Victron MPPT (and a blinking LED)

[MarkK]

They are beginning a newer line that has the Bluetooth built in, my last controller is that way. I use an old cell phone as a semi permanent solar monitor. Attached are pics showing the live readout and also of the history menu. The battery setup menu is impressive too, you can even set bulk = absorb = float for CC/CV charging a lithium cell if wanted.

Are you referring to their SmartSolar Charge Controller MPPT models? No dongle needed, just a smart device and their software on the smart device and you can access the CC to make adjustments? Can you also use your smart device to act as a monitor, or do you still need one of their monitoring devices for SoC, watts, rate of discharge, amp load, etc?

 

[tx2sturgis]

Glad this got bumped.

I used the little Victron in Wyoming and it worked very well...my primary concern, after charging performance of course, was EMI/RFI and it was not a problem. If there WAS any noise being generated on HF it was not audible on 80, 40, and 20 meters.

 

[John61CT]

SoC monitoring will always require a shunt-based AH counter, only exception being SmartGauge.

I believe Victron's modular approach is a good one, keep the SC inexpensive, not everyone wants all the bells and whistles.

For under $100 you can match a 75/15 1:1 to suitable panels, maybe end up with 3 or 4, and optimize partial shading issues.

You only need one BM per bank you want to monitor.