Fitting a a batter to battery

by Molly3 Tue Feb 16, 2021 9:06 am

I am considering fitting a renogy 20 amp battery to battery charger to my nuevo with Sargent 328 system . How do find and disconect the VSR from the sargent system so the L B is only charged from the BtB and not forming a loop . ?

by Roopert Tue Feb 16, 2021 9:26 am

It would be advisable to speak to Sargent about this. As far as I'm aware, the EC328 has no VSR, and the split charge relay is internal.

I discussed this with them maybe 5 years ago and as far as I can recall you have to disconnect the "engine run" signal connector.

One other consequence is that the habitation appliance power remains on while the engine is running, which probably isn't an issue for most people.

But I would advise speaking to Sargent - other converters such as Bilbos still use the EC328 in new conversions, and they now use separate chargers instead of the internal split charge circuit, so it must be something that they have been familiar with for a while now.

by marconi Tue Feb 16, 2021 10:44 pm

EC328, does this mean you have the EM50. If so then could it really be as simple as removing 2 wires from a plug in connection. It maybe, no guarantees from me, it needs a bit of study of the installation.

Or merely Remove F8, another possibility, depending on model.

No interference with the engine run signal.

If so you are the envy of many a EC500/EC700 user.

by Molly3 Wed Feb 17, 2021 1:41 am

Yes I have an em 50 , thanks Marconi..my question is answered . bazz

by marconi Wed Feb 17, 2021 2:36 am

What a shame that all steps from Sargent seem to be backward ones.

by Peter Brown Wed Feb 17, 2021 3:50 am

If you disconnect the D+ input to the EM50 you will lose automatic step retraction and the 12v supply to the fridge when the engine is running as well as losing the engine run signal to the EC328 that does other things in addition to operating the split charge relay.

I have not tested this, but information supplied by Sargent and the installation in my van suggests that the third wire connected to the switched 12v out on the EM50, in addition to the supplies to the fridge and rear camera, is taken to the EC328 as the engine run indicator.

Just to test things, you could remove the 4 way connector in the EM50 that will allow you to confirm that the split charge system is deactivated and find out what other side effects could be - obviously the fridge won't work during that test.

by marconi Wed Feb 17, 2021 4:21 am

Peter Brown wrote:
Just to test things, you could remove the 4 way connector in the EM50 that will allow you to confirm that the split charge system is deactivated and find out what other side effects could be - obviously the fridge won't work during that test.

Yes that's the first test I would do, pull out the plug with the Brown/Blue, Red/Yellow cables and see if anything else if effected, ignoring the fridge, if its OK you can put the R/Y's back, the Camera feed wont be effected. Or have they set a trap.

by Molly3 Sat Feb 27, 2021 12:02 pm

Thanks for advice , their are lots of BtoB fitting videos on utube but none mention existing charging system's,

by marconi Sat Feb 27, 2021 8:15 pm

Molly3 wrote:Thanks for advice , their are lots of BtoB fitting videos on utube but none mention existing charging system's,

I can't give full details of wiring, anyone capable of doing the job safely will be able to work out the details, fusing etc. and just ask if there are any queries.

As far as the actual B2B goes obviously having not done it I can't recommend there either. I have not mentioned it in other threads or in my diagrams yet but with Sargent systems personally I would use the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12 30 Isolated.

by Molly3 Sun Feb 28, 2021 6:30 am

Thanks for information , definitely not as plug and play as I was hoping , especially as so many motorhomes use sargent system .

Fitting a a batter to battery

Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery

Re: Fitting a a batter to battery