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  • Post in thread: What makes the tier 1 stuff “better”?

    At the end of the day one performs their own due diligence in a build. I once owned a Chevy Vega. It started every day, allowed me to perform my errands and get to work every day. Yes it had its issues but so has every car I have owned since. There are a quite a few satisfied customers using...
  • Post in thread: 1 awg battery cables that turned out to be 4 awg.

    Ended up with two hydraulic crimpers. Have worked very nicely. When it came to BMS leads had help soldering the leads. They have worked out well also.
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    Please learn from my near expensive mistake. No excuses, already had the 2 cups of coffee. When wiring the BMS leads make sure you are following the diagram provided earlier. It is excellent. I made the near expensive mistake of reversing the orientation placing the temperature sensors on the...
  • Post in thread: Scuffed insulation, any concerns?

    Hopefully someone else who is starting out will learn from this. Sometimes something that is possible may not always be the best option.
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    I own one of these and have 4 more on the way. The original case is the basic version which I used in my portable build. The next 4 are the updated version. My current JK BMS is the original design and the plate has 4 holes for mounting the BMS and the additional 9 holds for the screws to secure...
  • Post in thread: Transfer switch questions, Reliance brand

    If this thinking is sound, there is still one unknown which might mess with the works. Currently my inverter can accept input from the grid via subpanel from the main with neutral ground separate per code to allow battery charging. I can switch off this circuit. Just don't know if this creates a...
  • Post in thread: Extremely overheated BMS, fused Breaker and dead Inverter. What could be the root cause?

    If you look through the forum there is a lot written about the JK active BMS. I used another highly recommended brand before and am planning on moving everything over to JK. The one Andy mentioned is being adopted by many. There is also an earlier version with a few less bells and whistles being...
  • Post in thread: Tariffs and other other discussions.

    Just curious. Has anyone had a recent shipment arrive that was impacted by the tariff? If so what was your experience?
  • Post in thread: Backup lighting project for basement operational

    OK. Ran a quick test against 12v and 24v. Works quite well with 24v. I can see how this would work nicely with a trailer. Would also work as emergency lighting for safety purposes or lighting a solar project area for basic lighting when additional light is needed. Thinking I may run a circuit...
  • Post in thread: LiFePO4 Battery in Series

    A single Bms would be better. That way it can watch all the cells. One of the benefits of DIY and server rack batteries. There is also a big difference between possible and feasible. Interconnected batteries as proposed would need to ensure that adequate bus bar connections are performed for...
  • Post in thread: Midnite Solar surge protection device 120 subpanel

    I am planning on adding a SPD to the 120 v subpanel going to the inverter from the grid. When I asked the vendor for wiring specs they recommended: "Green goes to ground, Black to hot, Red to Neutral". I have included a photo of the subpanel in question. Is he saying to apply to the input side?
  • Post in thread: Decentralized design?

    Primarily. The goal is not to reproduce the whole house system. In fact this could also be used in a grid fed system to generate emergency power.
  • Post in thread: Is this design safe or dangerous?

    There are videos which show server rack packs on their sides. Most consist of 100 amp cells which are smaller and lighter than most DIY cells. I asked my Eve cell vendor about cell orientation. I included her response: "For 16S, we do not suggest doing so, the bottom cell will bear much...
  • Post in thread: Multiplus timer

    I am going to get a little off track, but since the responses have been outstanding I thought I would ask here. For the Multiplus 24v, what is the maximum solar panel input it can receive in volts, amps? Or does the charge controller handle this? Thanks
  • Post in thread: What will be your next purchase? Living on a budget

    Ok. Bitten by the bug. Planning on adding battery cases and updated BMS and screens to my build. Will be adding an 8s battery (can you really have enough?) and reconfiguring my build wall. Then there is reality. Paying for everything. Since we enjoy such luxuries such as food, clothing...
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    I have this on order for 8s. I believe it is available in other configurations. Not sure if the display is on all of them. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Luyuan-DIY-Battery-Box-Case-set_1600872674249.html
  • Post in thread: My 24v Stand alone system as UPS, solar live

