO-Extender 150
2. Installation
The GX IO-Extender 150 works with all GX devices but it is best used in combination with Node-RED. Node-RED is not supported on all GX devices. Refer to the Venus OS Large documentation for more information about which GX devices support Node-RED. To install the GX IO-Extender 150: 1. Use the DIP switches on each bank of 4 digital I/Os to set them as 4 inputs or 4 outputs (ON = output, OFF = input). Note
that changes to the DIP switches require a power cycle of the device. 2. Connect the USB cable of the GX IO-Extender 150 to an available port on the GX device. Note that the USB-port closest to
the HDMI port on some Cerbo GX models may not be suitable for this purpose. Please refer to the GX device manual for more information. 3. Confirm the GX IO-Extender 150 is powered via the USB connection. 4. Use the remote console on the GX to review the additional relays, PWMs and digital inputs or outputs available on the system.
2.1. Hardware
All ports on the GX IO-Extender 150 are equipped with blue or orange LEDs to indicate their current state.
The digital outputs are intended for signalling purposes only and must not be used to switch loads directly. The PWM outputs are suitable for applications such as LED dimming, motor speed control, and similar applications.
Technical Note: Always check the maximum ratings for each output type in the datasheet of the GX IO-Extender 150.
Digital I/O The digital I/O ports are split up in 2 groups of 4 ports which are intended for signalling rather than directly switching loads. Each group can be configured as either input or output using the dip switches in between the ports. · Mode ON = output
· Mode OFF = input
After changing the mode, reboot the GX or unplug and replug the USB cable to power cycle the device for the changes to take effect.
Technical Note: The digital outputs can source 4 mA max. When driving 4 mA, the voltage drop across the internal series resistor (560 ) is 2,24 V, which leaves only 2,76 V @ 4 mA for the output signal. Therefore, a driver like a transistor or FET is required to switch a relay with a digital output.
PWM The PWM ports are to be connected between GND and signal. The PWM port indicator LEDs are illuminated when the port is switched on, and the intensity of the illumination reflects the current status of the PWM slider value.
Page 3
Installation
GX IO-Extender 150
Bistable Relays (Relay 1 & 2) The bistable (latching) relays on the GX IO-Extender 150 work differently from the monostable (non-latching) relays found on devices like the Cerbo GX. A monostable relay has a default state determined by its wiring: · NO (Normally Open): Load is OFF by default, ON when relay is powered. · NC (Normally Closed): Load is ON by default, OFF when relay is powered. A bistable relay has two stable positions — A and B — that stay fixed even when power is lost. The relay switches between them with a short pulse, using no power to maintain either state. The active position is shown by the LED: · Blue LED: Position A active · Orange LED: Position B active Common examples 1. Mimicking a NO monostable relay
To replicate the behaviour of a normally open relay: · Connect your power source to COM. · Connect your load to Terminal A. · Leave Terminal B disconnected. · Configure the relay in Toggle mode. In position A (blue LED), the load is powered. In position B (orange LED), the load is disconnected.
If the load should be OFF after a power cycle, set the relay to position B before shutdown.
2. Switching between “GREEN” and “RED” indicator lights The relay can switch power between two circuits, for example: · COM connected to your power source.
· Terminal A wired to an “GREEN” indicator light.
· Terminal B wired to an “RED” indicator light.
· Configure the relay in Toggle mode.
When in position A (blue LED), the GREEN light is active. When switched to position B (orange LED), the RED light is active.
3. Momentary operation: Siren and “All OK” light For momentary operation with default feedback: · COM connected to your power source.
· Terminal A wired to a siren.
· Terminal B wired to an “All OK” light.
· Configure the relay in Momentary mode.
In its resting state (position B, orange LED), the “All OK” light is illuminated. When the momentary switch is activated, it briefly switches the relay to position A, sounding the siren. Once the momentary pulse ends, the relay returns to position B, and the “All OK” light comes back on.
Solid Switch The solid switch on the GX IO-Extender 150 is designed to electronically switch the positive side of a DC circuit, with no mechanical contacts. · Bat+ Connect to the positive terminal of your battery or DC power supply.
· Load Connect to the positive side of your device or load.
· Bat- Connect to the negative terminal of your battery or DC power supply.
· The negative side of your load connects directly to Bat- (or a shared ground).
Page 4
Installation
GX IO-Extender 150 · Configure the relay in Toggle mode. This setup allows the solid-state relay to switch your load on and off by making or breaking the positive side of the circuit electronically. If the solid switch is configured as momentary, it will only switch the load on for as long as the control signal remains active.
2.2. Software
Node-RED is a low-code programming environment for event-driven applications (https://nodered.org). See the installation manual for more information on the Node-RED and GX device combination: https://www.victronenergy.com/live/venus-os:large. The following 4 steps are needed to get Node-RED up and running on your system: 1. Set the firmware image type to Large and update the firmware
2. Once rebooted in the large image, enable Node-RED
3. Open the Node-RED dashboard via either VRM under the Venus OS Large menu option or locally via https:// venus.local:1881/
4. Pull in the Switch and Switch control node and control the GX IO-Extender 150. These nodes are part of the node-redcontrib-victron package that comes pre-installed with the Venus OS Large image.
Page 5
Installation
GX IO-Extender 150
3. Example flows
These, and other, example flows can be imported via the Import option within Node-RED.
