This is a great update from Victron.
Didn't try the Beta and waited for the full release to be available as been going away and didn't want to break the system!
Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --
- Thread starter Dellmassive
- Start date
This is a great update from Victron.
Didn't try the Beta and waited for the full release to be available as been going away and didn't want to break the system!
The BM2 v8 custom battery settings, anyone have suitable figures for lithium battery or is the fact that lithium stays high right til it dies not going to work with it?
they stay fairly constant over 80% of the range . .
but do drop voltage slighly. . .
eg this vallence sheet.
from 100% full @ 13.25v
it drops to 12.75v by 80% depleted ( or 20% soc)
so thats 0.5v drop. over 80% usage of the battery
after that the voltage plummets.
.....
so make up you profile on that assumption.
this is my own discharge testing . . . drawing 50A from the battery.
again you can see it drops about 0.5v from 100% down to 20%.
then 20% down to 0% it falls off the clif.
...
www.t6forum.com
....
but do drop voltage slighly. . .
eg this vallence sheet.
from 100% full @ 13.25v
it drops to 12.75v by 80% depleted ( or 20% soc)
so thats 0.5v drop. over 80% usage of the battery
after that the voltage plummets.
.....
so make up you profile on that assumption.
this is my own discharge testing . . . drawing 50A from the battery.
again you can see it drops about 0.5v from 100% down to 20%.
then 20% down to 0% it falls off the clif.
...
Valence U27-12XP Lifepo4 Lithium Battery -- How We Done It --
Just to clarify. The Valence lifepo4 can be mounted side ways... It's in the manual. I'll post later.. And you no not need any external BMS. I regularly discharge at 45A , 55A or above when testing..... Above that things can start to warm up unless you are using super large cable sets.
....
the BM2 is a great voltage logger . . .
but for lithiums, if you want an accurate state of charge meter . . .
you need a current shunt.
see post #2 - Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --
....
I've tried a few . . but the best one by far is the victron smart shunt ( or BMV712)
++++
www.victronenergy.com
Alternatively the SmartShunt can be connected and be read by a GX device. Connection to the SmartShunt is made via a VE.Direct cable.
The SmartShunt is a good alternative for a BMV battery monitor, especially for systems where battery monitoring is needed but less wiring and clutter is wanted.
The SmartShunt is equipped with Bluetooth, a VE.Direct port and a connection that can be used for: monitoring a second battery, midpoint monitoring or a temperature sensor.
Models:500A, 1000A, 2000A
but for lithiums, if you want an accurate state of charge meter . . .
you need a current shunt.
see post #2 - Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --
....
I've tried a few . . but the best one by far is the victron smart shunt ( or BMV712)
++++
SmartShunt - Victron Energy
The SmartShunt is an all in one battery monitor, only without a display. Your phone acts as the display. The SmartShunt connects via Bluetooth to the...
SmartShunt
The Smart Battery Shunt
The SmartShunt is an all in one battery monitor, only without a display. Your phone acts as the display. The SmartShunt connects via Bluetooth to the VictronConnect App on your phone (or tablet) and you can conveniently read out all monitored battery parameters, like state of charge, time to go, historical information and much more.Alternatively the SmartShunt can be connected and be read by a GX device. Connection to the SmartShunt is made via a VE.Direct cable.
The SmartShunt is a good alternative for a BMV battery monitor, especially for systems where battery monitoring is needed but less wiring and clutter is wanted.
The SmartShunt is equipped with Bluetooth, a VE.Direct port and a connection that can be used for: monitoring a second battery, midpoint monitoring or a temperature sensor.
Models:500A, 1000A, 2000A
Yeah, I have a BMV712 on the leisure battery as well
.
im happy to say that Victron has finally sorted there stuff...
now the units have data logging..
via BT only ( not VRM )
but they store up to 180days of data to be reviewed.
and best of all its store in NVM so the data is kept after a power down.
#
im happy to say that Victron has finally sorted there stuff...
now the units have data logging..
via BT only ( not VRM )
but they store up to 180days of data to be reviewed.
and best of all its store in NVM so the data is kept after a power down.
#
do the FW update for FW v2.41
www.t6forum.com
Victron (#TeamBlue) Advanced Systems + VRM - How We Done It -
@ Samro Sam what is the big fan?...........Bud I re read your earlier post to me.mate I didn't think you were overcomplicating......i'm just very humble and am big enough to own you Del and Rids..and all the other posters in this thread understand and know more than I................Ha but I'm...
