NDS or Sterling

[MrPG]

I've recently received a quote for a lithium installation and the spec is NDS 100Ah cells. Could anyone advise what benefit they would be at £1200 each over the Sterling batteries at £600 each?
Many thanks.
Paul

 

[Pausim]

The NDS price used to include extra equipment to manage charging from engine/mains/solar but no idea what is included now. Sterling products generally have a good reputation and I would expect the same of their LiFePO4 battery, the price looks good.

 

[cmcardle75]

No idea, but I'm paying less than that for 300Ah.

 

[MrPG]

cmcardle75 less than £600?

 

[gerry mcg]

FWIW, I was looking at the Sterling 100Ah lithium batteries and at face value they seem well priced at £600 vs £1k + for other brands (e.g. 105Ah lifos)
I found this comparison between different lithium batteries online https://www.pbo.co.uk/gear/lithium-...he-best-lithium-boat-batteries-tested-62244/2

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[gerry mcg]

cmcardle75 less than £600?

From this thread, https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/can-i-justify-lithium-really.237978/#post-4426408 it was 300Ah, now £1,250

 

[cmcardle75]

cmcardle75 less than £600?

I wish! I was meaning less than £1200.

 

[MrPG]

I have an appointment tomorrow for a quote with a different company who fit the Sterling units.
The company that supply and fit the NDS is 15mins away and the Sterling supplier 3 hours away and I've used them before.

 

[John H.]

My vote was Sterling. I have just fitted two Sterling 60Ah batteries and a Sterling BB1230 Battery to Battery Charger in an Exsis-i.

The 60Ah size was also influenced by the fact that two of them and the charger would fit nicely in the standard service battery compartment on the Exsis-i and the Hymer battery compartment cover would go back on again.

I also wanted to use the same make for the batteries and charger. NDS do not appear to make a B2B charger.

And why not support British industry at the same time?

 

[Littlewheels]

I have 3x120 strerling and they are brilliant in performance cost more that any £600.00

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[gerry mcg]

I’m minded to go for a 100Ah Sterling and a Sterling BB1260 B2B.....

 

[Pausim]

I’m minded to go for a 100Ah Sterling and a Sterling BB1260 B2B.....

Not sure what equipment is used in your motorhome but I think it is German and therefore might have a Schaudt EBL. If it does you might find it easier to use a slightly smaller B2B that can work through the EBL, rather than having to bypass it. The wiring is much more straightforward if yo do not have to bypass an EBL. Suitable Votronic B2Bs have wiring diagrams and settings specifically for EBLs.

 

[gerry mcg]

From Millcourt experience, https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...-lithium-batteries-in-pvc.239632/post-4469445 bypassing the EBL is not an issue

 

[Pausim]

From Millcourt experience, https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...-lithium-batteries-in-pvc.239632/post-4469445 bypassing the EBL is not an issue

It can be done but wiring the B2B into the EBL, as suggested by Votronic, avoids several issues. I know I tried it both ways.

 

[gerry mcg]

It can be done but wiring the B2B into the EBL, as suggested by Votronic, avoids several issues. I know I tried it both ways.

i don't want to threadjack the OP too much, so perhaps we can continue this here?

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[John H.]

I have another NDS or Sterling question. (well Votronic or Sterling, really)

Which B2B charger has quietest fans when running at full power for for 15 minutes or so:-
- a Votronic 1212-45 or a Sterling BB1230?

 

[Pausim]

I have another NDS or Sterling question. (well Votronic or Sterling, really)

Which B2B charger has quietest fans when running at full power for for 15 minutes or so:-
- a Votronic 1212-45 or a Sterling BB1230?

No idea but I have never noticed the fan on my Votronic 1212-45, however it is in an underfloor locker. I wouldn’t expect to hear either of them above the engine noise,

 

[John H.]

Anybody else know the answer?

 

[Googlebot]

Can’t hear my Votronic fan running when engine is on.

 

[John H.]

Thank You. I can hear my Sterling BB1230.

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[Pausim]

Thank You. I can hear my Sterling BB1230.

I am surprised you can hear it over the engine noise.

 

[John H.]

It is a varying pitch whine.

I currently have it it set to half power and I can still hear it. Only Just. So I can live with that.

I have a borrowed Votronic 1212-45. So I will try that.