Simple digital output control
This example turns an output on and off with a button Simple digital input control First, the digital input must be configured to a type using the Settings > Integrations > Digital IO on the GX device, then select a digital input from the GX IO-Extender 150 and set a type. Supported input types are: · Pulse meter N/A · 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 an input type has been selected, a Digital input node can be used to read the status of that input for further use in the flow.
This example displays pulses read on a digital input using a gauge in Node-RED dashboard
Page 6
Example flows
Increase PWM
GX IO-Extender 150
The top part of this flow is for switching on or off the PWM port using the PWM state parameter. Once the port is switched on, it will use whatever PWM value is set using the PWM dimming parameter. The input node reads the current value of the PWM port and stores that in the global Node-RED context.
The inject node injects a timestamp each second, which gets replaced by the current PWM value of the port, increased by 25. If the value is above 100, it resets back to 0.
Note that you may need to adjust the used Switch and PWM port in the function node to make it functional for you.
Page 7
Example flows
GX IO-Extender 150
4. Technical specifications
Supply voltage Power consumption Mounting Input and Output connectivity Digital I/Os (isolated from USB)
PWM output (isolated from USB) Latching relays (potential free)
Solid switch (isolated from USB)
Dimensions Outer dimensions (h x w x d) Weight Operating temperature range
GX IO-Extender 150 Powered by USB
< 100 mW when idle, max, 1 W (< 200 mA @ 5 V) Wall or DIN-rail (by using adapter accessory)
8 I/Os with LEDs indicating state, configurable as 8 inputs, 8 outputs or 4 inputs + 4 outputs
Inputs: 3,8 5,5 V, Outputs: 5 V, 4 mA max
The digital I/Os are capable to handle voltages up to 5,5 V. Any overvoltage can cause permanent damage
4 channels with LEDs indicating the state Voltage level: 5 V, Precision: 8 bits @ 1,5625 kHz
2x latching relays (bi-stable) with LEDs indicating the state
Contact rating (resistive load): DC: 3 A @ 30 V, 1 A @ 60 V, 0,3 A @ 220 V (90 W max) AC: 2 A @ 60 V, 1 A @ 125 V, 0,5 A @ 250 V (125VA max)
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 < | < 2 A: 100 mH More than 2 A: 10 mH
123 x 67 x 23 mm 0,170 kg
-20 °C to +50 °C
Page 8
Technical specifications
5. Appendix
GX IO-Extender 150
5.1. Available Control Paths
The device announces itself under the dbus service com.victronenergy.switch.<serial> and exposes the paths as described in this appendix. Check https://github.com/victronenergy/venus/wiki/dbus#switch for the meaning and usage of any additional paths.
5.1.1. Digital Inputs
Digital inputs need to be coupled to a function first, before you can use them. This needs to be done in the console as described above. Set the type of a digital input with · com.victronenergy.digitalinputs/Devices/<input>Type
· 0 = Disabled · 1 = Pulse meter · 2 = Door · 3 = Bilge pump · 4 = Bilge Alarm · 5 = Burglar Alarm · 6 = Smoke Alarm · 7 = Fire Alarm · 8 = CO2 Alarm · 9 = Generator When set to pulse meter, the service com.victronenergy.pulsemeter.<input> will show up. Setting it to any of the other functions will create a service of type com.victronergy.digitalinput.<input>. Pulsemeter paths · /Count: number of counted pulses Generic digital input paths · /State: State of the input
5.1.2. Digital Outputs
Note that these paths will only be present when the corresponding IO is set to output (with the DIP switches). · /SwitchableOutput/output_1/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_2/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_3/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_4/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_5/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_6/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_7/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/output_8/State (0=Off, 1=On)
Page 9
Appendix
GX IO-Extender 150
5.1.3. PWM Outputs
· /SwitchableOutput/pwm_1/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_1/Dimming (integer value from 0-100, representing percentage) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_2/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_2/Dimming (integer value from 0-100, representing percentage) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_3/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_3/Dimming (integer value from 0-100, representing percentage) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_4/State (0=Off, 1=On) · /SwitchableOutput/pwm_4/Dimming (integer value from 0-100, representing percentage)
5.1.4. Relay Outputs
· /SwitchableOutput/relay_1/State (0=Off, 1=On) – Bi-stable relay 0 = A, 1 = B · /SwitchableOutput/relay_2/State (0=Off, 1=On) – Bi-stable relay 0 = A, 1 = B · /SwitchableOutput/relay_3/State (0=Off, 1=On) – Solid switch load state
Page 10
Appendix
5.2. Enclosure dimensions
1
2
3
A
122,5
B
C
3,5(4x)
122,5 111
D
GX IO-Extender 150
4
5
23,3
6
7
8
Dimension Drawing – GX IO-Extender
BPP900800150
GX IO-Extender 150
A
B
23,3
C
56 67,1
67,1
D
E
E
2,9 23,3
Dimensions in mm
F
F
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Rev-00
Page 11
Appendix
Documents / Resources
 |
victron energy GX IO-Extender 150 Enhanced Input and Output For GX Devices [pdf] User Guide GX IO-Extender 150, GX IO-Extender 150 Enhanced Input and Output For GX Devices, Enhanced Input and Output For GX Devices, Input and Output For GX Devices, Output For GX Devices, GX Devices |