BM2 data readout . .
i done a Solar job a couple months ago on a family caravan.
twin 100W renogy panels.
Renogy Voyager mppt controller
twin AGM xtreme batterys,
USB + 12v + voltmeter + switch
+ BM2 voltage logger.
+++++++++++++++
first time back, so a good chance to see what the data looks like
++++++++++++++
++
2 week plot,
+
7 day plot.
++
various day plots. . . .
here is what happening . . .
7am - sun up and mttp charger moves to BULK mode charging battery to full by 1030am ( RED )
1020am-1230pm - charger in ABSORBTION keeping battery full. (yellow)
1230pm-630pm - charger in FLOAT - keeping battery topped up till sunset ( blue )
after that the battery voltages slowly drops as the fridge, lights , chargers etc etc use power. . .
untill the next day when the cycle starts again.
.
this is the unit i fitted to the battery . .
.
i done a Solar job a couple months ago on a family caravan.
twin 100W renogy panels.
Renogy Voyager mppt controller
twin AGM xtreme batterys,
USB + 12v + voltmeter + switch
+ BM2 voltage logger.
+++++++++++++++
first time back, so a good chance to see what the data looks like
++++++++++++++
++
2 week plot,
+
7 day plot.
++
various day plots. . . .
here is what happening . . .
7am - sun up and mttp charger moves to BULK mode charging battery to full by 1030am ( RED )
1020am-1230pm - charger in ABSORBTION keeping battery full. (yellow)
1230pm-630pm - charger in FLOAT - keeping battery topped up till sunset ( blue )
after that the battery voltages slowly drops as the fridge, lights , chargers etc etc use power. . .
untill the next day when the cycle starts again.
.
this is the unit i fitted to the battery . .
.
The BM2 looks great! Can I ask, is that all you need to monitor? Do you need a semi permanent connection to the computer logging the data or does you download routinely? Daily, weekly? Thanks for sharing!
I have the budgets 2 output USB monitor. It has a voyage drop between the battery and the readout, but I know that so can monitor my AGM battery and know the true voltage.
I have the budgets 2 output USB monitor. It has a voyage drop between the battery and the readout, but I know that so can monitor my AGM battery and know the true voltage.
yes. . . and a phone or tablet to display it on. .
the unit stores around two weeks worth of data.
the phone APP will sync via bluetooth all the time, so provided the app updates a few times a week you will have an indefinite log.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
have a look back here:
Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It --
Battery Monitoring -- How I Done It -- Part #1 Battery monitoring is a very important part of your 12v system . . . . whether its just the vans starter battery or your leisure setup keeping an eye on the power in your battery bank will keep you from breaking down and make sure your weekends...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- NEW PRODUCT for 2022/2023 -
Now with BT & APP.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Now with BT & APP.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
TOPDON BT20 Car Battery Tester, 12V Battery Load Tester, Voltage Test, Unlock Cranking Test and Charging Test in App, Cost-Effective Automotive Battery Tester for Cars Trucks SUV ATV Boats Vehicle
About this item
- 【An Affordable Car Battery Tester】Features 4 testing modes: battery load tester (range 10V-20V), voltage test, cranking test, and charging test (alternator tester). Load tests batteries safely and accurately. For use with 12V lead-acid batteries.
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- 【Comprehensive Vehicle Coverage & Multi-Language Support】Plug & play operation. Simply connect the testing clamps to the battery and you are ready to analyze. This 12V battery tester works on a variety of vehicles equipped with 12V batteries such as boats, motorcycles, ships, and trucks. Also this auto battery tester easily switches between 8 different languages.
- 【Ideal For Everyone】Reverse polarity and "no spark" protection for extra safety. Long 19.75" clamp leads allow testing from inside or outside the vehicle. A perfect battery analyzer and load tester for small repair shops & car owners alike. Makes a great gift for car enthusiasts.
also FWIW
a great price on BM2 battery monitor & voltage logger . . . . .
a great price on BM2 battery monitor & voltage logger . . . . .
