pianotuna wrote:
Hi outwestbound,
To adjust the Magnum charging rate, touch favs, then rotate the dial until F3 appears. That allows you to select the number of amps that the Magnum will draw from shore power (lowest setting is a mere 5 amps) or from a generator (in my case 24 amps from the Yamaha 2800 sIEB).
I do use this feature to limit my demand to 80% (12 amps for a 15 amp, 24 for 30, and 40 for a 50 amp shore power).
If you are in load support mode this will trigger it sooner. If there is poor voltage then limiting the amps can "force" the Magnum to do voltage support and not just load support. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS.
Voltage support is best done with an autoformer.
Don't have "favs" on RC-50 display, but I have shore power, which allows increments of 5, so 10 and 15amps for the Honda 2000. I've got it on 15amps. Also, the "max charge" rate on the magnum was set at 80%, so I moved that down to 70%. The Honda wasn't tripping at a shore of 15 setting, but I'm thinking setting the max rate down to 70% will be a little more comfortable for the Honda.
I regret allowing these BZ controllers to be used, because the set points are not programmable and the AGM profile settings seem too low at bulk 14.00 for 2 hours, absorption at 14.00 and float at 13.7. Plus, they have no capacity to add a display, which was explained to me, but that now I regret accepting.
I'm not naming names, but I can tell you that the installation was done very well by a solar company with 25 years in the business, but these controllers are a weak link, it seems to me.
Because my system is already built for stacked controllers, I'm thinking of getting a couple Victron SmartSolar 100/50 MPPT controllers from AM Solar, which would allow me to monitor them via Bluetooth/ iPhone app. They fit in the same spaces vacated by the BZs, so no re-work expense. The Victron sizing tool indicates that my 3 panel, serial arrays are easily accommodated by each controller, but with no ability to add panels. If I add panels in the future, I'll just upsize a controller with a Morningstar controller. With 960 watts now and having more power than I could ever use it seems, getting bigger may be unlikely.
The Victrons have a form factor fitting the space, plus they have no fans, which I like because I'd hear them in my particular set up. After 30% credit, the swap is about $525 (less salvage value on the BZs, if any) to match the voltage to my batteries + have monitoring capability.
Oh well. Live and learn :-)
