Orion jr vs Orion "sr" bms

[scott harris]

Is there any difference between the Jr and "Sr" versions of the Orion 2 BMS units except for the number of cell voltage taps and thermal sensors? Is the "Sr" version more robust?

 

[Ampster]

Cost and CANBUS channels.

 

[scott harris]

Cost and CANBUS channels

Regarding CANBUS channels, is it necessary to have more than one? I thought that as a bus system you could connect many nodes and each device only needs one node. What is the advantage of having more than one?

 

[Ampster]

The Jr was programmed through USB port and Regular had to use one of the CANBUS port and CAN Adapter. I have had both Jr and Regular Orion and found Jr simpler to set up.

 

[Ampster]

If you have a pack of 16 cells or less there is no reason to use the regular Orion because it costs much more.

 

[scott harris]

I am building two batteries each consisting of 4 strings of sixteen 280 amp hour cells. Each battery will power a Torqeedo cruise 10 outboard motor which will push a 35' trawler. It will be a solar electric boat. Mostly an electric boat, since 80-90% of the electricity will come from shore power.

This is why I am interested in Orion. I need a really reliable BMS. In fact I will need 8 of them.

I saw a posting on ebay for a Orion 1 Jr for $200. Or 6 or $180 each. They are new in the box.

I have ready many of your postings and I think I remember that you are running the original version. Any thoughts about using the original version for less than 1/3 the price?

Also, thanks so much for all the advice you have so generously shared on this forum.