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  1. jsmit209

    Good deal on this system?

    I found a 2.3kW solar panel system for sale locally. Eight 290W panels, 2500W 48v pure sine wave inverter, mppt charge controller, wires, breakers, combiner box, and racks to mount everything. Price is $700. Seems like a steal, but I could be wrong.
  2. jsmit209

    Powermax Converter Charger Cutting Off

    I was able to spin the fan blades with a screwdriver. What fix are you suggesting?
  3. jsmit209

    Powermax Converter Charger Cutting Off

    Guess this is what I get for buying "like new" on eBay :(
  4. jsmit209

    Powermax Converter Charger Cutting Off

    I'm charging my 800ah 12v LifePo4 battery bank with a Powermax 55a, 3-stage charger. The charger is integrated into a power center (30-55LK). When I energize the charger, it delivers 44-47a to the batteries (measured by Victron Smart Shunt). Unfortunately, it hums pretty loudly, and then...
  5. jsmit209

    Reading Voltage While Charging

    Ah yes. My 2-pole DC breaker is in the mail already. I'll add it in line, which should make everything easier.
  6. jsmit209

    Reading Voltage While Charging

    Damn. Good to know for the future. How would that work in practice? Engage the battery switch first, and then plug up the panels?
  7. jsmit209

    Reading Voltage While Charging

    Thanks for the response. This was just a test run for the equipment and connections. I only hooked up two of my 100W panels for the test. The shunt was showing roughly 140W coming in at 13.3V, so 10.5amps. Does the bulk phase run until the voltage increases to the 14.2 for Absorption? The...
  8. jsmit209

    Reading Voltage While Charging

    I'm sure this is a total beginner question, but I'd like to clarify my understanding. I have a Victron 100/50 SCC charging a 12v LPF battery bank. I set the rotary switch to position 7, which should output 14.2V. I isolated the batteries with a switch and hooked up the panels. Before...
  9. jsmit209

    Powermax 30-55lk setting for Lithium Batteries?

    I'm just happy to finally have some clarity that it's not going to harm my LFP batteries :) I appreciate the help!
  10. jsmit209

    Powermax 30-55lk setting for Lithium Batteries?

    The charger in my 30-55LK seems like the equivalent to the PM3-55LK standalone. I found some info on BattleBorn's website that recommends setting at 14.4v and using 3-stage. However, one of the commenters mentioned that he was seeing the absorption voltage drop below the 13.6v specified...
  11. jsmit209

    Powermax 30-55lk setting for Lithium Batteries?

    Thanks for the info. Do you know which specific converter charger comes standard in the 30-55lk? I pulled the converter out but it's completely unmarked. This will be in a camper van and used mainly when connected to shore power. I could see using a generator, but that wouldn't be normal...
  12. jsmit209

    Powermax 30-55lk setting for Lithium Batteries?

    I have a Powermax 30-55lk from a previous power system that used lead acid batteries. I'd like to use it with my new system that has lithium batteries. It claims to be lithium compatible. The documentation is very limited, but it seems that it has two charging options: 3-stage or fixed...
  13. jsmit209

    24v System Components

    Van constraints. I got the smallest 100W panels I could find. With the maxxair fan and AC unit (TBD), I don't see much space for any more panels. Even if I could squeeze another two panels up there, I'd be over the limit on the 100/50 SCC. Less than ideal, but better than nothing. I'll...
  14. jsmit209

    24v System Components

    Thanks. I watched the ExploristLife video where he installs the entire Victron system. The Lynx looks like a really handy solution.
  15. jsmit209

    24v System Components

    I had planned to run a full 12v system in my van, but after quite a bit of feedback, I've decided to upsize to 24v for peace of mind. I have the following: 6x 100W solar panels (wiring in 3s2p) Victron 100/50 solar charge controller 4x AmpereTime 12v 200ah Lithium batteries (wiring in 2s2p)...
  16. jsmit209

    Jupiter Inverter Cables from Harbor Freight

    Are the Jupiter-branded cables from Harbor Freight pure copper or copper-clad aluminum? The packaging suggests pure copper. Just looking for the actual answer please, not people griping about Harbor Freight. Thanks!
  17. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    You seem very angry, and I'm not sure why. Just asking questions here.
  18. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    I asked about this in another thread, as it was my first thought. Folks there told me it was basically a horrible idea. As far as running 12v and big wires. I could do it, but need wire and a breaker that can handle upwards of 400a (voltage drop and potentially maximizing a 3000W inverter)...
  19. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    I'll pull the paperwork, but assuming they're isolated, would that work?
  20. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    Would my two 12v isolated chargers be able to charge the two 12v batteries?
  21. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    They're the Renogy 12v 40a DC-DC. They have two terminals for input and two for output (4 total). Would these work in this case? I agree that a 12v to 24v would be better. Do you have a link for a good one of those?
  22. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    I already own the two 12v chargers from when I originally planned a 12v system. Trying to see if they can be useful before sending them back.
  23. jsmit209

    12v DC-DC Charger for Half of 24v Battery Bank?

    My battery bank consists of four 12v 200ah Ampere Time batteries with 100a built in BMS. I plan to wire them in 2p2s configuration for a 24v battery bank. If I understand correctly, that configuration creates two 12v 400ah batteries, which are then combined for the 24v system. Could I connect...
  24. jsmit209

    Renogy 12v DC-DC Chargers in Series?

    Not sure I follow... Wire one DC-DC charger to each parallel pair of batteries?
  25. jsmit209

    Renogy 12v DC-DC Chargers in Series?

    Any particular reason?
  26. jsmit209

    Renogy 12v DC-DC Chargers in Series?

    Can you elaborate on why it would be a bad idea? Honestly asking.
  27. jsmit209

    Sizing Wires & Breakers/Fuses

    Solar Panels - In 3s2p, my only concern would be shading issues. If I understand correctly, I would essentially be creating two large panels from 6 small ones. If any part of the small panel is shaded, it would reduce the charge from the whole "large" panel.
  28. jsmit209

    Renogy 12v DC-DC Chargers in Series?

    I had originally planned to go with a 12v system in my van. After some feedback, I'm now thinking about stepping up to 24v to safely use my 3000W inverter. I have 4x Ampere Time 12v 200ah batteries with 100a BMS on each. I also have a Victron 100/50 MPPT solar charge controller and two Renogy...
  29. jsmit209

    Sizing Wires & Breakers/Fuses

    That's correct - 2015 Promaster 2500, Kansas City area
  30. jsmit209

    Sizing Wires & Breakers/Fuses

    They're 40a 12v chargers. I want to connect them in series to supply 40a at 24v, if that's possible and if it won't nuke my 180a standard alternator. Just not sure if it's possible or how to set up the connection.
  31. jsmit209

    Sizing Wires & Breakers/Fuses

    Yep! Just trying to solve the DC-DC charging situation from the alternator. I accidentally bought two Renogy 40a 12v DC-DC chargers. Trying to figure out if they can be wired to provide 24v charge.
  32. jsmit209

    Sizing Wires & Breakers/Fuses

    3000W inverter
  33. jsmit209

    Sizing Wires & Breakers/Fuses

    Well, damn. I didn't realize this was an issue as well.
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