Victron BMV 712 Smart battery monitor WTH?

[cottersay]

Thanks Persistent, but what looks like a ground to the battery box is actually a floating spst battery switch. I should have marked it in the photo!

[chuckbear]

Did you go through the proper setup when you connected to these batteries? The 712 is not plug-and-play. You must set the proper parameters for the batteries or the readings are never going to be correct. The instructions are in the manual. Chuck

[cottersay]

Thanks chuckbear, but I set it up exactly as specified for BattleBorn lithium batteries.

[chuckbear]

Originally Posted by cottersay

Thanks chuckbear, but I set it up exactly as specified for BattleBorn lithium batteries.

Then you might want to refresh those settings. Then make a call to Victron tech service. They are very helpful. Chuck

[SV K]

If your SOC reading is dropping under charging over the course of a couple weeks or so even though you know the batts are full it may be that the "Efficiency" setting is at the factory setting of 95% which is for lead/acids. Victron advises setting it to 99% for Lifepo4's.

[cottersay]

Thanks SVK, but I have my Efficiency setting at 99%.

[cottersay]

chuckbear hit the nail on the head; all I needed was to "refresh" the BMV's settings -- a full factory reset. After the reset, I then entered all of the proper Lithium parameters, and so far so good.
Thanks chuckbear and company!

[Kayakist]

I've been following this thread very closely as I want to add a battery monitor to my class A.


I'm leaning towards the 712 as it seems to be the best performing one on the market. I was considering the smart shunt but the shorter wifi capability has me concerned as my batteries are under my metal enclosed entrance steps.


I'm electrically challenged so tackling the install is a bit concerning. It's great to know that I can reach out to folks like you if I run into problems.

[GPCPL]

Originally Posted by Kayakist

I've been following this thread very closely as I want to add a battery monitor to my class A.


I'm leaning towards the 712 as it seems to be the best performing one on the market. I was considering the smart shunt but the shorter wifi capability has me concerned as my batteries are under my metal enclosed entrance steps.


I'm electrically challenged so tackling the install is a bit concerning. It's i great to know that I can reach out to folks like you if I run into problems.

The install on the 712 is pretty simple and it comes with instructions. FWIW, I think it's a great monitor and I've been happy with mine. The hardest part is reading the manual and setting the parameters, but its all covered in the manual. Good luck, and thank you for your service.

[chuckbear]

We have had the Victron monitor on the RV for over 4 years and one on our boat for 15 years. Best investment we ever made. Chuck

[cottersay]

The battery monitor is an absolute must if you boondock, as you'll be surprised (more like shocked) at how quickly even Lithium's are depleted, leaving you with your pants down. (Like I was at 10,000 feet, just when you need to bring in your slideout, awning, and use the front jack to leave, but you discover that your batteries are dead and your generator won't run at that altitude.)

[treeoflib]

Originally Posted by cottersay

The battery monitor is an absolute must if you boondock, as you'll be surprised (more like shocked) at how quickly even Lithium's are depleted, leaving you with your pants down. (Like I was at 10,000 feet, just when you need to bring in your slideout, awning, and use the front jack to leave, but you discover that your batteries are dead and your generator won't run at that altitude.)

And adding insult to injury, your pants were down. I risk hijacking a thread, but the OP got it figured out. How did you fix this?

I love camping above 10,000 feet. Food tastes better and the thinner air is still so invigorating.

[cottersay]

Yes, I even had a high-altitude jet kit in the generator's carburetor, but it wasn't high-altitudey enough (max 6000 feet). I have now ordered a higher altitude kit, but none of them are rated to go above 8000 feet, so we'll see...

[treeoflib]

Originally Posted by cottersay

Yes, I even had a high-altitude jet kit in the generator's carburetor, but it wasn't high-altitudey enough (max 6000 feet). I have now ordered a higher altitude kit, but none of them are rated to go above 8000 feet, so we'll see...

Sorry, I was vague with my question. How did you get your batteries charged enough to get off the mountain on that fateful day?