    I am running the power supply on the bus bars. This is the same unit I used to do my balancing. It provides a simple test that mimics, albeit at a much slower rate, what the Victron will be doing in the future. Both batteries are receiving a charge as expected. I wanted to top things off since...
  • Post in thread: Help develop the perfect BMS, suggestions encouraged

    This is a nice feature.
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    Wow. Yes I know the percentages are off but I am amazed at how tight the voltages are on the batteries! And the cell differences are equally impressive! Nicely done!
  • Post in thread: jkbms no good for poor after sales service

    I recall Will talking about the volume of members and non members who visit this forum. It was huge. I heard a statistic once where a dissatisfied customer tells more people than a satisfied one. Market niche is a very hard thing to maintain. Countless products have come and gone over the years...
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    Here are two photos, one without the washer, one with. These are crush washers.
  • Post in thread: Cell voltage fluctuation

    Is the cell recently received? Sometimes IR in a cell out of long term storage can be a factor until it gets a few cycles in.
  • Post in thread: Multiplus timer

    The two of you phrased this much better than I could. Thank very much for this. If I understand things correctly, by using Victronconnect and the GX device, when I have sun, the batteries would continue to charge from solar panels and feed the inverter thereby reducing the need for grid sourced...
  • Post in thread: How can Current Connected improve?

    There is no free lunch. A business must meet costs regardless. They can cut costs by reducing service, paying less, raising prices, finding a location in a low rent district, the list goes on an on. I for one don't paying a touch more if a motivated employee decides to stay with the company...
  • Post in thread: So i did a thing...

    Love their products. Lol
  • Post in thread: New Solar Grounding

    A great deal has been written on this. A lot might depend upon what country and county one lives in. "Code" is a work in progress from what I see and does not seem to have a universal application. A lot of "fur has flown" on this topic as it has been debated. I would suggest you check with...
  • Post in thread: Overkill BMS vs multimeter

    There is one cell I am watching closely. The multimeter on the battery terminals and the positive and negative metal ring terminals (cell 8) both read 3.22 v. The BMS reading of 2.707 when the load test is turned on. If I turn the load off, the BMS and multimeter readings match. What happens...
  • Post in thread: Fed-UP with Fed-"Ex"

    So I recently ordered a product. Not solar by the way. The vendor offered various shipping options. Since I was not in a hurry (then) I opted for the default shipping method. Alas it was Fed-Ex. The product went out quickly. A plus. I was also given a tracking number in a day or so, quite...
  • Post in thread: Battery terminal question

    Just had a third idea. If I ran a short piece of wire from the terminal at an angle, and bent the lug against the wall about 45 degrees or so, I could affix it to a terminal.
  • Post in thread: Growatt vs MPP Solar 24v

    I know this has been discussed for other voltages. I am trying to get opinions on the 24 volt version. Currently I am getting into this more on a hobby level than a whole house system. I noticed that both units are similar in price and could be obtained for less than $700 which is what I am...
  • Post in thread: [JK BMS] cutting down on balancing wires?

    Shorter wire can be a factor. If you still have some unused spares you can switch it out to verify.
  • Post in thread: Spider sense on critical loads panel

    I know a ton has been written on this. I will have a grid fed Victron Multiplus via w subpanel where the neutral ground is separate. The output from Multiplus will be going to a load center. Included a photo. Please correct if I am wrong. It looks like I need to add a separate ground bar and...
  • Post in thread: JK Bms Inverter to computer

    White orange and orange work well. Was able to verify pin out with multimeter on cable.
  • Post in thread: Patience, If only I knew how long this would take...

    I am humbled with this entire solar journey. It started over a year ago. Getting batteries from a certain location on a slow boat seemed like the biggest challenge. When they finally arrived I breathed a sigh of relief. Now I could proceed. Then came the BMS and learning curves with a battery...
  • Post in thread: NEC compliance on PV Disconnect boxes.

