Recent posts

#1

Barcelona / Re: Barcelona BETA Testing in ...

Last post by Vic - June 06, 2023, 11:21:47 PM

Hello BoB:

Yes, the forum is very useful. Helps deciding on just about everything and following betas. That explains a few things.

Anyway, any info on the Barcelona BB manual? I will need it pretty soon. I have the backplates and Load Center test mounted on strut in my new building.

R.

Try this...

https://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/MNBCLNA-BB_Manual-24FEB2023.pdf

Was the manual not shipped with the BB ?

Hi  boB,

Thanks for the Link to the BARCBB Manual,  looks great!    Vic

#2

General Discussion / Re: Classic 150 sl solar contr...

Last post by ClassicCrazy - June 06, 2023, 10:27:36 PM

What brand of batteries are they ?
I am assuming that since you can see the SOC of the batteries that it has Bluetooth that reports the BMS info ?
So like Bob mentioned , you should look up the battery manufacturers charge recommendation. Usually the Absorb setpoint is higher, and they will say how long the Absorb time should be. After Absorb time is over , then it will drop to Float voltage.
Also there is some discussion that it is better to store lithium batteries at less than 100% because of chemistry reasons. If designed right, the bms shouldn't draw too much and bluetooth should go to sleep.
One common mistake sometimes made is that people don't wire parallel batteries correctly so you can look at your setup and compare to this links advice.
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html
Also here is some lithium info from Midnite page to compare to
https://www.midniteftp.com/support/kb/faq.php?id=127

Larry

#3

The "KID" charge controller / Re: Whizbang Jr: useful despit...

Last post by ClassicCrazy - June 06, 2023, 10:07:55 PM

The Whizbang is worth it  - once set up you will have a very good idea of how many amps you take out of the batteries, and how many you put back in. You can see how much power is going to loads vs how much goes to charging the battery. It will also give you a good idea of the State of Charge SOC which is reflected as percentage of remaining battery capacity.
For lead acid batteries, if you want them to last a long time you want to not cycle them too deep. If you look up on your battery manufacturer they usually show how many cycles you can do at a certain depth of discharge. You will find that only taking 20% out of them give the batteries a much longer lifespan than if you take 50% or more.
Having the Whizbang on your system won't use any extra power.

Larry

#4

Barcelona / Re: Barcelona BETA Testing in ...

Last post by Weldman - June 06, 2023, 08:28:59 PM

I agree, you need a bigger welder, but your results look just like mine.  Rosie for the win.

Don't worry I got something that will toss it in for a hissy fit. Just knowing I can run that at max settings no problems is nice, I don't ever run it that high ever hardly. Inverter welders and such electronics make life out here easier.

#5

Barcelona / Re: Barcelona BETA Testing in ...

Last post by Highflyer - June 06, 2023, 08:27:05 PM

I agree, you need a bigger welder, but your results look just like mine.  Rosie for the win.

#6

The "KID" charge controller / Re: Whizbang Jr: useful despit...

Last post by Highflyer - June 06, 2023, 08:23:43 PM

Here is the link to the Whizbang Jr as used by the kid. To install it correctly the WBjr's is installed so the tail in on the battery side of the shunt.  ALL inputs and outputs attach to the shunt on the other terminal.  That way the Kid can "see" the energy flow into and out of the battery.

https://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=519&productCat_ID=43&sortOrder=9&act=p


Hope this helps.

#7

Barcelona / Re: Barcelona BETA Testing in ...

Last post by Weldman - June 06, 2023, 07:31:00 PM

Back on track for my thread...
You asked for it you got it. I turned that welding machine to the max and hammered on it, I'm going to need a welder that pulls more. Don't worry I got another welding machine just for that    For "phase 1" enjoy the video.

#8

General Discussion / Re: Classic 150 sl solar contr...

Last post by RetiredSoon - June 06, 2023, 07:18:57 PM

I have 4 100 amp hour 12 volth lithium batteries with a classic 150 controller and 1080 watts of solar panels on the roof. I just went back to the trailer and seen that they are all now sitting at 13.9 volts and the classic 150 sl has went into float charge at 13.8 volts. So maybe all is good. I am a newby with the whole solar thing. I bought this 2014 rv last year that was already set up with a pretty good solar system. I pulled the batteries last year, @ 79% charge and had them in my heated garage all winter and they maintained 79% all winter. When I reinstalled it just didn't seem to be the same voltage I was seeing last year. Maybe just didn't give it enough time to charge with solar system and I was worried for nothing. Next winter maybe I will pull them closer to 100% charged.

#9

The "KID" charge controller / Whizbang Jr: useful despite a ...

Last post by kateonmars - June 06, 2023, 06:42:54 PM

Hi there,
I have an off-grid solar set-up in the subarctic that includes two Kid controllers (in master-slave configuration), four Rolls AGM 6v batteries set up for 12 V (830Ah bank), and four 315W solar panels. All my AC loads (laptop, some LED lights, internet routers) run through a MMS-1012 1000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter, except for a chest fridge/freezer, which runs on DC directly off the battery bank with alligator clips. I'd like to install a Whizbang Jr to better gauge absorb time for my battery bank, but I don't know enough about how this device works to know whether that separate DC load running off the battery bank will render it useless. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thanks so much in advance!

#10

General Discussion / Re: Classic 150 sl solar contr...

Last post by ClassicCrazy - June 06, 2023, 05:59:47 PM

" Batteries would charge all the way up to 14.1-24.2 volts."

I don't understand that voltage range . 

What kind of batteries do you have ? What voltage are you running ?

Larry