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RE: LFP life cycle link:
Over 2,400+ partial cycles of 35-45% dod at various soc after 7 years and not noticing any loss or low voltages at high draw appliances on my lfp bank. There's approximately 900 or so full cycles so there should be alot of life in the battery bank. Time will tell. Absorb 14.1v, float 13.6v inverter on 24/7.
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Itinerant1
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05/26/23 08:58am |
Tech Issues
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RE: What happens when you overfill tanks.....
As mentioned when the black tank is getting near full it will burp when you flush.
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Itinerant1
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05/22/23 05:40pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Carrier air v to advent a/c w/ harness
Thanks for the info if my Carrier needs replacement.
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Itinerant1
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05/10/23 05:31am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Micro Air
Cptnvideo - as 3Tons said, better than I did, my Magnum sees the genny as a defective power source because of the milliseconds of voltage droop when it becomes loaded. I have started the ACs on batteries and hoped the genny would take over. Unfortunately the Magnum takes a few second ms to qualify the new source, then when it tries to bring it in the genny voltage drops instantaneously and the Magnum kicks it out. If I run into this next time I might try limiting genny power to 15A, or 10A etc to see if that allows it to provide most of the power without significantly dropping. We’ll see.
3Tons - thanks, I’ve thought about just putting a Magnum bypass in to allow direct running of AC from genny. I think your solution is more elegant. Still I haven’t given up with futzing with current hardware instead of adding more…. Frankly not sure if I had spent more on a Honda I might not have been aware of this idiosyncrasy. Not sure if I’ll keep messing around or maybe make a hardware change…
I set my incoming to 18a when using my eu2200i generator and have no problem using it when needed for long run air conditioner time, I do not set it to eco mode on the generator. If you're getting the fault light and it's kicking your generator off try running just your fan on the ac unit for a minute or 2 then turn it over to air conditioner.
2 years ago when I was in SD and couldn't leave we had a hot spell that I would run the air conditioner off of solar/ batteries starting around 10am for 2-3 hours when the batteries got down to a SOC of 40% range I would switch over to the eu2200i generator. It will run for 4 hours + on a tank running the air conditioner. During that time the batteries would get fully charged at some point dependingon the sun. Once the batteries were fully charged by solar I would turn off the generator and run the air conditioner from solar/ batteries again for another 3-4 hours. By then it was getting cooler outside and air conditioner wasn't needed. This was a 2 week event off and on.
Most the time now were just using solar/ batteries and if it gets that hot we run to somewhere cooler if possible or just do what I posted above.
I'm over 7 years now on my setup with lfp batteries living fulltime off of them boondocking all of it mostly. Nov 4th or 5th of 2021 was the last time we were hooked to a power pole for a couple days traveling. Just amazing the punishment these lfp batteries can take.
Edit: I should note that I turn the charger off on the me-arc while using the generator for the air conditioner. Any charging of the batteries is coming from solar that isn't being used in load support. Also the front compartment is opened for fresh air because long heavy load runs will produce some heat from the inverter, you don't want to add the extra heat to the batteries if they're in the same area. I'll see cell temps rise to 93-95f and settle back to low 80s depending on the ambient temps for the evening.
My Me-Arc settings for the system....