    On a lighter note takes me back to another time when we debated computer upgrades. Got some of the top minds on this. Glad I am not the only one scratching my head
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    Did that. Coffee has not kicked in yet. Were you saying 304 was or is your go to cell?
  • Post in thread: Quick question about Victron blue ip22 mains charger

    I just got the IP22 12v running. Not sure how I feel about the wire connections. Is there a kit for this? Do not like the closeness of the positive negative connections at the unit. Easy to get a spark. Are others using spade connections?
  • Post in thread: Mixed parallel batteries

    Yep. Quite a bit on the topic. I found this interesting from Steve S: "IF packs are greater than 100AH apart then you will have issues" Given that, I might tighten the range a little on the 302s if I do this.
  • Post in thread: Adding Eve cells to existing set up (not done by me)?

    Looks like you currently have a 12v battery. Typically Eve cells at that level are 304. Series allows the voltage to add up. 4 cells 12v, 8 cells 24v etc. A common question at this point is what are you trying to do with your batteries?
  • Post in thread: My 24v Stand alone system as UPS, solar live

    Thank you for the kind words. I could have done it with bus bars and fuses but liked the look and functionality of the distributor. It will handle four batteries, I have three. Because Watts = volts x amps when you double volts you cut amps by half which is the factor with wire size. The cool...
  • Post in thread: High edge drive and Low edge drive

    @Nami. Is this about the newer BMS that is rumored to be out there? You have promised a software update and fix for the previous version. We are STILL waiting for this. It has been promised for this month.
  • Post in thread: Need help with Overkill Solar BMS

    This is a wild guess. I was having problems with the Bluetooth module and it stopped transmitting. Probably not that simple.
  • Post in thread: JDB BMS not balancing? Battery has reset on occasion.

    Was a top balance performed?
  • Post in thread: Multiplus question

    My apologies in advance to regular Multiplus users out there. I know this question will seem very basic but I am just at the beginning of the learning curve on this. I was considering an all in one unit for some time. In my research however, I was drawn to the conversations on the durability of...
  • Post in thread: Use of Flexible Non Metallic Conduit Inside

    Is it possible that for Dc the current is constant vs ac that is alternating?
  • Post in thread: MPPT and bus bars in steel cabinet?

    Common house wiring is attached to or fished through wooden structures. No fire risk. Difference is that DC is constant aka direct current. Things that will cause trouble is taking shortcuts with wire size; fuses and allowing poor connections which can allow arcing. Metal raceways allow for...
  • Post in thread: Stand Alone Solar Arc-fault protection devices.

    I read something this morning (wish I kept the link) that stated that if the power is brought into the home, that the code would apply. My apologies if this was already covered. As stated earlier, the Morningstar Classic seems to cover both ground and arc fault. Challenge is that I moved in the...
  • Post in thread: Where can I get these solar panels?

    Unless money is no object. Who else but members of this forum would notice this?
  • Post in thread: Multiplus heat generation

    I was considering the prospect of building a battery box in the shed using mineral wool as the insulation. I was hoping the Multiplus would generate enough heat to keep things warm instead of a heating mat which would consume power. I then found this resource on insulation. For my neck of the...
  • Post in thread: Transfer switch questions, Reliance brand

    I really tossed this around a bit. Even waking up in the wee hours considering options. In the end, I really like the ability to directly wire my inverter to this. Also like that I can test things out with different circuits and have the freedom to run 0 to in my case 6 circuits if I want with...
  • Post in thread: Connecting 4 awg THNN and 6 awg suggestions

    Have a situation where I will be connecting 6 awg to 4 awg THNN inside an outdoor waterproof box. I envisioned using a bus bar so that I could ensure good lug connections. This seems to be the most secure method. This will be a stationary location. I also considered using Midnite breakers to...
  • Post in thread: Indoor Midnight Spd

    I am looking at adding a Midnight SPD indoors as a layer of protection. I enclosed a possible diagram. Apologies in advance for my drawing skills. Does this configuration make sense?
  • Post in thread: Had EVE LifePo4 3.2v 310ah. Flames shot up. We got fire out.

