wildebus
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Victron have been working on a new GUI (Graphical User Interface) on their GX System (e.g the Cerbo GX) and with the latest firmware version, they have made it possible to use an Android Tablet or Mobile in the same way as the Touch50 or Touch70 screens in what is called a "Kiosk" mode.
It has always been possible to connect via a browser and have a display on the left and virtual buttons on the right with the old GUI, or a 'window in a window' via VRM for the new GUI, but this new option is much cleaner in use and appearance to both.
It also allows someone who does not want to pay the rather high price for a Victron Touch Display to get the same kind of benefits using a much lower cost device - and also if they want, use a device with a larger screen.
Another benefit is this 'kiosk' device, as it connects via wi-fi, can be located anywhere you want and no restricted to where an HDMI cable can be run.
I set this up yesterday and I think it has some great potential. Previously where I have installed a Cerbo GX, I have recommended getting a Victron Touch, but now I think I would certainly make people aware of the alternative - either to save money, give more location options, larger screen possibilities, or all three reasons!
Right now here is a photo of my 'Kiosk' Display
Mobile Phone by David, on Flickr
Mounted using a couple of 3M Command Strips. Ideally I would fit to go with the two controllers above the door (A Sargent Control Panel and a Lights + Truma Heaters Controls), but there is just not enough space.
It is an old retired Android Mobile Phone with a screen size slightly larger than the Victron Touch50. Next are a couple of photos showing some of the information screens ...
Phone running Kiosk by David, on Flickr
Phone Running Kiosk by David, on Flickr
And some screenshots showing what other things can be seen on my own system ...
Levels - Tanks by David, on Flickr
Levels - Environment by David, on Flickr
I think this new GUI is much more contemporary than the old style which Victron have used for I don't know how many years and a great improvement.
In my own setup, I am using as mentioned a retired Mobile. That phone was replaced by a new one as it has some problem with the touch screen not responding reliably which became extremely frustrating. In its new role, the screen still doesn't respond to taps all the time, but it is much more of a display unit and I know if I tap the power button to turn the screen off and on, the touch comes back, so it is I think usable enough. And as otherwise it would be sitting in a drawer, it was a free installation
What is very handy in my setup is I have secured the gel case that the phone came with to the wall so I can also easily release the phone from the case and it becomes a truely portable control & display unit I can put down anywhere in the Motorhome, which is a great bonus.
This is the information about this new feature and how to set it up - https://community.victronenergy.com...ablet-as-dedicated-gx-wi-fi-display-beta/8575
Couple of comments that are not mentioned in the article and also what I found when trying out various things setting this up ....
It has always been possible to connect via a browser and have a display on the left and virtual buttons on the right with the old GUI, or a 'window in a window' via VRM for the new GUI, but this new option is much cleaner in use and appearance to both.
It also allows someone who does not want to pay the rather high price for a Victron Touch Display to get the same kind of benefits using a much lower cost device - and also if they want, use a device with a larger screen.
Another benefit is this 'kiosk' device, as it connects via wi-fi, can be located anywhere you want and no restricted to where an HDMI cable can be run.
I set this up yesterday and I think it has some great potential. Previously where I have installed a Cerbo GX, I have recommended getting a Victron Touch, but now I think I would certainly make people aware of the alternative - either to save money, give more location options, larger screen possibilities, or all three reasons!
Right now here is a photo of my 'Kiosk' Display
Mobile Phone by David, on Flickr
Mounted using a couple of 3M Command Strips. Ideally I would fit to go with the two controllers above the door (A Sargent Control Panel and a Lights + Truma Heaters Controls), but there is just not enough space.
It is an old retired Android Mobile Phone with a screen size slightly larger than the Victron Touch50. Next are a couple of photos showing some of the information screens ...
Phone running Kiosk by David, on Flickr
Phone Running Kiosk by David, on Flickr
And some screenshots showing what other things can be seen on my own system ...
Levels - Tanks by David, on Flickr
Levels - Environment by David, on Flickr
I think this new GUI is much more contemporary than the old style which Victron have used for I don't know how many years and a great improvement.
In my own setup, I am using as mentioned a retired Mobile. That phone was replaced by a new one as it has some problem with the touch screen not responding reliably which became extremely frustrating. In its new role, the screen still doesn't respond to taps all the time, but it is much more of a display unit and I know if I tap the power button to turn the screen off and on, the touch comes back, so it is I think usable enough. And as otherwise it would be sitting in a drawer, it was a free installation
What is very handy in my setup is I have secured the gel case that the phone came with to the wall so I can also easily release the phone from the case and it becomes a truely portable control & display unit I can put down anywhere in the Motorhome, which is a great bonus.
This is the information about this new feature and how to set it up - https://community.victronenergy.com...ablet-as-dedicated-gx-wi-fi-display-beta/8575
Couple of comments that are not mentioned in the article and also what I found when trying out various things setting this up ....
- It tells you to connect to the Wi-Fi network the Cerbo GX is connected to e.g. "At this stage, the tablet is already connected to the Wi-Fi network used during installation. You can either choose to connect to a different Wi-Fi network or directly connect to the GX’s built-in access point."
I found I HAD to connect to the GXs access point directly for the setup. No other option would work
Before I found this was required, I was stuck in a "Error Loading Web" screen (due to non-Cerbo Wifi connection). Rather frustrating as no apparent way round that until I found the reason
- It says "Make sure that the Android device has been fully reset to its factory settings." I followed this process on the phone I am using; but I also added the Victron Kiosk App and installed it on another Android phone without any resetting and I found I could start the phone normally and then run that app to put the phone into Kiosk Mode. It is true that while that App is running, you can't use the phone for anything else, but you can come out of the App and you have your regular Phone back.
- I am using a Cerbo GX, but I understand this also works on other Devices running Venus OS, so probably the Venus GX and also the Raspberry Pi - as long as you update the Venus OS device to the 3.50 firmware (just released a few days ago).
This would be a great addition to a RPi based Victron setup
- I tried another older retired Mobile and I could not install the app at all. This phone was running Android 6 and I saw a comment about a minimum version of Android is needed and probably at least Android 6. I am guessing 6 is actually NOT new enough? I'll be trying again once the battery has power back in it (This phone was retired due to a intermittantly faulty charge port ).
- Be aware that trying this could well make your phone unusuable if something goes amiss - know how to do a hardware factory reset before you start on the journey! You are on your own in this process.
Victron state: Disclaimer: This software is in the beta stage and is not intended for end users.
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