AlanH

OK, here some feedback. Lockdown made the whole process slower but I am currently at the a stage where the Generator can service my load and stays connected to the Victron. When inspecting the genertor I found the coupling plate between motor and generator was cracked all round and that was the first main issue. After I had that sorted the motor was smoking and missing so I had the injectors overhauled. This together with advancing the pump timing got me to a sweet spot on the generator. Now it will connect to the Victron and charge batteries and service the load, but I still have an issue with my SMA connecting at the same time. I also had to set the LOM to disabled which I don't want to do. So for now it is set to SAFE mode until I can identify the issues.

Watched episodes 5-8 and thought they never revealed what the problem was. Crazy what the actual outcome was. Tx for sharing. OK, I tested the Generator with the LOM disabled. It did stay connected but did not work as expected. I think I first need to get the generator running smooth. What I found is that the generator was servicing the load and giving some charge to the batteries, but when I set the ESS to keep batteries charged (they were at 68%) it picked up and I could see the generator being loaded and then dropped off again. I think the Victron is limiting the charge even though I have set the charge to be unlimited.

Hi Plonkster, Yes white is unburt diesel. Could be a variety of things but I will start with having diesel injectors tested and pump checked. The diesel is a Nissan RD28 six cylinder and has about 2840 hrs on it which is actually not too much. Will check out the video now.

Oh, and I checked the NS Protection log and it seems the Victron is not happy with the frequency, complaining about ROC too high. I did not make a note but can accept that. I do need to have the generator serviced as it does smoke a little on start up and when warm gives a puff of white smoke every now and then. Will have to wait till after lockdown. Will start with that. Appreciate your replies.

Thanks plonkster, I have tried the Transfer switch option previously before without success. having said that I think the LOM setting could be a solution. It seems my Quattro does not have the South Africa option and I am currently on other. 😬 When I try to change the LOM it prompts me for a Password which I do not have. Seems I have to ask my dealer, but I bought the unit via OLX. Will see if I can get hold of him still. It's been a few years already since I purchased the unit. Appreciate your replies.

OK, so I went back to basics. Switched off the solar input, which is connected to the Quattro Output. I configured the AC2 input to Generator and selected battery to be 95% charged unless grid fails. At the time it was 65%. The input was switched from mains to generator and it takes a minute or so to synchronise and try to connect. It once connected for about wo minutes but does not charge batteries an only kept load going which was about 2kW. It then switches back to Battery and takes a minute or so to sync and try again. It however tries to connect but while connecting disconnects again.😕 I measured the frequency of the generator and that was sitting on just over 50 Hz (50.2Hz)

Thanks Plonkster, Yes I have ESS loaded. I did change the battery settings to keep them charged 100% and also tried lower settings without success. I also reconfigured the AC input as Generator which also did not do the trick. I think I must try again and document what I have done and what I could still try. BTW, I do have a Quattro. Thanks for the replies so far.

Hi Deepbass9 I did check that they were in range and stable, although I could not check what happens when load kicks in. It is rather a big Genny with a 6 cylinder diesel that should not feel the load I'm adding.

Morning all, I have been running my system now for about two years and now have finally procured a generator before going off grid. So it's a Quattro 10000 with a 10kW Revov battery and 20 x 265 Canadian solar panels feeding the Victron Output through a SMA Sunnyboy 5000. I have installed the Generator and feed that to the Victron via a changeover switch to select either grid or Generator. When the grid is off I change over and start the generator. It will sync and connect for a very short time before the Victron diconnects it again. I have tried all the remedies I found on the Victron site but none worked yet. I also noticed that it might be it disconnects just as the Sunnyboy wants to connect. I then switched off the Solar inverter, and it seems to run but it does not take load.i.e. The generator freewheels while the Victron actually uses battery power instead of the load an batteries charged from the generator. Oh, and as soon as I try to add load like a geyser element the generator is disconnected again. Anyone have any ideas what I can still try? I have not yet tried running the generator direct to my loads bypassing the Victron. That will be my next move just to make sure the generator is OK. Tx in advance.

OK Guys, slow down. I contacted SMA and yes to get my own Gridguard Password will cost Euro 59.00. To me this only makes sense if I was an Installer as you may use it for all installations. I suppose with that you would also take the responsibility. BUT, there is also the FREE option. Phone the SMA Service line @ 021 826 0699, if you have teamviewer they can remotely change the country standard for you. I will for now rely on the free option. 😀

Thanks guys, I saw that as well that the country code has to be changed but also see after 9 hrs or operation one needs a password. If the pass word was that easy, I see one applies and for a cost of 59Euro one could get it. Would an installed do it? Maybe I must phone my supplier.

