Solar Show and Tell

[Troutboy]

Ronnie, which components of your system hookup to victronconnect? Does your multiplus connect via a Bluetooth? To upgrade the firmware, they say with new models use the victronconnect not VEFlash...

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Ronnie, which components of your system hookup to victronconnect? Does your multiplus connect via a Bluetooth? To upgrade the firmware, they say with new models use the victronconnect not VEFlash...

Rich,
There are a couple of different ways to connect to the system.
One is the VE. bus Smart Dongle for the MultiPlus.
https://battlebornbatteries.com/shop...-smart-dongle/
I don’t have one of these yet...

Or over WiFi with a USB WiFi module
https://shop.pkys.com/Victron-Energy...le_p_6689.html
I use this when I have WiFi.

I also took my set up a step further. I have a WiFi Ranger Converge Denali System with an Internal Router. I have my ColorGX monitor connected to this internal router via a LAN cable. This allows me to connect to my internal router and get my setting via the Victron Connect app on my phone even if I don’t have internet. Works like Bluetooth with more range.

Hope that’s not two confusing and helps a little.

[Troutboy]

Thanks Ronnie, it makes sense. So question, the smart dongle seems to let you control the multi via Bluetooth. Can you update the multi firmware via this then, or would you still need to use VEFlash?

[GMFL]

I “think” the only way to update the Multis Firm ware is with the MK3 adaptor andeither the VE. Configure tool or VE. Connect.
https://www.victronenergy.com/access...erface-mk3-usb

EDITNEVERMINDEDIT

I just found this. See photo.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

........
In theory... in practice it probably doesn’t matter and with an RV you won’t see any issues with 100% charge cycles for a many years and many many many cycles. Hence the recommendation to cycle to 100% [emoji4] Victron will tell you (and has told me) the same thing.

... in case you were wondering why he made that comment

Hi

The other part of this is that there are likely *other* things that will come up over the next 20 years or so that impact your batteries. With a "normal" RV usage profile, you are not going to hit a high cycle count in that period. Even with charge this or that way, again you likely will not hit that limit either. In this case, the issue is not what you do know but what you don't know.

Bob

[Fair_Enough]

The confusion with LFP, IMO, is marketing hype and the accompanying drivel. Actually, you can pretty much pick the subject and the same thing occurs. I now have a pair of 170Ah Renogy LFPs, because of weight concerns, inside location, and the quick charging cycle. I've heard, LFP state of charge should not be left or kept at 100%... 80% is better. Does anyone have charger that while working with BMS can do this; I've not seen one. I am happy with the TM-2030 and really impressed with the $40 AiLi meter (with shunt) in the cargo conversion. My days of serving technology (rather than being served) and tinkering with software / firmware updates and figuring out how to convince "smart" devices to get along, are over.
WW

[Troutboy]

Like it Clint KISS - keep it simple stupid... unfortunately for me I have an early adopter disease. When I first thought about solar, I designed a very similar system with the trmetric, and some stout batteries, all for less than $1800. Then I found victron, lithium, and all the tech that comes with it. $8k later, and here I am...... I actually downsized my trailer purchase from a 25 to. 23D to buy the expensive solar setup. In the end it’s worked for us. That was three years ago. The system has been flawless. I just finally did the upgrade stuff, but that’s because I’m OCD. I didn’t need to touch a thing,,,,, plus I never would have met all the great people in the 23 club, lol

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Like it Clint KISS - keep it simple stupid... unfortunately for me I have an early adopter disease. When I first thought about solar, I designed a very similar system with the trmetric, and some stout batteries, all for less than $1800. Then I found victron, lithium, and all the tech that comes with it. $8k later, and here I am...... I actually downsized my trailer purchase from a 25 to. 23D to buy the expensive solar setup. In the end it’s worked for us. That was three years ago. The system has been flawless. I just finally did the upgrade stuff, but that’s because I’m OCD. I didn’t need to touch a thing,,,,, plus I never would have met all the great people in the 23 club, lol

T, I second your opinion of the 23 clubs, both the D/CBers and the FBers. These forums are the best and attract nice folks. I still don't know why they let me in.
Clint

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Wolfwhistle

T, I second your opinion of the 23 clubs, both the D/CBers and the FBers. These forums are the best and attract nice folks. I still don't know why they let me in.
Clint

Clint,
It was a very close vote

Love you brother..

