Zeus Regulators?

[JackConnick]

As part of my lithium battery upgrade I'm adding external regulation to my 90 amp alternators. I am adding 2x 340ah SFK batteries. They have direct DVCC control drivers.

The plan was to use Wakespeed but after looking into it more I think the Zues is a better idea as it integrates with DVCC more accurately. With the Wakespeeds you have to sort of configure a generic LiPo profile and it can turn into an issue, as batteries other than what they've tested are not supported by tech support. Not to mention that Wakespeed is part of Battleborn now...

I'm wondering what experience others have had with Zues, particularly in dual engine systems. I have 2x Cummins 5.9BT 210hp engines.

Here's an ChatGPT overview.

Because your SFK batteries talk fully to Cerbo GX via the SFK driver, you already have a system where the Cerbo GX/DVCC knows the battery state, limits, and voltages. In that setup:

• ARCO Zeus integrates natively with Venus OS / DVCC.
• Cerbo GX can directly control charging from the alternator via Zeus, respecting the SFK battery limits automatically.
• You avoid having to manually configure a generic profile, guess at voltages, or tweak Wakespeed settings to match the SFK batteries.
• Monitoring, logging, and alerts all work cleanly in the Cerbo GX interface.

Wakespeed could work, but it would be a “looser” integration:

• You’d likely run a generic LiFePO₄ profile.
• DVCC wouldn’t have full control over alternator charging — the regulator would be acting semi-independently.
• Any odd behavior or firmware quirks would fall to your installer to diagnose rather than being part of the system’s logic.

Bottom line: for your setup — SFK + Cerbo GX + DVCC — Zeus is simpler, more fully integrated, and less likely to cause support headaches or require manual tweaks. It just “fits” with the system logic, whereas Wakespeed is more of a standalone add-on.

 

[Diep]

All else equal I would want to have the Zeus so that it could take direction via DVCC. Since you are going that direction with the batteries I would want to take full advantage of the integration capabilities. The only thing that would sway me is significant cost differences, like if you already have the wakespeeds.

 

[DDW]

Sounds like Chat trained on Arco/Zeus marketing literature, which is a big hazard in LLM AI these days. The Wakespeed marketing literature isn't nearly as flowery, so less for AI to chew on.

My personal bias would be not to integrate everything that tightly. It makes a complex system even more complex. The cost/benefit ratio seems low.

I am curious about the statement that with Wakespeed, you have to run a generic LFP profile. Is that actually true? Also the statement

• Any odd behavior or firmware quirks would fall to your installer to diagnose rather than being part of the system’s logic.

Seems generic to any multi-brand complex installation, Zeus included.

 

[Diep]

I agree a couple of the wakespeed points and the bottom line are a little odd.

My post answered the question in my own opinion having researched both a bit but not having installed or managed either. I also didn't really read the AI overview initially. My opinion is that he reliability of technical info is too low to let it inform an opinion about this stuff.

 

[JackConnick]

The ChatGPT excerpt was sort of the bottom line, it went back and forth between the units until I told it that the SFK batteries had their own Victron drivers, then it became no contest.
But I'm posting here to hear some real-world experiences.
I've looked over the configuration manual and app for Wakespeed, and unless you are using one of their tested batteries, you have to use a generic LiPo one and adapt it. Big issue is that they do not support it at all and if it causes issues with the alternator or battery you are on your own. Yes, lot of people use them this way, but it really doesn't integrate with DVCC fully, its sort of a patch job. Some posts are also saying tech support is pretty bad of recent days.
Yes, of course there will be issues with whatever system I get. But the Zues seems much more integrated to the Victron environment and supports it. I'm pretty comfortable with Victron logic and software.
I am having it all installed professionally. Costs are close, maybe $125 per unit more for the Zues.

 

[klee wyck]

In my case, having significant faith in our installer, and having handed them Epoch Batteries and the typical ‘blue wall’, I handed them the decision on choice of 24v alternators and external regulator. They chose Zeus for both.

 

[Pocoron]

I installed an Arco Zeus regulator for my LiFePO installation in 2024. I am happy with the product, however, I have not integrated the Zeus regulator, Epoch batteries (460Ah V1) or the Victron Cerbus/Multiplus. The Zeus has been working as expected in terms of reducing alternator output as the casing temperature increases.
I am undecided at this point as to whether or not I will pursue integrating the components. The system works fine without integration and I have read some reports of some integrated systems having suffered from unintended consequences. YMMV.
The primary reason that I chose the Zeus is that the setup seemed to be less complicated and was recommended by the company that I bought the components from. I would not hesitate to recommend the Zeus.