Favorites (can be changed to personal taste)
F1_ Bat amps - PT ADC (present be produced)
F2_ AC output - 121 VAC/ 60.0 HZ
F3_ AC input - Amps= 15a (adjustable with incoming power)
F4_ Load amps - 0 amps AC
F5_ AC Amps - -2 amps
CRTL
01_ AC in Control - Auto Connect
02_ CHG Control - Multi Stage
03_ Gen Control - Off
04_ PT Control
• a_ PT Chg CTRL 1 - Multi Stage
• b_ PT Aux Relay - Control= Disengage
• c_ PT Alarm - Control= Off
• d_ PT Mppt Ctrl - 15 min sweep
METER
Inverting_ DC (present time reading)
01 DC Meters
• a_ DC volts (present time reading)
• b_ DC amps (present time reading)
02 AC Meters
• a_ AC output (present time reading)
• b_ Load amps (present time reading)
• c_ Input AC (present time reading)
• d_ Inv/ Chg amps (present time reading)
• e_ Input AC1 (present time reading)
SET UP
01 System Set up
• a_ Set Clock
• b_ Screen set up (press select) _ Brightness (50%), Contrast (100%), Power save (1 min)
• c_ Temp select - Fahrenheit
• d_ Max charge- Amps 200 adc
• e _ Link PT Chg - setting - yes
02 Inverting/ Inverter set up
• a_ Search watts - Off
• b_ LBCO setting - 12.0 vdc
• c_ AC In time - 6:00am-6:00pm
• d_ AC In VDC - 11.O-14.1 vdc
• e_ AC In SOC - 80%-100% SOC
• f_ Power up - Always off
SET UP INVERTING
03 Charger Set up
• a_ AC Input - Amp= (can be set to available shore power/ generator incoming power)
• b_ VAC Drop out - 80 VAC
• c_ Battery type - Custom (with in here absorb voltage can be adjusted)
• d_ Absorb done - Time= 0.1 hrs (minimum, can't be turned off)
• e_ Max charge - Rate= 100%
• f_ Max charge - Time= 12.0 hrs
• g_ Final charge - Stage= Multi
• h_ EQ Reminder - Days= Off
04 AGS SET UP - No AGS Present
05 BMK SET UP - No BMK Present
06 PT SET UP (Magnum pt controller follows Magnum inverter settings)
• a_ Battery Type - Linked
• b_ Absorb Done - Linked
• c_ Maxed Charge - Rate= 100%
• d_ Max Charge - Time= 12.0 hrs
• e_ Bulk Start (press select)
- select Bulk Start, Daily / sun up= yes
- set Bulk Start, Volts= 12.0
- set Bulk Start, SOC= 80%
• f _ PT Aux Relay - 10.0 to 14.0
• g_ PT Alarm - 10.0 to 14.0
• h_ Power Save PT - Display= 15 min
TECH
01 Temperatures (press select_ scroll)
- Inv BTS (present time reading)
- Inv TFMER (present time reading)
- Inv FET'S (present time reading)
- AGS Sensor 0ff
- ACLD Temp 32f
- PT BTS (present time reading)
- PT Inductor (present time reading)
02 Versions (press select_ scroll)
- Inverter: 1.2
- Remote: 4.0
- AGS: 0.0
- Router: 0.0
- ACLD: 0.0
- PT: 1.1
03 Inv Model - MSH3012H (3000w hybrid)
04 Fault History
05 Set up pin
06 Ext Control - No ext control
07 Show all - Menus= No
08 Load Defaults
The following parameters are for programming the ME-ARC Version 4 advanced control.
Setup 02B LBCO Setting: Volts = 12.0v
Setup 03C Battery Type: = Custom
Set Absorb Volts: = 14.1v
Set Float Volts: = 13.6v
Set EQ Volts: = 14.1v
Set EQ Done Time: = 0.1
Setup 03D Absorb Done Time: = 0.1 (minimum)
Setup 03E Max Charge Rate: = 100%
Setup 03G Final Charge Stage: = Float
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Itinerant1
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04/20/23 05:44pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Micro Air
Hi, just looking for input from people that have them on their effectiveness. I am thinking of getting a portable genny for the 5th wheel for those times that I need an AC and don't have power. I have a 15000BTU dometic AC, and I must figure out what size genny I need also.
As some of you know I personally hate the noise they make, so it must be quiet and really won't be used for anything else as my solar can do everything else. the other issue I have is there has only been 4 days in the last 5 years of camping where I needed an AC when I was boondocking, so I am really torn weather I need a genny or just see what it would take to be able to run on solar, but I think it's too tall of an order for solar.
Back in July of 2020 I added the Micro-Air Easy Start 364 (ASY-364-X20-IP) to the Carrier Air V 15k air conditioning unit (low profile) on my Cameo.
I can run it off of the EU2200i and not only that I have run it off of just the solar/ batteries, granted if it's run like this long enough the generator will need to charge the batteries but for short term use of a lunch stop or just a 2-3 hours to cool things down some no big deal. If it's going to be "HOT" it's time to move anyways.
I have a Magnum Hybrid 3,000w inverter/ charger unit so I can adjust the incoming current and load share it with the solar.
When I was in a campground hooked up to 50a service and completed the 5 learning cycles. It was interesting to watch the Magnum Me-arc display in the ac input screen, the air conditioner fan would run for a couple minutes then I could see 3-4a load coming in for 60 +/- seconds then quickly climb to roughly 18-20a then settle at 14a.