Time for an update. So far all looks very good. I have now installed all of my 20 panels (265W Canadian solar) and together with my Revov battery of 10kWh can probably maintain without grid as long as we don't have cloudy weather. During the day I cn fully charge my batteries and maintain my loads which now leads me to my next issue. I have switched off the supply to simulate off grid operation and to test the frequency shifting on the Victron in conjunction with my SMA Sunnyboy which is connected to the output of the Victron. Once tha battery reaches 95% the Victron raises the frequency slightly in order for the SMA to reduce its PV Output. This does not quite work as I expected, instead the frequency gets raised and when at 52Hz te SMA shuts down and I run on batteries again. I would have liked to see the SMA throttle its output to support the load without charging the batteries. It is a bit of a waste of PV power but unless I switch on loads, I must accept. This will get even worse during summer, but then I can run the pool pump more . Any ideas? Regards, Alan

OK, I'm happy to report my system is going again. What I did: Downloaded Non Assistant Firmware as retrieved from Victron site. It was successful and as soon as it finished the Quattro came up again. Next I tried the latest Assistant FW again ie the 459 version. As soon as It wanted to download it asked for the Quattro Serial No.. Once entered the download started and completed successfully and the Quattro came up again. Now I just need to reconfigure my assistants etc. I did find that I can no longer connect to my remote panel with the VRM Portal. Not to serious for now but I will look at that in time. Also commissioned my BMV700. Now I need to get a cable to connect it to the CCGX.

Thank you Plonkster, Spoke to my supplier today. He logged onto my system and confirmed he can see all the parameters as per normal. All I have done is also good, but he suggested I try update to a non assistant FW and if that works try again to update to the assistant FW. If that fails, it seems my Inverter must go for repairs. Absurd as that may sound. Will keep this thread updated.

Yes Phile, I have a CCGX and use the same cable to connect my MK3.

Ok, supplier wanted to know if system is online on the internet and that was it. There is no rush, so I am looking for other help.

Next update. Tried another laptop with Mk3 cable and both versions no joy. Tried same laptop with a MK2 cable both versions. No joy.

OK, tried updating to earlier version with the same result ie. three flashing LED's. Not good. Will get another laptop and try again.

Just found a previous version of FW on the Victron site. 2653433.vff. Have downloaded this and can try that as well tonight. 😃

Thanks guys, I have sent an email to my supplier, hopefully he will get back to me soonest. Need to get the system up again. I did retry without any success. Have not yet tried another Laptop but will do two things tonight if I did not get anywhere during the day. Re download the firmware (possibly corrupt) and use the wife's laptop. Will keep you posted. PS. Is this the correct thread / forum for this discussion? If not can the moderators please move it.

Ouch, I knew I read somewhere of others having problems but could not find it again. Will call my supplier tomorrow, hopefully he comes to the party. Difficult fellow to get hold of. Anyone have the old FW version saved somewhere? I need 2653408.vff Thanks for the replies so far. Did not expect it to go this wrong. It was a straight forward procedure and did not report any errors. I could even download my saved config which I edited to use the new ESS.

I'm back, and need help urgently. I bought a 10kWh Lithium battery pack (BYD/REVOV). I connected it over the weekend and now need to set up a few things that I was not able to do with the firmware. I managed to get the latest release for my Quattro but am now stuck. I backed up the settings with Ve.Config. Then did a VE.Flash which completed successfully, but My Quattro now sports three flashing lights. The Bulk/Absorption and Float lights are all flashing together and that is it. I tried re flashing but no joy. Unfortunately I don't have the old FW otherwise I would have re flashed with the old to see what happens. OK just some info that could be relevant: Old FW 2653408.vff New 2653459.vff from victron website. I use a Mk3 interface. Anything else that I forgot? Any advice or older FW I can get to try? I at least need 2653415/6 that was according to the VE.Config when I was configuring ESS.

Wow, thanks guys for the info. I need to work myself back into this before making changes. Downloaded the software and manuals and will work through them. Many thanks again.

Currently still on the Input as I would otherwise cook the batteries. Having problems accessing the SMA and getting the Frequency shift thing to work. If anyone can and is willing to help I would be grateful. Plan is to have it on the Output so I can still harvest even if utility is down. Thanks for the welcome all. Looking forward to getting the most out of my setup.

Hi Guys, Am new here but have installed a system since just over a year ago. I have: Victron Multi/Quattro Inverter SMA Sunnyboy 5kVA 20 x Canadian Solar panels of which 10 are currently installed on a single axis adjustable frame. The remaining 10 panels I was going to install on a 2 axis frame but just have not had the time to just do it. At this point I am also considering just buying more panels and install them on what roof spaces I have ( unfortunately mostly unfavourable). As for batteries I have 8 x 12V 75Ah used batteries which have been serving me well over the last year. These are to be replaced once I know what I want to install. My main aim is to go off grid as I live on a smallholding and get my power direct from ESCOM at a substantial connection fee . I am also waiting for a Generator to be delivered ( a gift) but don't yet know the specs other that it having a three cylinder Lister motor