Ampinvt AP Series MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Today we test the Ampinvt AP Series 40amp MPPT
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Ampinvt 40a MPPT amzn.to/3cDQKAt
Ampinvt 60a MPPT amzn.to/3J4L2Up
Ampinvt 80a MPPT amzn.to/3BdRIxL
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CONTACT: [e-mail]
Business/Collaboration only. Please do not contact me for for personal project help, or advice.
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DISCLAIMER: These videos are documenting my own projects, and experiences. These projects, and activities can be dangerous. Do not try any of this at home, doing so will be at your own risk.

[@darkandstormie1]

In another demo i have seen Battery Amps and watts output on the display instead of having to calculate ?? haven't seen an option to change the readouts

[@budmartin3344]

Great video. @5:05 Do you have video on that ground mounted panel stand? BTW, I see your video about setting the system Voltage, but how do you set it the first time out off the box, I.E. if you have 24V batteries, will know to set itself to 24V instead of 12V so it will not blow up if the default is 12V, thanks!

[@BradCagle]

Yes charge current can be set. I replied to you in the diysolarforum thread about the ground mount.

[@macgrecoperaltechery4598]

Does your remark about bad Chinese translation for float voltage apply for lead acid battery?, I have a bank of 4x6volts rolls lead acid battery, and as the "float voltage" is set to 27.6 volt for 24volt system, when the Mppt switch from the MPPT Charge mode to Float Charge , the controller try to apply 27.6 volt to the battery DESPITE THE BATTERY NOT BEING FULLY CHARGED (reading specific gravity) !. So today, i played a little bit with the controller and i tried to set the "float voltage " to 29 volt, It seems that this setting affect "all modes" because the mppt dont go over this voltage.

[@AZRockRunner]

Really like its performance and low price, but do you think it will be robust enough to survive on an RV ( no 4x4)?

[@twocommastv]

How has it been running got a flash deal on amazon for $74!Wanted to see if they were worth it

[@fightswithspirits915]

It’s a workhorse and can take abuse. Any way to make it turn back by itself on after batteries run low? That it must be “jump started” manually is not preferred. Can it jump start itself at sunrise?

[@jsauerii]

Do those of you that have any version of these have beeping and overcharge fault errors when your lipos are fully charged?

[@BenMitro]

Wow, the price is excellent, performance is exceptional and set-ability is perfect. Reliability is the only question in my mind after your review Brad. Thanks mate.

[@BradCagle]

I'm really impressed with this unit, almost feels too good to be true LOL. I'm probably going to try and work this thing hard to see what it can take.

[@BenMitro]

@@BradCagle ​ If you are game/spare the time, open it up and see where its weaknesses may be. If it does have a reliability problem, it may be down to one or two components that aren't up to the job.

[@BradCagle]

@@BenMitro Actually I did open it up. Should have put that on the video. It looks really good, and solid internally.

[@BenMitro]

@@BradCagle Cool. Caps and components adequately sized - e.g. cap voltages as per specs, inductor wire capable of pulling advertised current? I've seen them advertise, 60V solar PV but the caps directly across the PV inputs only rated to 63V - one cool bright morning your caps pop! Even if they have pulled such shifties, If I got one, I'd replace such dubious components to make sure it is reliable. Even though I have already purchased a unit, I was tempted to order one! They really do look shit hot, and I imagine once the word gets out their price will go up accordingly.

[@BradCagle]

@@BenMitro I believe Input caps were rated 200vdc, the inductors I think had 4 parallel strands of chunky mag wire each. I may tear it down again, and go through it thoroughly. Would be interesting to lookup the mosfets, and diodes.

[@JamesSmith-bj9vk]

I'm kinda new to this but shouldn't something shut down when my battery is fully charged instead of just making the annoying warning?

[@zelloToiletTalks]

Which wifi adapter plugs into the rs485

[@philbrooke-little7082]

Did you measure the quiescent current at night? Some controllers are really quite high at up to 300ma while others are just in the 20ma range? It may not sound like a lot but over long winter nights it adds up especially when solar is at a premium during the day and space for solar is physically limiting (on a boat)

[@BradCagle]

Not sure if I did, I'll measure it when I get a chance.

[@MikeAndNary]

Do you need to set the battery capacity on the charger controller settings? - i/e 100ah 200ah 300ah etc?

[@BradCagle]

No

[@lukedasilva6028]

Im having an issue with mine. The unit starts up but it flashes a "Communication Fault" and its basically locked from producing any current. Can't change any parameters either. Wondering if you know anything about this.. Thanks for the video and have a great day!

