Victron Blue Smart 12V/15A Bluetooth Battery Charger

In this video I give a quick overview of the Victron Blue Smart 12 volt 15 amp battery charger. Then I use the charger to charge my LiFePO4 100 amp-hour battery.

[@mikeleblanc8903]

I just received this same charger. I couldn't get the mode button to change battery type until I connected it to the battery then plugged it in. Mode button worked fine then. I also had difficulty connecting to wifi. On my phone the app was giving me an enter code 0000 or 1234 but neither worked. Your video said to enter 000000 which got it working. Thank you. Great video.

[@todddunn945]

Glad the video helped you. Six zeros seems to be the standard Victron default code.

[@davidpatrick1813]

Your review was very good for me. I am deciding between this and the P22 3 and needing certain abilities. The only thing I would like to have seen (said in a kind way) was to see the settings for Power Supply. For example, 13.6 volts and ... what else, such as amp/current settings if adjustable. The cost difference is significant but that is why I am looking. Good well presented, clear and to the point. Thank You.

[@todddunn945]

I have used the power supply function a couple times and found it worked well. I don't recall if you can limit the current to other than 15 amps. The manual that comes with the unit doesn't say much about the power supply function. As far as I can tell you do need to use the phone app to set power supply mode. Sorry I can't be more specific, but it has been about 8 months since I last used the unit as a power supply.

[@Marwenstrom]

Thank you! Love your video and voice. Love vicrons gadgets. I've got mppt, inverter, shunt, balancer.. 🙂

[@todddunn945]

You are very welcome. I have a fair amount of Victron gadgetry too.

[@jeffgrier8488]

That appears to be a fairly comprehensive charger, the technology on those things today is pretty incredible.

[@todddunn945]

Yes it is both simple and sophisticated. I like being able to use it as a power supply. That makes it much more useful than a simple battery charger.

[@spike178]

Great just got this charger today saves me reading the tiny small print on the manual.

[@todddunn945]

I am glad my video was of use to you.

[@mudbutton2]

Thanks, best video on these I've seen.

[@todddunn945]

you are very welcome.

[@ouridealcity7948]

Thank you! Very helpful video

[@todddunn945]

I am glad you found the video useful. Thanks for the comment.

[@johnroman4608]

Best review I’ve seen so far thanks Todd. My lithium battery is currently on charge & is now on Storage Mode - Can I leave it on Storage Mode up until I use the battery or should I switch the charger off ? ..?thanks again ...

[@todddunn945]

I suppose you can leave it in storage mode, but in my experience lithium batteries lose very little charge just sitting on the shelf. Personally I never leave a battery connected to a charger because things can go wrong. Thanks for the comment.

[@wobby1516]

Good explanation, thanks.

[@todddunn945]

You are very welcome. I am glad you found the video useful.

[@guigson2633]

Great overview. What is the total length of the output side cables when using the m8 ring terminals?

[@todddunn945]

I would have to measure it and it is currently on my boat in the boat year. Sorry.

[@LatinoGrande]

I found your video very helpful. I helped me comprehend the nature of this beast. I got mine set up just like you explained on the video, 15A and on lithium. My question is what if the charger appears to be stuck let's say at 13.73v. No matter how long I leave the charger connected it wont go any higher than that. How long should I wait? does this means the battery may be defective or the charger? hard for me to tell. by the way the battery is a LiFePo4 100AH. I'll appreciate any positive input from anyone at this point. Thanks!

[@todddunn945]

That is something I really can't help with. I am not an expert with this charger. You might post your situation on the Victron forum. Sorry I can't say more.

[@LatinoGrande]

@@todddunn945 Thank you but you did help me. You see, I forgot to change the current from 4A to 15A. I thought I did but was not the case. I double check everything following your video all over again and got it right. Thank you for sharing this incredible helpful video.

[@todddunn945]

@@LatinoGrande You are very welcome. I am glad my video was helpful.

[@JB-wi1td]

Good video Thanks!

[@todddunn945]

You are welcome.

[@JB-wi1td]

I bought the victron 24volt 8 amp charger and have a question that would be easier explained with a screen shot. Is there a way to send you the picture or post it in the comments? Thanks

[@todddunn945]

@@JB-wi1td Hi. Please remember that I am just a guy who bought one of these chargers. I use it infrequently and am far from a victron expert.

[@JB-wi1td]

Ok thanks Maybe I’ll try victron

[@rusoeb666]

Good afternoon!!! I'm struggling with the choice, what would you recommend to buy Victron 15 Am or Noca genius 10? I charge only car batteries EFB and AGM. Thank you for the answer.

