Should have known living in a forest would cause problems

Wellbuilt · Dec 20, 2021

I build a lot of aerated septic systems and I run the pumps 2 hours on 4 hours off it saves a lot of power and the pumps last a lot longer .
But I would not turn the aerator of all nite you could kill off all the little bugs living in there you should run your pump at 1200 mid nite for half a hour or so to keep thing happy .

robby · Dec 20, 2021

The only really valuable suggestion i can give you is that you should get an App called "Sun Seeker". I am not sure if they have it for Android but they do have it for Apple. With that App you can use the AR mode and hold the phone up to the sky and see where the sun will track for any day of the year or just move a month at a time and see the track in the middle of each month. You will be able to see which trees will block the sun at any given hour of the day for any spot on your property at any point in time.
It also has a circular plot that will show you the path on a map. You can slide through the months and see the angle change from the exact location of your panels.

This small cheap app investment helped me put my panels in the most optimal locations available. If your planning on moving your panels I highly suggest you get this App or you can also use "Sun Tracker" which is almost as good.

dtcboxfit · Dec 21, 2021

Wellbuilt said:
I build a lot of aerated septic systems and I run the pumps 2 hours on 4 hours off it saves a lot of power and the pumps last a lot longer .
But I would not turn the aerator of all nite you could kill off all the little bugs living in there you should run your pump at 1200 mid nite for half a hour or so to keep thing happy .

Yes agreed but I'm not getting up at night to start the generator, the little buggers will have to die for my sleep

dtcboxfit · Dec 21, 2021

robby said:
The only really valuable suggestion i can give you is that you should get an App called "Sun Seeker". I am not sure if they have it for Android but they do have it for Apple. With that App you can use the AR mode and hold the phone up to the sky and see where the sun will track for any day of the year or just move a month at a time and see the track in the middle of each month. You will be able to see which trees will block the sun at any given hour of the day for any spot on your property at any point in time.
It also has a circular plot that will show you the path on a map. You can slide through the months and see the angle change from the exact location of your panels.

This small cheap app investment helped me put my panels in the most optimal locations available. If your planning on moving your panels I highly suggest you get this App or you can also use "Sun Tracker" which is almost as good.

yep it does, problem is we have tall pines in every direction. today the sun doesn't even clear the height of any of the trees. It'll be at least another month before we get the sun above the tree's at noon, thank goodness it's winter solstice

Wellbuilt · Dec 21, 2021

I don’t want you to lose any sleep you can just program a pool pump timer to turn it on and off

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

Hi All, wishing you all the best for 2022.
I don't expect anybody to respond today but I want to get this done while I have the time.

After all the comments, advice and suggestions I read through the Victron manual (a couple of times) and I came to a conclusion.
Firstly, on the Victron website it says there is no support for "the end user" all responsibility is on the installer.
As I didn't get a response from the supplier I decided to try something, I had been told the generator I have was not suitable to use with our Multiplus and based on this, your comments and what I read in the manual I determined it was because my generator could not be set up as part of a hybrid system (power assist) so I decided to try using it for charging only. I connected the generator output (232v, 13.9amp at 50hz) to the AC input and put the Multiplus on charge only. We started the generator with it set on eco and no other load on it, switched the Multiplus on and the charging lights came on, we could here the generator revving up and down, after several seconds the multiplus shut off. We did the same with the generator set on constant running and the Multiplus stayed on for longer (maybe 1 min) but then shut off again.

I would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions you have on this.

Also;
- When we first arrived here I had some minor issues get up and running, my supplier couldn't give me the solution (in his defense it was my fault) and he put me in touch with the Victron guy he deals with, who was very helpful and we got it sorted. I am considering asking the Victron guy to advise.

- I have attached better pictures of my equipment

- I am struggling getting the app to work properly, I can only see the Venus GX, it doesn't see the MPPT or Multiplus so I am limited on data I can get. I have downloaded the app manual so I'll see what I can find out.

- Does anybody have an example of what type of generator would be suitable to use as a hybrid system? (I don't know why mines not suitable).

if you've read this far without falling asleep, well done and thank you.

Steve_S · Jan 1, 2022

If you used a Standard Construcvtion type generator that is MOD SINE and not Pure Sine and it was out of frequency (they often are) the Victron and many others will not take it. Most chargers will not tolerate more than a +/- of 3hz deviation so 47-53Hz. If you were to attach a Pure Sine Genset like an Inverter Type, it would not know it was a Genset or Grid power. A GOOD RELIABLE Lower Cost Generator I CAN Recommend is Champion Brand. I have had several pieces of their gear, including a 7200/9000W Beast Genny to run my Mig & Compressor and it also did Backup Duty (I have Samlex Inverter/Charger so I could program around it's issues) but have just replaced it with a Champion 4600W Inverter Genny (Canada & US only ATM) and it's great. I use the L5:30 (120VAC/30A) and pull 25A @ 120V to charge my 24V Bank @ 75A
UK Distribution here: https://www.championpowerequipment.co.uk/browse/products/Champion-Inverter-Generators

Now Victron has ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) Capability as well as AGS Capability (Auto Gen Start) which signals a Genset to start/stop via a GSCM Generator Start Control Module. Only certain models of Generators are compatible with GSCM's

fega72 · Jan 1, 2022

dtcboxfit said:
Hi All, wishing you all the best for 2022.
I don't expect anybody to respond today but I want to get this done while I have the time.