Looking at the service manual the locked rotor amps for the low profile high capacity is 59.0a now best I can tell since the easy start install it appears to be 18-20a.
While still plugged into the pedestal I turned the load share down 15a, 10a, 5a and turning the air conditioner off for a couple minutes between each lowering and at no time did the ac unit stumble or did a red fault light show on the me-arc.
Then I disconnected the the power from the pedestal and connected it to the eu2200i generator setting the ac input load support to 15a and 10a, same results no red fault light on the me-arc and no "overload" or stumble on the generator. Also I'm in tree cover/ overcast so little to no solar was helping.
Tried the 15k A/C unit from just batteries with hardly any solar contributing to see if the fault light would show on the Me-Arc display from the hybrid inverter, no fault light and no stumble in the A/C at anytime.
Initially turning it on the fan started and after 30 seconds the compressor started to spool up slowly, I could see the amps slowly climbing and max somewhere in the 190a + range before settling down to 94a. So if I just use my minimum loads and the sun is shinning the solar panels will cover roughly 60-75a of the A/C load, balance from batteries would be 30ah +/- (6% SoC be depleted per hour).
I use the air-conditioner quite often in the evening if I want to cool things off some while boondocking. Used at elevation from 3000-7000.
Just my hands on experience.
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Itinerant1
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04/15/23 07:42pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Big Foot Levelers stuck
Have you tried put it in manual mode and try retracting them individually or extending them individually? I'm sure you did but did you try the emergency retract button?
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Itinerant1
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03/21/23 10:56am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Aqua Magic Style 2 - bowl leaks down
Be careful when you purchase "plumber's grease". It could be a petroleum product or it could be silicone. Only use silicone products because petroleum will react with the seal and ruin it.
Good point.
The particular kind that I've been using Oatey faucet and valve grease which is comprised of silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane) in combination with silicone grease.
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Itinerant1
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02/13/23 03:40pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Aqua Magic Style 2 - bowl leaks down
Put some plumbers grease on the seal, it will help with the ball movement and sealing or atleast with mine.
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Itinerant1
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02/13/23 05:41am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Harvesting Solar
No too crowded for me but on blm. Not a soul around.
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Itinerant1
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02/12/23 02:10pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Harvesting Solar
I won't mention I could go back 6 years now. I doesn't seem right if I don't record now. I might have an issue. :(
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Itinerant1
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02/12/23 01:59pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Harvesting Solar
Everyday it's getting better for production. ;)
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Itinerant1
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02/12/23 01:50pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Harvesting Solar
I only have 1,280w solar flat mounted and 500ah batteries and been boondocking all the time. My last hookup was 11/5/21 and live very well on that using everything in the 5th wheel even this tiime of the year. We're in roughly the same area as you. We dont have an electric fridge and use propane for hot water. Beginning of January was the last time generator was used for a hold over charge. You learn to live in a psoc for awhile.
A few #s from beginning of month.
https://i.imgur.com/xJO56wnl.jpg
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Itinerant1
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02/12/23 12:47pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Effect of no absorption on LiFePo4?
And we all gotta go through a little experience with something new before learning or knowing what to expect and how to deal with or maintain it.
My response above is for the RV power “experts” if you will, who can’t seem to not go down rabbit holes.
Kindly sensing your frustration, consider (in the interest of a somewhat wider info-seeking audience…) that one man’s rabbit hole might very well be another man’s ‘go to’…
Admittedly, I sometimes provide the ugly details, but mostly to help dampen the ‘recurring, made-up’ LFP mis-information from growing recurring legs (as has happened on LFP ad nauseam - a seasoned pattern of nuisance thread misdirects by interlopers) JMHO…
3 tons - Guilty as Charged
There have been many times in these LFP threads that I start to write a respone then delete it. You seem to handle the misinfo well that gets posted.
It just seems even with so much real life experience of almost 7 years living off of LFP/ solar and over 2,200+ partial cycles of 35-45% DOD equalling 175-225ah daily from a 500ah battery bank so many new folks or non user know more. More power to them. I'll stick to what's been working. ;)
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Itinerant1
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01/27/23 06:40am |
Tech Issues
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RE: solar awning
I think solar awning is not quite correct. The web site pictures do not suggest that the panels are flexible.
https://xponentpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Page-8-Testimonials.jpg width=375
Looking at the add pictures again it appears that it folds accordion style and goes in the box/ holder on the roof edge.
