Help please

[RGCH999]

My van is currently fitted with solar and a mains smart battery charger. I also have a Victron Energy Cyrix Intelligent Battery Combiner / Isolator.
My understanding is that this allows both batteries to be charged either from the alternator or the mains when on hook up or solar.
I am fairly ignorant on vehicle electrics, and am curious as to whether this system is sufficient. I have been considering fitting a Vanbitz battery master, but I’m not sure whether that would give me anything more than I already have. Can someone with a sound knowledge of electrics clear the confusion and advise me the best way forward. I would like to ensure that the starter battery remains topped up at all times . Thanks.

 

[David and Sally]

If your solar does not charge the cab battery a Battermaster is the answer.
If both batteries charge on EHU or alternator then you have all bases covered.
I fitted one. It works

 

[RGCH999]

I don’t know if the solar panel charges the starter battery. It obviously charges the leisure, but if they are full does the cyrix switch to the starter battery. Does the Cyrix allow for that to happen if leisure batteries are full or vice verca. Does anyone know how the cyrix works.

 

[Boris7]

A battery master will keep the starter battery charged either with solar or mains hook up, a battery master is cheaper than a battery.

Thats how I’d look at it

 

[David and Sally]

Have you got a multimeter or a display that shows battery voltages.?
When not on ehu and off for a day or two your cab battery will show about 12.3 v if not on charge. Your leisure battery will show over 13v if solar is getting it charged.
If the cab battery is showing about 13v as well it is getting charge.
Easy to check with a multimeter.
The Batterymaster will keep them both topped up.

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[RGCH999]

The battery master is good. I had one fitted to my last van. But the Victron cyrix possibly does the same job. No point in buying the battery master if that’s the case. Does anyone know what the Cyrix does. Is it the same as the battery master.

 

[Cavs]

This page suggests that your Victron gadget does more than a Battery Master, by connecting both batteries when either can provide a charge to the other.

 

[autorouter]

I also have a Victron Energy Cyrix Intelligent Battery Combiner / Isolator.

There are a number of slightly different Cyrix Combiners, so it would help to know exactly which one you have. But all of them have a voltage threshold, and will send charge both ways depending on which battery is being actively charged.

A BatteryMaster doesn't have a voltage threshold as such, it charges when the voltage difference is greater than a preset value. This is useful for example in long-term storage without charging, it keeps the starter battery topped up to some extent. Alarms and trackers are usually fitted to the starter battery, which discharges faster than the leisure battery. So whether you need one depends on your usage.

If you have solar and can park where the sun shines, the Cyrix will do the job.

 

[RGCH999]

There are a number of slightly different Cyrix Combiners, so it would help to know exactly which one

I have the Cyrix ct12/24 intelligent battery combiner. As shown below. Hopefully it’s connected to both the solar and battery charger. Am I right in thinking that it will protect my starter battery provided the solar or mains charger are connected. It’s only off grid that I may experience problems if solar is not sufficient. No need for a battery master?

 

[autorouter]

Yes, I think that one will do what you want, and keep both batteries topped up as required.

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[RGCH999]

Thankyou. I don’t see the point in spending money on a battery master if the cyrix is basically doing the same job. I just wasn’t sure that it was.

 

[A S R]

I had Vanbitz fit a battery master but had another pair of batteries fitted since then ( now got 440ah ). I’m 95% convinced it’s not working as it should or been disconnected. I’m thinking the latter to be honest. Never heard of one failing. Something on the list to get sorted when we can get out and about again.

 

[deleted79651]

Bitterly disappointing day with the receipt of our newe to us m/home. Fridge Control Panel gubbed so we have to wait 8 days for a replacement to be delivered to the Dealer who will then arrange for someone local to fit it.
2nd problem; new Solar Panel fitted but I cannot see any Display Panel anywhere. There is a Battery Master Rev 3 '''21'' wired into the Elektroblock EBL 99 and an Adaptor AD 01. The Leisure Battery seems to have just the two leads connected, but what may be theController thinner cables appear to have been block connected behind the Leisure Battery. I have downloaded the Viktron App and it found a SmartSolar HQ2038LRN76 which, in the fading light, showed 12.86v at the Panel & zero Amps, and the Battery Voltage at 12.91v, Current zero & Charger Off [insufficient daylight suggested as probable cause].
Probably need to see what the App is registering in daylight tomorrow, but is this set up sounding normal?
Before the daylight faded, the Burstner Control Panel was displaying the Cab battery at about 12.7 amps and the Leisure Battery atb13.8 Amps

All or any suggestions or comments are welcome!

Steve

 

[Speve]

Bitterly disappointing day with the receipt of our newe to us m/home. Fridge Control Panel gubbed so we have to wait 8 days for a replacement to be delivered to the Dealer who will then arrange for someone local to fit it.
2nd problem; new Solar Panel fitted but I cannot see any Display Panel anywhere. There is a Battery Master Rev 3 '''21'' wired into the Elektroblock EBL 99 and an Adaptor AD 01. The Leisure Battery seems to have just the two leads connected, but what may be theController thinner cables appear to have been block connected behind the Leisure Battery. I have downloaded the Viktron App and it found a SmartSolar HQ2038LRN76 which, in the fading light, showed 12.86v at the Panel & zero Amps, and the Battery Voltage at 12.91v, Current zero & Charger Off [insufficient daylight suggested as probable cause].
Probably need to see what the App is registering in daylight tomorrow, but is this set up sounding normal?
Before the daylight faded, the Burstner Control Panel was displaying the Cab battery at about 12.7 amps and the Leisure Battery atb13.8 Amps

All or any suggestions or comments are welcome!

Steve

Set up sounds good to me and batteries look to be charged