Genasun GV 10 Lithium Solar Charge Controller

Подписаться 60 тыс.

Просмотров 13 тыс.

50% 1

Hello Operators.
Today we're discussing the Genasun GV-10 Lithium. It is a compact, lightweight MPPT solar charger for lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries. After watching a few reviews on RU-vid about re-branded Alibaba charge controllers, sold as "Made in USA", I thought it was time to show you an off grid and portable solar chsrge controller I've been using in the background to charge my DIY LiFePO4 battery pack. I realized the one piece of equipment I always have with me when deploying the PowerFilm Solar solar panels, is a charge controller. Unfortunately I rarely talk about the charge controller, although it's a mission critical for renewable energy for the solar powered Field Station. I've tested the Genasun series of controllers for lithium iron phosphate batteries off-grid, for about a year. I've been using them with my 120 watt and 20 watt PowerFilm from solar panels, with my 80 watt solar array for my home, and with my Renogy suitcase solar panel. In this video, I'll explain why I think they're the right choice for portable emergency grid down or off grid power & Communications.. The Genasun GV-10 LiFePO4 is a critical part of my communications preparedness and self reliance plan..
Video URL • Genasun GV 10 Lithium ...
Read my blogs on the Genasun controllers: oh8stn.org/blo...
Mentions
Genasun GV-10L amzn.to/2t4jEAp
Genasun GV-5L amzn.to/2yicNbx
PowerFilm Solar FM16-7200 amzn.to/2JO3pSg
73
Julian OH8STN
Other interesting videos and playlists
- Easy to Deploy Portable Vertical Antennas:
• Easy to Deploy Portabl...
- Ham Radio with a Raspberry Pi:
• Ham Radio with a Raspb...
- Yaesu FT-891 Info & Tutorials:
• Yaesu FT-891 Info & Tu...
- DIY LiFePO4 10ah battery pack for Ham Radio:
• Ham Radio Battery Pack...
- PowerFilm FM16-7200:
• PowerFilm 120w FM16-72...
- Ham Radio Off Grid with OH8STN
• Off Grid Ham Radio wit...
- Better Power Distribution for Portable Ops
oh8stn.org/blo...
If you found this episode helpful, consider dropping a buck in the tip-jar: www.paypal.me/o...
You may also want to join my Patreon Community / oh8stn Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Опубликовано:

15 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 85

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Read my blog posts on the Genasun controllers: oh8stn.org/blog/tag/genasun/

@richastley 5 лет назад

I'll take a look. Thanks for the link. 73

@larrygrigar3793 Год назад

You may have posted this 4 years ago, but today I've got this. And oh yeah I'm going to share it. rock & roll

@Littrell1966 2 года назад

Finally purchased a Genesun controller based on your reviews.

@OH8STN 2 года назад

Outstanding. How do you like it so far? 73 Julian oh8stn

@Littrell1966 2 года назад

@@OH8STN Still waiting on it to get here. It won't get the workout you give it, but I wanted the clean power for my qro station. I will report back when it is here.

@bruceforster5993 2 года назад

I have an 891 in our Sienna Van, along with a little Tarheel Antenna. It's a very good combo, and I've made contacts with it from all over the world from my driveway.

@0Stella 2 года назад

thanks so much for this. I struggle with electronics, this was really helpful. I have a PowerFilm 60w and looking for solutions to store said power

@nr3rful 6 лет назад

Wonderful, and informative as usual

@theomaksor851 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It just confirmed even better what I had found from less informative sources and now off to buy the Genasun !

@seanwieland9763 3 года назад

Thank you for this! I know Talon Sei recently added a similar controller to his Sat Van, and the solar generated by his roof seems to have tripled just by using a better controller.

@justinmoyers1179 6 лет назад

125$ isnt bad for a good quality charge controller. Good vid Julian.👍

@marccaouette2115 5 лет назад

Thanks Julian. I don't plan on doing any man portable excursions at 65 degrees North, but I do like to buy well made, reliable equipment. These videos have been very helpful.

@cockerspanielhome 5 лет назад

Thank you for your information on the Genasun charge controller, I have been looking for a good charge controller. I look forward to watching all of your great videos and learning a lot from them.