[@BradCagle]

Hmm, I have not see this. How long have you had the unit? Is it returnable?

[@incis126]

Good afternoon This controller, if 150 volts comes from the panel, is it possible to have a 24 volt system on car batteries?

[@BradCagle]

Yes, but keep a safe margin of about 10-20% under the 150v on the panel side. The voltage open circuit of your panels can go higher than specified when cold.

[@incis126]

Добрый день! У этого контроллера если приходит 150 волт с панели можно ли быть 24 вольтовая система на автомобильных аккумуляторах?

[@curve5746]

How do you get 150 volts off car batteries unless you are connected in series? Needs to be parallel for 12v

[@richardlynch329]

A guy at the swapmeet had a lot of these and the yellow OAE brand, he did't know what they were and they were all various models. I found the highest rated which was 60A and got it for $35. I should have got a few more.

[@BradCagle]

WOW! What a great find man.

[@cottonpreppinpoor2709]

Damn! I paid $188 for mine

[@baneverything5580]

That`s a good one. I paid 186 for mine OAE 60 amp MPPT.

[@cottonpreppinpoor2709]

@@baneverything5580 has yours performed well? I have yet to use mine.

[@baneverything5580]

@@cottonpreppinpoor2709 I haven`t finished getting all the parts needed. The guy on Fairpoint Farms channel loves his. I plan to hopefully get everything ready to set up to power a tiny Frigidaire air conditioner next Summer during the day to save money on my electric bills and to use during emergency power outages. We got hit by two hurricanes here in 2020 so I bought the MPPT controller, a 2000 watt pure sine inverter, and was finally able to get an Ampere Time 12v 300 ah LiFeP04 battery with the last of my savings. I got a 20 amp plug in LiFeP04 charger so I can top it off before storms. I used it recently after severe storms to power my microwave. I`m on disability and can`t drive so I`m trying to get prepared and be as self sufficient as possible. If I have no income in the future I want to at least have electricity so I can have the basics and be able to run an electric tiller to grow food. I was able to buy a camper to live in on family land so I`ve got as much prepping gear as possible. I was homeless for several years and learned some hard lessons. So now I`m trying to be as close to self sufficient as possible. Prepping is serious business to me.

[@raygibson1295]

😢I can't get this mppt 80 amp version to charge over 40 amps. Is anyone else having this problem. Any information about this would be greatly appreciated.

[@MikeAndNary]

Bought the same charge controller but already having an issue. Maybe I can pick your brain for a second. When I set the battery voltage at 14.4 it will beep and display "battery over voltage" same thing happens at 14.2 setting. I have to set it to 13.8 in order for it to continue charging the battery to "float" my 4 Chins lifepo4 100ah batteries. I have 4 100 watt panels in series 4 lifepo4 100ah batteries

[@mattabraham3549]

yeah i wanted to set mine at 14.4 as well because I figured the translation gap was at play here and "float" was mis-used. What did you end up doing?

[@MikeAndNary]

@mattabraham3549 I ditched the Ampinvt and went with Victron 100/50 and couldn't be happier. The Victron charge controller is amazing to say the least. It has a Lifepo4 setting and automatically sets the proper settings. I should've went with Victron from the get-go.

[@mattabraham3549]

@@MikeAndNary right on, i spose that's the way it goes.

[@AZRockRunner]

How do you like that inverter? Is it reliable for a vanlife?

[@BradCagle]

The inverter, or the charge controller? They both seemed to be pretty good, I've had no problems out of either.

[@ericswild]

Brad I just bought the 80 amp version and it isnt charging. The charge light will not light. I tested the wires and the two front screws and there is 20.0 volts coming from the solar panels but for some reason the unit wont charge the batteries. Any idea where to start? Thanks

[@BradCagle]

You're the second person that has the 80a version saying it wont charge. Wonder if there's a problem with the 80A units?

[@ericswild]

@@BradCagle The Chinese sourced solar panels use opposite color for positive and negative. Once I switched it. PROBLEM SOLVED!

[@BradCagle]

@@ericswild Great! Glad to hear it's fixed :)

[@curve5746]

​@@ericswildthat is excellent info

[@teslapark3406]

How did you change it to 28 volts mine's only does 12 volts can you tell us how to change the settings for the different battery voltages

[@BradCagle]

Ill do a KZbin short video sometime today, and send you the link.

