Victron GX IO Extender 150 vs. SmartSwitch — Which Should You Choose for More Relays?
How does Victron’s GX IO-Extender 150 compare to the SmartSwitch?
The GX IO-Extender is designed to extend the existing I/O capabilities of the Cerbo GX, making it easier to connect additional sensors and controls. It connects and powers up via a USB port on the Cerbo.
The Smart Switch is a Victron-integrated device that adds digitally fused and dimming relays to Victron systems. Both products were released around the same time, and both check the box for added “Relays,” but do so in different ways.
While the IO Extender is more of a “PLC expansion board,” the SmartSwitch is best understood as a “load control for power relays with digital fusing.”
These products aren't mutually exclusive either; you could use both in the same system if you wanted to, as they both offer different performance to suit different applications.
Both the SmartSwitch and IO-Extender can be controlled through Node-RED or the 'GX Switch Pane' interface, which is new with Venus OS v3.60+. Watch the video above to see this interface, but in short, it allows the user to name and group different relays and access them directly from the main GUI.
Note that many of the IO-Extender's functions work best when paired with some Node-RED script and are generally intended for more advanced users. While the SmartSwitch can hide its controls from the GX display, most people will likely use it as a manual switch and use Node-RED for further automation. For example, you could use Node-RED with a digital input on the SmartSwitch to turn off all lights at once, or even more complex series of automations like engaging ventilation fans while dimming lights to a preset level.
To understand the core differences between these two products, let's do a quick comparison:
Switching Capability
SmartSwitch: Rated for 5 Amps per channel – Maximum 15 Amps per SmartSwitch device. 8-32V DC. Can choose from Dimmable, Momentary, and Latching (On/Off) relay options
*These are powered outputs, not dry contacts
I/O Extender: These are dry contacts, and they can operate a range of low current AC and DC voltages found on the datasheet. They are also normally open and normally closed or bi-stable.
Configurable fuse per channel
SmartSwitch: Yes, each channel can be current-limited by the user from 2 to 5amps
I/O Extender: No current monitoring or digital fuse, but different (higher) voltage ratings, which can be useful.
Number of devices per GX device
SmartSwitch: 10 units
*CAN bus allows you to daisy chain and place these switches wherever you want them.
I/O Extender: 2+ units
*There are 3 USB ports available on the GX (one is typically used with a GX Touch). With the use of an external powered USB hub, further I/O Extender 150 devices may be connected.
Connection:
SmartSwitch: Comes with VE.Can connection via RJ45 cable to the Cerbo. Range is virtually unlimited.
I/O Extender: Comes with a 1.5m USB cable.
Ideal users and applications for Victron’s GX IO Extender
The IO Extender is designed with more advanced users in mind; those who want to utilize all the inputs and relays within Node-RED to create a simpler solution than what has been previously available.
This has been at the top of the request list from advanced users for a long time, and now we have more options than we ever thought possible, which is really exciting and powerful.
For those using the GX digital inputs to monitor doors or compartments, hardwired temp inputs, or more advanced relay controlled systems via the GX and VRM, this new device will quickly multiply the capabilities built into the current GX. Except this device has even further functionality, including a set of four PWM outputs for slider style control of lights and other loads, and a newly added Solid State Relay with a max load current of up to 4A.
One use case we’re interested in is the ability to control more complex systems, like generator start/stop sequences. Currently, we have ways to trigger 3-wire start/stop pulse based generator controllers with some clever Node-Red programming, but it takes up both relays and involves some complicated programming. The addition of more relays would simplify some of this, as well as allowing for a set of relays to be placed practically anywhere, including right next to the generator that needs to be started. AND we’d still have a relay or two to spare for triggering alarms, temp based fan controls, system indicator lights, etc.
Basically, this device will allow us to continue doing what the Victron GX is already capable of, but with far more flexibility and with more simultaneous uses.
Ideal users and applications for the SmartSwitch
The SmartSwitch is going to be very quickly adopted in certain markets because it's easy to use and adds real value to the GX touchscreen for controlling a number of different loads around a vehicle, mobile trailer, or other installation.
"Wouldn't it be cool if..."
How can you put the SmartSwitch to work?
Our first thought: Controlling an awning, monitoring the power flow so we know if it's jammed up and needs to be looked at, and having a digital current monitor to let us know that there is an issue.
...Dimming the lights to create the perfect mood lighting and setting up automated systems with pre-set triggers.
...Oh! Or, automatically stowing your awning at sunset to prevent overnight damage while simultaneously activating dimmed evening lighting—all conditional on your GPS location remaining unchanged and your Orion XS not charging recently (indicating your vehicle is parked with the engine off).
...Adjusting ventilation fan speeds based on ambient temperatures or opening motorized compartment doors to allow for more airflow if the system is stationary.
We're getting a bit imaginative here, but the point is that these two new devices have transformed your options for digital relays from merely flexible to virtually limitless.
Awesome, right? We think so too.
Have a question about your set up? Ask our helpful team.