@dexterslaboratory5155 6 лет назад

Excellent video, this is how i envision my setup will be once my issues are sorted. FWIW i have tested the efficiency and can confirm the figure they offer is indeed the truth. You mention condensation, not sure if you've taken a peak inside, but my unit is conformally coated. The lack of 'wet' capacitors is a nice feature too!

@Pieh0 6 лет назад

I'm using the Victron smartsolar 75/10. A little bit cheaper than the Genasun plus i can bluetooth into it to see exactly what it's doing. Didn't want to deal with all the import fee's for a Genasun, plus the battery settings are configurable, so if i wanted to charge a SLA leisure battery, all i have to do is bluetooth in and change the settings.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

The features on that controller seem pretty cool. I reviewed the documentation and I couldn't find any certification for RF noise. And is also quite astonished at the weight. It is 500 grams, compared to Genasun 184 grams. It's kind of heavy for a backpack isn't it?

@Pieh0 6 лет назад

Not sure why the specs say that, but mine is 275g with 3 powerpole pigtails on them, so it's not that much more :). i.imgur.com/hCySvXp.jpg

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

You know what? I think I'm going to try one of those. It's always awesome to have an alternative, and you're absolutely right about finding the Genasun in EU. Have you checked the noise?

@Pieh0 6 лет назад

Yep, just checked and looked over on the SDR, from 0-50MHz, there's no difference in noise between it running through battery by itself, battery through the controller, or battery through the controller while charging the battery through the PV input. 1 Thing i've just found out which I need to figure out is that the current draw on the 857's start up trips the overload on the controller, not sure if it would do it on the 891, but something isn't right. Judging from your previous video's, it seems like you connect the radio directly into the battery and don't use the load output, which is almost a default setting when going QRO, but QRP you "could" do that, so that might not be an issue in this case. I'm just wanting to run it through the load output so it the software can track my usage, even if it is in Wh's only.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Pieh0 I'm really enjoying this discussion, and I'm learning something. For QRO I don't use the load port, but I do for QRP. You can use the load port to trigger a relay for QRO, but I try to keep things simple. Tell me about the Bluetooth and how it's useful.

@Andi-Maringer 6 лет назад

Thx for the video Julian! Its one of my next projects... 73 Andi OE3APM

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

You're very welcome Andi 73 Julian oh8stn

@scottchapman4025 6 лет назад

Thanks as always for the great video and in particular the amount of detail. My question is, for only $40 U.S. difference in price, is there any reason NOT to just go with the 10-amp version? Or is there any advantage to the 5-amp controller if your solar input is almost certainly going to be on the small side ($$$)? I don't envision investing in 10 amps of solar input capability for portable use, but I guess you never know. -Scott, K4KDR

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Excellent question you guys are putting me to the test. The five internet versions are essentially the same I'll be at the 10 amp version has 10.5 amp capability. Define amp version has a low voltage disconnect port on it, giving your BMS an extra bit of backup or redundancy. I do use the 5:00 amp version for the q r o radio, but I don't use the LVD port when I do that. Awesome question thanks for watching and the comment

@robertzingery8888 6 лет назад

Thanks agian. I like the genasun , it has a smaller footprint then the mppt charge control I use. Weight wise I am sure it lighter. I wonder how efficient the diffrent brands are in comparison to each other? I don't trust a. There no since in buying a $200 battery and protect it with a $9.00 knock off from eBay made who knows where.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

I had a few of those eBay charge controllers, supposedly in mppt, and I just wasn't getting the power out of them and into my battery that I thought I should. I think I've even showing those in some older videos but, I don't think I'll do that again. The Genasun CC weighs nothing. As I sat here reading your comment I smack myself in the forehead and realized I forgot to include the weight. Perhaps after I get some sleep, I'll update the episode notes. Thanks for the comment and for watching, it's very much appreciated

@Stevenfclark 4 года назад

Great video Julian! 73 de N1AD

@Devin82m 5 лет назад

I totally missed this video, this helps a lot. Thanks!

