Victron Energy is a leading provider of power solutions for marine, RV, and off-grid applications. This page provides detailed instructions on integrating your Revatek Altion alternator regulator with Victron Energy systems. Integrating your Altion regulator with a Victron system enables you to:
- Centralize monitoring: View Altion alternator data (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) directly on your Victron displays (e.g., Cerbo GX, GX Touch) and within the Victron Remote Management (VRM) portal.
- Simplify wiring: Use battery data (voltage, current, temperature) provided by the Victron system over CAN bus, eliminating the need for battery sensing wires connected directly to the Altion. This can significantly simplify the installation process.
- Log and analyze data: Utilize Victron's data logging capabilities to track Altion power system performance over time and gain valuable insights into your power system.
- Advanced features: This integration enables advanced features like Distributed Voltage and Current Control (DVCC) when using compatible Victron firmware (see Compatibility).
Supported Altion Devices:
- Altion, Altion Max
- Firmware: v20250316 or later is required. It is strongly recommended to update your Altion device to the latest available firmware and allow automatic updates.
Supported Victron Devices:
- Cerbo GX, Venus GX, Color Control GX, and other GX family devices.
- Firmware: GX device firmware v3.50 or later is required for basic integration. Full DVCC functionality requires a future Victron firmware update. Check Victron documentation for the latest DVCC compatibility information. It is strongly recommended to update your GX device to the latest available firmware.
Supported Victron Software:
- Venus OS (running on the GX device)
- VRM Portal (for remote monitoring and data logging)
Important Notes:
- This integration primarily utilizes the Victron VE.Can and NMEA 2000 protocols. While some basic data may be available via RV-C, full functionality and the features described on this page generally require VE.Can and NMEA 2000 enabled on both devices.
- While the Altion regulator (firmware v20250316 and later) fully supports DVCC, complete system-wide DVCC functionality requires a future firmware update from Victron. Monitor Victron's release notes for updates.
- Firmware v20250316 and later adds support for dual alternator configurations, including dual-alternator DVCC (pending Victron firmware support).
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- An Altion alternator regulator.
- A compatible Victron GX device (listed above) with the latest firmware.
- A CAN bus connection between the Altion and the Victron GX device. This typically requires:
- A CAN bus cable: A suitable CAN bus cable with connectors for both the Altion and your GX device. The Altion comes packaged with cables for NMEA 2000, RV-C, and direct connection to a Victron GX device (using the included RJ45 adapter). Refer to Victron documentation for specific cable requirements if connecting the GX device directly to the CAN bus trunk rather than a direct connection to the Altion. Refer to Victron documentation for specific cable requirements if connecting the GX device directly to the CAN bus trunk rather than direct to the Altion.
- Termination Resistors: CAN bus networks require termination resistors at both ends of the bus. Ensure that your network is properly terminated. Never connect or enable termination resistors in the middle of a CAN bus network. The Victron GX device may have an RJ-45 terminator. The Altion includes an internal termination resistor that can be activated via external switch. Consult the documentation for both devices. Incorrect termination is a common cause of CAN bus communication problems.
- Basic understanding of CAN bus networking: Familiarity with CAN bus concepts (termination, baud rate, etc.) is helpful, although not strictly required if you follow these instructions carefully.
The following diagram illustrates a typical connection between the Altion and a Victron Cerbo GX using CAN bus:
- Connect CAN bus: Connect the Altion to the GX device directly or through an existing RV-C or NMEA 2000 network.
- Insert the supplied black cable into the CAN bus port of the Altion.
- If connecting the Altion directly to the GX device, use the supplied blue RJ45 adapter to connect directly to a VE.Can port on the GX device.
- If connecting both devices to an existing RV-C or NMEA 2000 CAN bus network, connect the supplied black cable to the network using a connector supplied with the Altion.
- Configure Termination (if applicable): If the Altion or GX device is at the end of the CAN bus trunk, turn on the CAN termination switch (Altion) or plug in CAN terminator (Victron GX) on that device.
- If using DVCC, Install Alternator Current Shunt(s): Install shunt(s) on the positive output cable(s) of your alternator(s). Ensure the shunt is oriented and wired correctly (refer to installation).