 

[twistedtree]

ALL this shift to Zeus may be another nail in DragonFly's coffin, though I expect Wakespeed is a small portion of their revenue.

 

[SteveK]

In the two years since installing LFP to change internal reg ALT to external, Balmar was the go to then Wakespeed and now Zeus.
I will put it off another year to see what comes up next.

 

[JackConnick]

In my case, having significant faith in our installer, and having handed them Epoch Batteries and the typical ‘blue wall’, I handed them the decision on choice of 24v alternators and external regulator. They chose Zeus for both.

Have you had any problems with running two regulators? Ie I’ve heard of one disappearing from the system.

 

[klee wyck]

Have you had any problems with running two regulators? Ie I’ve heard of one disappearing from the system.

The refit is happening now, and sea trials are still 3 months away so I cannot comment on how they function from my own experience. My comment was around the choice those who do this for a living are making and recommending.
And, regarding the disappearing question, I may well be wrong but was under the impression that one regulator was going to manage the two alternators. That was the situation I had before the refit with the previous equipment.

 

[Barking Sands]

I installed an Arco Zeus regulator for my LiFePO installation in 2024. I am happy with the product, however, I have not integrated the Zeus regulator, Epoch batteries (460Ah V1) or the Victron Cerbus/Multiplus. The Zeus has been working as expected in terms of reducing alternator output as the casing temperature increases.
I am undecided at this point as to whether or not I will pursue integrating the components. The system works fine without integration and I have read some reports of some integrated systems having suffered from unintended consequences. YMMV.
The primary reason that I chose the Zeus is that the setup seemed to be less complicated and was recommended by the company that I bought the components from. I would not hesitate to recommend the Zeus.

Are you running the V1 under Victron standard controls or in "external" control?

 

[ksanders]

I have a Zeus regulator and it works great with the app.

I was not so sure it would connect correctly to my Victron environment, and I am still not sure.
As far as I can tell Zeus does not promote that it connects directly to the cerbo, but again I could be wrong. Checking the Zeus web site this evening does not show any mention of Cerbo connectivity.

What I did was to install a BMV 712 as an alternator monitor and it shows up properly on my cerbo display as an alternator.

 

[JackConnick]

The refit is happening now, and sea trials are still 3 months away so I cannot comment on how they function from my own experience. My comment was around the choice those who do this for a living are making and recommending.
And, regarding the disappearing question, I may well be wrong but was under the impression that one regulator was going to manage the two alternators. That was the situation I had before the refit with the previous equipment.

Only two alternators on one engine, I believe.

 

[Barking Sands]

It seems they do discuss Zues and Victron DVCC integration. It is my understanding that if a CAN-BUS battery has good charge parameters sent to DVCC then the Zues can use those parameters for control.

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[klee wyck]

Only two alternators on one engine, I believe.

You are correct. I just looked back at the parts invoice and there are two regulators there. Each alternator has its own isolated ground, common negative bus with the rest of the gear up front it looks like if I read this schematic right. I will probably have a chat with the electrons at the yard tomorrow to try to understand this better and ask about the disappearing question.

 

[ksanders]

It seems they do discuss Zues and Victron DVCC integration. It is my understanding that if a CAN-BUS battery has good charge parameters sent to DVCC then the Zues can use those parameters for control.

Victron DVCC & ARCO Zeus Bluetooth Alternator Regulator

Discover the integration of the ARCO Zeus Bluetooth Alternator Regulator with the Victron DVCC system. Enjoy optimized charging, prolonged battery life, and enhanced efficiency for your marine and RV power systems. Upgrade your setup today!

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OK, I'm going to need to get a hold of them and find out more!

Thanks!

 

[Pocoron]

Are you running the V1 under Victron standard controls or in "external" control?

I am not sure that I understand the question. The two batteries are linked with one set as the master and one set as the slave (via the dip switches), otherwise there are no communications linked to the Victron or Zeus components. Batteries are monitored via the Epoch bluetooth app, Victron via VictronConnect or Cerbus and regulator via the Zeus bluetooth app.

 

[JackConnick]

Here's a YouTube on setting up Victron DVCC control of the Zeus. My understanding is that basically all you need to do is set up battery communications and then select Victron N2K. There is a specific setting for Epoque V2 as well. Then DVCC runs the Zeus pretty much.