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Itinerant1
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12/18/22 03:19pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: solar awning
I always want my solar production under tree cover. Make for a nice advertisement picture though, warm fuzzy feeling and green energy.
I'd be skeptical about longterm life of the in and out of the solar awning.
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Itinerant1
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12/18/22 12:27pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lithium for dummies: need advice in simple terms
Great info -- very thought-provoking. Someone mentioned a generator. I have a Honda 2000 and almost never use it -- I run it at home to keep it tuned up. We camp in search of silence (since we live in the city). So the generator is more for emergencies than for convenience.
I will look into the BB self-heated unit. But I do have a question -- if I insulate the battery box, and we are camping in 25 degree weather (not that cold), I assume that the internal heater will cycle on and off, keeping the battery at 35 degrees, right?
If that is true, then the 1.8 amp draw from the heater will be fairly minimal, since it is not continual.
otrfun, if you have the time, could you tell us more about the DIY heater you made? You mentioned that it has a "Switchable control (thermostat or BMS)." Please forgive my ignorance -- what is a BMS?
Do you have a post or a youtube video describing your setup?
I like the idea of a separate heater that is not built in to the battery. I find that when features are bundled within a high-dollar purchase, one point of failure can trash the whole assembly.
BMS= battery management system.
Basically it's the protection for the battery cells. It could be...
HVD= high voltage disconnect
LVD= low voltage disconnect
High temp disconnect
Low temp disconnect
and possibly other things depending on which hasbeen used.
If 25f is the low and during the day maybe higher you should be able to easily come up with a solution to keep the battery warm. Theft might have to be thought about tho.
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Itinerant1
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12/09/22 01:13pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lithium for dummies: need advice in simple terms
One more thought that seems to be parroted is the temperature. When talking about 0c/ 32f its the cells (batteries) temperature not the ambient temperature that's the end all be all of charging and as mentioned hopefully the cells have the cut off to charging from the bms.
Cutting off early morning charging from solar when it's below ambient freezing temps is crazy especially during this time of the year as the day light get shorter and the arc of the sun is lower. Precious charge is wasted if your controller can turn off charging and battery cell temps are above 32f.
I've been in 17f ambient temps, cells showing 38-40f (I can see all 20 cell temps and my bms/ ems can) solar charging at 20-30a and carrying my misc loads. This can extend the need for hooking up the generator for hold over charging, right now with the shorter daylight and my daily "wants", we're 21 days in partial solar charge living of 35% - 92% SOC. As long as my SOC is 60-65% by sundown that leaves enough to run the furnace use the microwave for dinner and breakfast, make a couple pots of coffee, toaster, humidifier usally going 24/7 and charging the phones, tablets and laptops all before the sun comes up. This is going into the 7th winter season fulltime living like this. ;)
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Itinerant1
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12/08/22 10:17am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lithium for dummies: need advice in simple terms
My concern for the OP would be having lfp batteries on the outside of trailer and doing long extended camping in cold weather were the temps do not get above freezing for extended periods. Even them being in a a cooler like a Yeti or Otter would still need extra insulating even with the heat types of batteries. I have a 65qt Otter box cooler and it does keep ice pretty long but can also freeze water in the bottom of the cooler when no ice is present during the winter months in the back of my inclosed truck. Any of these "well" insulated coolers will need more insulation and the coolers aren't cheap to start with.
If lead batteries have been working for you under these circumstances I would probably stay with them.
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Itinerant1
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12/08/22 09:32am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lithium for dummies: need advice in simple terms
I got the figures from the wobbly wide web. If I were going Li I'd go 40% to 85%. I never will due to cold.
Pianotuna you have good advise most of the time but I have to disagree with you on some of your interpreted reading of LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries.
But maybe your reading material is better than my hands on experience living off of them. ;)
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Itinerant1
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12/08/22 07:11am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Mounting cell antenna on a spring?
I have that antenna and as you can see it's mount on my truck mirror arm now for over 1.5 year and 84,000 miles. In speeds over 70 and a good cross wind it will move in circles and I'm sure it's good intertainment for fellow travelers seeing it. That spring will allow it to move some but not enough if it were mounted where you show it that if you hit a larger branch that it would flex enough not to damage the top portion of the antenna.
https://i.imgur.com/pCE2uxDl.jpg
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Itinerant1
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12/08/22 06:33am |
Tech Issues
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