Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/23/2025 to
Electric Propulsion
Version 3.6 of the Venus operating system that powers the Cerbo GX and Ekrano GX introduced the ability to add a dedicated page to electric propulsion. What is shows depends on what exactly you have connected. Some electric drives have NMEA 2000 built in and with these will show information like RPM and other relevant information. If a GPS sensor is available speed will be displayed. To get all this working you will need either an Ekrano GX or a Cerbo GX. Because the Cerbo doesn't have a screen built in you will need to add a Touch Screen Display if you choose that option. The video below shows you what you can do.
Below is an example of a simplified view when GPS and NMEA 2000 data is not available.
Below is an example of a detailed view when all relevant information is available.
Another option is to create a custom integration using Node-RED. For example, you can build a Virtual Motordrive by feeding in data from various sources, allowing the GX device to simulate an electric propulsion system. You can also add third-party devices such as temperature sensors and bilge water level monitors, and build your own automations.
To add a GPS to your system you can add a USB GPS Sensor, or get GPS information from NMEA 2000, or the Victron Energy GSM/LTE with GPS Antenna
To get basic DC power information you can use a Victron Energy Smart Shunt configured as a DC Energy Meter > Electric Drive. Or you can use a NMEA 2000 enabled propulsion system that puts out PGN's 128002, 127490 and 127494
Peter Kennedy has been in business since 1991 designing, installing and servicing marine electrical systems. The purpose of this blog is to offer support to both professional installers and do-it-yourself boat owners who wish to undertake this work themselves.
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