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

No problem I have a blog post I hope to get out this week on the topic you asked me about getting our other community

@Devin82m 5 лет назад

@@OH8STN The question in regards to the GV-5 vs the GV-10 and the fact one is 12V and the other is 14.2V? But after seeing this video I see you have a 12V GV-10 as well, so I'm a little more confused. I just want to make sure I'm buying the right one in two weeks for the 10ah pack I'm going to build. I've been preaching your channel and blog to anyone who is remotely interested in radio, and most of the people I interact with are like minded in preparedness and appreciate austere comms.

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

Okay if you're building one of the battery packs from the channel and you want to use the Gebasun Charge controller, there is the GV-5L (for 4S lithium iron phosphate) or GV-10L (for 4S Lithium Iron phosphate). The product names and numbers are confusing but the important thing in order to get the right charge controller is the "4S lithium iron phosphate". Thanks for telling people about the channel in the blog. Sharing the message is actually the most important thing anyone can do for the channel.

@Devin82m 5 лет назад

@@OH8STN Yeah, I'm definitely going to use a Genasun, and I at least know to look out for LifePo4 and 4S (can't seem to find what the S stands for). But the issue is I don't understand the difference between the GV-5 and GV-10, also if it need to be 12.8 V or if 14.2 V is better somehow or will burn out my 38120S cells. I see the datasheets and their ratings, but it's still a bit confusing which one is which and if there is a benefit using the 5 or 10 and 12 or 14 V. I learn a bit more each time I do the research, but something is just not clicking in my head. ;-)

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

@@Devin82m the "S" stands for 'Number of cells in Series". 4S means 4 cells in series. 4 cells in series gives a nominal voltage of 12.8 volts. You can ignore the other numbers. 👍

@ToddRichmond 6 лет назад

Thanks for yet another great review. Have a Chameleon MPAS+ setup heading my way as well as the Genasun to work with Bioenno batteries and 28W solar panel I already have. Fairly recent ticket and have found SOTA to be a great combination of hiking (which the wife loves) and tinkering (which is more my thing). Also just got an FT-891 and so far am impressed with it at home, will get it into the field this weekend. Keep up the good work.

@scottchapman4025 6 лет назад

If not on video topic, please remove comment... I see that I'm not the only one to mention budget. Since I would be "vehicle-portable" as opposed to "man-portable", in the spirit of Julian's excellent advice, from experience could anyone recommend a proven durable solar panel (perhaps rigid but a fairly compact foldable pair?) that would allow some of us to enjoy the quality of the setup he is using without the expense of something like the Powerfilm flexible panels? Physical size of the panel(s) is still important, but less so when you are not going to backpack them. Thanks!

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Renogy makes an excellent set of folding suitcase panels. I believe they have 80 and 100 watt versions. Very much like them on paper, but I'm hoping to get a set here for review in the future.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

My buddy John also discovered a Cool brand of folding panel called Lensun. You may also like to check that out amzn.to/2MzQOA6 Julian

@scottchapman4025 6 лет назад

I have Renogy 100w panels on the roof of my house and have certainly been pleased with them. Thanks for the reply!

@Oregun 6 лет назад

I’m leaning towards flexible solar panels for my truck camping, take a look at this RV window awning build: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uC8GF88eLCg.html I plan to build the frame like that and then stand it on the ground while parked.

@TheTyrial86 6 лет назад

Thanks for showing this. Would this charge controller be a recommendation for a solar setup for vehicles as well??

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Sure as long as you don't have more than 140 watts of panels or 10 amps coming in from them these charge controllers will be awesome.

@brentjohnson6654 2 года назад

The Genasun looks great for portable ops. Have you had a chance to try the Victon equipment regarding RF noise? If not I will try to find someone who has one and do some rudimentary testing myself.

@OH8STN 2 года назад

The big train equipment is excellent and reasonably priced. It's only issue so far is RF noise. A few of the subscribers here have tried them and reported back. If you're on a budget, the victron are great deal. Otherwise the Genasun seems to be the one to beat.