 

[Barking Sands]

I am not sure that I understand the question. The two batteries are linked with one set as the master and one set as the slave (via the dip switches), otherwise there are no communications linked to the Victron or Zeus components. Batteries are monitored via the Epoch bluetooth app, Victron via VictronConnect or Cerbus and regulator via the Zeus bluetooth app.

You said you have Epoch 460 v1s. I am just trying to determine what is controlling the charging. And also maybe what your charge parameters are. The V1 has FCP at 14 volts and its important to stay below 14 volts. I can help in that area if needed. Just trying to determine what you have set up.

 

[Pocoron]

You said you have Epoch 460 v1s. I am just trying to determine what is controlling the charging. And also maybe what your charge parameters are. The V1 has FCP at 14 volts and its important to stay below 14 volts. I can help in that area if needed. Just trying to determine what you have set up.

Okay gotcha! I have the Multiplus set for 13.9V for full charge and float set as 13.5V.
The two beefs that I have with the Epoch batteries (460Ah V1) is the state of charge drift (as shown on the Epoch app versus what is showing on the Cerbo) and I feel like Epoch isn't providing the same level of support for the V1 batteries as they do for the V2 versions. The drift issue seems like something that I will have to live with and the support issue may just be a perception thing on my part.

 

[Barking Sands]

Okay gotcha! I have the Multiplus set for 13.9V for full charge and float set as 13.5V.
The two beefs that I have with the Epoch batteries (460Ah V1) is the state of charge drift (as shown on the Epoch app versus what is showing on the Cerbo) and I feel like Epoch isn't providing the same level of support for the V1 batteries as they do for the V2 versions. The drift issue seems like something that I will have to live with and the support issue may just be a perception thing on my part.

Ok..sending you a private message

 

[l00smarble]

The zeus works very well as a fully integrated part of a Victron ecosystem including DVCC charging control of the Zeus and full/detailed visibility as a charging source on the Cerbo GX. It works exactly the way you would want it to work if you dreamed up a fully integrated Victron alternator regulator.

Furthermore the detailed charging control by RPM and temperature is outstanding.

I have done many Wakespeed too and at this point I am steering anyone who asks to Zeus (incluidng by own boat.) Wakespeed/Dragonfly seems like a failing company at this point. Zeus seems like a well run developing growth company.

 

[ksanders]

Here's a YouTube on setting up Victron DVCC control of the Zeus. My understanding is that basically all you need to do is set up battery communications and then select Victron N2K. There is a specific setting for Epoque V2 as well. Then DVCC runs the Zeus pretty much.

Cool, All I have to do is connect the RJ45!

 

[JackConnick]

Cool, All I have to do is connect the RJ45!

Yeah, you can use a cat 6 enet cable. Be sure it’s terminated correctly.

 

[JackConnick]

Thanks for all the info. After talking again to my installers, they’re pretty adamant about putting in the Wakespeeds. They have a long depth of knowledge with them and after looking at the Zeus they have it a pass about a year ago. They also have talked to Victron and haven’t gotten good feedback. So it’s Wakespeeds after all.

 

[DDW]

The Arco may be great, but their tech support appears to be poor. I've made a couple of enquiries of them and not received any reply. That has been echo'ed in a couple of threads on the cruisers forum. They need to step up that aspect of their game.

 

[JackConnick]

The Arco may be great, but their tech support appears to be poor. I've made a couple of enquiries of them and not received any reply. That has been echo'ed in a couple of threads on the cruisers forum. They need to step up that aspect of their game.

Yeah, that was some of the feedback. My guys shouldn’t need much support from Wakespeed, although they seem to not be very available either. And Acro wasn’t much interested in having a dialog with my guys when they were evaluating the unit.

 

[DDW]

Well, Dragonfly wasn't much help, and could only read the manual to me (which I can do myself). But when I needed some in-depth tech support I was able to reach Al Thomason (the guy who designed it) directly and the answers were knowledgable as you might expect.

 

[klee wyck]

ARCO Zeus. Vs. Wakespeed - Marine How To

A Cost Comparison - Wakespeed WS-500 vs. ARCO Zeus Having been involved early on in the open source Development of the Wakespeed regulator by Al Thomason, I found it fascinating Al & Rick (Wakespeed owners), did not

marinehowto.com