Lifeline Battery Recovery experiences?
I had a thread about our Magnum MS2812 going into Fault code mode overnight while boon docking. Posted under Magnum because I first thought I may have had a problem with my program parameters, and pos...
Forum Discussion
I'll answer some here, and do some homework, and answer more in a follow on post.
First. Yes these are Lifeline L16's rated 400AH at 20 hr rate. So full bank of 800AH (And X's2 would be 400AH's.)
Yes I should have said 17 amps draw... not AH draw. (My wife says English is my second language, and it's unclear what my first is. Obviously, it's not techie electrical:)! Admit freely that I'm often proving to myself that I did not really know what I thought I knew. At least I still remain opened to learning and being corrected.)
'11 volts range at 85% SOC'? Well, I believe the Magnum SOC is pretty much measure AH's Out vs AH's in, based upon user entered parameter of Battery Bank size? Starting at 100% SOC Magnum and MidNite both reflecting Full Charge and or Resting, depending upon controller vocabulary. The 85% SOC was accurate, based upon reported AH's out from full charge. (The MidNite indicated 83%, but they're always within 1 to 2% of each other.
Until the February 2017 revision by Lifeline to bump up Float 13.2 - 13.4, I've had the Magnum Lifeline AGM1 setting being used to manage the batteries while on Shore Power. When I learned of the slight increase of Float in mid June of 2017, I used Custom settings to bump Float up to the new level.
My MidNite Classic150, was set to Lifeline Tech Manual values, also adjusted in June to the slightly higher float. I also have the WhzBngJr component for the MidNite, and use Ending Amps.
I will admit that until recently, I'd had no reason to suspect the Lifeline's were not doing well. Possibly may have noted the problem earlier, if been boon docking more. But the flavor of last years travels, was primarily Shore Power to Shore Power. One or two nights of boon docking last year. With the first night LBCO cut out when I fired up the coffee pot. (Which in hindsight, was probably when I should have taken more notice and done more voltage Multi Meter and Resting testing.) And as mentioned, also because I believe Lifeline has changed their recommendations, I'd never Conditioned the battery bank before the end of last year.
All that being said, if Magnum AGM1 setting for Lifeline's on the MS2812 is good. Then the answer is Yes, the batteries have been well cared for. And note, when I added the Magnum, Solar Panels and MidNite Classic 150 about 4 1/2 years ago. I called Lifeline to see get their perspective of Magnum's AGM1 setting. Reviewed the info with the Lifeline Tech, and he said that all checked over OK. Second Note. When I heard of the new slightly increased Float values, which I suspect Lifeline added because batteries were 'walking down' some, I called Magnum to ask if AGM1 settings could be adjusted. Yes, if I wanted to buy a new control board, so thus I went with the Custom settings.
Now here is where I think I learned something. A monitoring of SOC reflecting a health SOC level, on weak battery - does not mean the battery will not be at lower voltage, and go out on you.... I basically lived off of SOC, while we were boon docking. Need to add Voltage checking readings too. And need to learn what under load voltages correlate to as far as resting voltage - if anything at all.
Really appreciate the questions, and input. The sponge of the brain is not as fast at absorbing as it was a few decades ago, but ready and willing to slowly absorb:)!
Smitty
First. Yes these are Lifeline L16's rated 400AH at 20 hr rate. So full bank of 800AH (And X's2 would be 400AH's.)
Yes I should have said 17 amps draw... not AH draw. (My wife says English is my second language, and it's unclear what my first is. Obviously, it's not techie electrical:)! Admit freely that I'm often proving to myself that I did not really know what I thought I knew. At least I still remain opened to learning and being corrected.)
'11 volts range at 85% SOC'? Well, I believe the Magnum SOC is pretty much measure AH's Out vs AH's in, based upon user entered parameter of Battery Bank size? Starting at 100% SOC Magnum and MidNite both reflecting Full Charge and or Resting, depending upon controller vocabulary. The 85% SOC was accurate, based upon reported AH's out from full charge. (The MidNite indicated 83%, but they're always within 1 to 2% of each other.
Until the February 2017 revision by Lifeline to bump up Float 13.2 - 13.4, I've had the Magnum Lifeline AGM1 setting being used to manage the batteries while on Shore Power. When I learned of the slight increase of Float in mid June of 2017, I used Custom settings to bump Float up to the new level.
My MidNite Classic150, was set to Lifeline Tech Manual values, also adjusted in June to the slightly higher float. I also have the WhzBngJr component for the MidNite, and use Ending Amps.
I will admit that until recently, I'd had no reason to suspect the Lifeline's were not doing well. Possibly may have noted the problem earlier, if been boon docking more. But the flavor of last years travels, was primarily Shore Power to Shore Power. One or two nights of boon docking last year. With the first night LBCO cut out when I fired up the coffee pot. (Which in hindsight, was probably when I should have taken more notice and done more voltage Multi Meter and Resting testing.) And as mentioned, also because I believe Lifeline has changed their recommendations, I'd never Conditioned the battery bank before the end of last year.
All that being said, if Magnum AGM1 setting for Lifeline's on the MS2812 is good. Then the answer is Yes, the batteries have been well cared for. And note, when I added the Magnum, Solar Panels and MidNite Classic 150 about 4 1/2 years ago. I called Lifeline to see get their perspective of Magnum's AGM1 setting. Reviewed the info with the Lifeline Tech, and he said that all checked over OK. Second Note. When I heard of the new slightly increased Float values, which I suspect Lifeline added because batteries were 'walking down' some, I called Magnum to ask if AGM1 settings could be adjusted. Yes, if I wanted to buy a new control board, so thus I went with the Custom settings.
Now here is where I think I learned something. A monitoring of SOC reflecting a health SOC level, on weak battery - does not mean the battery will not be at lower voltage, and go out on you.... I basically lived off of SOC, while we were boon docking. Need to add Voltage checking readings too. And need to learn what under load voltages correlate to as far as resting voltage - if anything at all.
Really appreciate the questions, and input. The sponge of the brain is not as fast at absorbing as it was a few decades ago, but ready and willing to slowly absorb:)!
Smitty
