New Victron Color Control GX Manual released
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/11/2019 to
System Integration
The new Victron Color Control GX manual released in July 2019 has additional information about the Distributed Voltage and Current Control feature. The new text explains what effects enabling DVCC will have on the battery charge algorithm, and how the system is modified by DVCC in a variety of configurations – including ESS.
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Victron VE Configure documentation update
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 7/11/2019 to
System Integration
The Victron VE Configure documentation has been redrafted. It contains additional detail, and a new section about how to use the “Ignoring AC Input with Virtual Switch” feature. Video examples are now embedded within the manual to help with some of the more complex procedures; and you can copy a link to Sections of the manual – making it easier to share specific parts of the document.
Signal K and Victron Energy integration
Posted by Peter Kennedy and Victron Energy on 6/13/2019 to
System Integration
This article points to a Blog Post from Victron Energy outlining some of the things you can do by integrating Victron Energy with Signal K Victron Data Cabling
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/12/2019 to
System Integration
This article shows the back view of the Color Control GX and shows all the connections that are possible and how they are used. Even if the Color Control GX is not used it is a good explanation of how the Victron system goes together How to deal with a boat that is tripping the dock Ground Fault circuit breaker
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 6/11/2019 to
Circuit Protection
Recently boaters have been coming across docks fitted with ground fault circuit breakers on their shore power receptacles. This is in accordance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code and applies to all new construction. Eventually, as docks get rebuilt, all docks will be wired to this standard. Unfortunately for some boaters their boats are having a hard time using these receptacles because they trip immediately on switching on the power. This article is an attempt to explain what this is all about and what can be done about it.
Mounting proceedure for dual foot alternators
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/21/2019 to
Alternators
When you have a dual foot alternator it is important to mount it correctly to avoid bending or breaking the mounting feet.
A comparison between the XT and AT series alternators by Balmar
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/14/2019 to
Alternators
A comparison between Balmar's AT and XT alternator series
Trending data added to Victron Connect App
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 5/14/2019 to
System Integration
The latest version of Victron Connect (V5.5)includes graphs showing trends for key parameters in Solar and Battery Monitoring mode
Firmware updates with Victron Connect
Posted by Peter Kennedy with Victron Energy on 4/18/2019 to
System Integration
Firmware updates to equipment connected using Victron Connect can be made offline as long as your Victron Connect App is up to date. This blog is a reposting of the original Victron Blog Post on the subject.
DC load calculations for marine and mobile projects
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 4/10/2019 to
Techniques and How to...
DC Load calculations for marine and mobile projects. A discussion on how to size the loads for panelboards, how to calculate daily power consumption and generation, and how to use that to come up with a battery size. Mounting options for the Blue Sea m-Series battery switches
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 4/10/2019 to
Techniques and How to...
Blue Sea Systems m-Series battery switches can be mounted in three different ways and this article shows how that works.......
Victron Bluetooth pairing code
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/14/2019 to
System Integration
This article tells you what to do if you are asked for a Bluetooth pairing code for your Victron Bluetooth device
How we handle warranty claims at PKYS
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/14/2019 to
News
Warranty claims are handled differently depending on the manufacturer of the item. Read more to learn how to deal with warranty issued for items purchased at PKYS
Generating a 120/240 Volt split phase power supply from an inverter
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 3/7/2019 to
Victron MultiPlus and Quatro
There are a couple of ways to set up a split phase 120/240 volt system using an inverter. This article discusses the merits of the different methods,
Demo electrical system layout with Victron 24 Volt MultiPlus inverter charger, solar panels and generator
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/15/2019 to
System Integration
This post shows a wiring diagram prepared by Victron Energy showing in detail how some of their products connect together. I have annotated the drawing with notes and comments. Please use Victron VE Bus cables to hook up Victron VE Bus equipment.
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/14/2019 to
System Integration
Please use Victron VE Bus cables to hook up VE Bus equipment. Other brands may or may not work, its really not worth the hassle. Read more....
A comparison of Victron 24 volt Lithium Batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/13/2019 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
Its a bit confusing that there are three different types of Victron 24 volt Lithium batteries and this article attempts to explain the difference between them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lithium Batteries
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/13/2019 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
I spend so much of my time answering questions about Lithium Batteries that I decided to put some of the most common questions here for all to see. This is an ongoing project so check back again to see more. I apologize for the randomness of it but when I have enough written I will try to sort them by category
Ultimate Camper Electrical System
Posted by Peter Kennedy with Pat Davitt on 2/8/2019 to
Camper Vans
This is a link to two detailed articles that appered in the online magazine Truck Camper Adventure. Written by PKYS customer Pat Davitt they detail the ultimate electrical system he constructed for his Truck Camper Rig. He went with a pair of 24 Volt Victron HE Lithium batteries to make a system that runs on 48 volts. The articles give detailed wiring diagrams and specifications as well as background on why he selected the items he did.
24 Volt Lithium Battery Layout
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 2/8/2019 to
Batteries (Lithium Ion)
This is a sample labout prepared for a catamaran with a 24 volt electrical system.
How To Avoid Interference Between LED Lights and VHF Radios
Posted by Peter Kennedy with Imtra on 2/5/2019 to
Lighting
The United States Coast Guard recently issued an alert regarding the potential for Electro Magnetic Interference between some LED lighting products and vital communication devices like VHF radios and Automatic Identification Systems.
Solar Panel on Sprinter Van
Posted by Peter Kennedy with KM on 2/1/2019 to
Camper Vans
The panel is a Canadian Solar 300watt mono-Si PERC. The van is a Sprinter 170. The batteries are Victron Smart LiFePO4 200 Amp Hour Lithium Iron Phosphate. The Inverter is a Victron Multiplus
Using the Victron Energy Autotransformer in a US 120/240 Volt system
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 1/28/2019 to
Victron MultiPlus and Quatro
The Victron Energy Autotransformer is the one item we sell that causes the most confusion. Read about how it gets used in a US 120/240 volt system here
Camper Van and RV Electrical Systems
Posted by Mike Hobson on 1/22/2019 to
Camper Vans
Camper van and RV electrical systems comprise charging from the engine, shore power and solar panels. From these sources we can charge batteries or power AC and DC systems directly allowing for extended time off grid and away from shore power.
Blue Sea Systems fire recovery update
Posted by Peter Kennedy on 1/22/2019 to
News
As many of you know, on November 10, 2018, a fire broke out at the Blue Sea Systems Bellingham, WA facility resulting in a total loss of the building including the production area, office space, product, assembly fixtures and test equipment. Since then, a lot of work has been done to aid in the recovery plan. Read an update of the progress that has been made.
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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