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snickell
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2022 08:26am
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My aged outback inverter just went the way of the dodo. I've been very happy with my MidNite Solar Kid, and I'm very interested if there are followups, particularly field reports, to @Steve_S 's thread last July? I know this won't be "midnite solar" the way their other products are, but want to be open minded at this price point 
If anyone tried one out, do tell 
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snickell
Member
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2022 08:26am
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This was the previous thread when they were released in July: https://www.small-cabin.com/forum/3_10518_0.html
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2022 10:00am
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Some of us do solar but we have no sub-forum full of info....yet
This does mean we are easy to sort through.
Have you looked over on diysolarforum.com ? Its the real info-hub and most all there is available to visitors.
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Nobadays
Member
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2022 10:22am
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Here is a whole thread on the diysolarforum.... I read a bit, doesn't look promising... https://diysolarforum.com/threads/news-new-midnite-solar-diy-series-sccs-inverters-gr eat-too.24077/
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2022 03:38pm
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There was some MisInformation based on many assumptions at first on the DIYS forum to which the folks at Midnite, even Robyn the President came in to address.
This was not intentional but some folks assume things just because of how a product is packaged (appearance) when there are many "similar looking" brands out there. This actually happened even before people "had hands on them" and based just off a few poor photos.
I use Midnite Classic 200 & a KID, E-panels and related accessories for both systems and that is because of when I started my Offgrid Life.
IF I was building a system TODAY, it would be using stackable AIO (All-In-One) Low Frequency models. I would be more than happy to use a Midnite Model but I'd also Consider Growatt or MPP Solar. IF I had piles of cash, Victron all the way!
Now I am fully powered by LFP (LiFePO4) Battery, so interoperability with Battery System would certainly be a key factor. I build my own packs and I can source BMS' for the plaforms easy enough.
If not building your own Battery Packs, the Growatt, Victron and several other Commercial Battery Systems have compatible interactive Battery Systems.
NOTE: Midnite is working on a Midnite Battery Solution as well. Not a lot of info on it but I expect it will take time, they are NOT the speediest at getting things out.
For the most current info the Midnite Solar Forum is the place to go.
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 1 Feb 2022 04:28pm
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Quoting: Steve_S they are NOT the speediest at getting things out.
But I believe to be fair, I believe that is because they try harder than some brands/sellers to get it right before releasing for general sale. I also believe they have had more consistency in producing good results compared to some other brands that have undergone hills and valleys with product quality. I do have several different Midnite products and had not had any bad experiences that were their fault.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2022 05:24am
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I have no complaints about the Quality & Support with Midnite, they ARE Awesome ! One of the Very Very few companies I can confidently say that about. I've had excellent chats with Robyn. I've aimed him at Canadian LiFePO4 Manufacturer (shhhh still a zekret, not really anymore) and a couple of others... so.... who knows
Many talk about PowerWalls and such and too many think there isn't much out there... Not Quite ! The world is changing FAST and 22 will be full of new goodies.... So many haven't a clue of what's about to happen... LMAO !
The Link below will lead you to Solar Battery comparison charts
The detailed battery comparison tables are separated into the following three main types of energy storage systems primarily used for on-grid and off-grid solar and backup power applications:
* AC-Coupled battery systems
* DC-coupled battery systems
* Off-grid battery systems
NOTE:
There are several offerings for different configurations. A Large Majority have the ability to interact with Solar Charge Controllers, Inverters & AIO's (All In One Solar Units) but you must check for your specific equipment to see if they are compatible.
https://www.cleanenergyreviews.info/battery-storage-comparison-chart
NOTE: Since that chart came out another 20 or so Commercial Offering have been added, likely even more in the works.
A FAIR WARNING RARELY MENTIONED !
You really have to also consider "where" you are installing your SCC (Solar Charge Controller) and Inverter/Charger systems. The fans in these things can get incredibly loud! When my Classic hits Hyper-VOC the fans are Roaring ! I can hear my Samlex Inverter Fan when on Hi, 5 feet from the Powerhouse (which is extremely insulated 5" Thick Foam in the Thermally Broken walls) and yes, with the door closed ! Even Victron's fans are loud and that's Big Bux Gear !
The noise can be solved though ! Replacing the cheap sleeved bearing PC Fans with proper Ball Bearing Axial Fans, which are available in all sizes & CFM Ratings, they are more costly than the typical PC Case Fans but still pretty good (usually 50% more), NOTE that many are also Cast Aluminium and they do have a very high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) typically 3X the lifespan of the cheapo's.
This company LINK BELOW, does all sorts of fan systems for many uses. I use their USB Fans with Smart Controllers as well as some of their AC Fans as well. SILENT ! and move air like no tomorrow. This is all TOP GRADE goodness and well priced too. Many people are finding that Isolating their Noisy Gear into a sound absorbing closet of sorts and use an assortment of gear from here for air management.
https://www.acinfinity.com/
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slatecreek
Member
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2022 07:26am
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Steve_S
Steve., curious where you source your BMS systems for your LFP. I have several 2S12P packs that I need to add a BMS to.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2022 08:04am
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I'm reconfiguring all of my battery packs which is not only my main bank with 5 packs for 1190AH but my other utility packs packs well. Even different revisions of same BMS can be a PITA in a more complex system.
JK-BMS [24S 2A 150A BT] with BlueTooth Part Number: B2A24S15P $143.29 USD
Product Link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003104573871.html
-plus add: CANbus Module + RS485 Module $7.73 USD each
Product Link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003451100409.html
You may also want to download this resource I prepped for prepping, assembling LFP Packs there is a fair bit of info in there too.
Luyuan Tech Basic Lifepo4 Assembly Guide
https://diysolarforum.com/resources/luyuan-tech-basic-lifepo4-guide.151/
BTW Midnite Solar has put out a new PDF with the latest & greatest coming from them (finally thank goodness) and there are a few eye openers !
FUTURE NEW PRODUCTS
Check out this brochure on all the new products to be released by MidNite.
https://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/new_products_frontBack.pdf
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slatecreek
Member
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2022 10:07am
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Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I have used some of the JK-BMS with limited success but not this series (I used the 12S version without bluetooth). I'll buy one and give it a try. Did you ever post pictures of your system here ?
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slatecreek
Member
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2022 11:26am
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PS,
I just ordered a Midnite Solar MN3024DIY inverter / charger system for the cabin, will give an update after the snow melts and it's installed.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2022 01:42pm
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Quoting: slatecreek Did you ever post pictures of your system here ?
I do not think I posted any of my solar stuff on here (not in big detail anyways) as this is the Small Cabin forum. I do have an old thread about my Cabin Build and stuff from 2015 but I had stopped that and actually gave up on this site after some ########'s decided to go stoopid. My solar stuff, articles, docs, manuals and other things I've done are all on DIYSolar. I've lurked here all along and recently became limitedly active here again.
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