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Fuse should always be lower than wire. Fire prevention.

More panels to feed the old flux capacitor eh?

Here is the product label for the hand truck I picked up. It can be operated in three positions. In the middle you can also see a metal tongue that can be extended out if needed. It is attached by bolts. Since the battery is currently slated to rest on the bottom of the truck I am considering a...

A quality multimeter and your crimpers and wire cutters are some of your favorite tools. Also the finish line is elusive. There is the next improvement, next project, etc.

Have been slowly unboxing my order. Amy packed two of the 280 cells with my 12v case. Very ingenious packing and well protected with foam! The 280 cells are in excellent condition. Hoping to begin top charging them soon so I can build my first new case. Will need to calculate the length of the...

OK. Mounting frame has been built and attached to dolly. Facing covered with 1/4 inch Hardiboard. The Multiplus II has been mounted. Placed at the top to help counterbalance the battery pack. The string on the top of the battery box is where raceway will be placed to house the wires. The goal...

It is unfortunate that this happened. Especially since someone chose to purchase from a reputable source. There are good vendors out there. Mine has already warranty replaced one of my purchased items. Granted it was not Victron but I did purchase my Victron components from them and so far so...

I have purchased a hand truck from Harbor Freight that I hope to utilize for this product. The things that encouraged the purchase is that it can handle a fair bit of weight. The second is that it can be put in multiple positions which could potentially help transport from one location to...

A humble reminder that even the most experienced user on a given day… Thank you very much for sharing. Serves as a terrific reminder that double and triple checking demonstrates “best practices “ and is not a sign of OCD, or CDO alphabetic as it should be.

This is the technique I used for my other portable unit. Two on top, two on the bottom bolted to the panel. I pre fitted these when building the frame. Found from my other build that it is easier to apply the stain first.

wheels mounted on 3 next units.

Just received my battery cells, BMS and battery case from Amy Wan. https://diysolarforum.com/threads/portable-power-station-wip.73130/

Does this one have a cooler built in? If not there is still market potential

My brother in law referred to the latest technology as “bleeding edge technology “

Then there is the full time job, other responsibilities, etc. Personally I think you are doing an amazing job!

If you are just getting started then 48 volts seems to be the emerging standard. I personally chose 24 volts but more and more are choosing the 48 standard. I am sure there will be plenty of recommendations for equipment. Many utilize the DIY for batteries. Many are also opting for prebuilt...

I am guessing because I referenced a web site. First comment regarding SOC is still there.

A HUGE benefits of DIY is design flexibility. My 24V system could be shifted to 48v with a few cells, updated BMS and inverter/charger. Who knows, perhaps 48v will become outdated in a few years. If so, a DIY system can readily adapt.

Didn’t want to take a chance, the reason I ordered early. The old saying “a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush”. If prices don’t go up for components I have the option to order again in the future. In the meantime I have what I need and if prices do go up I am not directly...

Installed a latch hook so panel stays in place during movement.

One advantage to creating a prototype prior to production is that one has a chance to work out the bugs. Will need to keep an eye on this possible pinch point. Will probably add another wood spacer at this wheel if not on this one in a future build. Will open up the angle potential.

When it comes to BMS settings Steve_S wrote the book. Literally. The previous rendition of the JK manual was updated to English by him so he knows his Bms material. If something is not working correctly it is the unit. A key reason he started this thread.

Created a drilling fixture so I can install wheels in same place for multiple units.

Actually I was able to visualize all of the wire. I did prototype this in PVC but according to other threads, felt that since it would be inside that metal conduit should be used.

Glad you were able to trouble shoot and sort things out. This process has had plenty of learning curves for me as I have moved through it. In my plans, wire has been one of the non negotiable items. I am over two years into the process and still working on the solar end of things. As indicated...

Just wanted to throw this in here. Another possible option for a battery box. I have not purchased it but is looks nice: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Luyuan-DIY-Battery-Box-Case-set_1600872674249.html?spm=a2700.shop_plgr.41413.3.40a261adyoFy8p

Front wheels are positioned so I can lift the back up like a wheelbarrow.

I did read the referenced article from Midnite. It was very informative. As a manufacturer Midnite bears the responsibility of building a product that is safe in the market. As a market leader they strive to build their products to handle the worst of conditions. In the conditions studied they...

I want to encourage you to continue to ask questions. Each of us is at a different point along the journey. Many have learned from others who have been doing this for years.

Really can

I enjoyed the Mythbusters series. It was especially fun when they used different modeling approaches to check the feasibility of an idea. One approach I especially liked was the "proof of concept" model. Often something looks good on paper. If one utilizes a small scale trial however sometimes...

