Batrium WM4 Digital input not working

Finihen

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I have a 2P4S system in my Yacht controlled by Batrium WM4 and expansion board. Ive got two switches connecting +12VDC to inputs 1 and 2. Ive set at the software that input 1 is for Run/idle and the input 2 is Charge...


However, it does not matter in which position the switces are, theirposition is not recognized by the software and I always get an Critical Fault from the system > disconnecting the main contactor.So I have disabled those inputs alltogether, the system works OK without them.

What Im missing here, why arent those inputsworking?
 
Im not familiar with Batrium products other than having read a little before purchasing as Im still building packs.

My guess is they actually need to be pulled low; i.e. switched to ground.

Im sure someone more knowledgeable than me will come along.

Cheers
Jon
 
I wish i understood this type of stuff more to help but i don't i'm sorry :(
 
Finihen said:
I have a 2P4S system in my Yacht controlled by Batrium WM4 and expansion board. Ive got two switches connecting +12VDC to inputs 1 and 2. Ive set at the software that input 1 is for Run/idle and the input 2 is Charge...


However, it does not matter in which position the switces are, theirposition is not recognized by the software and I always get an Critical Fault from the system > disconnecting the main contactor.So I have disabled those inputs alltogether, the system works OK without them.

What Im missing here, why arent those inputsworking?

Hi, after the latest SW / HW update to the WM4+Exp.B. the inputs are working. They recognize now the switches and the first one switches the WM4 system ON/OFF and the second one switches Charging On and Off.

There's still a minor glitch inthe WM4 software as the Charging output should be giving out a pulse of voltage instead of the continuous voltage it is now giving. This is because a latching (bipolar) contactor is connected to the Charging output (as described in Exp.Board support pages). There's a risk of burning the coils of the latching contactor or the Mosfet of the PCB when the output is always active and current runs through the coils. But I'll start a new thread of this problem soon.

IHe
Finland
 
Ive already informed them about it along with some other issues about one week ago. No response from their side.
 
What did you inform and what response are you missing?
 
daromer said:
What did you inform and what response are you missing?

Just informed that the logical output "Charging On" should be giving out a voltage pulse (instead of the continuous voltage it is now giving) IF a latching contactor is connected to the Charging output as described in Exp.Board support pages. I also mentioned that it should be user definable whether the output is a a) pulse or b) continuous (voltage or earth depending on the physical output chosen).

Choise a) is relevant when You're controlling a latching relay from the Charge control mosfet output with "Charging ON" or "Charging OFF" commands.

Choise b) is relevant if You're controlling a Victron Charger with the same commands as above from the Expansion board relays when not using CAN bus control for some reason. When WM4 Exp.Board Relay is closed = Charging ON at the Victron side (when using I/O input or Temp input at Victron).

If someone without the basic knowledge of electronics is doing exactly as described at the Exp.Board support pages and has made the choice a)he will eventually burn the coils of the latching relay or the mosfet output at the exp.board if the voltage output is continuous.

It is also possible that I've understood something totally wrong and trying to find a solution to a nonexistent problem. Please don't hesitate to correct me then!

Cheers from Finland,
IHe
 
Yes and what is it you did not get input back from? You said you have waited for response back for a week now. What response are you waiting for?


What I see above is that you look for a feature request? That wont happen within a week if its decided to be added at all :) Just saying since they have a alpha, beta, test, live stage system.
 
So You call it a feature request as Id be calling it an error at the software OR error at the instructions. By doing the installation according to instructions You end Up having a burned latching solenoid in Your system. This is not a problem in my case as those latching contactors Im using are internally protected against this scenario happening (and I can easily convert constant voltage to a pulse). But mine arent those cheap ones typically sold for these purposes. So the problem is real, at least for the newbies.

What I was waiting was a simple reaction that theyve noticed it. Will they ever be doing anything to it, is their choice of course. Im not blaming Batrium by any means but Im a little bit dissappointed to their support function. Ultra long waiting time to get any real answers. They have a fantastic product in their hands which only needs some more refinement to be the best one You can choose.
 
And Im trying to understand what you have done and not done because otherwise i cannot help you :)

The output is not a problem towards against for instance ABB contactors since they them self disconnect the contactor after its latched. So it most likely depends on area of use i suspect. The contactors I have used so far dont minde 100% on atleast since they latch them self.
 
daromer said:
And Im trying to understand what you have done and not done ...

We're playing at different sandboxes with our toys, You and me. I've designed my system (*) for Yachting use and it probably differs a lot from Yours.

For the next cruising seasonI've planned to use the small and cheap 120A@250VAC latching relayto control the typical 2..8A outputfrom the Solar panels MPPT controllerand another one to control the Balmar alternator fieldcurrent varying between0..10A. See the pics from my test bed, I've put fuses on top of the relays foridentification purposes.Those relaysneed just a short voltagepulse input to function. Both the alternator and the MPPT are programmed so that they don't harm the well balanced LFPbatteries, these extra controls are needed just if their nativecontrollers fail. Of course there's still the 500A@15VDC main contractor leftwhich is controlled by the CriticalBatteryOK and Critical fault signals from the BMS.

The problem lies there that I cannot use the logical Charging ON/OFF outputs to control those small latching relaysas those outputsarealready reserved for the Victron charger control use(as described before). I'd appreciate if You could help me finding the most convenientBatrium output function to use:Cooling required, Charging limited, or ???... to switch off the alternator field current (=disabling the alternator output)/ output from the MPPT with these latching relays in asituation happening before the finalCritical event.For some reason these functions and their behaviour is not described anywhere at the Batrium support pages. J from Batrium told that they will be found there after a while.

Cheers,

IHe

(*)My 2P4S 320Ah + 120AHsystem voltage is lowish at 12,8VDC, operatingcurrent lies around 10A when sailing. Eachvoltage supply is programmed to the right charging profile for my LFP installation avoiding the upper voltage knees well before entering there.When motoring theBalmar alternator is chargingmax 80A at13,85V (from its120A@14.4V max). Ashore the with the shore power connected the Victron is programmed to give 80A@13,85V (max 120A@14.4V). The highest DC current I'm using is around 250A@12,8VDC when using the ACC, water maker,electric kettle, etcwith the Victron inverter for a short time.
 
Finihen said:
There's still a minor glitch inthe WM4 software as the Charging output should be giving out a pulse of voltage instead of the continuous voltage it is now giving. This is because a latching (bipolar) contactor is connected to the Charging output (as described in Exp.Board support pages). There's a risk of burning the coils of the latching contactor or the Mosfet of the PCB when the output is always active and current runs through the coils. But I'll start a new thread of this problem soon.

IHe
Finland

@Finihen, Im in the same situation as you are. Was this problem (constant high/low vs pulse) adressed and fixed by Batrium? I.e. are you successfully driving latching relays with the Batrium ExpansionBoard now?
 
Langsail, unfortunatly Batrium has not responded to this case. Total silence, as usual, Im afraid.

FinIHen

PS Im recovering from a surgery to my right arm at the moment so Im not able to rwrite any longer sentences, sorry.
 
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