[Garrit]

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It’s got a feature called voltage sense.

This means it can actually measure the voltage right where it matters – at the battery terminals. So, even if your cables have some resistance and cause a bit of voltage drop, the charger adjusts to make sure the battery gets exactly the voltage it needs.

No more worries about undercharging due to cable resistance!

[Garrit]

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The built-in battery monitor in the MultiPlus-II uses an algorithmic approach to manage generator operation in a hybrid system. It monitors various parameters such as the battery’s state of discharge, voltage levels, and load demands.

Based on these inputs and the pre-set thresholds (like specific discharge levels, battery voltage, or load levels), the system automatically triggers the generator to start or stop.

This ensures optimal energy use by only activating the generator when necessary, based on real-time battery and load conditions.

Here are the general variables that can be used to start and stop the generator:

• Start at a preset % discharge level, and/or

• Start (with a preset delay) at a preset battery voltage, and/or

• Start (with a preset delay) at a preset load level.

• Stop at a preset battery voltage, or

• Stop (with a preset delay) after the bulk charge phase has been completed, and/or

• Stop (with a preset delay) at a preset load level.

[Garrit]

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You’re right to pay attention to that. The blinking ‘overload’ LED is the MultiPlus-II’s way of giving you a heads-up that you’re pushing it a bit too hard.

It means the power demand from your connected devices is exceeding what the inverter was designed to handle at its nominal output. It’s not an emergency yet, but it’s a pre-alarm, telling you to ease off a little before it becomes a full alarm state.

You might want to check what’s plugged in and see if you can turn off a few items, or check for devices that might be drawing more power than usual.

[Garrit]

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In a mobile installation, such as in a vehicle or boat where the shore connection might be interrupted, it’s important to ground the casing of your MultiPlus-II 230V to the chassis of the vehicle or to the hull or grounding plate of the boat.

This will provide a reliable ground when the shore connection is disconnected and is essential for safety.

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The ‘Input Frequency Range’ setting on your MultiPlus-II 230V determines the range of AC input frequencies that the unit can accept and synchronize with. Here’s what you need to know:

Function of Input Frequency Range:

• This setting allows the MultiPlus-II to connect to an AC source, such as the grid or a generator, and synchronize its output frequency with the input frequency.

• The inverter will only synchronize with and pass through AC input frequencies that fall within this specified range.

Default Range:

• By default, the MultiPlus-II is set to accept an input frequency range of 45 – 65 Hz, which accommodates the standard frequencies of 50 Hz and 60 Hz used globally.

• This range covers the typical variances that might occur in grid frequency or from generators which do not always output a perfect 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

Adjusting the Range:

• You can adjust the input frequency range to be fixed at either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, or you can leave it at the default range to automatically accept both standard frequencies and any frequencies in between.

• To make adjustments, you’ll require the Interface MK3-USB (Interface MK3-USB) and either the VEConfigure tools software or the VictronConnect app.

When to Adjust:

• If you’re connected to a stable grid or a high-quality generator, you may not need to adjust this setting from the default range.

• If you’re using a power source with a known fixed frequency, setting a fixed input frequency can ensure more stable operation.

Changing the Setting:

• Connect the MK3-USB interface between the MultiPlus-II and your computer.

• Open the VEConfigure tools software or the VictronConnect app and select the MultiPlus-II.

• Navigate to the settings where you can find ‘Input Frequency Range’ and select your desired frequency setting.

• Save the settings and ensure they’re properly applied to the MultiPlus-II.

Testing After Adjustment:

• After adjustment, test the MultiPlus-II with the AC input source to ensure it synchronizes properly and the output frequency matches the input as expected.

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If you’re dealing with complex systems that operate on older microprocessor hardware, you should use firmware version xxxx2xx.

This specific firmware is tailored for older hardware platforms, and it brings a notable change in the configuration interface.

Once you load firmware xxxx2xx onto your system, you’ll notice that the Virtual switch tab, which you might be familiar with in other systems, will no longer be available. Instead, the Assistants tab will appear. This tab is where you’ll do all your configurations and settings adjustments for these complex systems.

To identify whether your system has an old microprocessor, you can check the 7-digit firmware number.

• Old microprocessors, the first two digits of this number will be either 19 or 20. In contrast

• New microprocessors have firmware numbers starting with 26 or 27.

This is a handy way to quickly determine the type of microprocessor in your system and ensure you’re using the correct firmware version for optimal performance and compatibility.

[Garrit]

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The ‘AC Voltage Connection and Disconnection’ settings in the VictronConnect app dictate the voltage thresholds at which the MultiPlus inverter/charger will accept or reject the AC power supply.

AC Low Voltage Disconnect:

• This setting determines the minimum voltage at which the MultiPlus will continue to draw power from the AC source. If the input voltage drops below this threshold (set as the lower limit), the MultiPlus will disconnect from the AC source to protect your system from undervoltage issues.

AC Low Voltage Connect:

• After a disconnection due to low voltage, this setting specifies the voltage at which the MultiPlus will reconnect to the AC source, ensuring the voltage has stabilized at an acceptable level.

AC High Voltage Connect:

• This sets the voltage at which the MultiPlus will connect to the AC source when coming from a high voltage disconnect state, confirming the voltage has returned to a safe operating level.

AC High Voltage Disconnect:

• Conversely, if the AC input voltage rises above this upper limit, the MultiPlus will disconnect to prevent overvoltage damage to the system.

Charger Output Reduction:

• In cases where the input voltage is close to the lower limit, the MultiPlus can reduce its charger output to a minimum to avoid further voltage drop on the AC source, which could be caused by the charger drawing too much current.

• This is a protective feature that helps maintain the stability of the input voltage and prevents unnecessary cycling of the connection/disconnection relays.

These settings are particularly important for systems that might be connected to less stable power sources, such as portable generators or variable quality grid power. They ensure the inverter/charger operates within safe voltage parameters, which is crucial for the longevity of the system and the safety of connected loads.

Adjusting these values requires a careful understanding of your AC source’s voltage range and your system’s tolerance for voltage variations.

[Garrit]

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Great thanks, that makes so much more sense! Can you also explain what is mean by “Comes with Staubli MC4-EVO2 Connectors.”

[Garrit]

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The acceptable voltage tolerance for most residential and commercial electrical systems using a nominal voltage of 230V is typically within ±10%. This means you would expect the voltage to be within the range of 207V to 253V.

Here’s when you should be concerned:

• Below 207V (Low Voltage): Voltages lower than this can indicate a brownout condition where appliances may not operate efficiently or could be damaged due to insufficient power.

• Above 253V (High Voltage): Voltages higher than this are considered overvoltage conditions that can lead to overheating and potential damage to electrical devices, especially those that are sensitive or not designed to handle higher voltages.

If you consistently observe voltages outside of this range, it would be prudent to:

• Contact Your Utility Provider: They can investigate and rectify issues with the voltage levels supplied to your property.

• Use Voltage Protection Devices: Surge protectors, voltage stabilizers, or power conditioners can safeguard sensitive equipment.

• Monitor the Voltage: Use a quality voltage monitor to keep an eye on fluctuations over a period to report to the utility provider if necessary.

Remember that occasional and brief fluctuations are normal, but consistent or extreme deviations are not and warrant further investigation.