DIY Solar Generator Cloning - Part 8 - Crimping 4/0 Cables

Watch as I crimp 4/0 cables for my DIY portal solar generator, then configure the Victron BMV-712, and charge it for the first time.
Step by step build playlist for this battery, in case you want to learn more: • Portable DIY Solar Gen...
Products used in this video:
Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery - 100Ah 12v with Built-in BMS - 3000-5000 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery - Perfect for RV/Camper, Marine, Overland/Van, and Off Grid Applications
[amazon affiliate us]: amzn.to/2D7ZZam
Victron BMV-712 Battery Monitor with Battery Temperature Sensor
[amazon affiliate us]: amzn.to/394lqVN
10 pcs Tinned Marine Grade Copper Battery Welding Cable Lug Connector Terminal for 4/0 Gauge (4/0 AWG): [affiliate] amzn.to/2cN1sWm
TMS 16 Ton Hydraulic Wire Battery Cable Lug Terminal Crimper Crimping Tool 11 Dies: [affiliate] amzn.to/2cN1tJD
Greenlee 718 Heavy Duty Cable Cutter, 18": [affiliate] amzn.to/2cAZyX3
Klein Tools 63050 9-1/2-Inch High Leverage Cable Cutter: [affiliate] amzn.to/2cv1nnz
Ancor Marine Grade Electrical Heat Activated Adhesive Lined Shrink Tubing Red: [affiliate] amzn.to/2cCy4Ne
Ancor Marine Grade Electrical Heat Activated Adhesive Lined Shrink Tubing Black: [affiliate] amzn.to/2cCyq6x
MTW 4/0 wire (select red or black in the drop down): www.wireandcableyourway.com/4...
YYST 54" Battery Tie Down Strap Kit Battery Hold Down Strap with Stainless Steel 316 Buckle, Stainless Steel 316 Deck Mounts, 4 SS Screws -1/PK
[amazon affiliate us]: amzn.to/308Qsb6
Lind Kitchen 2pcs 4 Inch Pull Ring Handle 304 Stainless Steel Foldable Boat Hatch Latch Cabinet Lifting Ring Pull Handle
[amazon affiliate us]: amzn.to/2ZuDDc4

[@lifeguard434343]

How do I buy one of your 3D printed 350 amp plug holder? And it’s holds the sb350 plug?

[@createthisdotcom]

Sorry, just saw this. I’ll have to think about how to price them. I’d take $5 via PayPal at [e-mail] for the STL file you can print yourself. If you want me to print it and ship it I’ll have to figure out materials cost and shipping. Email me and I’ll get back to you.

[@vladbagdasarov1672]

Dont know if you spoke about this already but why run such heavy gauge wire if you're only running a 120a breaker? 1-AWG is standard for 120-150 amps up to 3ft long.

[@createthisdotcom]

I was designing for 3% voltage drop or less. Unfortunately, even with 4/0 cable, at just 60 amps I'm measuring between 4.04% and 5.8% voltage drop, depending on whether I measure at the end vs the start of the load cycle, respectively. I have a video showing this stress test here: ruclips.net/video/KhklvlWvYM0/видео.html
I haven't measured this particular battery's internal resistance yet, but I know from a previous measurement of a GBS LifePO4 battery that the internal resistance tends to be about 0.002 omhs: ruclips.net/video/yHDq5Rq8cV4/видео.html
I'm not sure if the battery's internal resistance can be subtracted from measured voltage drop, but if it can, this brings me to about 3.2% voltage drop at 60 amps. Not bad, but not great either. I have to wonder how it would perform at 120 amps.

[@vladbagdasarov1672]

@@createthisdotcom Gotcha, have you considered running a 4s lipo or li-ion diy battery? You'd be at 14.8v nominal at the battery, running with a load with smaller gauge wire might get you where you want to be.

[@createthisdotcom]

My GBS LifePO4 battery was basically a diy pack. There was no BMS. I bottom balanced and left margins at the top and bottom of the voltage range to avoid overcharging or undercharging. I also utilized a low voltage disconnect to enforce the lower range margin.
I like these Battle Born units because they have an onboard BMS and I no longer have to bottom balance. If you bottom balance you lose about 40% of the pack’s capacity to margins. I also didn’t like having to worry about it constantly. Give me a quality BMS any day.

[@vladbagdasarov1672]

@@createthisdotcom Not sure when the last time you were on the hunt for a BMS but there a load of good ones on the market now with great components and huge headsinks that you can slap on a diy pack and balance charge with that instead of direct charge.

[@createthisdotcom]

Where do buy them? I’ve never been able to find a BMS from a supplier I could say I trusted not to burn my house down.