[Kiera]

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The IMT Si-RS485 series solar irradiance sensors are designed to operate safely with a maximum DC power supply voltage of 28.0VDC. For systems with 24V and 48V battery banks, it’s necessary to incorporate a suitable Victron DC-DC converter (24/12, 24/24, 48/12, or 48/24) or an AC-DC adapter for compatibility.

In cases of 12V battery banks, the IMT Si-RS485 series can be directly connected to the battery, functioning efficiently down to a minimum voltage of 10.5V. Bear in mind the potential for voltage drop in the cables and plan accordingly.

For intricate installation procedures and technical specifics, please consult the IMT Si-RS485 series ‘Quick Reference Guide’ and the Victron RS485 to USB interface cable ‘Datasheet’.

To maintain optimal performance and signal quality, ensure that:

• The extension cables meet the minimum cross-sectional area requirements as per the given guidelines, which vary based on DC supply voltage and cable length.
• The extension cables are adequately shielded with twisted pair cores.
• In installations where total cable length exceeds 10m or where specific interference issues are present, shorten the original cable attached to the Victron RS485 to USB interface to no more than 20cm, using high-quality cabling for the entire length.
• Install cabling away from primary DC or AC power lines.
• All wires, including unused ones, are securely terminated and shielded from environmental elements.
• Avoid opening or tampering with the sensor housing during installation to maintain its sealing integrity and warranty.

The IMT Si-RS485TC series sensors come with internal Galvanic Isolation (up to 1000V) between the power supply and RS485 Modbus circuits, making the non-isolated Victron RS485 to USB interface suitable for most setups.

If an isolated RS485 to USB interface is preferred, the Hjelmslund Electronics USB485-STIXL is the only compatible option for the GX device.

[Kiera]

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Demand Response Mode, or DRM, is pretty nifty. It’s a feature that allows the MultiPlus-II to be part of a system where the grid can signal it to reduce the energy it’s feeding back to the grid. It’s mainly used when you’ve got specific grid codes to follow.

You set it up with a certain resistance on one of the ports, and if that gets disrupted, the MultiPlus-II knows to disconnect from the grid. It’s a bit like a secret handshake between your inverter and the grid to manage power flow.

[Kiera]

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Battery temperature compensation in the MultiPlus-II plays a critical role in charging efficiency and battery health.

Lead acid batteries in particular, are sensitive to temperature variations, and charging voltage needs to be adjusted accordingly.

The MultiPlus-II includes a temperature sensor that monitors the battery temperature.

When the temperature rises, the system automatically reduces the charging voltage.

This adjustment is particularly important for maintenance-free batteries, which are prone to drying out if overcharged at high temperatures.

By dynamically adjusting the charging voltage based on temperature, the MultiPlus-II ensures the battery is charged under optimal conditions, thereby preventing overcharging, extending battery life, and maintaining the integrity of the battery.

[Kiera]

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When both the ‘overload’ and ‘low battery’ LEDs are blinking alternately on your MultiPlus-II 230V, it’s signaling a combination of two issues: the batteries are nearly exhausted and the inverter is simultaneously being pushed beyond its nominal output.

Here’s a plan to tackle this:

• Reduce the load on the inverter immediately. Turn off non-essential devices and appliances to decrease the power demand.

• Check your battery levels. If they’re low, you need to start charging them. If you’re using solar panels, ensure they’re getting enough sunlight. If you have a generator or shore power available, switch to that to give your batteries a break and a chance to recharge.

• Review your power usage habits. Consistently operating close to the inverter’s maximum capacity can lead to these kinds of warnings. You might need to rethink how and when you’re using power-heavy devices.

• Consider the health and age of your batteries. If they’re older or not holding a charge as well as they used to, it might be time to replace them.

• Once the immediate issue is addressed, keep a close eye on the system to ensure that it doesn’t recur. If it does, it might be indicative of a more systemic problem with your power setup.

This combination of alarms is a clear sign that your system is under a lot of stress. Addressing it promptly will help protect your equipment and ensure the longevity of your setup. If these issues persist, it’s advisable to consult with a technician to diagnose potential underlying problems.

[Kiera]

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What voltage is outside of the acceptable tolerance that I should start to worry?

[Kiera]

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Sure, I can break that down for you.

VE.Bus products have a compatibility matrix that matches certain functionalities with the appropriate firmware versions, based on the type of microprocessor in use.

If you’re working with an old microprocessor, labeled as 19/20, here’s what you need to know:

• Firmware 150-199 supports the Virtual switch functionality.

• Firmware 200-299 does not support the Virtual switch but enables Assistants.

• Neither firmware range supports “Averaged watts”, “kWh counters” or “Wired AC Current Sensor”.

For the new microprocessors, labeled as 26/27, the compatibility is broader:

• Virtual switch is supported in the 150-199 and 400-499 ranges only.

• Assistants are supported across all firmware versions from 200-499.

• “Averaged watts” and “kWh counters” are available from firmware 205 onwards and are available up to 499.

• Wired AC Current Sensor is supported from firmware 200 and beyond.

Regarding specific Hub systems:

• Hub-1 is supported by firmware 300-499.

• Hub-2 v2 is only compatible with firmware 200-299.

• Hub-2 v3 requires firmware 300-499.

• Hub-4 requires firmware 400-499.

It’s important to note that firmware versions in the 3xx range are not recommended for new installs; you should use the 4xx or 5xx range instead.

Firmware versions below 150 can always be updated to the latest 1xx version. Features like measuring watts instead of VAs and averaged watts have been introduced in certain firmware versions and are not available for the 1xx firmware series.

Lastly, kWh counters are a feature of firmware versions 154, 205, 300, and 400 but are only functional with the new microprocessors.

[Kiera]

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The ‘Float Voltage’ setting in the ‘Charger’ section of the VictronConnect app is a parameter in the battery charging process, particularly in the final stage of charging.

Function:

• After the bulk phase of charging, where batteries are charged at a constant high current, the charger transitions to the absorption phase, where voltage is held steady and current gradually decreases as the battery approaches full charge.

• Once the absorption phase is complete, the charger enters the float phase. Here, the ‘Float Voltage’ is a lower voltage level applied to the batteries to maintain them at full charge without overcharging.

Purpose of Float Voltage:

• This reduced voltage allows the battery to draw just enough current to counteract self-discharge, maintaining its full charge without producing excessive heat or promoting gassing, which can happen with lead-acid batteries.

Setting the Value:

• The appropriate float voltage setting depends on the type of battery you’re using. Manufacturers typically provide specifications for float voltage, so you should refer to these guidelines.

• For example, a typical float voltage for a lead-acid battery might be around 13.2V to 13.8V per 12V unit, but this can vary based on the specific chemistry and construction of the battery.

Usage Tips:

• It’s important not to set the float voltage too high, as this can lead to overcharging and reduce the lifespan of the battery.

• However, setting it too low may result in the battery never reaching or maintaining full charge. Properly calibrated float voltage ensures that your batteries stay charged and ready for use without incurring damage from the charging process.