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  • Post in thread: Battery Quick Disconnect for Class C

    Yes that makes sense, and yes using 6AWG. Thank you for that. I asked because the SB50's and 175's are sold everywhere, but up here in Canada, we either have to get the 120's from China (My install is happening now, not the end of May!), or ordering from US sites gets costly for us with shipping...
  • Post in thread: On my fourth alternator....??

    Yes, I researched the hell out of the question, on the forum and elsewhere. Decided there was no way I'd chance charging my 280Ah lithium battery directly from my 160A "dumb" vehicle alternator. Also the DC-DC ensures the right charging voltage is applied over the long wire run. Thanks.
  • Post in thread: Manual AC shore power/generator inverter change over switch?

    This switch is installed and working well. Joining the output terminals to supply the trailer 120v system was actually easier than I thought. Easier to install and much cheaper than an ATS as well as goof proof.
  • Post in thread: Wires and fuses. Please help me to make sure nothing goes up in flames.

    Okay, just read all of the above and my concern seems relevant to this thread. I have been stress testing my new installation. 280Ah LiFePO4 battery (200A BMS) TBS Powersine inverter, 1300 continuous/1600 10 min/2500 surge...
  • Post in thread: Alberta Lithium

    Yes indeed, current increases on the input side, clearly understood. I bought the 40A model and plan to wire with 6AWG (heavy enough I hope) and a 60A fuse. Trying to decide on installation at the back of the truck or front of the trailer. Would like to connect the on/off and current halving...
  • Post in thread: Renogy 20 amp DC to DC charger

    John, I have basically installed and wired my 40A dc-dc charger with 6AWG, but not yet commissioned it. Potential overheating of my (nominal 160A) alternator is why I am proceeding carefully. I like the idea of being able to switch on and off as required, so I looked at this idea (8:20 sec)...
  • Post in thread: Cell voltage imbalance only when fully charged

    I just checked; looks like overkill now has an app for iphone. Shall try that rather than wrestle with Xiaoxiang. Thanks
  • Post in thread: Cell voltage imbalance only when fully charged

    Yes, have read and re-read many times. Just can't figure out the "cycle count"error. I am not very good with this iphone sstuff!
  • Post in thread: Cell Full JBD/Overkill

    Have just been adjusting dip switches to limit voltage. So on type 2 Li setting, do I set for 14v if that is where I want the battery to top out? Will it still charge at 40 amps as it did when I previously set for 14.4 ?
  • Post in thread: On my fourth alternator....??

    Even though my 160A alternator seems fine (so far) to charge the lithium battery at 40A, I'd like know how much hotter than normal it gets. I had considered using a non-contact thermometer to measure surface temp after charging at full load, but I think mounting a thermocouple and reading...
  • Post in thread: why did my fuse blow between car battery and dc to dc charge controller?

    6AWG already in the plan, and I have 60A fuses on hand, so good to go. Many thanks for the simple answer, PDQ too!
  • Post in thread: Cell Full JBD/Overkill

    Well, just El Cheapo Renogy (MPPT Li 60 amp) and dc-dc 40 amp, so no settings beyond choosing basic Li profiles. I have read many times about the benefits of keeping the voltage out of top and bottom ends. I am sure all the tier 1 gear has ways to fine-tune all the limits, but many units out...
  • Post in thread: Hello from Alberta, Canada

    Now that I have my new trailer installation close to completion I should follow up regarding LiFePO4 batteries in Canada. I seriously considered importing and building and have viewed and vetted more ads for cells and ready-made batteries than I can count on Ebay, Amazon and.... you name it, but...
  • Post in thread: Battery Quick Disconnect for Class C

    Do the knock-off Anderson connectors often not work properly?
  • Post in thread: Battery Quick Disconnect for Class C

    To connect 40A DC-DC charger (truck to trailer) wondering if the 50A covers intermittent higher charging input current okay. Maybe I should opt for SB120?
  • Post in thread: Renegy 170AH battery price Canada

    I seriously considered the same battery from Renogy Canada. The value was good, but maximum current discharge was not as high as I might need, so still weighing up my options. They do have some good deals, especially "open box" on ebay.ca. I just bought a charge controller with bluetooth...
  • Post in thread: Wires and fuses. Please help me to make sure nothing goes up in flames.

    Yes, I am sure it would, but no I have not.
  • Post in thread: Alberta Lithium

    Glad to hear your AB Lithium batteries are holding their own and "wintered over" well. After what you had said previously, I tried to buy a 280Ah from them, but they were out of stock for months. I decided the DIY route was too long-winded with supply issues, so decided to answer this ad on...
  • Post in thread: 12 volt converter/charger

    Yes you are quite right, branch #5 (of 5) is for 12v system, and yes the battery still supplies 12v when I switch it off. If I switch it off, I see it isolates the converter, but all the 12 power I use then comes from the battery doesn't it? No way to draw 12v from the converter, but avoid...
  • Post in thread: 100Ah Antra Battery

    Yeah, not sure about buying filet mignon from the fishmonger!
  • Post in thread: Wires and fuses. Please help me to make sure nothing goes up in flames.

    I could be mistaken, but I think the fuses up to 250A have M8 hole, so with clearance and insulation, only the M6 or 1/4" bolt will fit. Does the extra clamping force make such a difference? It is clamped very tightly and well centred. I can't see any significant difference between the...
  • Post in thread: Alberta Lithium

    Glad to hear it is working well, and yes a household fridge ($70 on Kijiji!). When I looked at 4.5 cu ft rv fridges, it was the price ($1500+) that initially tipped my decision to spend the money on the solar installation. At first was a limited success with FLA batteries, but it rocks with...
  • Post in thread: On my fourth alternator....??

    One question I have fielded in a related thread: What are the normal and maximum surface temperatures for a typical stock vehicle alternator? I have just completed a season using 40A DC-DC charger (with "halvable" current switch). The 160A (nominal) alternator seems fine supplying the extra...
  • Post in thread: 12 volt converter/charger

    Yes I had to pull both bottom fuses (see pic) before it disconnected. 1 is labelled reverse polarity protection. Anyway, same result as throwing branch breaker 5 (marked 12v)
  • Post in thread: Alberta Lithium

    I have waded through all the BS emails and responses on the Alibaba minefield regarding raw cells from China. I have found the DIY route may not be worth it, with savings not justifying all the rigmarole. Also, exporting such cells to Canada is on hold right now and even the AB Lithium guy has...
  • Post in thread: Cell Full JBD/Overkill

    Yes, that is the unit. It is currently set for Lithium type 2. Did not catch that detail regarding 3 hour absorption. Thanks for that.
  • Post in thread: Renogy dc to dc charger

    Yes of course I'll run a dedicated wire, 6AWG I think. The Renogy manual says 4AWG for 8 m away (presumably to reduce voltage drop). My main doubt was the ground or negative. Yes the 7-pin connector has a ground, but probably inadequate. The dedicated neg wire you suggest makes sense and yes...
  • Post in thread: Different capacity batteries in parallel?

    I am considering 2 or 3 100Ah batteries in parallel. I'd rather spend $1000 than $1500. I think 2 will suffice. However, I may decide after one season I need 300Ah in total. From what I have read here, adding a third identical battery later should not be a problem, right?
  • Post in thread: Cell Full JBD/Overkill

    yes
  • Post in thread: Adding DC-DC charger to 12V system, Can my alternator handle it?

    Yes, I was deliberately conservative about ratings and loads. Good point you make about depleting the vehicle battery; something I was less focused on.
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