[RE-wrenches] Outback VFX 2812 charger not working

Thu Aug 15 04:44:09 PDT 2024

Hey Michael, I just pulled the board set from storage and yes, it does turn out to be a board set for a 2012 vintage VFX 2812 M(mobile).. which means (as I recall), the AC relays are only rated for 30 A because they use one set of the contacts to switch the neutrals on the AC board..  but I think it would in your application (might be someone else on the list more knowledgeable than I).. I’ll get  them in the mail later today.. Thank you for doing what you do.
db
[image0.jpeg][image1.jpeg][image2.jpeg]

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 14, 2024, at 7:02 PM, Foxfire Energy <dan at foxfire-energy.com> wrote:

 A few years back (like 15-20), a customer asked me to stock a complete board set for the 12V FX in his RV.. Hadn’t heard from him in years so I called his wife.. turned out he died and the estate sold the RV.. So I’m still sitting on a 15 something year old  complete board set for a 12V FX (Still in the original, unopened packing).. can’t remember if it was for vented or sealed.. Might be for the mobile unit, so it might switch Neutrals when it locks on to shore power.. Guess I could dig it out and see.. Send me your address.. I’ll send it for free.. The barn could use the space.
db

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 14, 2024, at 6:27 PM, Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

Michael,

Your AC Relay contacts on the utility side are dead... the AC Relay boards on the VFX need to be changed out, or you need to pull it and replace the relay.   Those relays have 12 to 14 solder points, so unless you have the "Jig" for desoldering them, it's a nightmare to replace without it.

You can use the U series to charge like that, but it may not be able to get the voltage to 2.45vpc to 2.5vpc (14.7 to 15volts), and you may not have enough current to charge those batteries by itself in a reasonable amount of time, so do expect long generator runtimes.

You may be able to find one out there. They are pretty easy to replace, but you have to take extra care not to pinch the two ribbon cables that attach to them.

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On Wed, Aug 14, 2024 at 3:14 PM Michael Welch via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
Wrenches. I am hesitant to post here, since I am not really a Wrench. I feel like maybe I can get by with it since I'm so involved with running the list. So ...

After many years, my VFX 2812 stopped charging my batteries, but continues powering my home.

The VFX 2812 is mounted to a Midnite e-panel, with two PV inputs (MX-60 and an old Heliotrope CC-60), a FlexNet DC, HUB, and a Mate2. A battery temp sensor is between two of my Surrette 2-KS-33P batteries.

Some time ago, the red error light behind the clear cover on the inverter started blinking, but it continued charging from our 7 kW generator -- so I suspect it had nothing to do with my current charging problem. Discussing with Bill Battagin, the light was possibly a fan error, apparently a bit common.

I tried switching generators, as the first one showed 64 CPS, but that did not help.
When I start the generator, the AC In light on the Mate2 on (and stays on), and I hear an inverter relay clicking as if the generator warm-up delay feature keeps going through its cycle. The house lights flicker at the same time as the click, but charging never happens.

I've re-seated all the Cat-5 cables with Outback contact goop on all ends, and I replaced the Mate2 cable with a new Outback one. I've checked and tightened all the connections in the e-Panel and batteries.

Question 1:
So what can I do to further diagnose or even fix this? Buying a new or even used VFX inverter is out of the question, financially.

Question 2:
I still have my old Trace U2512 inverter. I'd like to hook its charger into the  e-Panel, as a temporary situation -- for times like last week when we were fogged in for a few days, letting my batteries get a lot lower than I want.

I would not use the AC output on the Trace, but would continue powering my home with the VFX. I figured I would put the Trace battery cables in parallel with the VFX so that the Trace charging will also go through the shunt so I can see the charge rates and levels on the Mate2.

The generator's wires would be changed from the e-Panel  AC In to the Trace AC  In.

The last thing I want to do is further harm my equipment. What say ye to this temporary idea?

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