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The latest deep dive of Garmin/Victron integration provides a degree of customer personalisation which may come as a surprise to RV system installers and van-builders alike.If not, it’ll certainly impress their customers.Victron’s CAN communication protocol working together with the Garmin RV OEM Control Integration provides the ability to create intuitive single-screen control and monitoring of all critical systems in a Recreational Vehicle and offer customer choices they didn’t know they had.Garmin’s proprietary logic control software can be accessed only by chosen integration partners – one of whom is Victron distributor Artek – based in Milwaukie, Oregon, USA.
This week Sam Reiser (above) CEO of Artek tells us a bit about the new super powers this integration unleashes:
“RV-C is a communications protocol used on board Recreational Vehicles based on the Controller Area Network bus. Using Vicron’s Cerbo GX MK2 allows for internal Victron CAN communication integration while also broadcasting RV-C to external devices.
“A key advantage of this networking is the ability to combine systems rather than operate each one in isolation.
“Because of the extensive communication within the ecosystem, we can now prompt actions from far more data triggers. For example, with our pet-safe mode we are able to set a thermostat to keep the cabin within a chosen temperature range using different systems – which might include hydronic heating, air conditioning and ventilation fans.
“Furthermore, because we can see advanced Victron data we can trigger those methods of climate control based on the available energy. If the system detects AC ‘shore’ power, higher energy-consuming devices – such as air conditioning or electric heaters – can be initiated.
“If a shore power disconnect is detected, higher-consumption devices can be shut down when the battery SOC % falls below a preset level; and instead the ventilation fans will be used for cooling …or the diesel/gas furnace will be initiated to provide heat.
“As you can see, this deeper integration allows us to provide users with far more advanced choices, seamlessly.
(Application Engineer Jordan Burgess programs a power system unique to customer needs.)
“Integrating Victron systems with the Garmin Core System, takes a significant step forward in providing a unified, efficient, and user-friendly platform. It allows for visibility and control of all critical systems – including energy and water systems, heating, ventilation, and lighting – through a single-screen, eradicating the clutter of the traditional RV control panel.
RV builder benefits
“Elementum Adventure Vehicles, an Oregon-based OEM, adopted this Victron and Garmin solution because they wanted to build in a system which was quicker to install and easier to explain to the client! Not-so-incidentally the client gets a system which exceeds their expectation.“By incorporating all systems into a single screen – navigation, battery power data, tank levels, etc – their clients are able to use features intuitively and without explanation. The old ‘grand tours’ of system education about heating, cooling, and power consumption now presents itself in one convenient location. The client is impressed by that experience and the relationship between the client and builder is elevated. 
“A key component of this integration is the Cerbo GX MK2, which serves as the communication and monitoring hub for the Victron system. The MK2 includes two fully functional VE.Can ports, with VE.Can 1 being fully isolated. This CAN channel isolation provides the ability to use the RV-C protocol alongside a Lynx Smart BMS CAN protocol which requires its own VE.Can channel and protocol.”
[You can investigate the differences between the Cerbo GX, and Mk 2 devices in this comparison table.]End User, and OEM benefits“For End Users:
- User-Friendly Interface from a single screen (or app) provides comprehensive control over all RV systems.
- Victron and Garmin devices have a reputation for reliability in their own right and many sea-miles under their belts in the Marine market where they have long been integration-partners in navigation/power systems.
- Users have real-time visibility and control over all of their systems and the ability to combine data from multiple subsystems – resulting in peace of mind.
- Streamlined Integration: OEMs can offer a bundled-solution reducing the complexity and cost of system integration and build design.
- Reduced Lead Times: The ‘Garmin Core System’ – unique to Artek – provides an off-the-shelf solution significantly reducing lead times and therefore cost, getting products to market faster, cheaper. Tailor made solutions are also available.
- Enhanced Product Offering: OEMs can differentiate their builds by incorporating a single-screen solution capable of advanced monitoring and control, enhancing the value of their outfits whilst reducing the time needed to explain how such systems work. “
Our videographer, Jono, recently filmed a Victron/Garmin integration in Europe:
If you’re in Europe you can visit the van featured in this video on the Victron Energy stand, Hall 13/C32, at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf exhibition in Germany which runs between August 31 – Sept 8.
Artek offers support to OEMs and dealers across North America through continued technological advancements. Their proprietary ‘Garmin Core System’ provides an easy to install off-the-shelf solution to the latest Garmin RV integration, and they can assist with development of bespoke integrations.
