new converter/charger and shunt

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   thanks for the info-Stephen is correct-I transposed the number-indeed it is a 8955 charger/converter. also thanks for the install tip.
I have explored the websites for Victron and Progressive.  I will eventually talk with salespeople from both companies, but want to learn more first.
I assume the smart shunt must be installed in a protected and waterproof location .  this seems hard to do in a plastic battery box. so that is a big question.
Still learning.
Thanks
Vann

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Pod People Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1088	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pod People Report Post Quote Reply Topic: new converter/charger and shunt Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 5:24pm
	thanks for the info-Stephen is correct-I transposed the number-indeed it is a 8955 charger/converter. also thanks for the install tip. I have explored the websites for Victron and Progressive. I will eventually talk with salespeople from both companies, but want to learn more first. I assume the smart shunt must be installed in a protected and waterproof location . this seems hard to do in a plastic battery box. so that is a big question. Still learning. Thanks Vann
	Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290	Post Options Post Reply Quote offgrid Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 4:37pm
	When I looked on Amazon it appears than the Victron smart shunt is about $130 and uses only Bluetooth to a phone app. The BMV712 is around $200 and has both an LCD display and bluetooth, so it seems like the Bluetooth only version without a display is cheaper. There's also a BMV700 for $140 with a display but no BT. Here's a video link. Victron battery monitors
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6422	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 3:58pm
	I had not heard of a 9855. Mine has an 8955 unit. Yes, you need to remove the two screws that hold the front on. That will then tip off and you will see the converter on the bottom half under the breakers and fuses. It is not too hard to change. The wires to the circuit board are the hardest ones as I had to remove the circuit board to be able to run the wires and get them plugged in correctly. It is held in by clipping into the panel with no screws holding it in place.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Pod People Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1088	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pod People Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 1:47pm
	We would like to upgrade our battery charging system and are looking for suggestions. We boondock a lot and our power needs are moderate to low. We are able to keep our batteries charged when traveling, but are looking to protect them and fully charge/equalize them when stored at home. We currently have a 2015 model 179 RPod and have the stock WFCO 9855PEC charger. We added 2 Trojan T-105 6volt golf cart batteries. We use a Renogy 100 watt solar suitcase system with a Renogy pwm charge controller and also a Honda EU2200 generator. We are thinking about a Progressive Dynamics converter/charger and a Victron shunt and have just started researching both. I know there are several options for both devices. One question is which Victron unit to use-either the Smart Shunt or the Victron BV-712. It seems that the difference is the Smart Shunt has a Bluetooth remote display for your phone whereas the BV-712 has the display adjacent to the battery or can be moved distant but has to be connected by wiring. The Bluetooth is more expensive, but is it worth the extra cost? Any suggestions, observations or other makes/models to choose from would be appreciated. When I open the Wafco converter, I don’t see the actual converter/charging unit, so I assume it is behind the fuse/breaker panel and located on the floor. How much trouble is it to change out the unit?? I recall several forum members doing this and would love to hear their ideas. I assume that Progressive Dynamics makes a unit that is “plug and play” and a direct replacement. Is that correct? Any specifics I need to look out for? Another question is whether the Charge Wizard is helpful or needed. From what I can tell from the website, it seems that the Charge Wizard basically tells you what charging cycle is occurring. Are there other uses or benefits to this additional device? Thanks in advance for any input. Travel safe and often. Vann
	Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179