22 replies to this topic

[ri-f]

https://www.overland...er-panel-osm100
I know the link says 100W but it's a fully rigid 150W on overland's website.
I'm tracking on the power needed. Seems like a Lithium might be making more sense to me based on weight and area restrictions as well. I'm curious what Brian will say about making it work with the overland controller. Thanks once again for the insight.

 

Thanks for including the link. The Sunpower Maxeon Gen 3 cells are very cool. Nice option, for sure, if you want a rigid panel. Although it's strange they don't advertise it on their site. It's possible that it was a product they discontinued when they went with those Sunpower Gen 3 cells in their semi-flexible panels. Anyway, combine that or the semi-flexible panel with, say, a Battle Born, heated, 100AH LiFePO4 and it's almost the plug and play you're looking for. You'll still need to use a fuse or circuit breaker, before and after your MPPT controller, but that's trivial. I'd encourage you to go Lithium if possible, it has many advantages.

 

Rich

Edited by ri-f, 17 April 2021 - 05:05 PM.

[astropuppy]

I plugged a Victron Energy VE.Direct Smart Dongle into my Overland Solar MPPT controller w/o a hitch. It even updated the firmware on the controller. And yes it supports lithium batteries. The bluetooth app makes changing charge parameters a lot easier than using the display.

 

Next I'll be adding a "Victron Energy Smart Battery Sense Long Range" to the mix. 

 

I'm all about simple cost effective updates.

[Holmes]

I plugged a Victron Energy VE.Direct Smart Dongle into my Overland Solar MPPT controller w/o a hitch. It even updated the firmware on the controller. And yes it supports lithium batteries. The bluetooth app makes changing charge parameters a lot easier than using the display.

Next I'll be adding a "Victron Energy Smart Battery Sense Long Range" to the mix.

I'm all about simple cost effective updates.

Hey thanks for the input Astropuppy. I remember looking into a victory blutetooth dongle and I think I brought it up to Brian at overland solar and he thought that it wouldn't work.
Just to confirm this is the victron dongle that your using?
https://www.amazon.c...2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Edited by Holmes, 19 September 2021 - 06:38 PM.

[dennis 221]

So are these the item that need to be replaced to go lithium??

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[Vic Harder]

Left to right

- Battery separator

- Solar charger (MPPT or PWM)

- Display/interface to the solar charger

[astropuppy]

Hey thanks for the input Astropuppy. I remember looking into a victory blutetooth dongle and I think I brought it up to Brian at overland solar and he thought that it wouldn't work.
Just to confirm this is the victron dongle that your using?
https://www.amazon.c...2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

Yes thats the one.

I have now added a bvm 712 with temp sensor. Beginning to understand why so many like this victron stuff.

[Holmes]

Yes thats the one.
I have now added a bvm 712 with temp sensor. Beginning to understand why so many like this victron stuff.

Thanks for getting back to me. Just trying to save some cash by not replacing my mppt and display if I can while adding Bluetooth if possible. Whats the major benefit by adding a bvm 712? Just curious.

[astropuppy]

Thanks for getting back to me. Just trying to save some cash by not replacing my mppt and display if I can while adding Bluetooth if possible. Whats the major benefit by adding a bvm 712? Just curious.

 

The 712 connects with the Dongle, giving it battery temperature. In my case with agm's, the mppt will adjust the charge profile. With lifepo4 it will know when not to charge, below freezing. 

 

Another reason was when you add the dongle you lose the connection for the meter. My 712 meter now occipys the hole the overland solar meter was in.

[Holmes]

The 712 connects with the Dongle, giving it battery temperature. In my case with agm's, the mppt will adjust the charge profile. With lifepo4 it will know when not to charge, below freezing. 
 
Another reason was when you add the dongle you lose the connection for the meter. My 712 meter now occipys the hole the overland solar meter was in.

I figured that was why you switched to the 712 because you can't use both with the overland display. Thanks for the info.

[kb1ejh]

I plugged a Victron Energy VE.Direct Smart Dongle into my Overland Solar MPPT controller w/o a hitch. It even updated the firmware on the controller. And yes it supports lithium batteries. The bluetooth app makes changing charge parameters a lot easier than using the display.

 

Next I'll be adding a "Victron Energy Smart Battery Sense Long Range" to the mix. 

 

I'm all about simple cost effective updates.

 

THANK YOU! I had wondered if the Smart Dongle would work with the Overland Solar 100/15. I had called Victron, they said...no. I saw your post and ordered one. Yup, plugged it in to the unit and certainly worked w/o a hitch too! Did both updates to the firmware and is working great on the phone to monitor it's history. Past history is easily accessible too. Thanks again for posting that it works.