The Victron Orion XS is the latest generation of Victron's DC-DC charger range, replacing the Orion-Tr Smart with a more powerful, feature-rich unit. This guide walks through every step of installation and configuration, from unboxing to advanced GX integration.
Key Specifications
The box includes the charger unit, mounting bracket, screws, quick installation guide, and CAN bus termination resistor. You will also need appropriately sized battery cables, 60A fuses for input and output, ring terminals, and optionally a remote on/off switch.
| Specification | Orion XS 12/12-50 |
|---|---|
| Nominal input voltage | 12V (9-18V operating range) |
| Nominal output voltage | 12V (adjustable charge profile) |
| Maximum charge current | 50A |
| Maximum output power | 700W |
| IP rating | IP65 (dustproof, protected against water jets) |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
| Dimensions (mm) | 272 x 165 x 62 |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, CAN bus (VE.Can) |
| Charge algorithm | Adaptive 4-stage (bulk, absorption, float, storage) |
Mounting Location
The Orion XS carries an IP65 rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. This allows engine bay mounting — not possible with the IP43-rated Orion-Tr Smart. It can also be mounted under the vehicle or inside the habitation area. Mount vertically with cable entries facing downward for best heat dissipation, with at least 50mm clearance for airflow.
Physical Connections
Battery Terminals
The Orion XS has four main power terminals:
- IN+ / IN- — connect to the starter battery (or alternator output). Fuse the positive cable within 300mm of the starter battery with a 60A fuse.
- OUT+ / OUT- — connect to the leisure battery. Fuse the positive cable within 300mm of the leisure battery with a 60A fuse.
Use the shortest cable runs possible. For the full 50A output, Victron recommends 16mm² cable for runs up to 2 metres and 25mm² for runs up to 4 metres.
Remote On/Off
The remote on/off connection can be wired to a manual switch, the vehicle's ignition circuit for automatic engine detection, or left open for always-on operation.
CAN Bus (VE.Can)
The Orion XS features a VE.Can port using standard RJ45 connectors. This is a significant upgrade over the Orion-Tr Smart which only had Bluetooth. The CAN bus connection enables:
- Full integration with a Victron GX device (Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX, etc.)
- Remote monitoring via the Victron VRM portal
- Coordinated charging with other Victron devices on the same CAN network
- DVCC (Distributed Voltage and Current Control) participation
VictronConnect App Setup
The Orion XS is configured via the VictronConnect app (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS). Connect via Bluetooth using the PIN printed on the unit's label. The live status screen shows input/output voltage, charge current, and charge state. Tap the gear icon to access settings where you can set battery type, charge profile voltages, engine detection method, and current limit.
Configuring Charge Profiles
The Orion XS includes preset charge profiles for common battery types:
| Battery Type | Absorption Voltage | Float Voltage | Storage Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Deep Cycle | 14.1V | 13.8V | 13.2V |
| AGM Deep Cycle | 14.4V | 13.8V | 13.2V |
| Flooded Lead-Acid | 14.6V | 13.8V | 13.2V |
| LiFePO4 (Lithium) | 14.2V | 13.5V | 13.5V |
| User Defined | Configurable | Configurable | Configurable |
If your lithium battery manufacturer specifies different charge voltages (some recommend 14.4V or 14.6V absorption), use the User Defined profile to match their recommendation. Always follow the battery manufacturer's specifications.
Setting Current Limits
The Orion XS can deliver up to 50A, but you may want to limit this to protect smaller alternators (80-90A units may struggle with the full load) or manage temperatures in hot engine bays. Set the current limit via VictronConnect under Settings. The charger will automatically derate if it reaches its internal temperature threshold.
Engine Detection Setup
The Orion XS needs to know when the engine is running to start charging. There are three methods:
1. Remote On/Off Wire (Recommended)
Wire the remote input to the vehicle's ignition-switched 12V supply. The charger activates when it receives voltage on this input. This is the most reliable method.
2. Voltage Detection
The charger monitors input voltage and starts charging when it rises above a configurable threshold (default 13.0V). This works well with traditional alternators but can be less reliable with smart alternators that may not raise voltage above the threshold consistently.
3. CAN Bus Signal
If connected to a GX device, engine detection can be managed through the system — useful in more complex installations.
LED Status Indicators
| LED Behaviour | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Off | No input power / charger disabled |
| Solid blue | Bulk charging (maximum current output) |
| Blinking blue | Absorption charging (voltage held, current tapering) |
| Solid green | Float / storage (battery fully charged) |
| Blinking red | Error condition — check VictronConnect for details |
| Alternating blue/red | Over-temperature — current reduced or charging paused |
GX Device Integration
When connected to a Victron GX device via CAN bus, the Orion XS appears in the device list and on the VRM portal for remote monitoring, historical data, DVCC participation, and email error notifications. Connect using a standard Ethernet cable (Cat5e or Cat6). If the Orion XS is the last device on the CAN bus, install the included termination resistor in the second RJ45 port.
Firmware Updates
Update firmware via VictronConnect — a notification banner appears when an update is available. Do not disconnect power during the update. Always update before commissioning a new unit, as factory firmware may be several versions behind.
Orion XS vs Orion-Tr Smart: Settings Comparison
| Feature | Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30 | Orion XS 12/12-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration app | VictronConnect (Bluetooth) | VictronConnect (Bluetooth + CAN) |
| Charge profiles | Preset + user defined | Preset + user defined |
| Current limit | Adjustable 0-30A | Adjustable 0-50A |
| Engine detection | Voltage sensing or remote on/off | Voltage sensing, remote on/off, or CAN bus |
| VE.Smart Networking | Yes (Bluetooth mesh) | Via CAN bus / GX device |
| GX integration | No (Bluetooth only) | Yes (VE.Can) |
| Parallel operation | Yes (up to 3 units) | Not typically needed (50A single unit) |
| IP rating | IP43 | IP65 |
For more information on why you need a DC-DC charger, see our guide on smart alternators and leisure battery charging. To understand how quickly you can charge while driving, read our leisure battery charge time reference.
