Off grid upgrade. (1 Viewer)

[TrudeandDall]

I took notice of Guigsy when he posted about squeezing a 280 Fogstar into a Ducato seat base. But with quite a number of Fogstar BMS issues surfacing on the forum, I opted for a OPS 280 from Off Grid Power. Nigel is a true gent to deal with and the battery, being slightly smaller than the Fogstar 280, fits the seat base area like a dream, with room for a 1200 watt PSW inverter as well.
For the same price as a Fogstar 230 seat base battery, I have 50Ah more capacity. The only downside is there is no heating, but that is not an issue for me as the battery is not located in a cold outside locker. I also like the isolator system that comes as part of the OPS range - really handy when you are working on the electrics or just need to shut it down during extended storage.
My original AGM was located under the drivers seat along with the chargers, Votronic controller for the 280 w panel and a spaghetti junction of OEM cables. The empty space from removing the AGM provided lots of room to upgrade the B2B to a Votronic 50amp unit, the positive busbar etc and uprate all of the charging cables to 16mm2. I've retained the original Schaudt 25 amp B2B for redundancy, isolation is via the power supply and D+. Both are easily accessible and once I know the actual output of my alternator, I may reinstate it using an isolator switch, just incase there are occasions when 75 Amps heading to the OPS 280 may be useful.....
Autorouter gave me the idea to link the inverter into the existing 230v sockets using a relay. Another easy and worthwhile upgrade.
A lot of thinking and a couple of days of work has upgraded our van to a capable off - grid van, which is exactly what we wanted!

 

[Just smiffy]

I took notice of Guigsy when he posted about squeezing a 280 Fogstar into a Ducato seat base. But with quite a number of Fogstar BMS issues surfacing on the forum, I opted for a OPS 280 from Off Grid Power. Nigel is a true gent to deal with and the battery, being slightly smaller than the Fogstar 280, fits the seat base area like a dream, with room for a 1200 watt PSW inverter as well.
For the same price as a Fogstar 230 seat base battery, I have 50Ah more capacity. The only downside is there is no heating, but that is not an issue for me as the battery is not located in a cold outside locker. I also like the isolator system that comes as part of the OPS range - really handy when you are working on the electrics or just need to shut it down during extended storage.
My original AGM was located under the drivers seat along with the chargers, Votronic controller for the 280 w panel and a spaghetti junction of OEM cables. The empty space from removing the AGM provided lots of room to upgrade the B2B to a Votronic 50amp unit, the positive busbar etc and uprate all of the charging cables to 16mm2. I've retained the original Schaudt 25 amp B2B for redundancy, isolation is via the power supply and D+. Both are easily accessible and once I know the actual output of my alternator, I may reinstate it using an isolator switch, just incase there are occasions when 75 Amps heading to the OPS 280 may be useful.....
Autorouter gave me the idea to link the inverter into the existing 230v sockets using a relay. Another easy and worthwhile upgrade.
A lot of thinking and a couple of days of work has upgraded our van to a capable off - grid van, which is exactly what we wanted!



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I too am hoping to get one of these batteries, (not a fan of fogstar bms) will hopefully pop in again at nigelivy RogerIvy before my winter trip…

You must let us know how it performs over the next few months…

 

[TrudeandDall]

I too am hoping to get one of these batteries, (not a fan of fogstar bms) will hopefully pop in again at nigelivy RogerIvy before my winter trip…

You must let us know how it performs over the next few months…

Will do..

 

[Cush]

I feel it’s the Fogstar app rather than the bms that is causing some problems. The bms module is reviewed as one of the best.

 

[RogerIvy]

I feel it’s the Fogstar app rather than the bms that is causing some problems. The bms module is reviewed as one of the best.

I’d agree
When debugging I use the Xiaoxiang BMS app - instant readout which helps

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[MisterB]

I also use the Xiaoxiang app! Never had an issue with either the battery or the app, though it can sometimes take around 30 secs to connect

 

[Lenny HB]

I've just bought a couple of Fogstar 230 ah from RogerIvy, so far impressed on first charge one came up at 245ah and the other at 240ah. Not had any problems with the BMS.
We have been away for a few days just running on battery power as not had time to fit my solar or wire up any other charging so have been using the app a lot to keep an eye on them.

 

[Peavy]

I took notice of Guigsy when he posted about squeezing a 280 Fogstar into a Ducato seat base. But with quite a number of Fogstar BMS issues surfacing on the forum, I opted for a OPS 280 from Off Grid Power. Nigel is a true gent to deal with and the battery, being slightly smaller than the Fogstar 280, fits the seat base area like a dream, with room for a 1200 watt PSW inverter as well.
For the same price as a Fogstar 230 seat base battery, I have 50Ah more capacity. The only downside is there is no heating, but that is not an issue for me as the battery is not located in a cold outside locker. I also like the isolator system that comes as part of the OPS range - really handy when you are working on the electrics or just need to shut it down during extended storage.
My original AGM was located under the drivers seat along with the chargers, Votronic controller for the 280 w panel and a spaghetti junction of OEM cables. The empty space from removing the AGM provided lots of room to upgrade the B2B to a Votronic 50amp unit, the positive busbar etc and uprate all of the charging cables to 16mm2. I've retained the original Schaudt 25 amp B2B for redundancy, isolation is via the power supply and D+. Both are easily accessible and once I know the actual output of my alternator, I may reinstate it using an isolator switch, just incase there are occasions when 75 Amps heading to the OPS 280 may be useful.....
Autorouter gave me the idea to link the inverter into the existing 230v sockets using a relay. Another easy and worthwhile upgrade.
A lot of thinking and a couple of days of work has upgraded our van to a capable off - grid van, which is exactly what we wanted!



View attachment 915800

View attachment 915801

Looks like a nice set up

 

[Bec@Fogstar]

Morning all, can I ask exactly what Fogstar BMS issues you're pertaining to? Would just like to understand more! Thanks, Bec

 

[MichaelT]

Morning all, can I ask exactly what Fogstar BMS issues you're pertaining to? Would just like to understand more! Thanks, Bec

A few people hade had dud Bluetooth connectivity to the BMS and had to have batteries replaced, headlight was one I think from memory.

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[Bec@Fogstar]

MichaelT We haven't had any Bluetooth module failures. We're also the only manufacturer to warranty the Bluetooth. In regards to headlight , while the Bluetooth module and batteries were functioning properly, we replaced his 105Ah batteries with a larger 230Ah one to address his concerns.

We're also aware the App needs work, we have brought development to the UK and are working with a UK-based team on this currently.

 

[Tombola]

Good timing for me this TrudeandDall thanks for posting.
I'm looking for a 200 ah or more under a seat base in my sons new (2003) ducato, with inverter etc under other. Thanks

Does anyone know if the seats are the same on the 2003.... these are on a swivel and currently have a 90ah wet under each.

We will obvs remove and measure but just helps while browsing.

 

[headlight]

MichaelT We haven't had any Bluetooth module failures. We're also the only manufacturer to warranty the Bluetooth. In regards to headlight , while the Bluetooth module and batteries were functioning properly, we replaced his 105Ah batteries with a larger 230Ah one to address his concerns.

We're also aware the App needs work, we have brought development to the UK and are working with a UK-based team on this currently.

I am very happy with my 230AH Fogstar battery and have had no problems since fitting it 6 months ago.

 

[Cush]

I also use the Xiaoxiang app! Never had an issue with either the battery or the app, though it can sometimes take around 30 secs to connect

Mine connects immediately and from further away than I expect. Differences probably down to phones