[Fair_Enough]

I knew that $20 I slipped you was well spent

[TouringDan]

I do a fair amount of solo traveling and use my VW Golf if the trips are long/short. I have equipped it with an Alpicool 35 liter fridge powered by a Battleborn 100 Ah battery and connected to a Renogy 100 watt compact panel and a Victron 75/15 solar controller.

I power the fridge from the Golf battery when I am driving and from the lithium BB battery when the car is parked. It works fine so far. I generally use more power than I can get from the solar panel but with lithium I have plenty of capacity as I am never gone more than 5 days.

Dan

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

I do a fair amount of solo traveling and use my VW Golf if the trips are long/short. I have equipped it with an Alpicool 35 liter fridge powered by a Battleborn 100 Ah battery and connected to a Renogy 100 watt compact panel and a Victron 75/15 solar controller.

I power the fridge from the Golf battery when I am driving and from the lithium BB battery when the car is parked. It works fine so far. I generally use more power than I can get from the solar panel but with lithium I have plenty of capacity as I am never gone more than 5 days.

DanAttachment 359547Attachment 359548Attachment 359549Attachment 359551

Interesting TD. I wonder if you also charge the LFP from the VW? That would take a DC/DC converter I assume. And, why you wouldn't mount a PV to a roof rack? Then run the fridge and any other 12 accessory from the LFP all the time? Last question, how does the Alpicool perform?
WW

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by Wolfwhistle

Interesting TD. I wonder if you also charge the LFP from the VW? That would take a DC/DC converter I assume. And, why you wouldn't mount a PV to a roof rack? Then run the fridge and any other 12 accessory from the LFP all the time? Last question, how does the Alpicool perform?

WW

Wolfwhistle- My car is a 2015 Golf 1.8 turbo, regular fuel.

I like simple. I could mount it on a rack but I don’t need to. I have plenty of power for my fridge. I was in south Florida last week and had to take about 100 Wh from the BB each day, but I have 1,300 Wh in the BB to start from so no problem.

Yup I could charge the BB from my Golf while driving but then need a DC/DC converter plus wiring. I don’t need it.

The 35L Alpicool is fantastic. I caught it on sale from Amazon for $237. I like it more than my high dollar Dometic 65 qt that stays in my Tundra now. I will be writing a review. When the thermostat is set on 28 the temperature at the bottom of the fridge is 31.5, 36.5 at the top for an average fridge temperature of 34. I like my beer cold.

Dan

[AirMiles]

Beer? I thought someone from Lynchburg, TN would be consuming whisky.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

Beer? I thought someone from Lynchburg, TN would be consuming whisky.

Ummmmm. That’s Miller HighLife. That’s Champagne

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Ummmmm. That’s Miller HighLife. That’s Champagne

AirMiles and GMFL- We live in Lynchburg, Va. My kids all laugh at me because I like an inexpensive beer. They would never be caught drinking Miller HighLife.

Dan

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

AirMiles and GMFL- We live in Lynchburg, Va. My kids all laugh at me because I like an inexpensive beer. They would never be caught drinking Miller HighLife.

Dan

Frankly all the choices you see confuses me. Pumpkin for example is great in pies, horrible flavor for beer. My favorite is called "on sale".
WW

[GMFL]

All the major components are in for the LongLongHoneymoon Install. Going the be a lot of fun working with Sean and Kristy.
400Ah of BattleBorn Lithium
Victron MultiPlus 12/3000
Victron ColorGX monitor
Victron 712BMV
Victron MPPT 100/50 solar Controller
(4) Renogy Eclipse 100 watt panels
Renogy 60A DC-DC Charger
Progress Industries HW30C
BlueSea disconnects
Fuses
and all the other cables, wires, and connectors

[wulfraat]

Christmas two months in a row!

[DaveP]

No fair! We are all jealous!!