Transfer switch Question

Topic: Transfer switch Question (Read 3460 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #25 – May 30, 2020, 12:58:57 pm

Some inverter chargers designs seem to optimized for short/medium term mid power rating loads.

Others are designed to put out larger percentages of their rated power continuously like a residence.

Physically heavier. More cooling. That kind of stuff.

Longer term hot weather use and/or higher constant loads might need the heavier units.

The heavier units may not be as efficient at some power output levels as the intermittent designed units due to their transformer design.

Rv use is generally intermittent and in non extreme hot weather so the more efficient units may fit your needs.

That being said IF you want future uses to include auto gen start some units are not as optimized for some gens in our older coaches.

Someone posted that the newer domestic penguin roof airs had the latest internal boards in them that with a 10 button control panel can be hooked up with a networked auto gen start to be able to have a dual setback HVAC work with the system.

Complete automated system is possible in our coaches back to mid 90's.

Most users here switch things on and off and have not considered a fully auto system being possible.

So do you want a higher efficiency, lower idle current draw unit that is optimized for intermittent medium duty use or a maybe more robust system that looses a few percent in efficiency ratings as a trade off for a unit capable of higher output in hotter conditions that can incorporate the HVAC system and run your particular gen on autostart.

As I go along I intent to incorporate the dual setback HVAC system as well as the networked auto gen start and a large solar system integrated into the combined system.

Would seem most here are used to and do not mind manually adjusting their systems, something to do is not a bad thing.

Kinda fun.

Part of the reason I have not finished my system overhaul.

Finished my high tech battery condition test setup yesterday. Need to start from the bottom up IMO.

More info on that maybe to follow

If I wanted max efficiency for non extreme conditions and non full load continuous loads a UL version Victron would be a top choice.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #26 – May 30, 2020, 01:09:10 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – May 30, 2020, 12:10:10 pm

Again depends on how long you are parked (not charging with the alternator) and how much 12 VDC power you are using while parked.

10 amps won't keep up with much of a load, but if starting with fully charged batteries from driving all day, you should be OK for an overnight.

Brett,
We always travel pole to pole. I'm just looking to maintain our batteries overnight while plugged in. Maybe I should invest in a onboard battery monitor to view and manage the the activity.
John M.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #27 – May 30, 2020, 01:12:39 pm

John,

If your batteries are OK, I can't imagine that overnight would present a problem assuming you don't use the inverter or other high-amp draw.

Said another way, if your batteries do not provide sufficient power for an overnight, something is wrong.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #28 – May 30, 2020, 01:24:54 pm

Quote from: John Morales – May 30, 2020, 01:09:10 pm

Brett,
We always travel pole to pole. I'm just looking to maintain our batteries overnight while plugged in. Maybe I should invest in a onboard battery monitor to view and manage the the activity.
John M.

John if you don't have one then it's time. It's a must have item. Victron makes a great one the BMV-712. It's Bluetooth enabled. Not hard to install. BMV-712

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #29 – May 30, 2020, 01:30:28 pm

Did GleamB get his Victron 712 compatibility with his Magnum system figured out?

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #30 – May 30, 2020, 02:41:14 pm

Journey, Roam, Explore advice is so true, Victron 712 is easy to install and program, under $210, with all settings and readings available on your cell phone. For me too, it is a must in monitoring my batteries.

I use the Victron temperature sence with this. Especially listen to necessity for all grounds, battery, solar, inverter, charger to go to proper lug on shunt. This is the most common reason people can get improper readings.

The following video by AmSolar explains use, install, and program.
https://youtu.be/tV055vmZgvY

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #31 – May 30, 2020, 03:51:32 pm

The Victron 712 with the temperature sensor is $226 on Amazon.
John M.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #32 – May 30, 2020, 03:55:45 pm

Just searched it and found this. Price is too good to be true.
John M.

Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor with Battery Temperature Sensor [W3E4540UZ]...

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #33 – May 30, 2020, 04:19:49 pm

Propsdeco.com | Very bad trust index : 2 %

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #34 – May 30, 2020, 06:15:02 pm

DANGER

Research this company!

Doesnt pass smell test.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #35 – May 30, 2020, 06:38:03 pm

Quote from: John Morales – May 30, 2020, 03:51:32 pm

The Victron 712 with the temperature sensor is $226 on Amazon.
John M.

I would order direct from Bay Marine. Call first, ask for 10% discount offered to FT forum members, and ask if temp cable is included in packaging.
Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor with Built-In Bluetooth

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #36 – May 30, 2020, 07:19:32 pm

You he Ave to be careful these days who you order from. Ordered a Hughes power watchdog from a company allrv.com. realized I ordered the wrong item the next day and after a week still not able to get ahold of someone. Had to put in a dispute with my cc company.
But back to the Victron. Go with Bay Marine. I have never ordered anything from them but seems like a excellent company. I usually order from Peter Kennedy Yacht Services. Also a excellent company.
Temp sensor is usually extra. 20 bucks. Amp-Hour-Meters

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #37 – May 30, 2020, 07:37:45 pm

I think John that is just for the round gauge and cable.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #38 – May 30, 2020, 08:01:00 pm

Quote from: red tractor – May 30, 2020, 07:37:45 pm

I think John that is just for the round gauge and cable.

The description says 500 amp shunt included.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #39 – May 31, 2020, 08:06:30 am

Is the 712 difficult to program?

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #40 – May 31, 2020, 08:56:10 am

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – May 31, 2020, 08:06:30 am

Is the 712 difficult to program?

Not from the app, it's simple from what I remember. Took more time to find the parameters of my batteries than to program it. Mine included shunt, monitor, and two battery wires so you could monitor both house and chassi.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #41 – May 31, 2020, 09:14:49 am

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – May 31, 2020, 08:06:30 am

Is the 712 difficult to program?

How to install, use, and program.
https://youtu.be/tV055vmZgvY

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #42 – May 31, 2020, 12:59:39 pm

Well, I have mine ordered and it's on the way. I won't be able to receive here in Florida so I'm having it shipped to my son's house in Illinois where I will be docked. By the looks of the installation I am going to need a cable from the negative side to the shunt, then install the negative cable from the batteries to the other side of the shunt. Now to find a location for the shunt and determine the length and cable size.
John M.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #43 – May 31, 2020, 01:15:49 pm

Quote from: John Morales – May 31, 2020, 12:59:39 pm

By the looks of the installation I am going to need a cable from the negative side to the shunt, then install the negative cable from the batteries to the other side of the shunt. Now to find a location for the shunt and determine the length and cable size.
John M.

I do not have a 320 like yours which might have the Link 2000, however, I thought the Link 2000 used a shunt.

On my U295 I removed my oem shunt and 110v Powerewatch monitor, so it was simple to replace with Victron supplied shunt.

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #44 – May 31, 2020, 01:21:38 pm

Jack,
Not quite sure what the link 2000 is. Never had to deal with it. I will search BeamAlarm to see if I can find info on it.
John M

Re: Transfer switch Question

Reply #45 – May 31, 2020, 01:31:38 pm

John Jack is correct. you have a shunt in the driver's side basement next to the aquahot behind the fiberglass shield. At least I do. And I think we have the same coach. Just need to make sure that all negative cables are on the coach side of the shunt to ensure accurate measurements of the amps used.