I just recently installed an Orion XS, cerbo GX, smart shunt, MPPT smart solar, and multiplus 2 in my Sportsmobile van
I’m having an issue with the Orion DC to DC charging, it’s not working.
I have Engine Shutdown Protection turned on.
Also, there is a notification for charger off reason…it says “low input voltage”. The input voltage is reading 12.6v.
The settings under engine shutdown detection are;
Start voltage; 14v
Delayed start voltage: 13.3v
Shutdown voltage; 13.1v
Perhaps all of these need to but adjusted…but to what? None of this is overly intuitive.
I believe I’m hooked up properly with start battery positive going to the “in” and house batteries going to the “out” and they are on a common ground to the wheel well of the van to direct bare metal.
Not sure how to add photos in this forum, otherwise I’d share screenshots of the Connect App.
I never did disconnect and reconnect the remote on/off as described in the instructions. Is that step critical in proper operation of the unit?
Which car exactly? The engine shutdown detection can change a lot between makes/models. Ive been tinkering with these settings and been using them in my 2024 Mercedes Vito for months now:
Start voltage: 14.0V
Delayed start voltage: 13.3V
Delayed start voltage delay: 30s
Shutdown voltage: 12.7V
The input voltage needs to rise either above 14.0V or 13.3V but for over 30s to assume the engine running. Once its “running” then the voltage falling to 12.7V will stop it again, but with a power ramp. The orion will lower its input current to keep the input voltage at 12.7V. If the input current falls to 0A then the engine is assumed stopped again.
Modern alternator will vary their output voltage, so its good to go on a drive with you as the passenger and observe how the input voltage reacts to the driving situation. For me, stepping on the gas means the voltage falls to 12.4V while coasting means it will rise to 14.5V, all very quickly
I noticed that when I turn off engine shutdown protection, it does go into bulk charge mode.
This is a 2006 Ford e-series Sportsmobile.
When I’m driving, my Edge Insight shows my battery voltage and it never goes above 12.9v
So you got a conventional alternator.
12.9V is a bit low, check your charging system.
Then use VictronConnect to monitor the input voltage of the Orion, since you want to adjust the Orion. Note the resting voltage of the input, add 0.2V and use it as your shutdown voltage in the engine detection menu. Now note the input voltage with the engine running at maybe 1000rpm, use that as the start voltage, deduct 0.2V and use that as the delayed start voltage.
If the stop voltage now is above the delayed start voltage, check your charging system again. I would expect it to go to 14V, maybe 14.5V
But you can also use the remote inputs of the orion to de-/activate it for example with the ignition positive
Well, my van charging system is my charging system. It’s been like this for the 5 years I’ve owned it and pretty standard for these vans.
I’ll implement your recommendations and report back.