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That's how it all starts...and before you know it....? Having a blast though and learning so much. I have a lot more planned down the road now also - and I have most of the essential gear now too.

Just a quick update - I did get all cells charged to 3.65. Strangely, 3 of 4 that the PS bottomed out to 0 on, read 3.4x after sitting a short while with my meter - oh well, decided to move on and connected them in series and added an Overkill BMS. From there I ran them down about 15 percent...

Hello. I am just getting started with a backup solar system here. I've been a full time programmer and computer guy for 35 years and am familiar with electronic equipment, but not that familiar with the underlying components. I am learning a lot online and this looks like a great forum to...

After my charge and rundown, I got 121 AH out of this pack with my tests. I hit cell over voltage that caused the shutdown at 121. Good enough for me so I am moving on.

A quick update - cell A completed charging to 3.65v sometime last night without any issue. I have now connected cell B and we will see how that one does.

Yep, I'm doing the cells individually now so if one cell is an issue I should know.

Some follow up on this bank. I did talk to the vendor and he was very responsive. They made some suggestions and I individually balanced each cell to @3.7 and then did a rundown with it reconnected to the BMS. WAH was close when the OK BMS cell under voltage kicked in on one. I also adjusted my...

Thanks everyone, I look forward to participating on the board and as a programmer, there may be some things I can assist with the more I get into the different interfaces and equipment if they have API's available. I would be glad to share that also.

If you use (8) of those 200 ah 12V batteries in series to create a 24v pack, you will have a 200 ah 24v system, not a 400 ah 24v system, if you are converting output to 12v though, you would get @400AH at 12v.

Keep in mind that I am a newbie to much of this also and just going by what I've learned (or think I have) so far. I'm sure some of the more experienced folks will chime in on all this as well. As I understand it, the BMS amp specs are based on how many amps you plan to draw, not your amp hour...

I'm going to do that and see what happens. I'll post the results.

I can also attest that the low temperature sensor works on the BMS, I tested that the first day I had mine hooked up and also compared it’s temp reading with my very accurate Thermoworks probe, It was within one degree.

Yep, since the inexpensive bench power supply I ordered is 10 AMP max, I'm gonna just make my own leads. I didn't think about the fact that those bench power supplies have lower amps than a typical charger. I have plenty of wire that will work temporarily. Like I mentioned, I'm a newbie and...

I am building a small portable power station that will be used as a power source for my kayak's trolling motor and fish finder as well as a small backup system for power outages. For my kayak uses, this will plug into a single outlet on my Slayer Propel 10 kayak and suppy power for a 12 volt...

I have crimpers, the alligator clips are because I am testing out a couple of inverters and loads. This pack is not assembled yet.

One option for the housing box is an Eylar 3.37 inch 11.62 inch 6 inch case. The inner deminsions are 11.81" x 8..87" x 5.18" which actually fit the battery pack and BMS but it's tight on the 5.18 width, but acceptable and there is also a little room to spare. Now this box is waterproof and...

Looks like an easy fix to extend that out another 1/4 - 1/2 inch...wonder why they didn't do that, certainly couldn't be the material costs?

I recently purchased (4) mono 100 watt panels on amazon for $312.00. I have tested them and they seem to be good panels (to me). Free shipping and 5% back on my Amazon Credit Card. I liked these panels in particular because of their dimensions since they are going into an aluminum array I am...

I just did when I realized that too, my mistake - I know to do that but simply forgot. :) My brain has too much going on today. I'm also a programmer (35 years) and am shuffling between things here today.

Unless you're in your 30s or younger, not sure a 50 year warranty means a lot to many people personally :sneaky:

I'm going to keep this up to date and add a lot of photos and detail as I go forward...some questions for those with experience also. It's sad you have to run down manufacture data in FL just to put a trolling motor on a kayak, we don't have that nonsense in NC...at least not yet.. They should...

Oh ok, I figured it was just a way to require people to formally register a kayak so you can get yearly tax bills :)

Thanks Sipma.

He did a great job. Very thorough explanation of setup as well as all the different settings. I just ordered another one BMS for the 2nd pack I am putting together here.

If you want a visual overhead view, check this out - just put in your address: https://www.suncalc.org/#/36.0725,-79.7902,18/2020.08.11/13:27/1/3

I added some arrows to that image to clarify what I was talking about. No biggie though:

Also, once you have your address in there - use the center marker to position where you would like your panels to be, you can rotate also. You can also view sun angle degrees with a specific spot..etc. You can also pick any date and see what that might be, like for official solar winter..etc.

Yep, it all starts out simple - and then before you now it, your office is full of equipment and tools.

I was referring to a load connecting to the positive terminal on the battery pack itself, unlike the negative which connects to the BMS output wires and therefore would be limited in some manner in amperage based on the wiring present on the BMS.

BLS on AliExpress, they did send me a new cell though.