[@BradCagle]

here's the video kzbin.info7nf-76Baoy4

[@HUCKLES42]

Hello thanks for sharing your vídeo do you connect the temp sensor Excellent. Information

[@BradCagle]

@@HUCKLES42 You're welcome. I have not tried the temp sensor.

[@BradCagle]

@Danang Alta You're welcome!

[@TheGrimshaw]

Hello, how is the mppt charger going are there any issues?

[@BradCagle]

It's been great.

[@placezplacez5351]

how would I run my appliances from the DC load?

[@BradCagle]

Assuming you're referring to AC appliances, you run them from an inverter connected to the battery. Ideally the battery, inverter, and mppt charge controller are all connected via a buss bar, and each has an appropriate sized fuse.

[@placezplacez5351]

@@BradCagle ok i thought i say the solar inverter had a dc load inputs

[@MIKET5609]

I too have the 80 amp version ... I communicated with the manufacturer inquiring about the max output available through the DC "LOAD" output. They responded back and said 10 amps MAX. Obviously, higher DC amp loads are only available if you connect direct your load directly to your battery bank.

[@Fincabaracoa]

my parameters are UVR=24.80V UVP=24.00V OVR=27.20V OVP=28.00V Do you think is there any conflict with the charging at 27.80v? two 12v 200ah lifepo4 ?

[@Fincabaracoa]

​@John-kj5wh Right now I'm using one battery only, it's looks like one of the battery has computer problem it turn off when get 27.5. Usin one battery only 14.2v and 30 amp. For my cctv system works great.

[@fourburnerbreakfast]

downx3 upx3 THANKS

[@jackylougresl3410]

Is the controller stop charging at 13.8v? I see other controller charges up to 14.4v for lithium battery

[@BradCagle]

Only if you set it to 13.8v. It will charge to whatever you set it at. So yes it can charge to 14.4v if you have it set to that voltage.

[@jackylougresl3410]

@@BradCagle can I change the floating charge up to 14.4 v?

[@BradCagle]

@@jackylougresl3410 Yes, if you select Lithium battery it actually only has floating charge setting. So it would charge to 14.4v, and hold that voltage until the sun is gone.

[@jackylougresl3410]

@@BradCagle thank u for the reply. Appreciate it. I will try and see if it works

[@mattabraham3549]

This is a KEY QUESTION for this brand. They don't have parameters you expect. You're told these batteries need to charge at apprx 14.4, but float at 13.x. This unit seems incompatible with this setup.

[@kalypsoisland]

I have 4 EG4 LL 24v 200Ah batteries in parallel. I'm using Ampinvt 80A/150v charge controller. Is there anyone w similar setup that can give me their parameter settings for this controller. My controller w two of the batteries shut down immediately. SOC of batteries was at 39% and 23.5 volts. The top battery had error reading and I quickly switched all the batters to off position. Please assist w parameter settings of this controller please, if you can. Thank you.

[@BradCagle]

Hi Sylvia! Try this. Use only one battery for now, connect the MPPT to the battery. Also have the PV/Solar off, or disconnected. We want MPPT, and battery only for now. Go into settings on the MPPT set "Battery Type" to "Li" or "Lithium", set "Battery Rated Voltage" to 24v, and lastly set "Charge Voltage " to 28.0v. Now try connecting your PV, also please verify your PV voltage cannot exceed 150v. Look at the back of your panels for VOC, add that number for how many you have in series, that is your voltage the panels can reach . Make 100% certain this number is not larger than 150v. Good Luck!

[@kalypsoisland]

Thank you so much Brad. I'll try this tomorrow... and keep you posted. :)

[@kalypsoisland]

@@BradCagle thank you!

[@kalypsoisland]

Hello Brad. My cumulative pv open circuit voltage is 117v. (The voltage reading on my mppt cc when charging is usually under 90v). I completely disconnected the 4 batteries I had in parallel. I switched off the pv isolater I connected and turned on #1 battery to mppt cc and put charge voltage to 28v. Mppt cc booted up and showed exactly same status info as was recorded when it was last charging (including that day's kw totals and a voltage of 24.4v) I switched ON the pv isolater to the mppt cc but nothing on the screen changed and the charge light was not blinking. There was no activity whatsoever. I disconnected #1 battery. I followed the same procedure as #1 battery for #2 battery. I got exact same results for #2 as I did #1. I completely disconnected the mppt cc. I connected a brand new mppt cc (same Ampinvt 80/150), set it up same parameters, and used same procedure as #1 mppt cc to charge batteries. The result was exact same w #2 mppt cc as #1 mppt cc. Brad. I called Signature Solar tech support yesterday. Quite a bit back and forth as the polite gentleman was not sure of what to advise me. Finally, he asked me to email him pic info of cell status on each battery. I did so immediately. He also suggested that I try charging only two of the batteries. I did that. That did not work. I called SS again today, could not get through, so booked a return call but have not received a call back. Brad. Can you advise me further on what next to try to charge these 4 EG4 LLv1 batteries? Thank you, I appreciate your time.

