Simple Installation Guide for Victron Venus OS 2.80 on Raspberry Pi

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Installing Venus OS 2.8 on Raspberry Pi
3. GUI Mods: A Simple Add-On for Venus OS
4. Installing the Serial Battery Driver
5. Custom DIY Batteries and BMS Support
6. Introduction to Power Metering on Venus OS
7. Using GUI Nods for Real-Time Monitoring
8. Customizing the Display and User Interface
9. Adjusting Input Current Limits for Boondocking
10. Switching Inverter Modes and Other Features
11. Advanced Settings: Time Format and Power Gauges
12. Conclusion

Installing Venus OS 2.8 on Raspberry Pi

Venus OS 2.8 is the latest version that requires a clean install on a Raspberry Pi. If You have official hardware like Serbo GX, Color Control GX, or Venus GX, you can skip the installation process. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to install Venus OS 2.8 on a Raspberry Pi.

Step 1: Download the Latest Image

To begin the installation, you need to download the latest Venus OS 2.8 image. Victron has changed the file format from .zip to .wic.gz, but most etching programs can still burn the image to an SD card. Make sure to download the 2.8.0 version of the image from the provided link.

Step 2: Flash the Image to an SD Card

Once you have downloaded the image, you need to flash it to an SD card. Use a program like Etcher or Belena Etcher to burn the image to the SD card. Make sure to select the target SD card and start the flashing process.

Step 3: Set up Venus OS 2.8 on Raspberry Pi

Insert the flashed SD card into your Raspberry Pi and power it on. The initial boot may display the screen upside down, but you can manually rotate it later. Let the Raspberry Pi complete the initial installation script, which will take some time.

Step 4: Connect to Venus OS via Network

Once the Raspberry Pi has completed the initial installation, you need to connect to Venus OS via network. If you are using Ethernet, it should automatically connect. If you are using Wi-Fi, you may need to go through the Wi-Fi connection process, which can be a bit trickier. You can also connect to Venus OS using Bluetooth by downloading the Venus Connect app on your mobile device.

Step 5: Install GUI Mods and Other Packages

After connecting to Venus OS, you can start installing additional packages. The first one you need to install is the GUI Mods Setup Helper. This Package allows you to add other GUI mods and enables the Raspberry Pi display setup. You can download the setup helper file from the given link. Once downloaded, copy it to a USB stick and insert it into the Raspberry Pi. Install the setup helper package using the package manager in the Settings menu. You can also install other packages like OneTwoThree Smart BMS Venus and Tank Repeater if you have the respective hardware.

Step 6: Rotate the Display (Optional)

By default, the display on Venus OS may be upside down. To rotate it, you need to access the command line interface. In the Settings menu, go to General and hold the right button until the root option appears. Enter the root password and open the terminal. Edit the config.txt file and add the rotation setting. Save the changes and reboot the Raspberry Pi. The display should be properly rotated now.

Step 7: Install the Serial Battery Driver

If you are using custom DIY batteries with your own BMS, you need to install the serial battery driver. Download the Venus Data file and copy it onto a USB stick. Insert the USB stick into the Raspberry Pi and reboot. The serial battery driver will be installed automatically.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Venus OS 2.8 on your Raspberry Pi. You can now enjoy the advanced features and functionalities provided by Venus OS, such as real-time power monitoring, customizable user interface, and more. Explore the various settings and options available to tailor Venus OS to your specific needs.

Note: If you encounter any issues during the installation process or have questions, feel free to refer to the FAQs section at the end of this article.

FAQ

Q1: Can I install Venus OS 2.8 on any Raspberry Pi model? A: Yes, Venus OS 2.8 can be installed on any Raspberry Pi model. However, make sure to check the minimum system requirements and compatibility before installing.

Q2: Do I need to update my hardware to use Venus OS 2.8? A: If you already have official Victron hardware like Serbo GX, Color Control GX, or Venus GX, you can skip the installation process and use Venus OS 2.8 directly.

Q3: Can I install Venus OS 2.8 on multiple Raspberry Pis in a system? A: Yes, you can install Venus OS 2.8 on multiple Raspberry Pis in a system. Each Raspberry Pi will function independently and provide its own set of features and monitoring capabilities.

Q4: Can I customize the user interface on Venus OS 2.8? A: Yes, Venus OS 2.8 allows you to customize the user interface using GUI Mods. You can add additional mods, change the layout, and personalize the display according to your preferences.

Q5: Is it possible to integrate Venus OS 2.8 with third-party software or systems? A: Yes, Venus OS 2.8 supports integration with third-party software and systems through APIs and data interfaces. You can connect Venus OS 2.8 to other devices or software platforms to enhance its capabilities.

Q6: What is the AdVantage of using Venus OS 2.8 with a custom DIY battery setup? A: With Venus OS 2.8 and a custom DIY battery setup, you have more control over the battery management system (BMS) and can leverage the advanced features offered by Venus OS for monitoring and optimizing battery performance.

Q7: Can I use Venus Connect mobile app with Venus OS 2.8? A: Yes, Venus Connect mobile app is compatible with Venus OS 2.8. You can connect to your Venus OS system using the app and access real-time data and settings from your mobile device.