About this item
- FREE STICKY PAD
Additional Unique Accessory for FREE So You Can Easily Attach Your Bluetooth Battery Monitor to Your 12v Battery. - FEATURES Alternator Output Volt Tester | Access to Historical Data Graphically | Short-circuit & Reverse Connection Protection | 3M Range | Ignition Testing |Charging Testing & More.
- UP TO DATE When Car Battery Monitor is Installed, Receive Alerts & Notifications of Battery Condition on Your Mobile Phone when in Bluetooth Range. Simultaneously Monitor Up to 4 Batteries.
- VERSATILE Perfect for Camper Van Battery/Leisure and Everyday Vehicles. Compatible with all 12-Volt Car Batteries; Voltage: 6-20V, Connect with Battery Directly, NO CODE, Free App for iOS & Android users IOS: IOS 7.1 & Later & Android 4.3 & Later.
- EASY TO OPERATE Connect and Go, Check Battery Condition on Phone App via Bluetooth 4.0 when device is installed. Check Charging & Starting System, List Time of Each Driving.
on the posts
Only the BM2 goes directly across the battery, as you want the accurate voltage without the loss of going over the shunt. ALL other negatives go to the chassis.Thanks @Loz. I thought so, but VW main agent said otherwise ...
Technicaly VW are correct, and nothing should go on the NEG battery post.
But as @Loz says going direct across the battery is fine as the BM2 is so low power that it's draw on the battery is negligible over the time the van is parked (unless it's layed up in storage for long time, in which case use a chassis NEG).
I had mine direct across the battery for a year or so, however I have now moved it over to a chassis NEG by using my own fusebox next to the starter battery.
More info here.
Battery Charging - Main Battery Chassis Point -
Battery Charging - Main Battery Earth Point - so weve all be told NOT to bridge out the battery monitor on the neg side of the battery when charging it. This is so the ECM can correctly gauge the SOC (state of charge) of the starter battery by monitoring the current flow in and out of the...
.
Cold weather, Lithium batteries, Victron Shunt and a false SOC reading.. . . . Cold weather GOTCHA to be aware of.
we`ve had a recent cold spell in the UK, and down to -5C in London, which only happens a few times of year.
i love it as its a great opportunity to test cold weather performance of all this tech. .
in this case the awesome ROAMER SB230gen2. -
www.t6forum.com
in particular the cold weather protection that kicks in below 0C. . .
+++
here we can see its 634am in the morning (18/1/23) the battery is -2c and its showing "charging off"
this is the expected mode of operation where the battery will allow outgoing power, but is actively blocking any incoming power.
here you can see the "UTC/1" alarm - that shows the battery BMS is blocking any charge power.
the battery BMS was showing 99% SOC . . . which had slightly drifted from the true battery reading of 93%,
this drift is caused by the battery BMS not detecting all of the low power draws (below 500mA) . . . this is normal for nearly all lithium battery's, infact the ROAMER is one of the better ones, detecting power draws down to 500mA.
but the true battery SOC can be monitored with a Victron shunt . . . . (which will monitor down to 0.1A / 100mA)
the Gotcha is what happened next . . .
while watching the reading the Victron shunt just jumped from 92% SOC to 100% SOC. . . right in front of my eyes.
hold on - whaaaaaaat ?
it can be seen here:
you can see the temp is still below Zero, so the battery is blocking any incoming charge. (so there is no way the SOC should increase at all)
but you can see the shunt SOC data suddenly jump from 92% - 100% SOC instantly .?
the reason for this is the way the Victron shunt is programmed to detect the 100% SOC point. . .
we can see the ROAMER battery internal voltage is 13.26v . .
but with the engine running. . . the Renogy DC-DC charger is putting out 14.4v to try and charge everything up. . .
checking the Victron settings. . . we can see that the trigger point is 14.2v for 60seconds with less than 3% tail current . . .
so at this point the shunt assumes that battery is FULL and not accepting any charge. . . . because its detecting the 14.4v on the battery terminals, and not seeing any power going into the battery.
but in reality . . . the battery IS NOT charged, its just protecting itself by blocking the charge power. . . due to the cold temp conditions.
so the 100% SOC reported by the Victron shunt is false. . . .at this point.
you can see the point when the SOC jumped from 92% to 100% here ( while the temp is below 0c):
and here:
+++++++++++++++++++++
so what now?
well once again we can see how battery BMS and SHUNT SOC readings can fool you. . .
on this occasion due to cold weather. . .
this fix is simple, and the same as the BMS DRIFT issue i highlighted before. . . - just fully charge the battery.
as with the BMS drift. . . . even though the battery is showing 100% soc, it will accept a charge - untill its full.
if you have a Victron charger that meters charged power you can use that to quality the amount of BMS drift. . .