    As stated earlier it is possible shore power if at 50 amps could be a factor. Typically 10 awg is limited to 30 amps, 12 and 14 gauge even less. If there was a sudden increase in demand arcing is possible. If a cell was venting then the potential for a perfect storm exists. When all is said...
  • Post in thread: Changeover switch recommendations?

    Checked with Northern Arizona Sun and Solar. This is what they recommend. https://www.solar-electric.com/imo-co69-3063-3-pole-63a-enclosed-changeover-switch.html It utilizes a very nice wiring approach.
  • Post in thread: EMP Protection

    Found this interesting.
  • Post in thread: DIY bus bars using twisted copper cable

    I had a piece of heavy duty awg with soldered heavy duty copper lugs. Initially the results were encouraging charging at 10.5 amps. However after about an hour or so saw diminishing returns. Guess is that this was due to growing resistance. Went back to the bus bar.
  • Post in thread: What lessons have you learned working with solar?

    Invaluable experience! Buying prebuilt is easier, but the education will pay dividends down the road. Congratulations!
  • Post in thread: Poll: How was your experience with signature solar?

    Excellent idea. Very timely.
  • Post in thread: Backup lighting project for basement operational

    I did want to mention this potential safety consideration. Many have watched the videos on the milk crate portable builds. They are completely self contained. My build has different considerations. I am powering led light banks in the basement. One is in a laundry room. The likelihood of...
  • Post in thread: How can Current Connected improve?

    Our first TV was black and white. A remote control was your kid brother or sister who walked to the tv
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    Shouldn't be too difficult to check the resistance across the bus bar. Since the bottom edges are tapered, I suspect the contact surface is less than I thought.
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    Perhaps mine is a later version? This is what I attached screen to: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/JK-1A-2A-Active-Balance-Smart_1600574940942.html
  • Post in thread: Multiplus II AC input wire question

    That seems to be the key. Solid wire.
  • Post in thread: JK Bms Inverter to computer

    So when I had the other unit, it needed a software driver to convert usb to a com port. Looks like this unit does as well if I am reading things properly. Any suggestions on a driver?
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    .
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    Sometimes things equalize when everything is resting. Especially if in parallel
  • Post in thread: Outside conduit

  • Post in thread: Changeover switch recommendations?

    Probably wouldn’t hurt to talk with Nav the vendor who sold me the Multiplus and who sells the switch I mentioned earlier. @Hedges raised some excellent points to consider. Thank you
  • Post in thread: What was your most interesting recent non solar project?

    Sounds like some great legacy systems out there!
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    Nice idea. I ended up screwing a piece of polycarbonate sheet to the 4 screw mounts and used high end velcro from McMaster-Carr to mount the JK BMS to the sheet. Has been holding well. It was vertically positioned. The lead wires towards the bottom of the case and the BMS leads at the top. This...
  • Post in thread: Can I run a grounding wire 150ft from PV array to inverters?

    What about older homes where the house electric is grounded to the incoming water line? How might one tie into this?
  • Post in thread: Radon Gas - anyone deal with it?

    Ours was professionally done. It closes off the sump pump well and pulls air from the drain pipe around the house and out through a fan driven pipe on the side of the house
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    When I asked about the status of V15 firmware updates in the comments section of his video he has been silent. @Off-Grid-Garage if you still peek in here would be interested in an update IF you know anything.
  • Post in thread: My build thread

    LOL. Yet a number of us need to deal with another four letter word. Snow
  • Post in thread: Luyuan battery case

    Something like this might be a consideration for the angle: https://www.amazon.com/HHIP-3402-0302-Slotted-Angle-Webbed/dp/B00N40VBGA/ref=sr_1_3
  • Post in thread: Dirty Electricity Reduction

    There are filters and dampening devices that can be plugged in. I did a deep dive into this and Emf a while back. From my findings some are uneffected, some attribute their health challenges to something else and some are helped by lifestyle changes.
  • Post in thread: Overkill BMS 8s

