[Guide] DC-DC Charger (for leisure battery) -- How I Done It --

[Dellmassive]

Good advice from a bad friend . . . Or bad advice from a good friend?

either way,

looks like he is finally seeing sense and falling inline with known fact and reputation . . . . . but he could have been here a year or more ago.

 

[Leighjcj]

The best advice I've had has been on balance from members of this forum tbh.

 

[zlea73]

Good advice from a bad friend . . . Or bad advice from a good friend?

either way,

looks like he is finally seeing sense and falling inline with known fact and reputation . . . . . but he could have been here a year or more ago.

ha ha ha
Talkingng about advice,
I'm looking for great advice from first hand experience
I've been reading through all this forum plus a few others and I confess I am more confused than ever.
Dellmassive I'd like to know between the chargers you tested which is the one you would highly recommend.
I've got an euro 6 engine ideally I would like to put 1 or 2 AGM batteries under the captain seats. a fridge , diesel heater and solar panels. I'd need something to keep me off the grid for long weekends.
Renogy 1250s looks am easy and complete solutionin but from what I read real life use might not be as good as on paper.
I see you are quite fond of the redarc . At first I would have gone the victron as I just hear mostly positive comments but looks you pay more for less and have also buy a separate mppt. And doesn't even Trickle charger main battery.

 

[Dellmassive]

ha ha ha
Talkingng about advice,
I'm looking for great advice from first hand experience
I've been reading through all this forum plus a few others and I confess I am more confused than ever.
Dellmassive I'd like to know between the chargers you tested which is the one you would highly recommend.
I've got an euro 6 engine ideally I would like to put 1 or 2 AGM batteries under the captain seats. a fridge , diesel heater and solar panels. I'd need something to keep me off the grid for long weekends.
Renogy 1250s looks am easy and complete solutionin but from what I read real life use might not be as good as on paper.
I see you are quite fond of the redarc . At first I would have gone the victron as I just hear mostly positive comments but looks you pay more for less and have also buy a separate mppt. And doesn't even Trickle charger main battery.

well . . . . . . . . .

all-in-one:

The Renogy DC-DC / MPPT is a great all-in-one option. (dc-dc & mppt & solar starter charge & auto VSR)

The Ctek D250se is also very popular. (dc-dc & mppt & solar starter charge & auto VSR)

Redarc is nice and small (dc-dc & mppt & auto VSR)

Separates:

Victron ecosystem is fantastic with great monitoring - (dc-dc & mppt & solar starter charge & auto VSR)





************

any of the above will suit you. (look for a charge rate between 20-50A)

get a couple AGM`s (100ah size or above each)

get 100-200w+ solar (mobile or installed, u can have 2x100w in parallel for low VOC devices like the Ctek)

make sure its all installed and fused correctly

*************

My current personal favourite kit is the Victron, its robust, and just works! plus the monitoring side is way more advanced than any1 atm.

Amazon.co.uk : victron

*************


have a look over the kit list for more ideas.



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Kit List And Stuff -- How I Done It & What I Use --
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[zlea73]

well . . . . . . . . .

all-in-one:

The Renogy DC-DC / MPPT is a great all-in-one option. (dc-dc & mppt & solar starter charge & auto VSR)

The Ctek D250se is also very popular. (dc-dc & mppt & solar starter charge & auto VSR)

Redarc is nice and small (dc-dc & mppt & auto VSR)

Separates:

Victron ecosystem is fantastic with great monitoring - (dc-dc & mppt & solar starter charge & auto VSR)

View attachment 101333



************

any of the above will suit you. (look for a charge rate between 20-50A)

get a couple AGM`s (100ah size or above each)

get 100-200w+ solar (mobile or installed, u can have 2x100w in parallel for low VOC devices like the Ctek)

make sure its all installed and fused correctly

*************

My current personal favourite kit is the Victron, its robust, and just works! plus the monitoring side is way more advanced than any1 atm.

Amazon.co.uk : victron

*************


have a look over the kit list for more ideas.



**************************************************
Dellmassive`s -- "how I Done It" -- Thread
**************************************************
Kit List And Stuff -- How I Done It & What I Use --
**************************************************
VIP Membership | VW T6 Forum - The Dedicated VW Transporter T6 Forum
************************************************
For Sale - Summer-weekend-t6f Limited Edition External Stickers
For Sale - T6F Flags
**************************************************

thanks that's exactly what I wanted to know.
I was thinking about the victron 12 12 30 and then add at a later date the mppt controller when I go for the solar
I understand it is the insulated versio the one to go 4.