-
Connect to the Altion: Access the Altion web interface using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Detailed instructions can be found in configuration.
-
If using DVCC, enable Alternator Current Shunt(s).
-
Enable CAN bus: Go to the CAN bus section on the settings page.
-
Enable NMEA 2000 or RV-C Protocols
- Victron only supports Altion data input and DVCC using
NMEA 2000.
- DVCC will be enabled automatically on the Altion when enabled on a connected Victron GX device.
-
Select CAN bus instances:
These instance numbers are critical for the Victron system to correctly identify the Altion regulators and their associated data.
- If using NMEA 2000 / VE.Can:
Alternator 1: Instance 1Alternator 2 (if applicable): Instance 2Battery: Instance 0
- If using RV-C:
Alternator 1: Instance 2Alternator 2 (if applicable): Instance 3Battery: Instance 1
-
Configure other settings: Configure any other settings as needed for your system.
-
Save Changes: Save the configuration changes to the Altion.
-
Connect to the GX Device: Access the GX device's menu (either via the device's display or through Remote Console on VRM).
-
Enable CAN bus: Go to Settings -> Services -> VE.Can port -> CAN-bus profile.
-
Select CAN-bus profile:
- For most installations, including those using DVCC, choose
VE.Can & CAN-bus BMS or, if you have a Lynx Smart BMS, VE.Can & Lynx Smart BMS.
- If using an RV-C network, select the
RV-C profile.
Important: Ensure the selected profile on the GX device matches the protocol enabled on the Altion regulator(s).
-
Check Device List: Go to Settings -> Device list. After a few moments, the Altion should appear in the list of connected devices. If it doesn't appear, restart both the Altion and the GX device, double-check the wiring, termination, and CAN-bus profile settings on each device. If using a dual alternator setup, you should see both Altion regulators listed.
-
Configure VRM Portal (Optional): If you want to monitor the Altion data through the VRM portal, ensure that your GX device is connected to the internet and registered with VRM.
- Check Altion Dashboard: On the Altion's dashboard, verify that you see "CAN bus connected" and, if applicable, "CAN bus controlled charging." If current readings from the alternator shunt(s) are missing, zero or incorrect, double-check the shunt wiring and configuration.
- Check Victron Displays: On your Victron GX device's display (or in Remote Console), navigate to the device list and select the Altion. You should see data from the Altion, including alternator voltage, current (if a shunt is connected), and alternator (if a sensor is connected).
- Check VRM Portal (if configured): Log in to the VRM portal and verify that the Altion data is being logged and displayed correctly.
- DVCC Status (if enabled): If DVCC is enabled, check the DVCC status on the Altion dashboard. You will see
CAN bus controlled charging appear in the header. Full DVCC operation (coordinated charging) will be available once a supporting Victron firmware is released.
This section details the data exchanged between the Revatek Altion regulator and the Victron GX device over the CAN bus connection. Understanding this data flow is crucial for proper configuration and monitoring.
1. Data Reported by Altion to Victron GX Device:
This table lists the parameters that the Altion regulator sends to the Victron GX device. These parameters will be visible on the GX device's display and, if configured, in the VRM portal.
| Altion Parameter |
Victron Parameter (GX Device/VRM) |
Units |
N2K PGN |
Notes |
| Proprietary |
Proprietary |
- |
61184 |
Proprietary charging coordination using VREGs. |
| Alternator Voltage |
Alternator Voltage |
V |
127508 |
- |
| Alternator Current |
Alternator Current |
A |
127508 |
Requires an Altion alternator current shunt connected. If no sensor is connected, this parameter will not be available. |
| Alternator Temperature |
Alternator Temperature |
°C |
127508 |
Requires an Altion temperature sensor connected. If no sensor is connected, this parameter will not be available. |
| Field Output |
Alternator Field Strength |
% |
127510 |
Represents the percentage of maximum field current being applied to the alternator. |
| Device Name |
Name |
- |
126998 |
The device name for the Altion device. |
| Device Serial Number |
Serial Number |
- |
126996 |
The serial number for the Altion device. |
| Device Model |
Model |
- |
126998 |
The model name for the Altion device. |
| Device Firmware Version |
Firmware Version |
- |
126996 |
The current firmware version for the Altion device. |
| Device Hardware Version |
Hardware Version |
- |
126996 |
The hardware version for the Altion device. |
2. Data Provided by Victron GX Device to Altion (Optional - Requires Configuration):
This table lists the parameters that the Victron GX device can send to the Altion regulator, if the Victron device collects these data. Enabling this feature simplifies wiring by eliminating the need for separate battery sensors connected directly to the Altion.
