Is my solar setup faulty?

looks like you have an isolated version . . . same as me.


have you got BOTH NEG terminals connected to ground,


so TWO positives and TWO negatives . . .

1632410834057.png



see here for mine . .







.
 
also see here about settings . .











1632411053248.png1632411061268.png1632411068358.png



1632411088208.png

(Re)start level: The default setting (13.3V) is based on generic smart alternator setup. Most smart alternators will generate 13.5V when the engine is running, and regular alternators will normally generate >14V. In an application with a regular alternator the restart level can therefore be set to a higher value, e.g. 14V. Shutdown level: The default setting is 13.1V. this creates a hysteresis between the restart level and prevents excess discharge of the starter battery. Shutdown level range: 12|12; 12|24 models: 8 to 17V 24|12; 24|24 models: 16 to 35V Setup input voltage lock-out: Input voltage lock-out is the minimum level at which charging is allowed, below this level charging stops immediately. To determine this setting two criteria are important: • Minimum alternator voltage: A smart alternator can (temporarily) operate at very low alternator voltage (<12.5V) e.g. when the vehicle accelerates. This low voltage is allowed within the one-minute delay during the “engine on detection sequence 23”. If charging must remain active during this period, the lock-out level must at least be set below the minimum alternator voltage. Note: If this low voltage period exceeds the one-minute timer charging will be disabled on engine shutdown detection. • Voltage drop across the input cable: As seen in “engine on detection sequence 12”, VIN is lowered by Vcable due to the input current. The voltagedrop at Vin caused by Vcable must not trip the voltage lock-out. Therefore, the lockout value should be: Vlock-out = Valternator(min) – Vcable. Example, calculating input cable voltage drop: Distance between starter battery and charger: 5m. Valternator(min)= 12.5V. Recommended wire gauge: 16mm2 . Cable resistance: ~1.1mΩ/m @20°C, thus Rcable = 1.1mΩ x 10m (2x 5m) = 11mΩ1) . A 12|12-30A Smart Charger will draw about 35A from the input when running at full capacity, resulting in: Vcable = 11mΩ x 35A = 385mV. Vlock-out =< Valternator(min) – Vcable = 12.5V – 385mV ≈ 12.1V. The Restart value is normally set 0.1V higher than the Lock-out value to create hysteresis. 1) Cable connections, external fuses, temperature, etc. can influence cable resistance.
 
looks like you have an isolated version . . . same as me.


have you got BOTH NEG terminals connected to ground,


so TWO positives and TWO negatives . . .

View attachment 131037



see here for mine . .







.
Yes I have 2 x pos and 2 x neg on the Orion0FBA7EC2-7D55-4C56-8CCB-C073A49F57D3.jpeg0FBA7EC2-7D55-4C56-8CCB-C073A49F57D3.jpeg
 
ok.. . .

so set all the settings back to default and test again.

look at fitting an IGN feed to connect to the H terminal.

that will switch it ON/OFF when the van running.


The Auto Detection does work . . . . but needs some patients with setting on the start/stop vans.



I USED THE BCM ENGINE RUN FEED ON MINE - so it only switches on when engine is running.


see here:







1632411936192.png1632411945802.png
 
also see here about settings . .











View attachment 131038View attachment 131039View attachment 131040



View attachment 131041

(Re)start level: The default setting (13.3V) is based on generic smart alternator setup. Most smart alternators will generate 13.5V when the engine is running, and regular alternators will normally generate >14V. In an application with a regular alternator the restart level can therefore be set to a higher value, e.g. 14V. Shutdown level: The default setting is 13.1V. this creates a hysteresis between the restart level and prevents excess discharge of the starter battery. Shutdown level range: 12|12; 12|24 models: 8 to 17V 24|12; 24|24 models: 16 to 35V Setup input voltage lock-out: Input voltage lock-out is the minimum level at which charging is allowed, below this level charging stops immediately. To determine this setting two criteria are important: • Minimum alternator voltage: A smart alternator can (temporarily) operate at very low alternator voltage (<12.5V) e.g. when the vehicle accelerates. This low voltage is allowed within the one-minute delay during the “engine on detection sequence 23”. If charging must remain active during this period, the lock-out level must at least be set below the minimum alternator voltage. Note: If this low voltage period exceeds the one-minute timer charging will be disabled on engine shutdown detection. • Voltage drop across the input cable: As seen in “engine on detection sequence 12”, VIN is lowered by Vcable due to the input current. The voltagedrop at Vin caused by Vcable must not trip the voltage lock-out. Therefore, the lockout value should be: Vlock-out = Valternator(min) – Vcable. Example, calculating input cable voltage drop: Distance between starter battery and charger: 5m. Valternator(min)= 12.5V. Recommended wire gauge: 16mm2 . Cable resistance: ~1.1mΩ/m @20°C, thus Rcable = 1.1mΩ x 10m (2x 5m) = 11mΩ1) . A 12|12-30A Smart Charger will draw about 35A from the input when running at full capacity, resulting in: Vcable = 11mΩ x 35A = 385mV. Vlock-out =< Valternator(min) – Vcable = 12.5V – 385mV ≈ 12.1V. The Restart value is normally set 0.1V higher than the Lock-out value to create hysteresis. 1) Cable connections, external fuses, temperature, etc. can influence cable resistance.
You have been a great help today and I am very very grateful for your time and patience …
Through your experience can you advise me of the best settings please ..
Olly
 
@Ollyboy61 default settings are always best starting point.

See the screenshots above.

Set the defaults....

Then re test tomorrow and get back to us.
 
@Ollyboy61 default settings are always best starting point.

See the screenshots above.

Set the defaults....

Then re test tomorrow and get back to us.
Settings ….

Lockout value … 10.4v
Restart value ….. 10.5v
Shutdown ……… 13.1v
Restart …………. 13.3v
Using the van this weekend so can monitor accurately
Thank you again for all your communication.
Would have been lost without it.

Olly
 
@Ollyboy61 default settings are always best starting point.

See the screenshots above.

Set the defaults....

Then re test tomorrow and get back to us.
Hi … with your help and advice the solar and Orion Smart charging system works a dream.
My concern is the short on the control of the Orion is an alternative to an ignition lead.
Does the donor battery feed into the leisure battery when the engine isn’t running, and potentially put a constant drain on it if the solar system isn’t efficient or on a cloudy day for example. ?

Olly
 
Hi … with your help and advice the solar and Orion Smart charging system works a dream.
My concern is the short on the control of the Orion is an alternative to an ignition lead.
Does the donor battery feed into the leisure battery when the engine isn’t running, and potentially put a constant drain on it if the solar system isn’t efficient or on a cloudy day for example. ?

Olly
According to section 5 of the manual

Setup input voltage lock-out: Input voltage lock-out is the minimum level at which charging is allowed, below this level charging stops immediately. Default (in charger mode): lock-out: 12.5V / restart: 12.8V. Default (in power supply mode): lock-out: 10.5V / restart: 12V.

Assuming you’re in charger mode ( and not power supply) , you won’t be taking any current from the starter battery when it drops to 12.5V or lower

Simon
 
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