Victron Ekrano GX: Features and Setup Explained

This Victron Ekrano GX review covers Victron’s all-in-one system monitor. It combines a GX communication centre with a built-in 7-inch touchscreen. It connects your inverter-charger, solar chargers, battery monitor, DC-DC chargers and supported lithium batteries in one place. You can view the system on its screen, through the free VRM portal, on a marine display or in the VictronConnect app over its Wi-Fi access point. Victron calls it the successor to the Color Control GX.

Smart Energy Lab’s look at the new Ekrano GX.

Victron Ekrano GX Review: Key Features

Feature	Ekrano GX
Display	Built-in 7-inch touchscreen, dark mode
Water protection	IP54 from the front when mounted with the steel bracket
Processor	Quad-core, Victron’s most powerful GX device
Software	Venus OS, with Node-RED automation support
Remote access	VRM portal and app, remote settings
Local access	Touchscreen, VictronConnect via built-in Wi-Fi access point
Marine	MFD app integration, NMEA 2000, Signal K
Inputs	Resistive tank level and temperature inputs
Generator	Automatic start/stop control
Mounting	Flush panel or blind-hole mount, hardware included
Supply voltage	8–70V DC
VE.Direct	3 ports, max 25 VE.Direct devices
VE.Bus / VE.Can	1 bus (2 RJ45) / VE.Can 1 isolated, VE.Can 2 non-isolated
Relays	2 x NO/NC: 3A up to 30VDC, 1A at 125VAC
USB	2 x USB-A, 1.5A at 5V combined
Size	124 x 187 x 29.8mm

Source: Victron Ekrano GX product page.

What We Like

One box instead of two. A Cerbo GX plus a separate GX Touch display gives you the same role, but with two parts and a cable between them. The Ekrano GX puts it all behind one slim screen.
Marine-ready. It works with chart plotter MFDs and NMEA 2000, and the front is protected to IP54 when mounted with the bracket.
Touch lock. A recessed button on the back disables the touchscreen to prevent unwanted changes.
Full GX features. Lithium battery integration (Victron says a GX device is required for supported third-party batteries), DVCC, generator auto-start, tank monitoring and VRM alerts.

What to Watch

Panel space. It needs a flush cut-out or a 7-inch spot on the wall. A Cerbo GX can hide in a cabinet if you don’t need a screen.
It is not a battery monitor. For state of charge you still need a SmartShunt, BMV or a managed battery that reports SoC.

Ekrano GX vs Cerbo GX

Choose the Ekrano GX if you want a built-in, wall-mounted touchscreen, especially on a boat or in an RV entry. Choose the Cerbo GX if you want a hidden hub, plan to add a GX Touch later, or only need remote access through VRM.

Manual Settings Worth Checking

Tank senders. Each resistive input can be set for European (0–180 Ω) or US (240–30 Ω) senders. Victron doesn’t supply senders.
Temperature inputs need Victron’s ASS000001000 sensor, not the BMV temperature accessory.
Relay 1 handles alarm, generator start/stop, tank pump or temperature control. Relay 2 handles temperature or manual control.

Setup and Troubleshooting Tips

Water got behind the screen. IP54 only applies with the steel bracket and wing nuts squeezing the seal. The spring mount gives IP31.
Can’t rotate the screen. Victron says portrait mode and auto-rotation aren’t supported. Mount it horizontally.
Hard to read or running hot. Victron advises against direct sunlight, despite the bright backlight.
Whole system won’t restart after a shutdown. Powering the Ekrano from an inverter’s AC output can deadlock it with the Multi. Power it from the battery using the supplied cable with the 3.15A fuse.
Generator relay for a starter circuit. The relays are rated 3A DC, half the Cerbo’s 6A. Use an external relay for a starter circuit.
Not enough tank inputs. The Ekrano has 3, the Cerbo has 4. If you need 4, choose a Cerbo GX.
Bluetooth won’t see my SmartSolar. Like the Cerbo, its Bluetooth is only for initial network setup.

Worked Example: A Typical System on One Ekrano

Device	Connects through
MultiPlus-II inverter-charger	VE.Bus (RJ45)
Two SmartSolar MPPTs	VE.Direct ports 1 and 2
SmartShunt	VE.Direct port 3
Lynx Smart BMS	VE.Can
Generator start	Relay 1
Fresh water tank sender	Resistive tank input

The relays are rated 3A up to 30VDC, so use them as start signals for a generator controller or a contactor, not to switch large loads directly. The 8–70V supply range lets the Ekrano run straight from a 12V, 24V or 48V bank.

Worked examples are arithmetic estimates from the published ratings above, not test results. Real numbers depend on temperature, cable runs, battery state and load.

Want the source figures? The Ekrano GX page on Victron’s site has the datasheet.

FAQ

Do I need a GX device at all?

For a basic system, no. For VRM remote monitoring, DVCC, managed lithium batteries or generator auto-start, yes.

Does the Ekrano GX replace the Color Control GX?

Yes, Victron describes it as the successor to the Color Control GX.

Can I use it at night?

Yes. It has a dark mode for low-light viewing.

Does the Ekrano GX drain the battery?

About 6.2W at 12V with the screen on, or 2.6W off. That’s roughly 62Wh a day with the screen off (estimate).

How many solar chargers can it monitor?

Up to 25 VE.Direct devices, although Victron says complex systems may support fewer.

Can the Ekrano GX run Node-RED automations?

Yes. Venus OS on the Ekrano supports Node-RED, so you can build custom automations such as load switching based on state of charge.

Is the front of the screen water-resistant?

Victron rates the front at IP54 when it’s mounted with the supplied steel bracket, suitable for a helm or a dash.

Does the Ekrano GX need internet?

No. Monitoring and control work locally on the touchscreen and over its Wi-Fi access point. Internet is only needed for VRM remote access and online firmware updates.

Sources: Victron Ekrano GX product page (victronenergy.com); Smart Energy Lab, “Victron’s new Ekrano GX Controller”.

Sources: Victron Ekrano GX manual, installation and technical specifications chapters, and Ekrano GX product page (victronenergy.com, accessed Oct 2026); Smart Energy Lab; Roamtech Vans.