[C320-list] Installing Victron Multiplus Inverter/Charger 2000W w Lifeline AGM

[Scott Thompson]

I have the somewhat older version of the Victron battery monitor. (I 
think the only difference with the newer one is bluetooth.) It's a very 
nice unit but it only monitors voltage on the second bank, not charging 
or discharging. You would need two, and a second shunt, if you want to 
monitor two banks fully and separately. In my case the two large 
batteries are paralleled into a single house bank and that's the one I 
monitor fully. I have a separate starting battery. With this setup I 
also installed one of the Victron battery combiners so that the house 
bank will charge off the starting battery when the alternator is 
charging it, and the reverse when charging the house bank from solar 
panels or shore power. Otherwise these circuits are kept separate via a 
Blue Seas Dual Circuit battery switch, which simplifies battery 
management to a simple On/Off procedure. (The circuits are kept separate 
but turned on and off together. I have the "plus" version which lets you 
combine them. I only used that once when the starting battery died due 
to my improper maintenance.) I also have a Victron solar regulator and 
the (optional) solar regulator monitor. The Victron stuff is first rate 
and looks classy in my opinion.

On 4/22/2021 2:00 PM, RichF RF wrote:
> One of the Interstate FLA 4Ds just failed after 5 years, was about ready to
> go full chernobyl when I checked the boat over the weekend.  Amazing how
> hot the case (starting to melt) and wires around the battery were -
> literally arrived just in time to prevent a major disaster.
>
> Done with FLA batteries.
>
> Picked up two Lifeline AGM 4Ds and Lifeline Group 24 AGM start battery.
> They fit perfectly in existing battery trays.
>
> Also purchased the Victron Multiplus
> Victron MultiPlus Inverter/Charger 12 VDC - 2000W - 80AMP Battery Charger |
> Compass Marine (marinehowto.com)
> <https://shop.marinehowto.com/products/victron-multiplus-inverter-charger-12-2000-80>
>
> This has a secondary charger specifically made for a start battery.
>
> Digital Panel Multi-Control
> Victron Digital Multi-Control | Compass Marine (marinehowto.com)
> <https://shop.marinehowto.com/products/victron-digital-multi-control>
>
> Smart Dongle V.E. Bus BlueTooth uses VictronConnect App for phones/tablets
> Victron V.E. Bus Smart Dongle | Compass Marine (marinehowto.com)
> <https://shop.marinehowto.com/products/victron-ve-bus-smart-dongle>
>
> Plan to get the battery monitor that will monitor both banks and has
> bluetooth
> Victron BMV-712 Smart Battery Monitor | Compass Marine (marinehowto.com)
> <https://shop.marinehowto.com/products/victron-bmv-712-smart-battery-monitor>
>
> Just checked and the Multiplus fits where the old charger was located  -
> C-Charger 5000 Series 30 AMP.  The Multiplus is much larger and heavier,
> will need to sit a bit higher in that location.
>
> Has anyone installed one yet?  Did not see anything in the discussion
> groups beyond Victron solar chargers.  The features on this seem
> impressive.  Still debating if I take this on or use my trusted electronics
> pro.  Seminars that I have watched from Jeff Cote, Marine How to and PKYS
> https://shop.pkys.com/Technical-Pages_ep_41.html really have some great
> information.
>
> Sorry for all the links but have not seen these systems posted here yet.
>
> RichF  #990

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653