After all the comments, advice and suggestions I read through the Victron manual (a couple of times) and I came to a conclusion.
Firstly, on the Victron website it says there is no support for "the end user" all responsibility is on the installer.
As I didn't get a response from the supplier I decided to try something, I had been told the generator I have was not suitable to use with our Multiplus and based on this, your comments and what I read in the manual I determined it was because my generator could not be set up as part of a hybrid system (power assist) so I decided to try using it for charging only. I connected the generator output (232v, 13.9amp at 50hz) to the AC input and put the Multiplus on charge only. We started the generator with it set on eco and no other load on it, switched the Multiplus on and the charging lights came on, we could here the generator revving up and down, after several seconds the multiplus shut off. We did the same with the generator set on constant running and the Multiplus stayed on for longer (maybe 1 min) but then shut off again.

I would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions you have on this.

Also;
- When we first arrived here I had some minor issues get up and running, my supplier couldn't give me the solution (in his defense it was my fault) and he put me in touch with the Victron guy he deals with, who was very helpful and we got it sorted. I am considering asking the Victron guy to advise.

- I have attached better pictures of my equipment

- I am struggling getting the app to work properly, I can only see the Venus GX, it doesn't see the MPPT or Multiplus so I am limited on data I can get. I have downloaded the app manual so I'll see what I can find out.

- Does anybody have an example of what type of generator would be suitable to use as a hybrid system? (I don't know why mines not suitable).

if you've read this far without falling asleep, well done and thank you.

Happy new year!
If you are using the Victron Connect app then click on the VRM (next to Local) then on the Venus GX then Devices -> all connected devices will show up here.
To resolve the charging issue you need a windows computer. If your system is registered on the Victron VRM portal you can download the settings under the device list menu by clicking on the Remote VEConfigure button. Use the same button to upload the modified settings.
RemoteVEConfigure manual

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

Steve_S said:
If you used a Standard Construcvtion type generator that is MOD SINE and not Pure Sine and it was out of frequency (they often are) the Victron and many others will not take it. Most chargers will not tolerate more than a +/- of 3hz deviation so 47-53Hz. If you were to attach a Pure Sine Genset like an Inverter Type, it would not know it was a Genset or Grid power. A GOOD RELIABLE Lower Cost Generator I CAN Recommend is Champion Brand. I have had several pieces of their gear, including a 7200/9000W Beast Genny to run my Mig & Compressor and it also did Backup Duty (I have Samlex Inverter/Charger so I could program around it's issues) but have just replaced it with a Champion 4600W Inverter Genny (Canada & US only ATM) and it's great. I use the L5:30 (120VAC/30A) and pull 25A @ 120V to charge my 24V Bank @ 75A
UK Distribution here: https://www.championpowerequipment.co.uk/browse/products/Champion-Inverter-Generators

Now Victron has ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) Capability as well as AGS Capability (Auto Gen Start) which signals a Genset to start/stop via a GSCM Generator Start Control Module. Only certain models of Generators are compatible with GSCM's

Thanks for the feedback, it's very useful. I am looking at them and others now and we'll have to crunch the numbers of buying a new generator vs paying 80 euros a week in winter

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

fega72 said:
Happy new year!
If you are using the Victron Connect app then click on the VRM (next to Local) then on the Venus GX then Devices -> all connected devices will show up here.
To resolve the charging issue you need a windows computer. If your system is registered on the Victron VRM portal you can download the settings under the device list menu by clicking on the Remote VEConfigure button. Use the same button to upload the modified settings.
RemoteVEConfigure manual

View attachment 77870

Thanks, that's great, we'll try it out.

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

Steve_S said:
If you used a Standard Construcvtion type generator that is MOD SINE and not Pure Sine and it was out of frequency (they often are) the Victron and many others will not take it. Most chargers will not tolerate more than a +/- of 3hz deviation so 47-53Hz. If you were to attach a Pure Sine Genset like an Inverter Type, it would not know it was a Genset or Grid power. A GOOD RELIABLE Lower Cost Generator I CAN Recommend is Champion Brand. I have had several pieces of their gear, including a 7200/9000W Beast Genny to run my Mig & Compressor and it also did Backup Duty (I have Samlex Inverter/Charger so I could program around it's issues) but have just replaced it with a Champion 4600W Inverter Genny (Canada & US only ATM) and it's great. I use the L5:30 (120VAC/30A) and pull 25A @ 120V to charge my 24V Bank @ 75A
UK Distribution here: https://www.championpowerequipment.co.uk/browse/products/Champion-Inverter-Generators

Now Victron has ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) Capability as well as AGS Capability (Auto Gen Start) which signals a Genset to start/stop via a GSCM Generator Start Control Module. Only certain models of Generators are compatible with GSCM's

Steve_s, sorry to bother you but this question is too technical for me. Can I use this to clean up my generator power to charge our batteries??

