An explanation of isolated ground vs case ground alternators
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/12/2025 to
Alternators
Isolated ground alternators do not have any electrical connection to the engine block and the case of the alternator is not part of the current path. They will have a dedicated negative output terminal that is isolated from the case.
(0) Comments
New Victron VE Bus firmware release March 2025 to improve charging performance of MultiPlus and Quattro when used with gensets
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/3/2025 to
System Integration
VE.Bus firmware version v555 introduces two significant improvements: the most important one for us in the US is for systems combining gensets with Multi and Quattro inverter/chargers. The upgrade improves the charging ability when used with certain gensets.
Leopard 50 Catamaran Energy Upgrade: ARCO Zeus & Victron Integration
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/28/2025 to
Alternators
This article is reproduced from the Arco Zeus Blog with permission from Arco. The Leopard 50’s dual alternators required two Zeus regulators—one for the port alternator and one for the starboard alternator. These regulators were integrated into the Victron system using waterproof NMEA cables and configured through the Zeus app, making setup intuitive and efficient.
Using the Victron ASUS N-14 WiFi Extender with the Cerbo GX
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 1/28/2025 to
System Integration
The Victron Energy BPP900200300 CCGX Long Range WiFi Module (ASUS USB-N14) is a plug and play WiFi extender for the Cerbo GX, Ekrano GX, Color Control GX, and Venus GX communication centers.
Need a guest speaker for your yacht club event?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/26/2024 to
News
Peter Kennedy can be a guest speaker for your yacht club or boat owners event in Annapolis and surrounding area.
Lagoon 380 electrical project revisited after three years of use.
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/13/2024 to
Projects
We had the opportunity to visit this project after it had been in use for three years and were able to hear about how it worked out in practice.
Another Training Day at PKYS
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/7/2024 to
News
These are trained professionals. Your project may take a bit longer.
Victron New Generation Lithium Batteries take ABYC standard compliance to a whole new level
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 9/11/2024 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
The latest NG batteries from Victron have been improved to give enhanced compliance with ABYC standards, this article points out the relevant features.
Solar charging station for fish farming
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 8/22/2024 to
This is a pilot project in Maine intended to make the fish farming installation more ecological. The idea is to power the workboats from solar charging stations, some of which might eventually be located on floating platforms. This
What are all the ports of the Cerbo GX used for?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 8/16/2024 to
System Integration
Suggested settings for BMV or Smart Shunt battery monitor when used with Lithium Batteries.
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 8/16/2024 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
The SmartShunt and BMV 712 battery monitor settings should be adjusted when used with Lithium batteries. This is to reflect the different characteristics and higher efficiency of Lithium when compared to other batteries.
Victron Passwords
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 8/14/2024 to
System Integration
Hardly a day goes by that we don't get a phone call about lost Victron passwords. Victron put passwords on all their Bluetooth devices. When you go to connect to the device using Victron Connect it asks you for the password. If you are stuck read further to get unstuck..............
Parallel redundant lithium battery systems with the Lynx Smart BMS
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/25/2024 to
The release of the latest update to the Venus operating system, version v3.40 allows for a new parallel redundancy feature for the Lynx Smart BMS and Lynx Smart BMS NG. This permits multiple Lynx BMS's in one installation. Each has its own battery bank, and together they form a single redundant battery system.
Confused about the M8 and M10 versions of the Victron Lynx Distributor and other Lynx Products?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/22/2024 to
System Integration
There are currently two versions of many of the Lynx Products, this article is intended to explain the difference and try to allay all the confusion
MultiPlus or Quattro pass through without charging
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/22/2024 to
Victron MultiPlus and Quatro
We often get asked how to set up a MultiPlus or Quattro to charge at a low current or no current at certain times. Here is how to set it up
Introducing Egis Mobile Electric
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/19/2024 to
News
At PKYS we are proud to announce that we are now stocking a range of Egis Mobile Electric products aimed at the professional installer in the marine, van, RV, and emergency vehicle markets
Victron Error Codes
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/13/2024 to
Troubleshooting
This covers the Victron Toolkit App, VE Bus Error Codes, MPPT error codes and more....
All about using wire ferrules with Victron products
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 4/19/2024 to
Tools and Equipment
Victron products have been using wire ferrules for years, but with the introduction of the MultiPlus-II they became more essential. Many people find them very frustrating. Here's what you need to know....
Special K6 pulley for Volvo Penta engines with a Mitsubishi alternator
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/26/2024 to
Alternators
Volvo Penta use an unusual pulley on their Mitsubishi alternators. Read up on how to install a replacement alternator for these engines.
Seakeeper Boat Stabilizer Battery Powered model
Posted by Mike Hobson on 3/25/2024 to
Boats
Battery power systems are exactly what we do at PKYS Inc. North Point Yacht service has one of a few powerboats that intended to use the SeaKeeper 2 on a Pursuit S 328 Sport Center Console using Lithium Ion Victron Batteries
VictronConnect settings lock - a tool for installers
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/20/2024 to
Training
Installers will welcome this new Settings Lock feature in the VictronConnect App where it is now possible to lock the settings with VictronConnect password.
Balmar to discontinue certain pulley kits and alternators
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/19/2024 to
Alternators
Balmar intend to discontinue production of certain alternators and pulley kits. This article lists the affected items and gives the remaining stock levels as of March 19th 2024
Victron now offer an extended warranty option.
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/13/2024 to
News
Learn how to extend the warranty on your Victron items from 5 years to 10 years
Upgrade your Cerbo GX for less than $10
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/11/2024 to
System Integration
The Cerbo GX and other GX devices have a slot for a Micro SD card. Read up on how using this can help you troubleshoot events that happen when you are off grid. All for an upgrade of about $10.
New PKYS Question and Answer portal
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/11/2024 to
The new PKYS Question and Answer portal answers.pkys.com has gone live. Read about it here.......
Peter Kennedy has been in business since 1991 designing, installing and servicing marine electrical systems. The purpose of this blog is to offer support to both professional installers and do-it-yourself boat owners who wish to undertake this work themselves.
SEARCH
You can subscribe to get automatic notifications of new blog posts, this is separate from a newsletter subscription.
