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opinion:frater_secessus:prebuilt_van

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opinion:frater_secessus:prebuilt_van [2024/12/10 16:32]
frater_secessus [troubleshooting problems] 		opinion:frater_secessus:prebuilt_van [2025/03/28 13:53] (current)
frater_secessus [TL;DR]
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 ===== TL;DR ===== ===== TL;DR =====
  
-  * **observation** is a major part of both figuring out a system and of troubleshooting.  Look.  Notice.  Pay attention.+  * **observation** is a major part of both figuring out a system and of troubleshooting.  Look.  Notice.  Pay attention.  Document.  
 +  * look up the manual or specs for for every component you find 
   * the job of the power system is to accept charge from [[electrical:12v:power_mix|one or more sources]], store that energy, and use it for [[electrical:12v:loads|loads]] you want to run.  On average **charging must be ≥ discharging**((the "average" part is provided by bank capacity)) or you will [[opinion:frater_secessus:running_out_of_power|run out of power]].   * the job of the power system is to accept charge from [[electrical:12v:power_mix|one or more sources]], store that energy, and use it for [[electrical:12v:loads|loads]] you want to run.  On average **charging must be ≥ discharging**((the "average" part is provided by bank capacity)) or you will [[opinion:frater_secessus:running_out_of_power|run out of power]].
   * a system can be working-as-designed and still not do what you want or meeting your needs   * a system can be working-as-designed and still not do what you want or meeting your needs
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 Caveat: If someone upgraded/changed the vehicle after purchase the VIN will not know about that.... Caveat: If someone upgraded/changed the vehicle after purchase the VIN will not know about that....
  
-You can find a free lookup tool by searching ''[brand] VIN lookup``.  [[https://duckduckgo.com/?t=lm&q=chevy+vin+lookup&ia=web|Example using Chevy]]+You can find a free lookup tool by searching ''[brand] VIN lookup''.  [[https://duckduckgo.com/?t=lm&q=chevy+vin+lookup&ia=web|Example using Chevy]]
  
  
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-==== shore power charging ====+=== shore power charging ===
  
 This is the least common form of charging since few vanfolk have the luxury of access to [[electrical:shore_power|grid ("shore"). Having steady access to shore power is like winning the vandweller lottery because you can do almost anything you want, power-wise.  This is the least common form of charging since few vanfolk have the luxury of access to [[electrical:shore_power|grid ("shore"). Having steady access to shore power is like winning the vandweller lottery because you can do almost anything you want, power-wise. 
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 +==== inverters ====
  
 +[[electrical:inverter|Inverters]] are used if/when you need to run 120vac((in the US)) loads from 12vdc((typically)) battery banks.  
  
 +They will typically have a wattage rating labeled on them.  With more reputable manufacturers this will be the continuous duty rating.  With less-scrupulous manufacturers this might be the peak/surge output rating.  
  
 +Unless the inverter says ''pure sine wave'' or ''PSW'' on it there is a reasonable chance it is Modified Square((or Sine)) Wave.  See link above.  
  
-===== troubleshooting problems ===== 
  
-There is a famous saying that +==== wiring and fusing ====
  
-> clearly stating the problem is 90% of the solution+While poking about taking stock of the components, also notice the wiring and fusing.  
  
-...so we are back to //observation// again.  One you can clearly state the nature of the problem continue to [[troubleshooting:electrical|this overview of troubleshooting]].  
  
-==== get a handle on the symptoms ====+It can be difficult to tell the construction and gauge of wiring by externals.  If you are lucky that information might be printed on the insulation of the wiring itself.  This kind of info might be printed only on one side maybe only every few inches or feet so it might be hidden at first.  Keep tracing and looking.  
  
-Pay attention to what is happening so you can describe it clearly and accurately to people who want to help //but who cannot see your van.//+Fuses and breakers are usually labeled with their current limit 
  
-  * useful information:   +[[https://www.bluesea.com/support/articles/Circuit_Protection/1437/Part_1%3A_Choosing_the_Correct_Wire_Size_for_a_DC_Circuit|This Blue Sea article]] describes appropriate wire gauge for a given current and circuit length. 
-    * "My inverter gives a E3 error and stops working when the battery monitor says voltage is below 11v" +
-    * My inverter worked as expected until yesterday +
-    * my inverter has never worked +
-  * ok information:  "my inverter doesn't work when voltage is 11v" +
-  * useless:  "my inverter doesn't work"+
  
-When describing charging/noncharging problems, please report voltage and current changes you observe when any charging sources are added.  "My battery monitor shows 12.4v and does not change when I start the engine." 
  
 +===== upgrades =====
  
 +You may have to make some upgrades to meet the demands of your particular use case.  A rational approach might be:
  
 +  - understand your use case, including [[electrical:12v:dailypowerrequirements|daily requirements]] in Watt-Hours or Amp-Hours and [[opinion:frater_secessus:run_this_load|load requirements]] in Watts or Amps. 
 +  - understand what the  existing system can do (see above)
 +  - find the bottlenecks and open them up so it //can// meet your needs 
 +
 +An irrational-but-common approach would be to [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes#buying_random_stuff|buy stuff at random]] based on impulse,  marketing, or "good deals". 
 +
 +
 +===== troubleshooting problems =====
 +
 +There is a famous saying that 
 +
 +> clearly stating the problem is 90% of the solution
 +
 +...so we are back to //observation// again.  One you can clearly state the nature of the problem continue to [[troubleshooting:electrical|this overview of troubleshooting]]. 
  
  
opinion/frater_secessus/prebuilt_van.1733866327.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/12/10 16:32 by frater_secessus

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