@redrider736 6 лет назад

Do you have a build vid of how to hook up the controller to the battery? Would the Powerfilm & Genasun be a good fit for a portable charging station for backcountry trips for Cameras, Satellite/GPS ect.. Looking for a lightweight set up... Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Cheers

@Oregun 6 лет назад

Nice review! I have a group 31 AGM in the back of my truck and I’m looking for a solar charge controller so I’ll check out Genasun unless you have other suggestions? Thanks and love your videos.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Thanks for the kindness and the comment. It realky depends on how many amps you're going to pull from your solar panels, and if you're also worried about noise. I like the Genasun, but to be fair they're let acid version are based on the same technology, but I haven't used them. There's some interesting discussions in the comments as well. 73 Julian oh8stn

@Oregun 6 лет назад

OH8STN I’m not too concerned about noise as the solar panels will be to just top off my battery when I’m car camping. I’ll be able to run the radios directly off the battery. I car camp so have room for a heavy battery, I just want an extra option to top of the battery without running my truck. You have an awesome man portable setup and take us on some awesome adventures. Thanks again!!

@BradSnyder1 6 лет назад

Well detailed video Julian! 73

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Thanks for the kindness Brad. 73 Julian oh8stn

@mumi009 5 лет назад

Julian, is your charge controller standard, or did you order one with a special a special charge/maintain profile (costs extra according to company)?

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

I have a standard controller for 4S lithium iron phosphate cells. If you specify some funky voltage, they'll tell you it costs extra. Both of mine are right off of their website

@edwinrogers7426 4 года назад

So I noticed on the documentation that it recommends a max of 140 watts of solar. I'm curious on your thoughts about using a 160 watt Renogy panel with the 10. I have yet to find a panel that produces its max watt rating even in perfect conditions. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

@OH8STN 4 года назад

There's a 10 amp fuse inside the Genasun. You won't hurt anything by taking out the four screws in removing the top cover. This way you can have a look. In my experience when it's approaching too much current coming in, it tries to fold back that current the best you can. I'm not sure how it achieves this. Anyway if you're not approaching that 10 amps, I can't imagine that extra 20 watts will destroy the charge controller. I'm no Genasun expert, but I've tried to test these things to destruction. They can take some abuse.

@richastley 5 лет назад

Hi Julian, thanks for all your awesome content. If I am on a road trip could I use the 12V from the car lighter socket and use it inplace of the solar panel to charge my LifePo4 battery?

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

The answer is yes but I need to investigate all the components going into making this work. It might just work from the cigarette lighter plug to the charge controller solar input. But I need to test this first. I'll test this, get some feedback from the charge controller manufacturers, then make a blog post. Thanks for the question, and the kindness. It's very much appreciated

@richastley 5 лет назад

OH8STN wow, thanks - I really appreciate your reply and help. My plan is to run a Powerfilm 30w foldable solar panel with Genasun charge controller (like you) feeding a 15ah Bioenno LifePo4 battery for when I’m running portable or away camping. It would be nice to be able to keep the battery topped off and charged while driving to the remote site (doesn’t need to be lighter socket - I can run back to the battery). Also I plan to use a shack power supply when using the go kit at home to keep the battery charged. I’m trying to prevent carrying multiple chargers. At the moment I am using the Bioenno charger that came with the battery. Cheers Rich

@donnymazon3107 6 лет назад

Can you tell me about ur soler panels you are using in this video and what is the wattage

@donnymazon3107 6 лет назад

And where can I find it

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Absolutely. Title might not give a hint but last week's video is mostly about that solar panel. Its a PowerFilm Solar FM16-7200. Living an operating at 65 degrees north, I needed the extra piwer from this 120w amorphous panel. Here's the video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BXYdsdqDkW4.html

@donnymazon3107 6 лет назад

Can I buy one on amazon?

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

PowerFilm Solar FM16-7200 amzn.to/2JO3pSg

@johnpwmcgrath 4 года назад

Thank you for all your work creating and sharing videos with us. You do an amazing job! I notice the gv-10l has a port for the solar panel and one for the battery, where the gv-5 has an additional port for load. With the gv-10l, would I connect my radio in parallel with the battery? I have a KX3 and a 8400mah 30c lifepo4 battery and am looking at purchasing the 120w powerfilm solar panel for off grid used in remote areas. Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 73, John VE3JPW

@OH8STN 4 года назад

Hi John. With the gv5 we only use the load port for a qrp radio *5a or less), or turning on or turning off a relay. The gv10l is exactly as you described. You connect your radio in parallel fused of course, to the battery. 73 Julian oh8stn

@WHNorthcote 6 лет назад

With this type of setup, what wouldd be the most cheapest if a budget was an option?

