Update progress #2

 

I discovered the Staubli MC4s will not accept the AWG #8 cable. However the Trisinger MC4s will. I used those.

The array end cables have MC4s. The indoor ends' insulation is trimmed to fit the Triron screw down terminals.

The indoor ends have been run through the wall portal. The outdoor screw down bracket seems too small for the new cable situation.

Cable identical to the #1 Triron battery lines, are prepped for  #2 Triron. Only the lengths need to be adjusted. The battery ends have lugs and the other ends will have insulation trimmed to half an inch.

I can plug the AWG #8 cables into the #1 block splitter (2s3p) and leave the standard MC4 cables attached to the 2s2p array.

I have the option of moving the standard MC4 cables from Triron #1 to #2 and attaching the AWG #8 cables/2s3p, to Triron #1.

Either way, I'll hve to adjust the parameters of Triron #2.

The '_fix-triron.py' script seems to be working. I verified the values change using 'vct epevermodbus' on the command line without options.

Update progress #1

 

I finished moving things around on the control board.

One of the two Xantrex input cables had to be replaced with  longer version to allow moving the Xantrex up the board.

The second Triron has been placed on the control board left of, and slightly lower to the #1 Triron.

Next are the new AWG #8 powerlines replacing the existing standard MC4 cable power lines.

Major updates

  

I've decided to make the changes discussed previously.

In order to add another Triron charge controller to the control board.

 I'm moving the Xantrex inverter up to make room. Then, I'll place the second Triron left of the existing Triron.

The panels are already conveniently wired up in a way that will making the 2s3p/2s2p split easy.

I still need to get a usb/rs485 cable to connect the second Triron to the Raspberry Pi4. I think I have an adapter that will allow me to make a temporary cable. This does not effect thae actual operation of the system, only the data recording.

I'm also replacing the standard MC4 cables, used as power lines to the house, with AWG#8 cables and Staubli MC4 connectors.

The #8 cables fit snugly into the Triron cable jacks.

The software for the dual Triron setup will easily be made from modified/augmented existing scripts.

Triron #1 will have the 2s3p and #2 will have the 2s2p.

DropBox link

 

This presents a DropBox link to the primary fileset I use.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ni6611j5plgwc1zbsav05/RPi4-backup-Oct-12-2026.zip?rlkey=hrofwrglzvh4eve1e88hi58lj&st=9g65qss3&dl=0

A note on Python

 

I have used Python programming tools extensively for years. Recently (2019), Python made the use of environments, more or less, mandatory. I make copies of the software I use, including Python scripts, available for public use for free. While I use to publish them in this blog, I now make a zipped copy available on DropBox and post a link.

It shoulld be noted that most of the folders included in the zip file that have python scripts will also be venv folders and require that a venv be setup as I am not uploading the bin folder that accompanies a venv and contains a pyhton iinstallation. Too much data and too big a file. The folders reflect my setup, in part, and are installed in /var/www/html/.

More HUE lights

 

I ordered a couple of Philips HUE lights for the basement.  They do not have color changing ability but that is uneeded in their current role.

My current phone allows me to use the official Philips HUE app where before, with the iPhone 7plus, I could not.

There was a certain amount of chaos involved since I was unfamiliar with the new app. I had been using the HUE Essentials app and the online HUE Clip Debug web app to program and make changes.

However, by moving between the three tools, I was able to do some minor reorginazation and incorporate the new lights into the system. The porch lights now shut off at 11PM automatically. The front porch light is now Orange for the Halloween holidays.

Me and Google

I spent some time in a series of dialogues with the Googlle AI in their online search engine.

I have decided to make a major change based on the AI's corroberation of my ideas.

According to the AI, I'm overworking the Triron charge controller.

Reducing the load will be achieved by the major improvement of adding a second Triron to work in parallel with the first. At that point I will have 2s3p and 2s2p configurations. The first, 2s3p will place a 600w load on one Triron and the second, 2s2p, will place a 400w load on the other Triron.

This will make the batteries charge faster and make overcast days less of an imposition.

I'm also replacing the stock solar connector cables with #8 copper cable to reduce line load.

To add the second Triron, I'll need to rearrange the control board. I hope to move the inverter up enoough to allow placing the second Triron beside, and to the left of, the exising, first Triron. Whether I succeed remains to be seen.