| Victron Parameter (GX Device/VRM) |
Altion Parameter (Used For) |
Units |
N2K PGN |
Notes |
| Proprietary |
Proprietary |
- |
61184 |
Proprietary charging coordination using VREGs. |
| Battery Current |
Battery Current (for regulation) |
A |
127508 |
If enabled, the Altion will use the Victron system's battery current measurement (from a compatible Victron shunt) for current limiting and state-of-charge calculations. |
| Battery Temperature |
Battery Temperature (for regulation) |
°C |
127508 |
If enabled, the Altion will use the Victron system's battery temperature measurement for temperature compensation. Requires a compatible Victron temperature sensor. |
| Battery State of Charge |
Battery State of Charge |
% |
127506 |
If enabled, the Altion will use the Victron system's battery current measurement (from a compatible Victron shunt) for current limiting and state-of-charge calculations. |
Important Notes:
Voltage Data: The Altion requires analog voltage sensing for operation. While current and temperature data can optionally be provided via the CAN bus from the Victron system, a direct voltage connection to either the alternator or the battery must be present.
- Parameter Names: The exact parameter names used by the Victron system may vary slightly depending on the GX device model and firmware version. Consult the Victron documentation for specific parameter names.
- Data Availability: The availability of specific data points depends on the connected hardware and configuration of both the Altion and the Victron system. For example, alternator temperature requires a temperature sensor connected to the Altion, and battery parameters require either direct connections to the Altion or a compatible Victron Battery Monitor if using CAN bus data.
- DVCC: For optimal integration, and particularly when using the Victron system for battery data, enabling Distributed Voltage and Current Control (DVCC) on the Victron GX device is highly recommended.
- Altion Not Appearing in Victron Device List:
- Connectivity: Double-check the CAN bus wiring between the Altion and the GX device. If using connecting the devices directly, ensure that the blue CAN bus adapter that came with the Altion is connected into the the proper VE.Can port on the GX device.
- Incorrect CAN-H/CAN-L Wiring: Correctly connect CAN-High and CAN-Low wires. Swapping them will prevent communication.
- Interference: Other devices on the bus can cause interference. Temporarily disconnect other devices to isolate the problem.
- Termination: Verify that the CAN bus network is properly terminated with 120-ohm resistors at both ends. Incorrect termination is a very common cause of communication problems. Confirm proper termination using a multimeter to measure the resistance between CAN-high and CAN-low. It should read approximately 60 ohms. If the resistance is significantly above this level, termination resistors must be added to the ends of the bus. If the resistance is below this level, termination resistors in the middle of the bus must be removed.
- CAN protocols: Ensure that both Altion and Victron devices are configured for either NMEA 2000 / VE.Can or RV-C. On the Altion, be sure that both the underlying protocol and accompanying Victron protocol are enabled.
- Power: Verify that both the Altion and the GX device are powered on.
- Firmware: Ensure your Altion is running firmware v20250316 or later and you GX device is running firmware v3.50 or later.
- Restart Devices: Try restarting both the Altion and GX Device.
- Data Discrepancies:
- Sensor Configuration: If you're seeing incorrect or missing data (e.g., temperature, current), ensure that the corresponding sensors are properly connected and configured on the Altion.
- "CAN bus controlled charging" Not Appearing:
- Ensure that DVCC is correctly enabled and configured on the Victron GX device (see Configuration Steps).
- Communication Errors:
- Check cabling for any damage.
If you continue to experience problems, consult the Altion user guide and the Victron documentation. Consider professional installation. You can also contact Revatek support for assistance.