 

[Dellmassive]

thanks that's exactly what I wanted to know.
I was thinking about the victron 12 12 30 and then add at a later date the mppt controller when I go for the solar
I understand it is the insulated versio the one to go 4.

you can use either on the T6 as you have a "common ground" in the vans chassis.

The isolated versions are designed for boats and caravan/motorhomes that have fibreglass bodies (so no common chassis). . . . . but you can use either,

The Orion is large in size and basic but it gets the job done well. . . . and comes with the Bluetooth.

The Victron solar MPPT kit is the best you can get at the moment imho . .

Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A (360W) Non-Isolated DC-DC Charger - ORI121236140 : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A (360W) Non-Isolated DC-DC Charger - ORI121236140 : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

amzn.to

....



IF Your going down the Victron road. have a look at the BMV-712 and Smartshunt battery monitors . .

Victron Energy SHU050150050 SmartShunt Battery Monitor, 500A, Bluetooth : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

Victron Energy SHU050150050 SmartShunt Battery Monitor, 500A, Bluetooth : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

amzn.to

 

[Dellmassive]

have a look over here for more ideas:

Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It --

Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It -- ************************************************** Dellmassive`s -- "how I Done It" -- Thread ************************************************** Kit List And Stuff -- How I Done It & What I Use --...

www.t6forum.com

.

 

[zlea73]

have a look over here for more ideas:

Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It --

Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It -- ************************************************** Dellmassive`s -- "how I Done It" -- Thread ************************************************** Kit List And Stuff -- How I Done It & What I Use --...

www.t6forum.com

.

thank you))
thanks really appreciated

have a look over here for more ideas:

Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It --

Diagrams, Schematics & Wires -- How I Done It -- ************************************************** Dellmassive`s -- "how I Done It" -- Thread ************************************************** Kit List And Stuff -- How I Done It & What I Use --...

www.t6forum.com

.

Thank you Dellmassive that will keep me busy for a while))

 

[Pete C]

Don’t forget that if an all-in-one solution fails, then you potentially have nothing to charge your leisure battery. The thought of that happening on a remote campsite in Southern Europe at the beginning of a holiday drove us down a separates route.

Pete

 

[zlea73]

That's a good thought and tbh I will probably not think about the the solar panels until I install a pop top which is probably gonna be next year.

 

[Robmc01]

The new renogy dc-dc + moot looks great

 

[Dellmassive]

The Renogy DCC50S is a very good DC-DC / MPPT charger. (now 30A or 50A)

a fair size box, but nice cable management covers and built in temp + Lithium charge limiting when cold. (or AGM boost)

I've got one running in the van right now. (50A version)


.



.



.

.

here is a BM2 charge readout over a few days (for that AUX battery under the seat, AGM atm)



.



.




spec:




Manual:

https://uk.renogy.com/content/files/Manuals/RBC3050D1S-Manual.pdf

get one here:

Renogy 50A 12V DC to DC In Vehicle Battery Charger W/ MPPT Solar Lithium AGM GEL | eBay

While your vehicle's alternator prioritizes your primary battery, this unit will allow your solar system to put your secondary battery first! Bluetooth Monitoring Ready! Renogy was founded on the strong belief that solar power should be available to everyone, anywhere on the planet.

ebay.us

******


FYI here is a look at the 30A version.

Renogy 30A 12V DC to DC In Vehicle Battery Charger W/ MPPT Solar Lithium AGM GEL 810009715528 | eBay

Bluetooth Monitoring Ready! Renogy was founded on the strong belief that solar power should be available to everyone, anywhere on the planet. We use top quality solar cells and superior accessories to produce high performance solar modules that maximize the energy yield of the solar system per...

rover.ebay.com

 

[Farnorthsurfer]

Anyone have a review of the Renogy BT-2 monitor with the DC-DC unit? Have done a search and not found much information apart from some less than upbeat comments on the app.
I am using a Victron Smart Shunt which is good for amps and SOC but doesn’t keep any history and there is no temperature information.
Might put my BM2 back on just for voltage history.

 

[Dellmassive]

I've got a Renogy BT-2 . . . its in the van, but i haven't plugged it in . . . ill dig it out. (BT monitor for the Renogy DC-DC charger)

there's a new APP for it apparently.

FWIW - i have the BM2`s connected all the time regardless of what kit im running . . .

they the best option for battery / voltage history logging.



....



get one of these for temp logging . . . there great.

