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.
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Latest updates to Victron VRM
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/15/2023 to
System Integration
The Victron VRM Portal is a free service that allows you to connect your Victron System to the internet and view and control it remotely from anywhere in the world. The features are constantly being updated and this post, which will be edited whenever a major change is made, will keep you up to date on what is happening,
A demo of the Bluetooth function of Victron Smart Lithium Batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/14/2023 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
This blog post is a video on unboxing a new set of Victron Smart Lithium Batteries, updating their firmware, enabling instant readout, and checking on the status of the cells and the overall voltage of the batteries. All this is possible without even opening the box.
Programming your MultiPlus or Quattro with VictronConnect
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/8/2023 to
System Integration
This article was updated in July 2022 and covers programming your MultiPlus or Quattro with VictronConnect. The program has continued to evolve and is now at the point where it can be used for all programming unless you need to use the "Assistants". For that you still need the VE Config program
How to update the Firmware in your MultiPlus or Quattro
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/2/2023 to
Victron MultiPlus and Quatro
Updating the firmware in the Multi is not something you do every day. This article explains how to update the firmware in your Multi and it also explains when and why you might want to do this.
How to use the Victron green plugs for remote control
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/10/2023 to
Victron have these green plugs; learn how to use them for various functions
Wiring your Lynx Smart BMS
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/7/2023 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
This article has an annotated video and additional backup material to help you wire up your Victron Lynx BMS
Setting up your Cerbo GX device to work on the Victron VRM
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 1/24/2023 to
System Integration
We recommend you set up your Victron Cerbo GX on the Victron VRM portal as part of the installation procedure. It only takes a few minutes to set up a VRM account and is easier to do while the instructions are at hand and the installation is all fresh in your mind. Then if you ever need remote support it will be all set up and you will be able to put your Cerbo GX online and share your site.
Victron VE Smart networking explained
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 12/20/2022 to
System Integration
This article shows an example of how Victron VE Smart Networking can optimize the charge parameters of certain Victron devices to improve charging efficiency and prolong battery life.
Programming your Balmar alternator regulator for Lithium Ion batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 12/19/2022 to
Alternators
The Balmar MC-618-H alternator regulator comes with a built-in program for Lithium Ion batteries but it needs to be adjusted to suit your manufacturers specifications
Torque Wrench settings for Victron equipment
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/30/2022 to
Techniques and How to...
Torque wrench settings are important : Too little and you end up with a loose connection that generates heat, too much and you can strip the threads. Here is what you need to know....
Winterizing lithium battery installations
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 11/11/2022 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
Whoever heard of winterizing batteries? Is that even a thing? Well maybe yes, if they are lithium batteries and they are going to be left unattended for an extended period of time. Read more here...
Cellphone Tower power supply in a container by Sun-In-One
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/27/2022 to
News
This project is used to power a cellphone tower and is mounted in a shipping container. Built by PKYS Customer SUN IN ONE from Wilmington DE it includes solar charge controllers that harvest power from 44 kW of solar and charge an 8000 amp hour 48 volt battery bank.
Isolated vs Non-Isolated DC DC Charger?
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/7/2022 to
Battery Chargers
We get asked the question all the time: "Do we need an isolated or a non-isolated DC DC charger?" This article explains the difference.
Tax Free shipping to Florida Freight Forwarders
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/3/2022 to
News
PKYS now collects sales tax for shipments going to Florida. However if your ultimate destination is overseas and you are using a Florida Freight Forwarder then as long as you choose the right forwarder the shipment can be tax free
Lithium Battery Cell Balancing
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 8/8/2022 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
In this article we are discussing what happens when the cells in a lithium battery get unbalanced
TechOps Specialty Vehicles Factory Tour
Posted by on 4/11/2022 to
Vehicles & Camper Vans
The Specialty Vehicle market is booming these days and more and more examples of mobile businesses are cropping up everywhere. Trends that we are seeing is the move away from generators and towards battery power.
Ready Set Van
Posted by mike hobson on 3/16/2022 to
Vehicles & Camper Vans
Ready Set Van Full Facility Tour
Comparing Battery Sizes for 12 volt batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/16/2022 to
Batteries (Conventional)
This article compares the size of the most popular sizes of our Victron Smart Lithium Batteries with typical sizes of batteries commonly found in the US
Battery Powered Air Conditioning
Posted by on 2/18/2022 to
Boats
Battery Powered Air Conditioning For years we have been hearing from Boat Owners that they would like to run appliances including Air Conditioning powered from the electrical system. Previously up to now the answer has been NO, you don’t
A guide to selecting the right BMS for your Victron Smart Lithium battery system
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/10/2022 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
When designing a Victron lithium battery system there are so many BMS options to choose from that it can become a bit confusing. This article is a guide to selecting the right one for your project.
Using a Cerbo GX with multiple voltages
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/8/2022 to
System Integration
This article demonstrates what happens when you have multiple DC voltages connected to the same Cerbo GX
Lagoon 380 Lithium Project
Posted by Mike Hobson on 12/1/2021 to
Boats
Lagoon 380 Lithium Project More Solar and Batteries = noise and pollution free air conditioning
New Van Demo Electrical System
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 10/4/2021 to
System Integration
Demo system for Sprinter Van
Using the Victron SmartShunt or BMV as a DC Ammeter
Posted by on 9/29/2021 to
Battery Monitoring
Thanks to a software upgrade the Victron SmartShunt or BMV now has an alternative use to measure power production or consumption of a single device
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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