LiFePo Query

[noelex]

The Victron controllers are hard to beat, but note that is the Bluesolar rather than the Smartsolar version (they look identical apart from the name and price).

For most the Bluetooth equipped Smartsolar version is worth the extra cost, but if you are on a very tight budget and have a very small system the Bluesolar version can be considered. A Bluetooth dongle is available for the Bluesolar version.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Victron controllers are hard to beat, but note that is the Bluesolar rather than the Smartsolar version (they look identical apart from the name and price).

For most the Bluetooth equipped Smartsolar version is worth the extra cost, but if you are on a very tight budget and have a very small system the Bluesolar version can be considered. A Bluetooth dongle is available for the Bluesolar version.

A Bluetooth dongle and Smartsolar would be an expensive choice, there's very little choose between Bluesolar and Smartsolar as far as price goes.

Bluesolar 100/30 £119.20
Smartsolar 100/30 £114.90

 

[geem]

A Bluetooth dongle and Smartsolar would be an expensive choice, there's very little choose between Bluesolar and Smartsolar as far as price goes.

Bluesolar 100/30 £119.20
Smartsolar 100/30 £114.90

Are you sure? Smart solar has always, been more expensive with the built in Bluetooth

 

[noelex]

A Bluetooth dongle and Smartsolar would be an expensive choice, there's very little choose between Bluesolar and Smartsolar as far as price goes.

Bluesolar 100/30 £119.20
Smartsolar 100/30 £114.90

Those prices listed on the website are strange. The Bluetooth equipped Smartsolar version is normally around £20 dearer for this sized controller. If the Smartsolar version is cheaper it is obviously the better choice if shopping from this company.

I agree it does not make sense to buy the Bluesolar version and the Bluetooth dongle, no matter where you are buying. The Smartsolar version is the better choice. However, some people order the Bluesolar version by mistake, without realising the difference and it is worth knowing about the Bluetooth dongle as it provides an upgrade path to fix the oversight.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Are you sure? Smart solar has always, been more expensive with the built in Bluetooth

I'd normally agree, but ...

Smartsolar £114.90 Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 - SCC110030210

Bluesolar £119.20 Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 100/30 - SCC020030200

Definitely a bit odd, but i'm getting told by suppliers of a drop in Victron prices, so who knows what's going on.

 

[Neeves]

So you are effectively using 20 yr old tech with the latest Li batteries ? See Geems post about battery monitors and MPPT controllers.

Not at all. The old shunt and monitor were sold with the boat, I'd hardly remove it - buying a new one is hardly expensive at Stg30.

Jonathan

 

[geem]

Not at all. The old shunt and monitor were sold with the boat, I'd hardly remove it - buying a new one is hardly expensive at Stg30.

Jonathan

But they are not suitable for lithium for all the reasons explained to you