Brifit Wireless Thermometer Hygrometer, Bluetooth 5.0 Room Temperature Monitor, Easily Export Temperature, Temp Sensor with Notification Alert for Home, Greenhouse, Guitar Case, Wine Cellar: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Brifit Wireless Thermometer Hygrometer, Bluetooth 5.0 Room Temperature Monitor, Easily Export Temperature, Temp Sensor with Notification Alert for Home, Greenhouse, Guitar Case, Wine Cellar: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

amzn.to

 

[Farnorthsurfer]

I've got a Renogy BT-2 . . . its in the van, but i haven't plugged it in . . . ill dig it out. (BT monitor for the Renogy DC-DC charger)

there's a new APP for it apparently.

FWIW - i have the BM2`s connected all the time regardless of what kit im running . . .

they the best option for battery / voltage history logging.



....



get one of these for temp logging . . . there great.

Brifit Wireless Thermometer Hygrometer, Bluetooth 5.0 Room Temperature Monitor, Easily Export Temperature, Temp Sensor with Notification Alert for Home, Greenhouse, Guitar Case, Wine Cellar: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Brifit Wireless Thermometer Hygrometer, Bluetooth 5.0 Room Temperature Monitor, Easily Export Temperature, Temp Sensor with Notification Alert for Home, Greenhouse, Guitar Case, Wine Cellar: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

amzn.to

View attachment 101598

Thanks @Dellmassive would be good to know what you think of the Renogy Monitor if you get a chance to hook it up. If it does history and temperature monitoring that would probably do me. It’s been very cold up here in the Highlands and while I am pretty sure the DC-DC has not been charging the Lithium it would be good to confirm it. Although with a couple of inches of snow on the 160w solar it’s probably not going to produce much anyway. Presumably the Renogy DC would also stop alternator charging at very low temps but again it would be good to know what the unit is doing and what it thinks the temperature is.

 

[Dellmassive]

The Renogy DCC50S is a very good DC-DC / MPPT charger. (now 30A or 50A)

This is the BT-2 Bluetooth adapter that works with an APP on your smart device. (phone in my case)

this is what you get . . .









..

right ok . . . so lets connect it . . .



.

Nice cable managed covers on the DC50 . . . the BT-2 plugs in the RS485 port.



here . . . .





..
size wise its ver small, about the size of a box of matches . .

The green light comes on when its connected,

the blue light shows comms when its talking to the phone and the APP.

.

this is the booklet









simple enough right . . . . =]

over to the APP . . .

There seems to be two APPs for it. (Renogy BT & Renogy DC Home)



The first is the better one imho . . Renogy BT its called.

install the APP then click + to add a device,

this popped up straight away . . . just click then one you think it is and confirm.



once conected you have 4 screens to choose.

MONITORING is the main page . . . .

it shows:
solar mppt section.

**
AUX battery status

**

Output status.



.
RECORD page . . .

which shows some basic data logging . . . looks like you can got back in the history at the top. but i could only go back a week or so.




.

SETTINGS page . . .

not much to be done here.


..

DEVICE INFO:

just basic info SNo, FW etc.




...


so far so good.

starting up the van we have this . . .

Green:
solar, i have no panels connected, so no power here.

RED:
showiung 10A charging the AUX AGM battery @ 14.6v,
the 25C temp is a fail safe substitued value (as i have no temp sensor fitted)

BLUE:
showing output stage.
again 10A and 14.7V charging the AUX battery (so the SUM of the MPPT & DC-DC sides)




.
these values were verified with the BMV712 victron shunt . . .

the 10A had dropped to 7A, but similar values.






next up was the second APP - Renogy DC Home

this one requires to sign up:



.

to log in. . .

20x pic limit reached . . . . TBC below.

 

[Dellmassive]

next up was the second APP - Renogy DC Home - part2


to log in. . .



you need to add a device . . .

you can see that the formsattiing for the smart phone screen size very janky





.
it was a bit of a faff to add the BT-2, but got there in the end.

..



once added we see this . . some basic data metrics



.


the readings were again varified . . . but seeing as they are reading the same DC50 data you would expect them too.



...

not much to see here,

so i went back to the previous APP, that i preferer . .




conclusion.

all in all a handy monitor for the DC50s, not bad for £26 from Renogy : BT-2 Bluetooth Module

the APP could do with some work, and they will most likely update it as time goes.

