shanghailoz

Try not to hijack threads. Use a new thread for new unrelated questions. 365w panels probably circa 45v each? @ 8a? In series will likely be close to 45v x 4 = 180v @ 8a. / and 52v @ open load. or 208v max. (Values are my educated guesstimate, read your panel specs for actual values) Whats the voltage rating for the MCB? Personally I would go for something with a higher amp rating, as you'll probably want to add more panels in future. eg a cursory google shows 600v / 63A is around R450 or so. - https://www.enway.co.za/beny-pv-mcb Voltex or similar will probably be cheaper. Before you do anything, confirm the model of the inverter, so we can check max input voltage. You may want to put the panels in a 2S 2P setup instead. (2 in series x 2 in parallel). Which would be 90v @ 16A (again depending on your actual panel specs). You want to make sure that the open load for the panels doesn't exceed your MPPT inverters input. My suggestion - before you do anything, give us more details on the equipment.

Have ordered the waveshare rs485 adaptor, will play when i get it in a few days. Ideally I can adapt your python script once I have an idea of what the modbus fields are likely to be for the various parameters.

Yes, I was pointing out the same thing 😃 That cable is out of stock, I did look already. I haven't bothered asking yet, given the few data points I don't think will be too hard to plumb the depths of the protocol!

I won't lie, I've been watching your post with interest already 😀 The "RCU" BMC doesn't push much data over to the Victron - looks like a bare minimum. i.e. Voltage, Amps / Watts / SoC. The PC based BMS software can drill down to battery state, and see other details. I'll need to organize a cable then do some digging to see whats available from the BMS itself. I don't have a copy of their data sheet, but worst case can sniff. I have a ton of RS232 -> USB but no 485's! here. I also don't have any tools this side - all my goodies are back in China, so will need to buy some bits n bobs and with some draw - Definitely bare minimum - as none of the other data is populated eg

Updating this post, seeing as I'm using the batteries now in earnest. I just splurged for the Canbus over RS485<-> to a Ve.direct usb adaptor to connect up to my "Victron" VenusPi, which means that finally my Victron can talk to the batteries and know an accurate SoC (State of Charge). The adaptor came from Revov. Works, but it's a bit of a crappy design. Looking at it, I could probably have just knocked something up with an ESP32 and pumped data over wifi to the VenusPI. Not like I don't have the time at the moment during lockdown! Revov have told me that they're replacing their BMS in the next few months with something snazzier in future, which will be more compatible with stuff. So YMMV.. I'll be replacing my FM80 next week with more Blue (scrounged a MPPT 150/70), just so I can see the solar pv generation, which will mean ordering another Ve.Direct cable, its been a whole week since I ordered my previous one from Jaco. Overall I'm happy with the batteries - they work, without issues. I think I'll be adding another 10KW of storage soon, as I'm increasing the footprint of what gets used, and I'd like about a week of battery storage if there is no sun. Will also add some more panels on the roof soon, as the AC load is now slightly over what gets generated in winter days. Given I've been slowly upgrading, I think I've done fairly well My battery has done a whole 38 cycles since I've had it running. I have a copy of the BMS software from the vendor which can directly query the BMS (although I do need to get an RS485 -> USB cable). Shenzhen Tian Bang Da Polytron. TBD_POWER BMS. PM if you need a copy. Battery SoC earlier -

...you can live dangerously, as long as you know what you're doing 😄

@plonkster There's also the GX needs to be powered separately from the system itself to think of, as it will restart the inverter, which will restart anything connected to it! Best to have an MK3 as you've noted.

Pretty straightforward. Just did a Multi this morning using an MK3 USB cable (which you don't have 😄). I see you have a GX. If you have a GX connected to it, check if you can update the firmware in the vrm site, may need to turn on bidirectional comms on first though, and need GX firmware > 2.51 Settings / VRM online portal / VRM two-way communication -> on. Then https://vrm.victronenergy.com and click your site, then Device List / Firmware Update. (assuming your GX has internet) Remember, backup settings first!

Got my unit flashed successfully this morning. Relatively painless, other than having to enter the serial (as i had to dig around for that). I can now flash from the pi or vrm portal in future, which is what I wanted support for. Had to use a MK3 usb cable + a usb-c -> usb adaptor + a windows vm. firmware v158 was too old for their current Mac software. VEFlash - Typo's in the flash software (have notified them again) Working flash - (again, inside a windows VM, as their mac software support is lacking) --- Mac software VictronConnect now working. Typical - Victron - prompts for a newer "older" firmware!

I bought my 10KW for 30k last year (35k with shipping and taxes), so not in the realms of unfeasibility!

Thank you.

Can someone shoot me the latest 4xx firmware for the Multiplus 48v/3000 Product ID 2620 Currently running firmware 158, definitely needs an update. I have a mk3 usb cable, so can flash insitu. (its on out of the box settings at the moment).

I'm in need of one also - can I buy one off you?

I'm looking for one at the moment, pm if still selling. Cheers, L.

Thanks for letting me know Jaco! Cheers, L.

Is the store in business again? (Post lockdown?) I've emailed and called, but no response / reply. Wanted to order 6 of the GCL panels. Have called, and left message, and also emailed, but no response.

I won't say I'm doing exactly this (Revov + 48v Dead Acid), but I like to live dangerously. At least till summer pops its head around. I REALLY need to wire things up correctly one of these days...

I'm finally getting around to installing my LFP's (almost a year late!) Finally got a nice 42u rack, and can move out the dead acid, yay! Onto my question - I need to put some bus bars up for + and - to/from inverter and batteries and put a fuse disconnect in. Any suggestions on what to use for bus bars, and where to buy in/around CPT? For fuse disconnects - I was looking at the KETO's - do I need one or two? eg https://thepowerstore.co.za/products/keto-battery-disconnector-with-160a-fuses Thanks!

I'd like an electric beetle, although it may need a name change in SA. https://insideevs.com/news/369020/vw-retrofits-beetle-ekafer-project/

If he's emigrating, may as well say why bother, emigrate and write it off. Bank isn't going to chase him to the other side of the world.

Oversea's electric's depreciate nicely - you can pick up a secondhand Leaf or i3 for close to 10k USD in the states. We don't necessarily even get the latest cars here - eg the Leaf is 2 generations behind I think?, and they're already highly priced.,

A 200k car is possible, but unlikely. Currently taxes + duties on an electric car make up 60% on top of the sales cost. 25% duty on electric cars (vs 0% on < 1.2L Petrol) 20% ad valorum duty on electric cars (sliding scale up to 20%, but electrics will be the far end of the scale..) 15% VAT = 60% on top. Reasonably, electrics should be taxed like the < 1.2L petrol cars - no duty, and no ad valorum tax. We don't have a local electric industry to protect. The government is basically charging electric vehicles an upfront cost of what they recoup back from petrol /diesel vehicles in taxes. Fair? No. Good for the environment? No.

The vehicle in the photo is a really low end Chinese 3rd tier city job. Lead Acid batteries. Maybe to the shops and back. Its a glorified golf cart. Its not something i would consider, unless I had a golf course or large property wanted to drive around in. Pretty sure its not street legal either.

Still yes. Its a countrywide requirement coming into place - https://www.businessinsider.co.za/nersa-registration-for-off-grid-electricity-systems-via-distributor-rules-for-municipalities-2019-8

I've gotten a lot older since the first photo, and fatter 😅 @Bobster Yes, would need a CoC, and as its a off grid setup, also register with CoCT so they can let NERSA know about it.