[@todddunn945]

If you don't need the programming capability then I think the Victron is not necessary and would go with a cheaper charger. I have no experience with the Noca Genius charger so can't comment on it.

[@krisztianivanics369]

Hi. What are your experiences after using it for so long? Are you satisfied with the charger? I currently have a ctek mxs 10, but if necessary, I might replace it with one like this, only 10A. Thanks, K.

[@todddunn945]

I am quite satisfied with it. However, you do have to use the phone app to get full function access. Some may like that, some may not. You can set it to lower charging amps from your phone.

[@krisztianivanics369]

Thanks. I'm also looking at Optimate chargers, they also look pretty reliable based on the reviews. I'll see what happens, have a nice day.

[@mohammadali967]

At present I getting 9 vdc output Isit any possibility to increase output voltages

[@todddunn945]

The output is fully programmable using your smart phone and bluetooth with the Victron connect app. In power supply mode both the output voltage and maximum current can be set, but I don't know what the range of voltage is since I have only used the power supply mode for 12V things. Since I do not know what you are using the unit for (charging or power supply), I can't comment further.

[@user-gj4cf1lz8d]

Hello, please tell me how to set the required amperage and voltage in expert mode?

[@todddunn945]

The manual is available on line at Victron. I haven't used this charger for 8 months, so can't recall the details. I suggest you download the manual and then you will know as much or more than I do.

[@stephaniebryan3996]

Newbie here....please forgive my ignorance. Can you tell me how to know the percentage the battery is discharged when starting to charge. I have a LiFePO4 100 amp/hr battery and this charger. It seems unclear how "empty" the battery is on the app. Thank you in advance.

[@todddunn945]

There are two methods. The first is to use battery voltage when the battery has been sitting disconnected for a few hours. You can find battery voltage versus state of charge on the net (web site for your battery) of use these approximate numbers. Note that using voltage is not very accurate. full - 14.0v 99% - 13.8V 90% - 13.4V 70% - 13.2V 40% - 13.1V 20% - 12.9V 10% - 12.0V 0% - 10.0V-10.5V The only way to really know the state of charge is to connect a shunt (battery monitor) between the battery and all loads/charge sources. The shunt will monitor watts in and out and determine an accurate state of charge. Victron makes a very good shunt.

[@masonalfaro1170]

Do you have the link to where you bought it? I looked on amazon and only see the 220 volt outlet.

[@todddunn945]

I bought mine from Peter Kennedy Yacht Services in Annapolis (pkys.com). They ship very quickly and have a good selection in stock. They are also provide very good tech support.

[@SuperJV4x]

newbie question - using this charger (lithium ion), currently on "absorption charge", voltage is 14.2v, current = 0.0A. Why is no current flowing? is the batter charged at this point? if so, why doesn't the charger notify that its complete? thanks

[@todddunn945]

The absorption setting only draws as much power as is needed to maintain the 1.2 volts. With lithium that is often 0 watts. I am afraid I don't know more about the settings than that.

[@shaunchetty4223]

Nice explanation.. I've ordered the 25A Model.. These victron chargers are head and shoulders above other brands Thanks from Durban, South Africa

[@nordic5490]

Do you need location services turned on to use the app ?

[@todddunn945]

I don't think so.

[@victorjoseph8948]

they say plug it to the battery before opening it no?

[@todddunn945]

I always connect the charger to the battery before doing anything else.

[@senogamoses5319]

Does it charge both lithium ion and lead acid ?

[@todddunn945]

Yes, it is fully programmable.

[@Skippytrent]

how does it indicate % of full charge?

[@todddunn945]

It doesn't. It gives normal indications of charging state = bulk, absorption or float.

[@chrisgold6215]

Can you put it into 'Power Supply' on the device itself, without having to use the Bluetooth app?

[@todddunn945]

I wasn't able to set it to power supply mode except by bluetooth. However I am by no means an expert.

[@chrisgold6215]

@@todddunn945 If you press the mode button on the charger, is there a point when all the lights light up at once? Sounds like this may be the power supply mode. I don't have one though, only want one if I can do it without Bluetooth. Thanks!

[@todddunn945]

@@chrisgold6215 I honestly can't tell you. I am currently laid up after surgery and can't get the charger to find out.

[@chrisgold6215]

@@todddunn945 Sorry to hear that. Thanks for your responses! Definitely sounds like a good charger either way.

[@memkara4043]

I just received my charger today and had the same issue with the mode button 😅. The app is way easier to use.

[@todddunn945]

I agree completely. Good charger otherwise.