I wouldn't replace a BM2 or BMV monitor with the BT-2, but then this is just a dedicated monitor anyway.

ill leave it connected to build up some history data . . .

and add a solar panel when we get a bit of sun.

ill update this post with more data then.


have a look here:

BT-2 Bluetooth Module

The BT-2 can connect to Renogy charge controllers with a RS232 port and is used to pair charge controllers with the Renogy APP. Visit our website to see the wide selection we have to offer!

uk.renogy.com

.
DESCRIPTION
Meet the Renogy BT-2 Bluetooth Module! Unlike the BT-1, this new generation of Bluetooth Module is compatible with a variety of products, including Renogy RVR Elite solar charge controllers, smart lithium batteries, and DC-DC MPPT battery chargers. Connect the BT-2 to the component's RJ45 communication port to wirelessly check and adjust your system's parameters through the DC Home App (available in both the App Store and Google Play).

If you have any questions regarding this product, please email supportuk@renogy.com.

• ● Wirelessly monitor and adjust compatible solar charge controllers, smart lithium batteries, and DC-DC MPPT battery chargers, via Bluetooth
• ● Connect to our user-friendly smartphone Apps————Renogy DC Home, to keep track of your system
• ● Embedded Bluetooth chip with high efficiency and low energy consumption
• ● Bluetooth 4.2 and BLE technology provides fast and uninterrupted communication
• ● Powered directly through the device's RJ45 communication port
• ● Signal range of up to 82 feet
• ● Two LED lights that indicate the BT-2's power and Bluetooth connection status

**

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnch/content/Product%20Pic/DC-01.jpg

**

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-fhnch/content/Product%20Pic/DC-02.jpg

**

 

[Farnorthsurfer]

Another great review @Dellmassive thanks very much for that.
I will get my order in with Renogy now. Looks like it will fill in the info I am looking for, a little more detail on the solar performance and some temperature info.
Been very happy with the Renogy 50A, using a cut off switch on the solar input it will very rapidly top up my TNPower lithium battery. The solar worked well last summer. Not so much in a Scottish winter

 

[Farnorthsurfer]

Ordered the Renogy BT-2 direct on the Renogy UK website and used the code 'WELCOME10' to get 10% off. Free delivery £23.39 in total.
Not sure on stock but in no hurry. Thanks @Dellmassive

 

[Dellmassive]

I've had this unit since summer 2020 . . . but with all the Solar stuff doing the rounds i forgot about it.

i think its time to dig it out . . .

Renogy 20A DC-DC charger. - RNG - DCC1212-20-EU

https://amzn.to/3qsByIL

Description:
The DCC12 Series battery chargers are the most effective way to charge your auxiliary or house batteries from the alternator/starter battery. Compatible with a multitude of alternator types, the DCC12 offers correct charging for AGM, Flooded, Gel, and even Lithium deep cycle batteries!

Featuring a 3-stage battery charger and multiple electronic protections, owners can feel confident that their batteries are being charged optimally and automatically. For added safety to personnel, the DCC12 isolates the input from the output preventing incorrect voltage transmission. Easily install the compact yet sturdy DC1212 on RV’s, commercial vehicles, boats, yachts and many more applications!

• Multi-Chemistry Battery Types: AGM, Flooded, Gel, and Lithium
• Smart Protection Features: Over-voltage safety, Overheat protection, and Reverse polarity protection
• Battery Input and Output Isolation
• 3-phase Charging: Bulk, Boost, and Float
• Compact, sturdy design, built tough for all conditions
• Increases run time of loads, such as fridges and lights
• Overcomes voltage drop caused by long cable runs
• Prolongs Battery Life

this is my one . . . . . out the box and rearing to go.




connection wise we have main power out, with sensor input, DIP switch setting and status LEDs . .




the terminals are nice and chunky . . .





the other side we have the input and some fans . . .




not much to see in the base . . .




..

the black covers clip off to get access to the 6mm screw bolts for the main cables.




.

As you know i use 50A Anderson connectors in the van as quick disconnects so that i can swap out chargers as and when i need to for testing and playing about . . .

this is a 20A unit, so 50A Anderson connectors will be fine . . .

So lets make some cables up.



..

10AWG Silicone high temp flexible cable is double crimped onto the pin ends . . .



and snapped into place inside the housing . . .





in and out side made up we move the units connections. . . . . a 6mm screw bolt for this unit.




.

i had a rummage and found these 6mm luggs that look suitable. . . .



.



..


cut some heatshrink . . .



.

double crimp on . . .



.

and apply heat . . .





.
take the cover off . . .

slide cables through . . .

take out bolts . . .

screw down tight . . .

replace cap . . .



..


this is what we end up with . . .




...

following the manual:



.



.

D+ we can run an IGN feed to this terminal



S1-S5 is the battery type setting.




end of part1