[@BradCagle]

@@kalypsoisland oh my, that is strange. So your battery voltage is 24.4v? The MPPT is set to charge to 28v. Yeah should be charging if you're seeing 90+ volts on the PV side. I don't know what else, the ampinv controllers are simple to get running my 40a has never had a problem, and my buddy sells the 60a versions. Never tried the 80a, but I would expect it to be similar experience. Keep me posted. Also you can get community help from diysolarforum.com/

[@JamesSmith-bj9vk]

They're on sale right now for $75!

[@placezplacez5351]

will this charge a Power Queen 51.2V 90Ah Lithium Battery, 4.60kWh Deep Cycle LiFePO4 Battery Power Built-in 90A BMS and run a 12v 2000w inverter

[@BradCagle]

Yes it will charge that battery very well. However why do you have a 12v 2000w inverter? That will be a disaster if you try to hook up a 12v inverter to a 48v system. You need a 48v inverter.

[@placezplacez5351]

@@BradCagle its the existing inverter i already had

[@BradCagle]

@@placezplacez5351 You cannot use a 12v inverter with a 48v (or 51.2v) battery

[@Mike-01234]

Can't expect much from something that cost less than $300 One thing I have learned is when you spend $2500 on panels, $1000 in lithium batteries, $1000 in extra stuff don't buy $250 controller just asking for a problem.

[@BradCagle]

Perhaps. I test controllers from high-end Victron, down to these lower end units. I definitely like the Victron's the best.

[@baneverything5580]

If the controller might fail how do you protect your battery from it? Does it fry your battery if it fails?

[@BradCagle]

@@baneverything5580 If the controller Shorts PV voltage to the battery, yes the battery can get fried. It can happen with almost any controller. I've had it happen.

[@baneverything5580]

@@BradCagle Is there a simple way to prevent battery damage if this happens? I spent the last of my savings on emergency solar ... a 60 amp MPPT charge controller, 2000w pure sine inverter, and an 1100 dollar Ampere Time 12v 300 ah LiFeP04 battery. If something happens to the battery I`m screwed. Supposedly the BMS protects the battery from overcharge/overvoltage. What do you think can be done? I don`t know a lot about this stuff. Learning. I live in hurricane country. I`m on disability and trying to be as self sufficient as possible.

[@BradCagle]

@@baneverything5580 The BMS in your Ampere time battery can protect your battery probably little over 60v. So if you keep your PV voltage 60v or under your battery is safe. Now your inverter might not be.

[@raygibson1295]

This charge controller is over priced. I have the 80 amp mppt. I have 12 260 watt panels voc 38.10 3s 4 p for 3120 watts. No matter what I do the mppt will not charge over 40 amps at 24 v . Over hyped and doesn't perform. Somebody prove me wrong. Either its defective or it doesn't produce what it is supposed to produce. Either way im disappointed and will not be buying anything else from this company.

[@BradCagle]

If I remember correctly I think there is a charge current setting in the config page, have you checked that to make sure it's set to 80a?

[@lifesabattle]

Good luck with this cheap chinese made controller. .. bought and started using it exactly a year ago (April, 2023) and just stopped charging with "stop" charging fault, so am switching over to a more expensive but industrial grade brand (victron) and should last for decades. Not recommended unless one's ok to waste $272.05 CA for a year's use. Customer support is non existence. 😠

[@cowboyboots9901]

System is garbage. I can't keep it up reliably and now it's just dead after 16 months.

[@BradCagle]

Bummer man. I had an expensive EPEver 60amp die on me in just 3 months.

[@haroldmcdermott515]

Cheap is not as cheap as people think, I've got a Midnite classic 150 going on 5 years did cost a bit $1100 Canadian, but that thing is pumping juice, 5600 watts of panels charging 10kwh of lifepo4 battery bank hooked up to a 48 volt outback inverter just like being on grid

[@BradCagle]

@@haroldmcdermott515 Valid point.