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cspot
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# Posted: 17 Jan 2020 09:49pm - Edited by: cspot
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Well I got my battery issue resolved as Battleborn sent a new battery and it seems to be working fine. The new charge controller I got for the solar panel though does not show the volts as it simply has a dummy light that shows if the battery is overcharged or undercharged. I was thinking about adding a battery monitor onto the battery. Currently I just have volt meter that I will occasionally check it with. Anyone have any recommendations for a 12V lithium battery?
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 18 Jan 2020 05:44am
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Have a look at this.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/254249826935
* if you switch *.COM to *.CA for Canada (I forget if your in Canada or US) and order it from CA, I got mine in 3 days as it's shipped from Toronto.
Doesn't need a shunt as it uses a Hall Sensor and is quite accurate & bidi so you can monitor SOC and your AHRs remaining . There is another version with a shunt as well if you want one.
I bought one to monitor my FLA bank as I'm switching to large LFP packs and the BMS' etc for those have such info.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 19 Jan 2020 08:45am - Edited by: Steve_S
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Ohhh I should have mentioned.
With the Hall pickup you have to pass the NEG line through it and because of it's size, 4/0 is just that wee bit thick to pass through there loosely, it fits but snug. The other catch is that the lugs (even 2/0 wire) won't pass through which is a PITA.
There is a wide assortment of types, you can find the whole enchilada on their website and they provide links to their amazon stores.
Main Site: https://www.droking.com/
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cspot
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# Posted: 19 Jan 2020 09:03pm
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Thanks.
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justinbowser
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2020 02:44pm - Edited by: justinbowser
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I have three of these:
https://smile.amazon.com/bayite-6-5-100V-Display-Multimeter-Voltmeter/dp/B013PKYILS/r ef=sr_1_6
I use one to track what is coming out of the charge controller into the batteries, one tracks inverter consumption, and the other tracks juice going into battery from battery charger.
I am a big fan of information overload!  Sorry about grainy picture...
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ICC
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2020 06:08pm
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Regarding the use of a coulomb meter as shown in a couple of the above posts--- in particular, shunt resistor vs hall effect sensor.
There are more differences than having to cut a wire to install a shunt and simply being able to run a cable through the hall effect sensor ring. There are also differences in quality within both types.
In general, the shunts have better accuracy than the HE sensors, unless you buy some of the more pricey HE sensors. HE sensors can also pickup a lot of noise, frm AC sources in particular, and that can affect the accuracy of the readings. HE may also not be as stable as a shunt; especially when you look at temperature variation the HE is second best to the shunt. The shunt, on the other hand, can waste energy in the form of heat, if the shunt is sized too small for the current being monitored. HE can be influenced (noise) by magnetic fields so sometimes placement or protection is important.
BTW, there are some HE sensors that use a hinged ring that simplifies installation.
When looking at installing meters like these perhaps one should do some research on the pros and cons and make their own decision. I prefer a shunt for anything that is more or less permanent. I especially like the HE sensors that can be clamped around a cable for short term measurements. In many cases, even a closed ring type HE sensor can be slipped over disconnected cable ends, but as noted there are size limits.
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creeky
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2020 07:25pm
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Wait. You spent quite a bit of money on a lithium battery from Battleborn and now you're charging it with a solar controller so crappy its only read out is a light?
Even a basic controller will show the voltage. And a good one will have bluetooth built in. Will have a read out and charts and a history. And get you 10 to 30% more power out of your solar panel.
And cost under 150.
Did I miss something here? How much was that battery?
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cspot
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jan 2020 07:39pm - Edited by: cspot
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Quoting: creeky Wait. You spent quite a bit of money on a lithium battery from Battleborn and now you're charging it with a solar controller so crappy its only read out is a light? Even a basic controller will show the voltage. And a good one will have bluetooth built in. Will have a read out and charts and a history. And get you 10 to 30% more power out of your solar panel. And cost under 150. Did I miss something here? How much was that battery?
I bought the charge controller from Battleborn as well and is one they recommend. It is a Victron and they set it up for lithium before shipping. I have a basic 12V system and the cabin is recreational so I don't see the need for bluetooth or buying a fancy charge controller when they said the one that I bought would work just as well? I didn't realize that it didn't have a screen for the voltage. With the lights I know if it is too low, I just don't know exactly what the voltage is. I was simply looking at adding a cheap battery monitor. It seems that some of them do a better job than the ones on the charge controller from what I have been reading?
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2020 05:59am - Edited by: Steve_S
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https://peacefair.en.made-in-china.com/
Now your in the Candy Store. Many choices, options and even wireless or PC RS connected with software.
Clamp On sensors CAP @ 100A per this vendor.
Shunts are recommended beyond that.
If you have existing shunts, they could be used (pending on shunt and what is attached to it already).
In the grand scheme of all things, the above linked ones, like the DROK ones are all CHEAP as in < $30 for the most part.
The Shunts provided with these kits are also borderline, BTDT have a couple chucked in a box, I replace the cheapo's (ie: 300a/75mv steel shunt = ughness) with Deltec's (< $30 themselves).
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beachman
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2020 10:30am
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I am going to be watching this thread as my FLA's are probably going to be retired in the next couple of years. I too have a 12 v system with a recreational cabin. Thoughts on going larger (24 or 48) with more panels in a permanent location with direct sun but much farther away (tired of setting up panels in spring and removing them in the fall). BUT, costs will determine my desire for more convenience. What I have right now works great for me.
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creeky
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# Posted: 22 Jan 2020 12:07pm
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IS the one you bought MPPT?
I didn't know you could buy a Victron without bluetooth anymore. Check to see if you have the bluetooth dongle input. V.E. Direct.
You should be able to add bluetooth. It will give you all the data you've asked for.
I will ship you one for 50 usd if you like. Contact me through bobolinksolar dot com.
General note: It is better to spend a few extra dollars up front than retrofit later. Retrofitting is fun! tho. DOne lots of it myself. smile.
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