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Ian

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Everything posted by Ian

  1. I've looked at my HA logs, and it looks like the unit went down before the thunderstorm, but I only noticed it later and assumed it was the lightning. Which makes sense as there was no other electronics affected. The Kodak is also not connected to any PV, which would be a lightning entry point. Looks like it'll have to go in. Thanks for the feedback Ian
  2. Thanks Coulomb. Is it possible to source a replacement display? I'm an elec eng (retired!), so I could also look at fixing it I suppose... But a replacement seems first choice Ian
  3. Hi Hoping someone can point me in the right direction... After a particularly hectic thunderstorm, I lost comms with the inverter... The display had the 32 fault msg, and I also discovered the rs232 converter in the cable connecting to my ESP32 was fried. So ATM I have no way of knowing what's going on in my system, other than the battery indicator on the batteries themselves. Does this type of fault usually require the inverter to be sent in for service, or is there a comms module I can remove that might be repaired? Thanks in advance. Ian PS. Just realised that the battery-inverter comms is also probably down. Seeing wierd charging behavior:( Or lack thereof...
  4. I've seen it with both the sizes I run (single phase AC). I've just accepted it - had wondered whether the spec referred to the output power, rather that input. It are wot it are:) Ian
  5. Hi DIY, they generally draw a lot more than their rating, so it's probably normal. That's from my experience. Ian
  6. Hi Chris, here's some info on our experience re boreholes on our farm. When we bought we had several remote boreholes powered by expensive DC pumps coupled to a few panels, running all day like you have. Our main issue became theft, as the panels and then pumps became targets. I moved to running 220V from the house to the pumps, and installing cheap 220v pumps at the sites. I was then able to control the pumps via smart switches as a bonus, and the thefts disappeared. 300m is a long run, but you could use a smaller pump to reduce the loading and guage of wire. 10% losses in the cable are acceptable IMO. The fact that you want to time the pump implies it's bigger than abs necessary? We're off grid, and all the pumps are supplies by our home setup. Cheers Ian
  7. Maybe something is salvageable if you can break down the batteries and rebuild using the good pouches? Depends how bad the situation is, and whether you are tech savvy. For a bit of inside info:)
  8. Hi Wesley I recently disposed of Gel batteries at SA Metal Group in CT, but they have branches all over. Decent price/kg, just have ID and get your cash. Cheers Ian
  9. The genny is floating. SA1. Yes, all 0. SA2/3. The battery is set to PYL, and comms seems good. Except, now it occurs to me that there is a 70 fault reported. So perhaps that's what's preventing charging???? The manual states: If battery status must to be charged after the communication between the inverter and battery is successful, it will show code 70 to charge battery. Not sure how to interpret that in English:) At some point I set the battery to user, but charging still didn't happen, so Thanks again for the response:) Added a data/config snapshot from SmartESS
  10. Hi BRG Thanks for the pointers. I can't recall powering off the inverter - will check out that behavior tomorrow. ATM busy charging via the Victron. Interestingly, connected to the Victron the generator output is very stable, drawing about 1.5KW. However, when I tried it on the Kodak the voltage would run up to 260V! Still maintaining bypass, but household loads were <500W at the time. The Kodak seems to really mess with the output regulation. It's a 5.5KVA diesel unit. I'll put a scope on it as well next time. Cheers
  11. Off grid. Only line in is the generator.
  12. Sure Charge source priority is Solar&Utility Output Source priority is Util Solar Bat That's where it is ATM, have tried various combos. Cheers
  13. Will do. Surely if the inverter syncs and goes into bypass, frequency shouldn't be the problem? As a quick fix before heading overseas, I've hooked up my old Victron Multiplus as a charger, which works perfectly. Sorts out the issue for now, but I need to get to the bottom of it and rely on the Kodak...
  14. Hi All Scratching my head here. I've just installed the above along with 2 Felicity 7.4kWh batteries, with BMS comms. No PV into the inverter, that's still handled by an existing Victron MPPT.(I need to rearrange the panels to up the voltage) When I connect the generator to the system the inverter the charging light doesn't come on, although it does sync. Every now and then the charge light flashes, but that's it. Never had an issue like this with other Voltronic inverters Any suggestions? I've tried all the combos I can think of. Cheers Ian
  15. Hi Roy I've upgraded from my old 120A - 16s2p DIY LBSA pack that has served me very well since 2020. 16 of the cells are going to family, but a full set of 16 and a Daly BT BMS will be available for sale. Ian
  16. Are you referring to the current displayed by the app? If so I have also noticed the fluctuations, which don't corresponding to the real values. Fortunately I don't reply on them. Cheers Ian
  17. Imtiaz, this reminds me of the situation my sister had after she bought a flat a few years back. The previous owner had been shocked in the shower, and the same happened 'randomly' to her after they moved in. Turns out that a shower cubicle mounting screw had penetrated the conduit to a downstairs guest toilet, energizing the whole unit if the light happened to be on. Nothing ever tripped, but water and electricity are great mates, and you don't need much to cause serious injury under those conditions. Bottom line, let your landlord know in writing, and let him know that you will be claiming in the event of injury. Should sharpen his focus, as it needs fixing ASAP
  18. Hey slaai, I run my inverter welder off my Multiplus3000 - you should be fine?
  19. Yowsers. Have you considered DIY using aluminium tube as rails fastened to the roof and short sections of alum angle riveted to the panel and rail with stainless rivets? Makes it pretty theft proof to boot. I can send a pic if it's not clear. Done that at 3 properties. Oops, just saw it's clay tiles - cancel my suggestion
  20. My sister had one of these, and the batteries are dead after 3months, powering only an iMac(<100W) After getting her to install the watchpower software, it seems the units are not configured to protect the batteries beyond cutting off at min battery voltage. There are options to switch off at 50% (ideal for the SLA batteries inside), but weren't activated. Sigh. I'm considering putting together a LIFEPO4 pack for her using 32700 cells, but as there's no info on the charger specs I've no idea if it would be compatible with a typical LIFEPO4 bms. Anyone got any experience or specs on these things? Cheers Ian
  21. Hi Odii Lbsa used to supply cells, but no longer, unfortunately. I can help you with the bus bars...just get copper water pipe and hammer it flat, then drill out the holes. Can be done with hand tools, and a bit of effort. What I used for my 3 diy builds - it's handy that you can size them to any number of cells if paralleling. Cheers Ian
  22. I built and installed my 12kWh DIY LBSA battery in May 2020. Victron tells me I use ~2MWh pa, and we're at 4.5MWh to date:)
  23. Just make sure you use a isolated source, like a spare battery to power the buck. You get some nice cheap little converters with a display and indep voltage and current adjustment, which make topping up a cell pretty straightforward. Ian
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