Got a junk lifepo4 battery for the boat, and need a decent, inexpensive charger under $60-

[Q-Dog]

This thread is only concerning a battery in a boat??? Just want to make sure whatever charger I get doesn't do harm to it.

Is there any reason a standard charger traditionally used for lead-acid wouldn't do fine? What is the difference between what charger you use if the BMS protects the cells from power related issues?

Thanks

The BMS is a safety device, not a charge controller. Use the correct charger for your battery chemistry. Don't put unecessary wear on your BMS.

 

[murph88]

Meanwell has an HEP or HLG series power supply available for any battery voltage under $60. It just might be a very slow charger.

Ended up buying a used victron 5 amp for $65. Thought it was broken since the first battery took a couple of DAYS to reach "storage" or full charge. The second battery took less than 24 hours to do the same.

 

[azjeff]

Now you’ve been bitten by the blue monster. Well done. You really do pay for what you get in this arena. I understand being frugal, but then again.. figure out a way to buy once and cry once. You seemed to luck out finding a used quality unit. Enjoy the peace of mind having quality kit that many members can advise you upon.

 

[murph88]

Now you’ve been bitten by the blue monster. Well done. You really do pay for what you get in this arena. I understand being frugal, but then again.. figure out a way to buy once and cry once. You seemed to luck out finding a used quality unit. Enjoy the peace of mind having quality kit that many members can advise you upon.

So far, I cannot get a bluetooth connection which is something I'd really like to have since my batteries don't have that ability. The app finally connected to the charger for just a minute, but never better than 20% connection, then it no longer detects the charger. The phone was right next to it and I tried to get a connection for a while... frustrating.

 

[azjeff]

Ideally someone with more knowledge about your situation can chime in. It would be unfortunate if the unit you bought second hand was sold because it was faulty and that function wasn’t disclosed. The unit could also only need a software update. My experience with Victron has been perfect. No issues at all. My response will bump this thread back up to top but if nobody replies you could either reach out to Sunshine eggo directly, or a few other very knowledgeable members or create a new post titled need help with Victron charger.

 

[azjeff]

Bump for Victron Bluetooth assistance, I post late/early due to work hours. Once I finish tending to the animals, I log on and check who needs whatever help I can provide or help direct to more knowledgeable members. I’m a very small time hobbyist that lives deep in the Southern California grid matrix but exist off my meager solar system set up priorly purchased for when I was in a more remote location subjected to frequent service shutdowns. If the bump doesn’t produce results, start a new thread/Post titled “Victron charger help “

 

[murph88]

Bump for Victron Bluetooth assistance, I post late/early due to work hours. Once I finish tending to the animals, I log on and check who needs whatever help I can provide or direct to more knowledgeable members. I’m a very small time hobbyist that lives deep in the Southern California grid matrix but exists off my meager solar system set up prior purchased when I was in a remote location subjected to frequent service shutdowns. If the bump doesn’t produce results, start a new thread/Post titled “Victron charger help “

Ok, so reading the manual again, I answered my own question about updating the software... and it has to be linked to the phone in order to update.

 

[azjeff]

I really hope this is just a software issue rather than hardware. Reach out to Sunshine Eggo. Not to put him on the spot..but I feel he might be able to assist. Again, apologies for the hours I can respond. Between the time zones and work shifts..it can take awhile to connect people with the correct help.

 

[Q-Dog]

What model charger do you have?

 

[azjeff]

You are another one of the very knowledgeable and helpful members I see posting. On behalf of the OP, thanks for responding. Hopefully he checks back in soon.

 

[murph88]

Hey guys, sorry about the late reply. This is the Blue Smart IP65 12V/5A. I have until January 31 to return it, so hopefully can get it connected properly before then. The one "hint" I saw was to restart the phone after installing the Victron app, but that made no difference in this case.

 

[Q-Dog]

I sometimes find it necessary to make the phone forget the device, then restart it, then try again to connect.

 

[azjeff]

Give us a update murph88
Hopefully your issue has been corrected. Off day at work so posting during normal USA daytime hours.

 

[murph88]

Give us a update murph88
Hopefully your issue has been corrected. Off day at work so posting during normal USA daytime hours.

Haven't needed to charge anything lately. Plan to try the forget, then find device again next time I use it. Thing is, if this happened once, it will probably happen again. Just hate wasting time with finicky electronics. Need something to be there when I need it or just find something that is reliable. Who knows, it might be the phone I'm using... motorola g-play 2024?