Plasmatronics PL20/40/60/80

[Jon and Kay]

Having used a PL40 for solar control over the past 7 years, I have learnt two handy hints.

1. As we don't always travel, sometimes have the RV on shore power, we should not set the most aggressive settings. However when travelling, going into Boost on a daily basis has the advantage of keeping batteries (LA, AGM, LFP) fully charged. So...each day, look at the BATV and if necessary change from FLOAT to BOOST.

2. The recording of IN/OUT is reset at MIDNIGHT. This doesn't help in providing the best information. Unless you run a Genny during the night (don't park next to me please)...then set your time 6 hours ahead. i.e. at 6pm set the PL clock to midnight. In the morning you can quickly ascertain the usage between dusk and dawn, and therefore the approx amount of amp hours you need to replace to bring the battery pack back to 100% SOC. A quick look allow you to tell if your overnight consumption was normal, higher or lower than normal and therefore address the charging requirements for the day.

[dapope]

Agree with both.
The perk of lithium of course is that its not such a critical issue any more...

[bob r]

A victron bms will tell you amp hrs used and soc.

Bob

[Dot]

The Victron bmv 700 records the +/- Ah for the last 24hr period so at a glance you know how far behind the target you are, the SOC tells you how far down the battery pack is, very handy for quick reference.
As far as the charging/running on mains power, with lithium batteries the best option is only charge below a certain SOC and stop charging at 100% SOC, not hold at 100% SOC but restart when the selected mains charge is reached.

Eating Dottie's scones so must go before George eats them all

T1 Terry

[SteveW]

I started reading this and thought 'how come Dot knows all this stuff '? Then I realized someone who knows what they are talking about was using Dot's computer.

Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk

[Kelvin12]

Geez Steve thought the same. Thought someone had hijacked Dotty's mind. Thankfully it was not so so good old Dotty is the same adorable PIA we all know and love....

Dirk

[Jon and Kay]

Dot If you're holding the LFPs at a voltage that is below where the LFP will accept charge, then why not Float? e.g. at 3.35 v per cell there should be no acceptance of charge?

[Dot]

Absolutely correct BUT some may choose to disagree i.e Sir C R......

[shonky]

Hi, all.

Jon and Kay - I reset my PL40 to 1800, and check it at 1600 in case the genny's needed.

[Jon and Kay]

Dot, the articulation of your knowledge amazes me. Nearly 12,000 posts and you're finally making sense