Victron mppt error 87

[bds70]

Hi,

I have two MPPT's & two multiplus all connected thru a victron Lynxx.

Just recently one of the MPPT stopped charging and gave error 87 - PV Input Shutdown.

I have done as below. I can't check the two multiplus units to ensure all settings are the same between the MPPT & the multiplus because my windows computer is busted.
But I can't see that as being the issue because it's been fine for 2 yrs.

• Error 38 and Errors 84 to 87: First disconnect the solar panels and disconnect the battery. Wait for 3 minutes, then reconnect the battery first and next the panels.

Victron dealers are not interested in looking at it if it's out of warranty which it is. It's about 9 yrs old.

Anyone have any suggestions before I have to buy a new one, to further explore if the fault might b repairable?

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Sorry to hear it.

Probably worth an expectations check:

• Victron MPPT are notably cheaper than they were a couple years back when they lowered all their prices.
• 2-3 hours of dealer labor time would likely exceed the cost of a new unit.
• Due to the nature of their construction, they are essentially non-repairable.
• The manufacturer provided diagnostics tree is fairly conclusive in its outcome.
• The unit is also out of warranty. Expectation of dealer responsiveness is not realistic of Victron or any other manufacturer except maybe Midnite and their very spendy "Classic" MPPT, but you would be out ~$300 with them regardless of the fault.

You didn't include this bit:

"If the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty."

So you have:

• Confirmed you may no changes and did not reverse array polarity.
• Confirmed the battery voltage is in a normal voltage range.
• Confirmed the MPPT is appropriately set to the system voltage.
• Confirmed the MPPT is at the latest firmware revision.
• Executed the 3 minute disconnect process.

If "yes" to all of the above, and the Err 87 fault remains:

"If the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty."

 

[bds70]

Sorry to hear it.

Probably worth an expectations check:

• Victron MPPT are notably cheaper than they were a couple years back when they lowered all their prices.
• 2-3 hours of dealer labor time would likely exceed the cost of a new unit.
• Due to the nature of their construction, they are essentially non-repairable.
• The manufacturer provided diagnostics tree is fairly conclusive in its outcome.
• The unit is also out of warranty. Expectation of dealer responsiveness is not realistic of Victron or any other manufacturer except maybe Midnite and their very spendy "Classic" MPPT, but you would be out ~$300 with them regardless of the fault.

You didn't include this bit:

"If the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty."

So you have:

• Confirmed you may no changes and did not reverse array polarity.
• Confirmed the battery voltage is in a normal voltage range.
• Confirmed the MPPT is appropriately set to the system voltage.
• Confirmed the MPPT is at the latest firmware revision.
• Executed the 3 minute disconnect process.

If "yes" to all of the above, and the Err 87 fault remains:

"If the error persists the charge controller is probably faulty."

Haha, yup your right, I didn't include the last bit. I guess I was 'hoping' there might b another possibility from the geniuses here, but alas I think not.
Oh well, credit cards were made to be used.

Thanks

 

[740GLE]

Out of curiosity what’s the VOC of the PV input?

Same PV input for the past 2 years?

 

[outboard1196]

Out of curiosity what’s the VOC of the PV input?

Same PV input for the past 2 years?

I was going to ask the same.
What model charger?

 

[bds70]

Out of curiosity what’s the VOC of the PV input?

Same PV input for the past 2 years?

Yes, same PV Input. Victron 150/100
Just watched a video where a guy heated the cover up to 90⁰C & levered the cover off, leaving heaps of blue glue behind. No wonder Victron don't service these. They make them to throw away & buy new.

Bit pissed off about that.

 

[outboard1196]

Yes, same PV Input. Victron 150/100
Just watched a video where a guy heated the cover up to 90⁰C & levered the cover off, leaving heaps of blue glue behind. No wonder Victron don't service these. They make them to throw away & buy new.

Bit pissed off about that.

Is that with low temperature voltage compensation?

 

[740GLE]

Yeah the potting they use helps with marine environment, not servicing.

If you were to buy another would you go with the same?

Yes, same PV Input. Victron 150/100
Just watched a video where a guy heated the cover up to 90⁰C & levered the cover off, leaving heaps of blue glue behind. No wonder Victron don't service these. They make them to throw away & buy new.

Bit pissed off about that.

Also what sort of panel configuration has 1200w but only a VOC or 130v?

6x200w panels with VOC of 21v?

 

[bds70]

Yeah the potting they use helps with marine environment, not servicing.

If you were to buy another would you go with the same?




Also what sort of panel configuration has 1200w but only a VOC or 130v?

6x200w panels with VOC of 21v?

3 X 400w in series each VOC 41.2

I am doing some research on other brands. I had a previous victron MPPT that self ignited a few months ago, very lucky not to have burnt our bus down. Victrons attitude, "Dunno, don't care, here's another one" at least they did replace it, but the attitude didn't impress. Now this one fails. Will I buy another victron, not sure at this stage.

Is that with low temperature voltage compensation?

Low temp? Never goes below 15⁰C daytime where I live. So not sure what your getting at.?

 

[sunshine_eggo]

3 X 400w in series each VOC 41.2

I am doing some research on other brands. I had a previous victron MPPT that self ignited a few months ago, very lucky not to have burnt our bus down. Victrons attitude, "Dunno, don't care, here's another one" at least they did replace it, but the attitude didn't impress. Now this one fails. Will I buy another victron, not sure at this stage.

Low temp? Never goes below 15⁰C daytime where I live. So not sure what your getting at.?

so at sunrise, it's not under 15°C, and it hasn't been for the last 30 years?

 

[outboard1196]

Low temp? Never goes below 15⁰C daytime where I live. So not sure what your getting at.?

As tempature goes down pv voltage rises.

 

[bds70]

so at sunrise, it's not under 15°C, and it hasn't been for the last 30 years?

Nope.

But let's assume 1 day it reached -5⁰C

The calc would be, total VOC of 138.43V

Well below the MPPT of 150V

So again, the point is? If it's a valid point I need to learn. Appreciate any educating.

PS I live in sub tropical Queensland Australia, in an area that appears to not suffer the cold extremes they might on the heights of the Darling Downs, the coldest area of Qld.

 

[740GLE]

Yeah the math is mathing that PV array isn’t outside the specs.

What’s the ambient temps the unit typically lives in? 30-35c?

 

[bds70]

Not

Yeah the math is mathing that PV array isn’t outside the specs.

What’s the ambient temps the unit typically lives in? 30-35c?

Not sure. Should do a temp check. But probably around the 30 mark.