Victron Orion-Tr Smart

[Knotty-TMO]

I ordered an Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30 based on some research which had me thinking you could limit the current output of this DC to DC charger/power supply in the settings. The goal was to provide some power for DC operation of the fridge while driving and maybe a little charge for my LiFePO4 battery. I wanted the ability to limit current so as not to overheat the Bargman cable. Sadly, I do not see any setting which allows control of how much current the Orion tries to put out.

Am I missing something or should I return the 12/12-30 and replace it with a 12/12-18?

 

[rickst29]

There is no current regulation in that fancy device, and the output current limit in both of them is too high for the bargman. For far less money, this will do what you need. 13.8V is high enough to charge a low-SOC LFP battery pack, even though 14.0 to 14.2 would be better. The main "feature" is a current limit of only 10A, and it's dirt cheap.

This goes in the TM, on TBC wire following the bargman break-out. https://www.amazon.com/Converter-13-8V-Automatic-Waterproof-Transformer/dp/B07X9Y5MXT

 

[Knotty-TMO]

There is no current regulation in that fancy device, and the output current limit in both of them is too high for the bargman. For far less money, this will do what you need. 13.8V is high enough to charge a low-SOC LFP battery pack, even though 14.0 to 14.2 would be better. The main "feature" is a current limit of only 10A, and it's dirt cheap.

This goes in the TM, on TBC wire following the bargman break-out. https://www.amazon.com/Converter-13-8V-Automatic-Waterproof-Transformer/dp/B07X9Y5MXT

Bummer. I had seen you previously recommend the Victron Orion-Tr, so that's what I went with but no worries, ultimately it's still on me.

I'll report more details later but I've been playing with putting the Orion 12/12-18 in power supply mode, instead of charging. With the output voltage set to 13.3 V, the LiFePO4 at 75% SOC and the fridge in DC mode I was able to keep the current from the Bargeman cable in safe range and providing the bulk of the needed current. It's a balancing act between the Orion and the battery controlled by the Orion output voltage setting.