@claytonwatson1520 5 лет назад

Quick question, I also just acquired the same power film 120 watt panel and have a 100 A/h LifePo4 battery. I reached out to Genasun as their suggestion of which model to go with and with the ratings of the power film panel they suggest the GVB-8 (Boost) due to the lower output voltage of that panel. I was wondering if you have had any problems with that GV-10 Keeping up with the charge. Maybe it is possibly that it is the 100 a/h battery. Do you have any suggestions between the two. I am leaning towards the GV-10 because I also have the normal crystalline panels for none portable use. Thanks so much !!

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

Great question. I've also wondered about that boost controller they have, but it put me off because they always make examples about golf carts with that charge controller. The GV10 has worked extremely well for me, in all but the darkest times of year up here at 65°N. If you live in a Northern latitude perhaps you should take their advice into consideration. I may reach out to get one of those boost controllers up here, so that I know a better answer to this question the next time someone asks. That's all I've got at the moment. I hope this helps

@carsonkeitt9028 5 лет назад

What are you using to monitor the battery status amps in/out battery voltage? Just using the light on the charge controller or a separate voltage meter/monitor? Thanks.

@OH8STN 5 лет назад

Hi Carson. Awesome question. At the time of this video I was just using the light on the charge controller. Recently I published the intro to my diy solar generator project. The project uses a shunt on the negative side of the battery, to measure incoming/outgoing current, voltage, state of charge, ... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C5d56W5G26Y.html

@carsonkeitt9028 5 лет назад

Thanks! Just found your channel interesting content and very informative!

@lyfandeth 6 лет назад

Is a 13.8v UBEC available, so a solar charged pack could give optimized voltage to mobile radios?

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

The maximum voltage coming out of the solar charge controller and battery is 14.2 volts. This is definitely within the 12 to 15 volts of quality radios. Anyway, answering your question yes you can you UBEC. There are 12 volt UBECs used for RC FPV, but if I were going to use something like that, I would prefer a simple voltage regulator.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

One more point. You didn't mention which radio you planned but if it's an HT or something which has a voltage input of 7.2, 9, 10 volts, of course we have to drop down the voltage for whatever that radio requires. An UBEC with work well in that situation.

@lyfandeth 6 лет назад

My h/t will reduce "12" volts to the lower voltage it actually uses, while recharging the internal battery. My mobile radio is designed for 13.8 volts and actually will put out less power at "12" volts, so I'd prefer to feed it 13.8 volts. A decibel here, a decibel there, and sooner or later you have gain.(G)

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Have you actually measured the output of your mobile radio with a variable power supply? My Kenwood and Yaesu mobike rigs are designed to be used in a vehicle. A a vehicle doesn't always put out 13.8 volts, what does radio still put out 50 and 100w at 12.x volts. Anyway the battery specs are in the video and the episode notes. There's more than enough information to help you solve the puzzle.

@ac2fv 6 лет назад

Julian, have you looked at or used the Buddipole Mini Solar Controller? Is it an alternative to the Genesun? www.buddipole.com/powermini.html

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

It could be. Let me reach out and see if I can get one here

@Martin-hq1if 6 лет назад

Hi julian, i have read your Panel in Amazon and i can not order to Germany or Switzerland.

@OH8STN 6 лет назад

Hi Martin. I've been ordering the panels from USA because the costs in Europe are just ridiculous. It was cheaper for me to order the charge controllers and panels from the states, and have them shipped to Europe even with import tax, than buying them here in Europe. The rollable series in Europe those are available and seem to be quite reasonable cost. I'll try to find some alternative for us here in Europe. 73 Julian oh8stn

@Martin-hq1if 6 лет назад

Hi Julian, Thanks for theintresting RU-vid Videos and the prompt answhre to my questions, i have an ELECRAFT KX2 Equipment for QRP and SOTA, with the Lower BackPack equipment. And for the Mountain Walking, QSO's. 73 de HB3YDM