I can't speak to the boat tracking. Perhaps someone else can add to this. However in my last two orders it was about 30 days from shipment to delivery which I think is pretty amazing. I am slowly unboxing the delivery. Have other things to do along the way. I continue to be impressed with the...

Patience is your financial friend. It is SO tempting to pound that "buy now" key before funds are available. The huge benefit of DIY is that you can configure and reconfigure your build because you have developed the skills.

Something that has been helpful is battery powered motion activated lighting. Have installed a couple in the home and they can be quite handy. Just purchased some to be placed on the staircase to improve safety during the night.

Shame one can't save the heat LOL. On the other hand if one were to utilize geothermal concepts it might be intriguing if the warmth from below the frost line could be circulated via a low power pump either via fluid or air to gently warm the area under the panels. Perhaps a dream? If it worked...

I love DIY however building my own BMS is not in my list of abilities. I don't think I am alone in this. I think the matter at hand is how to resolve the communication issues with JK. They have a product which is on the market, is widely sold and had made improvements in software development...

Lol. Been there done that. My recent rebuild replaced a group of older cells. One is a sleeper and just couldn’t keep up with the team.

It never seems to fail. I buy extra lugs because I love DIY and I seem to go through them like there is no tomorrow. Just recently I used one of my last 1/0 lugs even though I recently bought more. I keep them tidy in separate bags for organization. Yet they seem to evaporate into thin air...

The last few years have been mild here as well. Heard a deep dig by a meteorologist a while back who described how weather can cycle over time. Remember significant snowfalls during the 70's. This year is close in our part of the woods. Time will tell if this is a trend or a once in a lifetime...

So the vendor took the high road. Sending another unit.

My portable is wired for two 15 amp circuits so have not performed the test you asked about. Will look forward to seeing your results when you post them later.

Totally agree. Once you get started...

Have a Stihl gas chain saw that has great power when the carb is right. Recently got a Husqvarna electric model and it purrs through the wood with a bit less effort. Love the instant on and off for safety

The battery report and shipment photos are one of the excellent customer service things Amy does for the customer. She remains available to answer any questions you may have both during and after the purchase.

I did a lot of camping with my boys through scouting. When you are backpacking, you are counting every ounce you carry on your back. Especially as the years on this earth progress. Having said that, there is something to be said for redundancy. Sometimes the primary source of support fails. It...

Have always gotten top notch service from Northern Arizona Sun and Solar. Recently purchased from Current Connected and they are top notch as well.

This conversation prompted me to check the other potential lug connections in the system. Turns out as is, connections on the inverter and distributor would have had the same problem, the lugs were too big. I will be updating the inventory to get lugs better suited to these sizes. Thank you...

So we had a storm about two weeks ago with strong winds. Portable units held their positions very nicely.

Personally I have no problem buying things like bus bars and other components via Amazon. No moving parts, very slim chance of failure. My first Multiplus was through Northern Arizona Sun and Solar and they have been excellent. My Multiplus II via Current Connected and they are excellent as...

Just a gentle reminder that this is a thread on “Movable solar panel cart version 2” placed in the Show and Tell section. Please have a good day.

Second one attached. Shows connected ground wire.

My first build started with two batteries. No issues with initial start up

Hear from my tech support person for the company. She claimed that an updated manual is on the way. Will keep you posted if and when it is released.

Why was the broom late? It over swept...

When I first went to place my order, I had picked the single welded studs for the battery cells. Amy shifted me to the updated double hole terminals. I am really glad she did. As anyone who has worked with these cells can tell you, these terminals are robust. The initial CATL cells I have use...

For us it was never about cost effectiveness or break even points. It was for piece of mind if the power goes out. Most importantly my wife likes the idea and fully supports my project ? which is a big win for our situation. Fully respect your decision however. Shows a great deal of thought...

Here is one of the outlets from the inverter/charger. Because these are fed by the Multiplus I chose to use a red cover instead to make sure they stood out as a separate circuit:

McMaster Carr can be a very helpful site. My mechanic introduced it to me. Good quality, and seems to have things you can't find anywhere else.

There are some charts perhaps in resources which may be useful. Lithium iron phosphate tends to have a relatively flat voltage curve. Welcome to the forum. Lots of excellent members with lots of experience and a willingness to teach.

Remember don’t drink and post…

Wow. Wouldn't want to say that three times...