[@memkara4043]

@@todddunn945 it's a great charger to use compared to my ctek and noco. I managed to figure it out just have to press it slightly longer than a second and it can move through its menu's although very temperamental.

[@dingpongchi632]

Any idea where is the country of origin for this charge?

[@todddunn945]

The charger is aboard my boat now. I will check on Monday when I can go into the boat yard again.

[@todddunn945]

I finally got back to the boat yesterday. The battery charger is made in India.

[@dingpongchi632]

@@todddunn945 thanks

[@jefffloyd3480]

Netherlands I believe ?

[@jefffloyd3480]

Yep Dutch company made in India Malaysia

[@jamesmason7124]

Hello from the high desert of New Mexico USA, please don't use the lithium ion mode to charge lithium iron fosphate batteries, lithium ion cells are charged to 4.2 volts per cell and lithium iron fosphate cells should never be charged above 3.65 volts per cell. If you don't believe me, that's fine just contact Victron

[@todddunn945]

I program the charger based on the manufacturers charging specs that came with my LiFePO4 batteries. The complete programmability is one of my favorite things about Victron products.

[@petertomas3665]

Hello, I bought the Blue Smart Charger IP22 12/30/(3) today and when my batteries (2x 12v 140ah in parallel) are charging the charger makes a disturbing loud enough humming noise. As the battery charges up the noise reduces. It doesnt get very hot but i didnt expect that noise from a premium charger like Victron. Im wondering if i need to send it back because its faulty or something but the store i got it from says they may need to send it to Victron which means i will be without a charger for at least two weeks which is not ok. Anyone else with same expirience on that noise ? Thank you.

[@todddunn945]

Mine is very quiet. I have used it to charge the 420 Ah bank on my boat with no issues. You may have a faulty unit, but I am no expert on this charger.

[@petertomas3665]

@@todddunn945 Thank you for sharing. I havent decide what to do yet. It has 5 years warranty after all. I will use it a few more times and we will see. I have many Victron products and all perform flawless. Not sure what is going on with this charger though.

[@todddunn945]

@@petertomas3665 Well I hope you resolve whatever is causing the issue.

[@mmcgee1231]

Mine gets up to 155 degrees while charging a 100ah lithium battery. Anyone else experience this?

[@todddunn945]

I have not noticed my charger getting very hot at all.

[@shaunchetty4223]

Fahrenheit or Celsius... These things don't get that hot at all

[@wally1957]

I purchased the IP22 and it ran really hot on 30 amps and not able to even hold unit. I contacted Victron and they said it was normal to get hot! What a Joke! Here is the review I left on Amazon: I was surprised when I touched the case and it was too hot to pick up while running at the rated 30 amps. It was actually 134F or 55C and no electronic item should be this hot ever and poses a risk for fire. Upon inspection there is a tiny mini fan (40mmx10mm) inside near the center and it blows air on to a transformer next to it and that is it. The fan basically does nothing. I could feel no air flow exiting or blowing around the unit. There is a cover on the back end and when I removed it for inspection I noticed a place where a fan was designed to be installed but none existed. How could a manufacture with a high end name like Victron let this happen. I think they wanted to make the IP22 as quiet as possible, hence the mini fan located inside mid center but they forfeited cooling when they took the rear fan option away and slapped a cover over it. I had to submit a technical support request form and I am waiting for Victron to get back to me. I will update this when they do. I also went to the Victron community forum where multiple people were complaining for quite sometime about the heating issue and it appeared to me that Victron never acknowledged the problem. We shall see. Update: Here is Victron's response: "Depending on models, there is a fan on the side of the unit while others are left blank. Victron has said that these units will heat up when in operation, and there should be no cause for concern. The units do have overheat protection on them." End Quote. Anyone who works with electronics knows that the enemy of electronics is heat and for the IP22 to get so hot as not able to hold unit in your hands is unacceptable. I will never buy Victron again. Meanwhile I have added to more fans to the unit. I added one fan in the space provided on the back end side, just removed cover that covered up where the fan should of been. I also made a hole in the cover and added a fan so the fan on the cover would blow air in and the fan on the back end would blow the air out. I wired in parallel with the internal mid centered fan. Now runs about 15 degrees cooler. Shame on Victron!

[@todddunn945]

I have the 15 amp version and it doesn't get very hot at all.

[@wally1957]

@@todddunn945 mine also has night mode which is 15 amps and that is fine but it only lasts for 8 hours.

[@todddunn945]

@@wally1957 I don't know if my 15 amp unit has that mode. It does have a 4 amp reduced current mode, which may be the same.