Paulbloggs

If it was for me personally I would be in 100% agreement. But it is for an elderly couple who are adamant they will want nothing more than their TV, DSTV and a desk lamp. This is why I am aiming for a 2 - 3kW inverter. I have successfully supplied these 1kW trolleys before for similar loads but after the repeated failure of the gel 100Ah batteries I will only supply lithium batteries in future and thus need a compatible inverter. The PV input is for the future since Bryanston is experiencing longer and longer power failures as load shedding drags on. The Growatt looks attractive. How about Solis? Solis 3.0kW Mini 4G Single Tracker?

I would like to start with the battery - I want to use 1 or 2 Pylontech US2000B/US3000 batteries. I have had it with lead acid batteries. I need a smallish sine wave inverter of say 1 to 2kW that would have a MPPT input for future use. Backup power only. Obviously compatible with the Pylontech without any fancy interfaces. Recommendations? Regards Paul

Is it possible to upgrade the firmware on a Mecer SOL-I-AX-5M so that I can use Pylontech batteries. The inverter was made in November 2017. Not sure of the serial number as it is hidden behind the adjoining panel. And if so, can you explain in simple terms? Regards Paul

Again - that would require a separate supply to the pool - long cable.

Yes but how do I control the sonoff? I already have an ACDC smart switch turning the pump on and off. But needs a cell phone to do that. Would like a relay to indicate power fail and send the signal.

That would involve installing a long power cable. Trying to avoid that.

Yes this is exactly what I want to do BUT - The gate etc take their power from the pool pump so I cannot just turn off the whole circuit. I must just turn off the pool pump. Thus I have to transmit the on/off signal some 30m to turn the pump on/off without disrupting the gate supply.

Hi, My pool pump is on the same circuit as the gate motor, security cameras and intercom. All works well while there is Eskom power. But I would like to disable the pool pump when there is load shedding/power failure and keep the cameras etc powered up from the solar PV and batteries. How can I do this? Thinking of a Sonoff switch with a 433MHz remote and a relay sensing the 230V. But that seems clumsy. Regards Paul

Thanks Niel. I tried that - nothing happened. The only way I got it to work was 4,5 on and the others off? LG battery apparently.

Can you share the dip switch settings? I have no manual with the EZConverter. Thanks Paul

This is what it did. Initially on rare occasions but it became more frequent until it will not turn on at all. Is it worth it? 20200702_154834.mkv

Yup - Bryanston. The insurance company might want it returned. Will have to wait and see. Do you repair as a hobby?

Is it important for these batteries to communicate with the inverter or do they function as standalone? It seems as if the Goodwe inverter will talk to Dyness or Pylontech but not Narada or some other makes. How important is this? The inverter can be configured for Lithium batteries - is that good enough? And then the batteries take care of themselves.

Hi Chris, Pylontech seem to be quite popular and available. And with a 7 year (+3 if you register) warranty. I am buying a new inverter from Current Automation for myself. I will have to see what they offer.

Newbie question. I have a friend with a Goodwe MPPT charger/ Inverter and 4x 12V 200Ah gel batteries which have reduced capacity. He is looking to replace the batteries. What is the current thinking on batteries - stay with the gel or something better? Lithium etc? And where to get the best deals. Thank you Paul

Thank you

Busy replacing my Multiplus 48/3000 with a Multiplus II 48/3000. Will my existing MK2-USB interface work with the new Multiplus II? Regards Paul

I think I see a Multiplus II in my future ..............

I used to run an electronic workshop before I lost my job so, yes, I think it can be repaired. And I am sure it is the power FETS that are gone. But a circuit diagram would be really handy. If anyone has? Right now I have 2x Victron MPPT chargers and the multiplus which are stuffed - so I am not a big fan of Victron right now. But maybe I am just unlucky. That is why I am asking about other makes? Axpert seem common and cheaper.

Or something else?

Should I buy a Victron Multiplus 48/3000/35-50 or a Multiplus-II 48/3000/35-32? to replace my Multiplus 48/3000/35 which is obsolete and cannot be repaired. Help!

My current load is quite light - PCs, Internet, TV, decoders. The Victron never pushed back into the grid. It connected to the mains as a charger and only switched over when the batteries were below 90%. Solar power came from and Outback Flexmax during the day.

Current Automation have informed me that it is too old and they cannot get spares. Is there anyone else who can repair these things? The components should be freely available? It would be a waste to throw this massive chunk of technology away.

Not sure. The Victron is a charger/inverter. The solar charger is separate. Right now I need to do this on a tight budget.

What is the recommendation for replacing a Victron Multiplus 48V 3000VA charger/inverter? I would imagine there are far more cheaper alternatives out there. I have an Outback 60A solar MPPT charger so don't need that. Regards Paul