Overview

The Victron Energy BPP900451100 is a Cerbo GX MK2 communication center for monitoring and controlling a Victron electrical system from one interface on board or remotely. It accepts 8 to 70V DC input, measures 78 x 154 x 48 mm, and brings inverter/charger, solar charger, battery, tank, temperature and relay information into a single GX platform.

This MK2 version is especially useful on boats with more involved power systems, because it has two VE.Can ports, with VE.Can 1 isolated, along with three VE.Direct ports, VE.Bus, Ethernet, built-in 2.4GHz WiFi, Bluetooth Smart, HDMI, MicroSD and three fully functional USB host ports. For a helm or nav-station view, it can be used with an optional GX Touch display, a compatible MFD integration, a local browser, VictronConnect or the VRM portal.

The enclosure is IP20, so it belongs in a protected electrical space rather than an exposed cockpit or wet locker. In a marine installation, that typically means a dry electronics bay, battery compartment area with suitable ventilation, nav-station cabinet or other sheltered mounting point where cables can be secured against vibration and service access remains clear.

Key features

• Accepts 8 to 70V DC input, covering common 12V, 24V and 48V DC electrical installations when wired correctly.
• Three VE.Direct ports support up to 15 VE.Direct devices in total when direct and USB-connected devices are counted.
• Two VE.Can ports, with VE.Can 1 isolated and VE.Can 2 non-isolated, support more complex Victron system layouts.
• Includes Bluetooth Smart, built-in 2.4GHz WiFi and a 10/100 RJ45 Ethernet socket for setup and network access.
• Four resistive tank level inputs, four temperature sense inputs and four digital inputs with pulse counting help bring onboard status information into the GX interface.
• Two programmable relays can be configured for functions such as alarm relay, generator start/stop, tank pump, temperature-controlled relay or manual operation.
• Three USB host ports, HDMI and a MicroSD card slot add connection options for accessories, display use and data handling.
• IP20 enclosure and -20 to +50°C operating range suit protected onboard electrical spaces, not open wet areas or exposed helm mounting.

Installation and setup

Power the Cerbo GX MK2 from a stable DC supply using the supplied power cable with inline fuse. On a boat, the cleanest approach is usually a direct feed from the battery system or DC busbar through the correct protection and isolation practices, rather than relying on an AC-out powered adapter that could shut down when the inverter/charger is off.

The unit can be wall mounted, or mounted on a 35 mm DIN rail with the optional DIN35 adapter. Leave room for the RJ45 sockets, USB ports, HDMI, terminal blocks and cable bends so network and sensor wiring can be supported properly. In areas with engine vibration or regular service work, secure the wiring harnesses so the connectors are not carrying strain.

Electrical and system integration

The Cerbo GX MK2 sits at the center of a Victron power installation and collects information from connected devices such as MultiPlus or Quattro inverter/chargers, MPPT solar chargers, DC-DC chargers, batteries, tank senders and temperature sensors. For cruising boats, fishing boats and liveaboard systems, that means battery state of charge, charging sources, shore power behavior, generator status and tank readings can be checked from one place.

Bluetooth is mainly useful for initial connection and network configuration through VictronConnect. For ongoing monitoring, Ethernet, WiFi, a local browser, a compatible display or VRM access will usually be the more practical route, especially when the boat is unattended at the dock or when the electrical system is mounted away from the helm.

Compatibility and fit

The 78 x 154 x 48 mm housing is compact enough for many nav-station panels and electrical lockers, but the connectors need space around the unit. The IP20 rating matters during layout: mount it where it is protected from spray, washdowns, dripping condensation and loose gear. It is a good match for owners or installers building a monitored Victron-based DC and AC power system with solar, battery monitoring, inverter/charger control, tanks, relays or generator automation.

What’s included

• Cerbo GX unit
• Power cable with inline fuse and M8 terminal eyes for battery or DC busbar attachment
• Two VE.Can terminators
• Terminal blocks for the side connectors: 3x 4-pin, 2x 3-pin and 1x 2-pin