  • Post in thread: GUIDE to properly Top-Balance and Charge a LFP Battery: Part 1

    We have a number of very talented and experienced members on this forum. @upnorthandpersonal has made some amazing contributions to this forum. He has an amazing understanding of the technology and his understanding of the electronics behind the Bms is second to none. I top balanced my first...
  • Post in thread: Help develop the perfect BMS, suggestions encouraged

    This is a model that has quite a few years of usage under its belt. I remember your discussions about the inner workings of it in an earlier thread. Would be also be intrigued at the chance to test run a model if the chance ever presented itself.
  • Post in thread: External Multiplus shut down

    If I look at the description properly, the middle position is off. The far left position is inverter on. The far right position is charger on. If that is correct, then wiring the first and middle spots would give me a simple on off for the inverter. Is this correct or am I missing something...
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    I know 18650 is selling these as grade B if I am reading the web site correctly. Where else are others buying these?
  • Post in thread: JKBMS Inverter Edition Problems/Issues | No Support / Help to fix major issues. - DO NOT BUY ! Warning (as of Oct.12.2024)

    My Overkill experiences were a little more disappointing and one ultimately failed. Reason I went with JK technology which for me has worked much better. While the door was opened to suggest other technologies might I suggest another thread for this so this thread can stay on topic.
  • Post in thread: CATL 271Ah cell issues.

    Are these all coming in via UPS? Having said that internal packaging left a lot to be desired
  • Post in thread: Giandel vs Samlex?

    Good point. Considering I am running LED lighting could be a great thing to consider.
  • Post in thread: Who is still building DIY batteries

    Who could lift it?
  • Post in thread: Transfer switch questions, Reliance brand

    @timselectric I think you may have already answered this question for someone else. If I don't run the white neutral wire from the transfer box to the main I would be OK? Again, perhaps I misread this: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/wiring-question-pro-tran2-transfer-switch.96624/
  • Post in thread: Scuffed insulation, any concerns?

    Found this interesting: National Electrical Code or NEC limits the total number of bends in one continuous run to 360 degrees or four 90 degree bends. It specifically states, “There shall not be more than the equivalent of four quarter bends (360 degrees total) between pull points, for example...
  • Post in thread: Power off switch activation

    Looking at no voltage release options
  • Post in thread: Overkill video

    I know a ton has been written about this. I send to learn by seeing. A while back Will did a video on an Overkill 8s wiring. Instead of the block build (12 plus 12=24), this video had everything in a line. It was so clear and easy to understand. I have been unable to locate this. Any...
  • Post in thread: Cell voltage fluctuation

    I have the Multiplus 24v previous generation. Likely won’t work but perhaps drop charging voltage by 50 percent just to see?
  • Post in thread: Portable Victron Power Station operational

    I know there are torque screwdrivers. I strongly considered purchasing one. On the other hand a friend of mine who is a mechanic has a high end professional digital torque wrench that he lets me borrow. I found these and currently plan on using to torque the screws in per EVE documentation...
  • Post in thread: Purchasing batteries

    I am in the planning process and will be purchasing batteries. There is a great deal of conversation on this topic. In readings, two suppliers have risen to the surface as being two excellent sources of obtaining lithium technology batteries. The first is Amy Wan of Luyuan. Feedback on this...
  • Post in thread: Scuffed insulation, any concerns?

    Very true. Went with Plan B. Applied layered shrink wrap in the pinch sites. Protects the wire nicely.
  • Post in thread: Backup lighting project for basement operational

    I actually have done this for another room and it works well. The reason I am moving this direction is that I already have installed the led lights and they provide more light than my 12v version. Thank you for the idea. However I am still in the planning stages for a number of items so if a...
  • Post in thread: Quick question about Victron blue ip22 mains charger

    I used 6 awg as well. Stationary all is well. When I shifted the cord the proximity of the bare terminals caused a short between positive and negative. I have tried to be careful to keep insulated and separate from each other.

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