question

trougnouf avatar image
trougnouf asked

MultiPlus-II: charge separate starter battery?

Can the MultiPlus-II charge a separate (different type) starter battery, or I should plug it into a separate trickle charger?

I noticed that the MultiPlus had a separate starter battery connection but it no longer seems to be there in the MultiPlus-II.


On a completely different topic (which I should make differently), I wonder if the MultiPlus-II can switch between charging the batteries when they are low and using them with the inverter when they are high. Would I need additional devices to control it to do that? (Cerbo GX and VE.Bus Smart dongle?)

Multiplus-IIstarter battery
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9 Answers
Mike Dorsett avatar image
Mike Dorsett answered ·

From the manual:

Two DC outputs for charging two batteries
The main DC terminal can supply the full output current. The second output, intended for charging a starter battery, is limited to 4 A and
has a slightly lower output voltage (12 V and 24 V models only)

So it depends on which model you have. Whilst the output is separate and a slightly lower voltage: If you have a 24V model, you can't charge a 12v starter battery from the second output.

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johanz avatar image johanz commented ·

Morning I have the same problem & cannot find the starter battrey connections on a Multiplus 11 24/3000 230V

1690189823257.png

E Push button A – To perform a startup without assistants

The MultiPlus-II has a connection for charging a starter battery. Output current is limited to 4A Starter battery (connection terminal E, see appendix A)


Can anyone tell which connection I use


Thanks

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1690189823257.png (132.2 KiB)
trougnouf avatar image trougnouf commented ·

I see :) It is the 12v model and I should have read the manual:
4.4.4 Starter battery (connection terminal E, see appendix A)The Multiplus-II has a connection for charging a starter battery. Output current is limited to 4 A.
Strange that they removed it from the specs sheet, but it's there. Thank you!

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spyros-damigos avatar image
spyros-damigos answered ·

I can see this paragraph in the manual but which terminal is it? I cannot find a secondary DC connection. Is it the K1 on the terminal connector?

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xavier-64 avatar image xavier-64 commented ·

As well on my side... the E terminal is now a push button for non assistant start up mode

"4.4.4. Starter battery (connection terminal E, see appendix A)

The MultiPlus-II has a connection for charging a starter battery. Output current is limited to 4A."

Xavier


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klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ xavier-64 commented ·

@Spyros Damigos @xavier-64 Location of the Trickle Charge terminal will be in the same location for various model inverters. (12 and 24v inverters only)

Terminal letter may be different as some inverters have more features / terminals.

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spyros-damigos avatar image
spyros-damigos answered ·

But indeed it is seen only in 2x120v model in the manual but it is mentioned in the manuals not the other models…

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klim8skeptic avatar image
klim8skeptic answered ·

@Spyros Damigos @xavier-64 It is probably best to look at an actual photo of the inverter. Better still, have a peek in your inverter (as you know, things change with time).

If your inverter has a Trickle Charge terminal, it will be between the blue AUX relay terminals, and the battery + terminal.

I will report the manual inconsistencies.


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spyros-damigos avatar image
spyros-damigos answered ·

@klim8skeptic @xavier-64 is it a spade terminal?

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klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·

@Spyros Damigos Yes, 1/4 inch or 6.3mm.

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xavier-64 avatar image xavier-64 commented ·

@Spyros Damigos , on my version (Multiplus II 24/3000), no spade terminal....

my device picture

1676062116682.jpeg

Manual (HTML version),

1676062202853.png

https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/MultiPlus-II_230V/en/UUID-b318472a-d96b-05c9-cdb8-5850fb6bb16d.html


1676062319993.png



Same error with PDF version manual.

Xavier.

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1676062202853.png (102.5 KiB)
1676062319993.png (250.9 KiB)
klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ xavier-64 commented ·
@xavier-64 Hard to tell much from your photo. Bad angle and cant read the sticker.


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xavier-64 avatar image xavier-64 klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·

This is just to confrim there is no spade terminal or any connector to connect to starter battery like written in the manual.


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xavier-64 avatar image xavier-64 commented ·

Hello,

this morning, thinking about the spade terminal, I take 5 min to double check it !!

And here the picture after the T-sense and V-sense connector removal of my MP II 24/300VA/70A/230V !!!

1676110563681.jpeg


The Spade terminal is present !!

Xavier.


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1676110563681.jpeg (77.4 KiB)
klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ xavier-64 commented ·
Like a cockroach, hiding in a dark place.

Give your seeing eye dog a pat plz. ;)

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projectwaterlily avatar image
projectwaterlily answered ·

so, does this spade terminal for charging the starter battery appear on the MultiPlus-II PMP122305010 ?

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klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ commented ·

Current model.

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conkev23 avatar image
conkev23 answered ·

Bummer that it is not present on the 48V models.

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nvs avatar image
nvs answered ·

Hello, how this aux charge works ? all the time (when the multiplus is in normal mode) or in charger mode or when pluged to the grid ?

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pwfarnell avatar image pwfarnell commented ·
The trickle charge is always on. It takes its input from the main DC input power, has a current limiting device and diode with a 0.3-0.6V drop depending on current flowing. Therefore the starter is always held at 0.3 to 0.6V below the main battery. This is OK if both batteries are lead acid but if the main battery is lithium the starter will always be a drain even when the lithium are not charging. The diode stops the starter from charging the main battery.
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l3roybrown avatar image
l3roybrown answered ·

Can I connect the trickle charge wire from the multiplus to the positive wire under the driver-side chair of my Sprinter van? An on/off switch will be added as well. Thanks!

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Related Resources

MultiPlus-II Product page 

MultiPlus-II Manual

Multiplus-II GX Online Manual

MultiPlus-II 230V Datasheet 

VE.Bus Error codes

Additional resources still need to be added for this topic