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finn777 avatar image
finn777 asked

Orion 12-12 9A does not charge unless I add output positive while Orion turned on

I have a Victron Orion 12-12 9 A. The system consists of 2 batteries (start and house). Start battery is on the input side and house battery on the output. I have extensively tested it and have problems.

When everything is connected and I turn on the Orion unit, nothing happens. Orion does not charge the house battery. If I disconnect the output side, turn on the victron unit and then connect output, it starts charging. Is this a feature of this unit? Can it not be used as a charger like Victron claims?

orion dc-dc
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4 Answers
Matthias Lange - DE avatar image
Matthias Lange - DE answered ·

The normal "non-Smart" Orion series is NOT designed as battery chargers!

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benm avatar image
benm answered ·

In the manual from 2020 is written: Can be used as battery charger.

manual-2020.jpg


In the manual from 2022 is written: NOT intended to use.....

manual 2022.jpg


I think Victron in the newer manual like to bring attention to there smart ORION, which have a better charge profile to charge a battery.

There is not written that the are not design for. At least not in 2020!!.


But I have the same problem as you have.

Somehow the remote switch dont work if setup as battery charger.

If setup with a 5amp, load the remote switch worked correctly.

For me looks like a problem with the latest batch from the this product.


Can someone from Victron give a answer on this.

@Guy stewart



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JohnC avatar image JohnC ♦ commented ·
@BenM

Indeed the datasheets were changed for the Converters since the introduction of the Smart series. Even though some (eg. 48V models) didn't get a Smart successor.

They can still be used as battery chargers, but you need to adjust the FLAT output V with a tiny screwdriver (little hole, bottom rhs). Bit fiddly with a multimeter.

I use a 48/12-20 set at ~13.8V. And switch it in via potential-free bridges across the Remote terminals. I use both a toggle switch and Assistants in a Multiplus to do that.

Works fine. But I can't speak for 'batch problems'.

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Robert avatar image
Robert answered ·

Hello, if it's possible to connect the output with a n/o timer relay.

Maybe a delay on relay?

The coil of the relay gets power from the Orion input.

Best regards Robert


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benm avatar image
benm answered ·

With a relay on the output, and timer delay to switch this relay on it will work.

Not connected to input voltage, but to the same signal, which switch on the device.

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