LiFePO4 Batteries: Discussion Thread for Those Using Them as House Banks

[john61ct]

really?

https://bit.ly/2NbkfLz

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by john61ct

really?

https://bit.ly/2NbkfLz

Sarcasm or what?
Really john, take a pill.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

really?

https://bit.ly/2NbkfLz

john the rest of us are courteous enough to actually put links to the items we find that are of interest . You should do nothing less for us.

By the way you should have checked specifications first as well

The 40 amp renogy b2b unit is yes on sale for 149 but the 50 amp unit has an integrated mppt solar charge controller .
https://www.renogy.com/products.php?...eid=4d9301f21b

DCC50S 12V 50A DC-DC ON-BOARD BATTERY CHARGER WITH MPPT .

[john61ct]

I'm showing $117, here's a direct link still showing the limited-time sale price

https://www.newegg.com/p/120-000K-00...9SIA29R9526952

If it's higher when you go there, that means the sale's over.

And man, some people sure act entitled.

Better to teach a man to fish.

You're welcome.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

I'm showing $117, here's a direct link still showing the limited-time sale price

https://www.newegg.com/p/120-000K-00...9SIA29R9526952

If it's higher when you go there, that means the sale's over.

And man, some people sure act entitled.

Better to teach a man to fish.

You're welcome.

john that is for the 20 amp b2b only you really should read the specs before posting

Renogy 20A DC to DC Battery Charger
Nominal Voltage: 12V
Rated Charge Current: 20A

[john61ct]

yes you are correct, didn't realize they're selling both

$180 for the 40A one

my apologies

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

yes you are correct, didn't realize they're selling both

$180 for the 40A one

my apologies

that is a good price for it however the 50 amp as I said also has a 50 amp mppt solar controller built into it

[john61ct]

For the price difference I'd rather get a dedicated Victron SmartSolar.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

For the price difference I'd rather get a dedicated Victron SmartSolar.

ok what is the cost of a dedicated b2b 50 amp charger.

[john61ct]

The Renogy units do not meet my usual requirements for a DC-DC charger; I think it is worth paying more for the features they lack.

But when their price gets down in the same ballpark as a low-end ACR, they do compare favorably to that option,

so I may well come across use cases where they are worth recommending.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

The Renogy units do not meet my usual requirements for a DC-DC charger; I think it is worth paying more for the features they lack.

But when their price gets down in the same ballpark as a low-end ACR, they do compare favorably to that option,

so I may well come across use cases where they are worth recommending.

I know I will regret this but what are the requirements for a b2b that you would use on the lifepo4 house bank that you are currently using .
( this thread is after all for those of us using lifepo4 as our house banks)

please be specific .

To and including the size and makeup of your bank as well as the alternator that would be running through this unit to charge your bank.

[john61ct]

No.

Yet again, you write as if you feel entitled to telling me how to write my posts

But in general terms, not sure why you want to repeat all this yet again:

Fully user-custom profile adjustability.

Ability to de-rate the output current.

VSR/ACR functionality built-in rather than having to buy that as well, afaik Renogy is the only DC-DC that lacks that. NP if only using it for alternator of course.

Not sure about IP-rating testing?

My communications with Sterling support, including Charles directly many times, their proven build quality over many years, a worldwide warranty that does not depend on the local statutory jurisdiction,

all these also set a very high bar for a newcomer.

But as I've stated, lower prices are great, they do have a good rep for marketing and customer service, and unlike most of the other cheap chinese vendors out there seem to be building up an overall good reputation they will have a strong incentive to hold onto.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by john61ct

No.

Yet again, you write as if you feel entitled to telling me how to write my posts

But in general terms, not sure why you want to repeat all this yet again:

Fully user-custom profile adjustability.

Ability to de-rate the output current.

VSR/ACR functionality built-in rather than having to buy that as well, afaik Renogy is the only DC-DC that lacks that. NP if only using it for alternator of course.

Not sure about IP-rating testing?

My communications with Sterling support, including Charles directly many times, their proven build quality over many years, a worldwide warranty that does not depend on the local statutory jurisdiction,

all these also set a very high bar for a newcomer.

But as I've stated, lower prices are great, they do have a good rep for marketing and customer service, and unlike most of the other cheap chinese vendors out there seem to be building up an overall good reputation they will have a strong incentive to hold onto.

we covered all of this on another thread including my posting the pages out of the manual as to the user Setable points .

Not sure why you want to derate output on the alternator charging . The objective here is to charge the Lfp bank as rapidly and efficiently as possible off of the alternator while still maintaining a fla starting battery to act as a buffer for the alternator .

As to the VSR/ACR functionality built-in rather than having to buy that as well,. You need to follow my suggestion and read the manual on the 50 amp b2b altetnator / mppt solar controller integration .
Don't know the ip rating on either personally however both are rated for marine installation .
While I have never had to do a warranty on a renogy b2b any of their other items have been done without question purely based on my emailing them with the specifics of the problems .
Included here is also a screen grab of the key features .

Now as I have stated many times this thread is for those of us that are using Lfp batteries as our house banks to share innovations ideas and issues we have ..

What are the specifications of the house bank you have installed on your boat?

Lastly when you use this information on one of your rv forums please give credit to this thread for the information . ( and no not me just the thread there is so much information here I know few have actually read it all) myself included)

[JmanC]

Sunking keeps saying on various forums that bottom balance balances the actual ah capacity while top balance only balances the voltages. Not sure what to make of this. Sounds like top balance does nothing but give a false sense of accomplishment. Also sounds like the actual battery capacity is more accurate with bottom.
Do you think it matters?

[CatNewBee]

Originally Posted by JmanC

Sunking keeps saying on various forums that bottom balance balances the actual ah capacity while top balance only balances the voltages. Not sure what to make of this. Sounds like top balance does nothing but give a false sense of accomplishment. Also sounds like the actual battery capacity is more accurate with bottom.
Do you think it matters?

Top balancing is better in practical applications, you have always available battery power, while at bottom balancing you have to deep discharge the battery and then charge it to have power. Makes no sense, except for playing around.