3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD【Pre-order】

The Renogy 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger is an electrical device that transforms the DC power stored in a battery bank into standard household AC power for a user's electronic needs. Free Shipping!

uk.renogy.com

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

dtcboxfit said:
Steve_s, sorry to bother you but this question is too technical for me. Can I use this to clean up my generator power to charge our batteries??

3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD【Pre-order】

The Renogy 3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger is an electrical device that transforms the DC power stored in a battery bank into standard household AC power for a user's electronic needs. Free Shipping!

uk.renogy.com

this could be an option for us, we can run computer work equipment and charge the batteries at the same time. Would you have any idea how long it would take to charge the batteries using this?

https://northerngenerators.co.uk/co.../champion-2200-watt-inverter-generator-92001i

fega72 · Jan 1, 2022

Steve_S · Jan 1, 2022

There is no practical cost effective way to "clean up & condition" the power. I cannot say anything positive about Renogy.

When it comes to Inverter Generators, there are many out there BUT off-brands are dubious. Honda, Champion, Yamaha, Wen, Briggs & Straton (direct from B&S) are all good quality products. Many can be linked to provide larger output, which is always a good feature. The really BIG Catch with these is running vs peak power and where the ECO mode cuts in/out. There are other good models available in Europe which are not in North America, so be sure to shop around carefully. Also many are available as Dual Fuel or Multi-Fuel, which can be an advantage for using Propane if generator usage is minimal and intermittent, then you would not have to deal with gasoline souring.

As for what it takes to charge your battery bank, depends on the voltage & Amp Hours of storage & Battery Pack ratings for charge/discharge. The generator you linked to, is only capable of 1900W running and has 2 240V/13A outlets.

12VoltInstalls · Jan 1, 2022

dtcboxfit said:
crunch the numbers of buying a new generator vs paying 80 euros a week in winter

80 euros/week…

The generator will probably last for years so it becomes a cost with a return. It has a benefit and the benefit costs less over time.

If the present generator will not work with your equipment selling it off and buying a suitable unit makes sense to me AND the interactive factor with a compatible generator will reduce the pain-in-the-neck factor substantially.

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

fega72 said:
View attachment 77875

Hi Fega, sorry but my technical knowledge is limited. I am assuming that you are showing me that I can configure the Multiplus via a connection to the laptop to accept my generator power??

fega72 · Jan 1, 2022

dtcboxfit said:
Hi Fega, sorry but my technical knowledge is limited. I am assuming that you are showing me that I can configure the Multiplus via a connection to the laptop to accept my generator power??

Yes. The Multiplus will accept a non inverter generator with the output voltage between 180V - 265V and the frequency between 45Hz - 65Hz

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

Steve_S said:
There is no practical cost effective way to "clean up & condition" the power. I cannot say anything positive about Renogy.

When it comes to Inverter Generators, there are many out there BUT off-brands are dubious. Honda, Champion, Yamaha, Wen, Briggs & Straton (direct from B&S) are all good quality products. Many can be linked to provide larger output, which is always a good feature. The really BIG Catch with these is running vs peak power and where the ECO mode cuts in/out. There are other good models available in Europe which are not in North America, so be sure to shop around carefully. Also many are available as Dual Fuel or Multi-Fuel, which can be an advantage for using Propane if generator usage is minimal and intermittent, then you would not have to deal with gasoline souring.

As for what it takes to charge your battery bank, depends on the voltage & Amp Hours of storage & Battery Pack ratings for charge/discharge. The generator you linked to, is only capable of 1900W running and has 2 240V/13A outlets.

I have no idea what the comparison is between petrol usage and LPG and the cost, we do use it for our BBQ grill and heating the guest caravan. We can't have a large holding tank here because the truck can't get to us (our driveway 300m is too narrow) to refill it so we would have to use bottles. I am trying to keep cost down within reason as we need a lot more equipment and work done yet, including a bathroom (hand washing ourselves from the sink at the moment) although we also have to be sensible and buy good stuff for the future.

dtcboxfit · Jan 1, 2022

12VoltInstalls said:
80 euros/week…

The generator will probably last for years so it becomes a cost with a return. It has a benefit and the benefit costs less over time.

If the present generator will not work with your equipment selling it off and buying a suitable unit makes sense to me AND the interactive factor with a compatible generator will reduce the pain-in-the-neck factor substantially.

Yes you are right, the generator we're using now is recommended for 7 hours daily but at the moment we're running it 14 hours daily. We had no idea that we would have no solar power for so long 9we would have got a better generator) but we always knew our first year here would most of our learning experience for this off grid life.

12VoltInstalls · Jan 1, 2022

dtcboxfit said:
no idea what the comparison is between petrol usage and LPG and the cost,

I understand the inability to deliver!

That’s unfortunate because your lifespan and maintenance costs on a propane generator would be far better on propane than gasoline.

At least here in the US “100#” cylinders are legal to transport. Just a thought.

Should have known living in a forest would cause problems

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life passes by too quickly to not live in freedom

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