Orion XS start delay to off load alternator

Q&A and troubleshooting
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1

Can I automaticaly delay the Orion XS start for a few minutes to allow the alternator to charge the starter battery before charging my RV leisure batteries.
The default 120sec does not seem to work.

Why? You may ask. I only have a small alternator, at the moment on start it is trying to charge the starter battery after cranking, the 3 way fridge and the leisure battery. A delay would smooth things out a little. Be nice to delay the fridge as well but do not know how, other than building a stand alone time delay devuce.

2

You can change the 120 seconds with Victron Connect.

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3

I have it set at 120sec but the Orion XS still starts immediately. I have a standard alternator with the HL link fitted.

4

What is a HL link?

The high-low bridge?

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5

I have this same problem with 2 Orion XS on catamaran using latest firmware.

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6

Yes, that little black bent piece of wire it comes with.

7

Why don’t you use automatic engine detection?

Take a look at section 3.10.

As I understand it, the remote control input disables the motor running detection.
Perhaps this is the problem why the delay don´t work.

8

As I understand it, the link joins the H and L ports to force the Orion into default mode. Charging start and stop is then controlled by the internal engine detection system. As the voltage rises with the alternator running it switches on and vice versa.

9

#Mokosh do you think this is a firmware problem, do you know if Victron are addressing it?

10

I dont know if its firmware or not, sorry. Just a user here.

I do not use the hard link, but use the software engine detection, and the only possibility is that if the engine starter battery is already at high enough voltage, then the XS starts charging the house battery.

I cant test this until April when I get back to the boat.

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11

In the time sequence you first see a engine running detection that surpasses Vstart, which means the Orion starts without delay. The second sequence (point 5) does not surpass Vstart, it only surpasses Vstart(delay), then the Orion will start charging after the delay time has run out. If you always want to use a delay on startup, then set Vstart to 17V, so a direct start will never happen

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12

Thankyou Chrigu, that does make sense, I will try that.

13

Well done @Chrigu, setting the start voltage to 17v worked, charge started bang on two minutes, thanks.

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