+++++
so if its cold. . . . . or the vans been sitting for a while don't 100% trust those SOC readings . .
get the battery charged up again and your good to go.. . . . . . even though that charge may take a bit longer than expected.
related - BMS XMAS DRIFT
www.t6forum.com
#
.
we`ve had a recent cold spell in the UK, and down to -5C in London, which only happens a few times of year.
i love it as its a great opportunity to test cold weather performance of all this tech. .
in this case the awesome ROAMER SB230gen2. -
Roamer LiFePO4 Gen2 230Ah Seatbase battery -- "How I Done It" --
Roamer LiFePO4 Gen2 230Ah Seatbase battery -- "How I Done It" -- Its a Lithium LifePo4, its got massive capacity @ 230Ah, its got massive discharge performance 250A/500A, its Bluetooth, its a Roamer !!, its exciting . . . . . its coming soon - the full test . . . . ...
in particular the cold weather protection that kicks in below 0C. . .
+++
here we can see its 634am in the morning (18/1/23) the battery is -2c and its showing "charging off"
this is the expected mode of operation where the battery will allow outgoing power, but is actively blocking any incoming power.
here you can see the "UTC/1" alarm - that shows the battery BMS is blocking any charge power.
the battery BMS was showing 99% SOC . . . which had slightly drifted from the true battery reading of 93%,
this drift is caused by the battery BMS not detecting all of the low power draws (below 500mA) . . . this is normal for nearly all lithium battery's, infact the ROAMER is one of the better ones, detecting power draws down to 500mA.
but the true battery SOC can be monitored with a Victron shunt . . . . (which will monitor down to 0.1A / 100mA)
the Gotcha is what happened next . . .
while watching the reading the Victron shunt just jumped from 92% SOC to 100% SOC. . . right in front of my eyes.
hold on - whaaaaaaat ?
it can be seen here:
you can see the temp is still below Zero, so the battery is blocking any incoming charge. (so there is no way the SOC should increase at all)
but you can see the shunt SOC data suddenly jump from 92% - 100% SOC instantly .?
the reason for this is the way the Victron shunt is programmed to detect the 100% SOC point. . .
we can see the ROAMER battery internal voltage is 13.26v . .
but with the engine running. . . the Renogy DC-DC charger is putting out 14.4v to try and charge everything up. . .
checking the Victron settings. . . we can see that the trigger point is 14.2v for 60seconds with less than 3% tail current . . .
so at this point the shunt assumes that battery is FULL and not accepting any charge. . . . because its detecting the 14.4v on the battery terminals, and not seeing any power going into the battery.
but in reality . . . the battery IS NOT charged, its just protecting itself by blocking the charge power. . . due to the cold temp conditions.
so the 100% SOC reported by the Victron shunt is false. . . .at this point.
you can see the point when the SOC jumped from 92% to 100% here ( while the temp is below 0c):
and here:
+++++++++++++++++++++
so what now?
well once again we can see how battery BMS and SHUNT SOC readings can fool you. . .
on this occasion due to cold weather. . .
this fix is simple, and the same as the BMS DRIFT issue i highlighted before. . . - just fully charge the battery.
as with the BMS drift. . . . even though the battery is showing 100% soc, it will accept a charge - untill its full.
if you have a Victron charger that meters charged power you can use that to quality the amount of BMS drift. . .
+++++
so if its cold. . . . . or the vans been sitting for a while don't 100% trust those SOC readings . .
get the battery charged up again and your good to go.. . . . . . even though that charge may take a bit longer than expected.
related - BMS XMAS DRIFT
Lithium LifePo4 12v Batteries - Time For An Upgrade?
and a B2B charger a solar panel an MPPT some cable some heat shrink bus bars chrimper cable cutter stripper( we'll talk about that one later :rofl: ) mega or midi fuses..........it don't matter which type of van you have a combi a camper what ever.....there always gonna be a whole host of...
#
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