Agreed. Her packaging methods are exceptional. When I received my first batch of CATL cells a number of years ago from a different vendor all went well except one box. In an effort to save money they put the bus bars in a box and included it in one of the battery boxes. Right over a cell...

One advantage to the JK Inverter model is the ability to mount it easily on a holding plate. There are 6 holes, 3 top, 3 bottom that easily mount in a case. So having this ability would be a plus. Offering a 4.3 inch screen would enable other BMS owners (e.g. JK) to trade over. There have been...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8J492BR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

They are on my short list for my next project

@Nami. Will you please let us know when the updated software is available? Thank you

Looked at the series of messages at Andys site. He was encouraged to look up the thread on this site.

That is amazing! Love the integrated look. Can’t look at it too long otherwise will want one too!

Towards the end of his last video

I am a huge fan of Selterm. Can get from Amazon

A friend of mine is a mechanic. He ran a dial caliper on it. From there we were able to determine the bit size. Following tricks mentioned on different threads I held the lug over a piece of wood and ran the drill backwards. I finalized the size with a drummel tool. There is still quite a bit...

There were still a number of pinch points that had to be dealt with which made this a challenge. Admittedly if I were to do this again it would probably go better since I learned from the experience

Will use one of these control modules with a battery powered switch. Because there will be two extension cords will use a corded outlet surge box to avoid tension on the inverter outlet. Also admittedly this inverter has way more capacity than what I currently need. However in my mind would...

Current Connected provides very easy to work with wire and UL rated lugs. I substituted in some red shrink wrap since they included black. Still very nice. Thank you @HighTechLab

Currently chatting with Amy. Looks like I can squeeze one more battery case into the build. Made sure I got approval from the wife beforehand. She has been great with the whole process.

Who cares. He just put the flux capacitor to shame.

I have a mechanic that I trust with my cars. It wasn’t an advertisement in a slick add that took me to his shop. It started with a face to face conversation. And then a successful repair followed by countless successful repairs over the years. The BMS I chose is similar. I have read posts from...

We are in single digit temperatures today. For my daughter in Minnesota that is a heat wave this time of year.

Great location for research and development of the next EV powered tractor.

In my opinion Victron took a giant step backwards when they opted for the flexible input wire covers on the Multiplus II. They are flimsy and easily move out of place unless placed just right. The original Multiplus had a screw down version which in my personal opinion was much better designed.

Actually I have not installed my solar panels yet. They will be ground mounted. Thank you for the update on grounding as this will simply things. Also it would appear that hard wiring will be the safest and simplest approach. Really, really appreciate the outstanding feedback!!!

Donkey. Brought a smile to my face. The basic concept could work. The key would be the size of the array in any case. On the other hand, having a cart with three panels might do the same without any moving parts. One panel facing east, one facing top and one facing west. No rotation needed...

Ok. Someone has taken the time to list a number of these issues under the video in the comments section. If you sort by newest first they are grouped together. If enough people give a thumbs up to these concerns they "might" stand out and perhaps Andy will add them to the list of repairs needed.

How do you keep a person in suspense? ………………………….

I believe the recommendation was 6 nm. Would double check on this if needed. I went shy as a precaution.

Agreed. My wife is not a techie by nature but still manages to surprise me with the things she can do. For instance there are those who are overwhelmed by the process of canning. She learned this skill at an early age and is not afraid to pick up the Ball Canning book if needed for reference. I...

Have been on this forum for three years. Basic truth still applies. The more I learn about a topic the more I realize how much I don’t know.

OK. I may be the only person on this planet who just learned this. However found it interesting. The following Youtube video from Midnight Solar discusses the direction the breaker should be placed. It starts at about 4:30 in the video. I then included a photo of the breaker. My question is does...

Ok. Work has started on three more units.

Just received the updated manual. Placed in resources with permission from technical support: https://diysolarforum.com/resources/ebc-a40l-battery-tester-manual.438/

I have learned a Ton here. A lot by following other threads. Much with precise questions with my own threads. I have multiple degrees. I set that aside here because we are all trying to learn, share and grow. I am a student in this area and while I have learned a great deal still have much to...

Having built my own packs I will never look at a prebuilt battery the same. However looking back very glad for this experience!

I have read the discussions on 24v vs 48 v. Smaller wires for higher voltage, availability of components (is improving for 48v) etc. The reason I ask is redundancy. While requiring larger wires, a 2x24 volt system has in essence a backup supply should one need to go down for repair. In parallel...

Actually the active balancer has been rather impressive. The older model JK has kept my battery in better balance than my Overkill batteries.

Inverter attached. Includes a fuse off the battery.