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.
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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.......
Victron Energy Training at PKYS
Posted by Mike Hobson on 3/1/2024 to
Training
Victron Energy Training at PKYS on February 26 and 27. This event was tailored to our Marine Industry partners. The mid level to advanced level training combined 4 stations with 6 trainees per station. This number seemed perfect for each
Large Scale Victron Power Plant to run an entire factory off grid
Posted by on 1/5/2024 to
News
This is a time lapse video showing the installation of a large scale Victron battery storage system for a factory in Romania
Boat Insurance for Lithium Battery installations
Posted by Mike Hobson on 12/1/2023 to
Boats
A year or so ago some insurance companies would not cover a Lithium Battery installation in your boat. But now that has changed as LifePo4 chemistry is better understood and system design has advanced. Read up on what insurance companies are looking for when you ask them to cover your lithium installation.
ARCO Zeus Alternator Regulator Wins IBEX Innovation Award
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/5/2023 to
Alternators
PKYS will be stocking this Arco regulator once it is available for retail sale , probably some time in November 2023. I had a demonstration of its abilities at the IBEX show where it won an innovation award.
Customize your Victron Cerbo GX display with GUI MODS
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 9/26/2023 to
System Integration
GUI MODS stands for Graphic User Interface Modifications and is third party software that allows you to customize the display of your Cerbo GX or other Venus GX device.
New ECO friendly settings to prioritize solar and wind for battery charging
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 9/25/2023 to
System Integration
Victron's new solar and wind priority feature allows a shore power connected system to prioritize alternative energy when charging batteries. This much requested feature is finally available and ready to use.
An introduction to running Node Red on the Cerbo GX
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/24/2023 to
System Integration
Node Red is a powerful programming tool built in to the Cerbo GX. It is not enabled by default and this article will help you enable it and get started and and will guide you through your first programming exercise. The article also shows you where to get additional help for more advanced programming
Wiring and programming your Victron Smart BatteryProtect
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/1/2023 to
System Integration
This article guides you through the setup and wiring of the Victron Smart BatteryProtect.
Electric Propulsion
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/31/2023 to
Electric Propulsion
This Hylan & Brown 34' launch "Vega" cruises at half-load at 7 knots and at full load at 9.5 knots and is powered by 30 kWhrs of Victron Smart Lithium Batteries
How do I charge two battery banks on my boat and still keep them separate?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/25/2023 to
Batteries (Conventional)
The simplest way, if you can remember to do it, is to turn your battery switch to "BOTH" when charging, and turn it back to 1 or 2 when you are finished. This solution is unsatisfactory for those who sometimes forget and then end up with a flat battery from time to time.
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.
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