Kristof
1977 Airstream Off Grid Trailer
Hey folks - Thought I would update you on my new BMS.
Reason for switching: Initially on this same battery (EVE 280AH 24v 8S1P) I had an ELECTRODACUS. It was a confusing/technically tough install and did not give enough juice as a balancer - also was a passive balancer. I lost power a few times due to cell management issues and while I loved the little unit, I wanted a Bluetooth option on my phone to monitor the situation, much like my other VICTRON devices. I moved on to an Overkill Solar 24V 8S1P unit and recently while camping it fried out on me. Needless to say I was not happy and spend some time looking at other options. I think the maturity level of the BATRIUM CORE and the mechanical relays was what sold me. The price was very high compared to all the other options but the way the LONGMONs work with each cell and the really advanced manner in which you can not only monitor but control the activity of the battery and ancillary devices (heating and cooling in particular as well as critical shut off).
I decided to get the CORE, ISOMON, 500Amp SHUNT, 8 X LONGMON and EXPANSION 3. I like the fact they ride on a DIN rail and you can see from the pictures they mount well. The wiring that comes with them is outstanding and so easy to use once you figure it out. There are videos to help you, a great wiki and none of the material was translated from Chinese. The WIFI setup was tricky and not sure if it was me or the CORE but long story after playing with it using the USB cable and my laptop over a few days, it now works a treat. The WINDOWS based APP is easy to set up and the video guides you through. I had to get a BLUE SEA Solenoid for the RELAY A to use with CRITICAL functions. The expansion board I am using with RELAY B and C to control the heating and cooling of the battery (Pads and a Fan). While there are options to run a CAN BUS connection to the INVERTER/CHARGER, my VICTRON MULTI and SOLAR charger are very smart and if you set them up with the same parameters as the CORE, there are no issues. This is week one however and I can report more as the future unfolds. Overall I am very happy with the product and it is performing well.
Some notes from the pictures. There are two shunts, one for the LiFePO4 battery and the other for a Lead Carbon bank controlled by the VICTRON BMS with another 500Amp SHUNT. I also have a VICTRON battery protect that I have found is a backup to the critical battery shut down function but it is limited to just the regular load (you cannot put it in front of an inverter). The BLUE SEA Solenoid is hard to see but it is there. Also the rats nest over the battery has been cleaned up since I took these pictures.
Reason for switching: Initially on this same battery (EVE 280AH 24v 8S1P) I had an ELECTRODACUS. It was a confusing/technically tough install and did not give enough juice as a balancer - also was a passive balancer. I lost power a few times due to cell management issues and while I loved the little unit, I wanted a Bluetooth option on my phone to monitor the situation, much like my other VICTRON devices. I moved on to an Overkill Solar 24V 8S1P unit and recently while camping it fried out on me. Needless to say I was not happy and spend some time looking at other options. I think the maturity level of the BATRIUM CORE and the mechanical relays was what sold me. The price was very high compared to all the other options but the way the LONGMONs work with each cell and the really advanced manner in which you can not only monitor but control the activity of the battery and ancillary devices (heating and cooling in particular as well as critical shut off).
I decided to get the CORE, ISOMON, 500Amp SHUNT, 8 X LONGMON and EXPANSION 3. I like the fact they ride on a DIN rail and you can see from the pictures they mount well. The wiring that comes with them is outstanding and so easy to use once you figure it out. There are videos to help you, a great wiki and none of the material was translated from Chinese. The WIFI setup was tricky and not sure if it was me or the CORE but long story after playing with it using the USB cable and my laptop over a few days, it now works a treat. The WINDOWS based APP is easy to set up and the video guides you through. I had to get a BLUE SEA Solenoid for the RELAY A to use with CRITICAL functions. The expansion board I am using with RELAY B and C to control the heating and cooling of the battery (Pads and a Fan). While there are options to run a CAN BUS connection to the INVERTER/CHARGER, my VICTRON MULTI and SOLAR charger are very smart and if you set them up with the same parameters as the CORE, there are no issues. This is week one however and I can report more as the future unfolds. Overall I am very happy with the product and it is performing well.
Some notes from the pictures. There are two shunts, one for the LiFePO4 battery and the other for a Lead Carbon bank controlled by the VICTRON BMS with another 500Amp SHUNT. I also have a VICTRON battery protect that I have found is a backup to the critical battery shut down function but it is limited to just the regular load (you cannot put it in front of an inverter). The BLUE SEA Solenoid is hard to see but it is there. Also the rats nest over the battery has been cleaned up since I took these pictures.
