Programming an Aktiv's Ecotrek System

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Is this project for your RV?

This project applies to all Aktivs with Ecotrek batteries. The project allows reprogramming either the PVEVER solar controller, Balmar UHG regulator, MicroGreen Inverter/Charger or all.

1) All Aktivs were shipped with mis-programmed solar controllers which are shortening lithium cell life. Solar controller mis-programming also causes some Ecotrek batteries to go off-line, leaving the cabin with no power (e.g., defrosting the freezer).

2) The Balmar is mis-programmed on most Aktivs; this is important to correct but not as urgent as the easier re-programming of the solar controller. Recommended programming parameters have changed over time so ignore the sticker on the side.

3) The Microgreen inverter/charger settings should be checked but are usually correct.

This project is not for Non-Ecotrek Aktivs. The parameters could also apply to Roadtreks with Ecotrek but they have not been tested on those RVs.

Do you have the expertise to safely complete this project?

This project includes programming the Balmar MC-614 Multi-Stage Voltage Regulator and EPEVER Tracer3215BN MPPT Solar Charge Controller. These controllers control the DC voltages and currents in an Aktiv. Miss-programming can damage equipment. Be careful, double check your work and find help if needed.

Does Hymer Approve of this Project?

No, but KS2 the Ecotrek battery manufacture recommends similar settings. This work is best left to your dealer. Having said that, not all dealers have the equipment or data to make these adjustments. Consider printing the table on this page, buying an MT50 and taking them to your dealer if you are not DIY oriented.

Is the Project Effective and Safe?

Yes, if the directions are followed.

What revision of EcoTrek battery does your Aktiv have?

The revision label can be seen under the Aktiv on each battery. The batteries operated differently and owners should learn what revision ecotrek they have. Better yet, have a friend switch one battery on/off at a time while you are listening under the aktiv. Label each switch with its corresponding revision letter.

SUIET Hacks advises all revisions of Ecotrek batteries be treated the same. The Revision L1 battery protects itself more effectively so it demands these new settings. Older Ecotrek BMS don't go offline as quickly when exposed to over-charging but the LiFePO4 cells inside still deserve the safer settings.

The Ecotrek revision labels are usually found on the side of the battery that has two red and one black plastic terminal covers.

Where is the Balmar mounted?

It is mounted under the chassis near the driver-side tire or under the hood. It is VERY hard to program when mounted under the chassis. We recommend relocating it to under the hood or unscrew it from the chassis. Off the chassis, it can be bench programmed or programmed while dangling. Our preferred under hood is near the hood latch (pictured with comments below).

Ask Diane where is it mounted on RoadTrek, Carados, etc.

Tools

• Printout of SUIET Hacks, LLC parameter table download from the end of this web page
• a small magnetic such as on the end of some screwdrivers or on a rod for finding lost screws
• EPEVER MT50, model: CC-RS485-RS485-200U-MT, available on Amazon.
• Printout of the Balmar manual: http://www.balmar.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/MC-614-Installation-Operation-Manual.pdf
• Printout of EPEVER manual: https://www.epsolarpv.com/upload/cert/file/1811/Tracer-BN-SMS-EL-V1.2.pdf

Parts

• none

Balmar Instructions

The SUIET Hacks LLC Ecotrek parameters table at the end of this webpage contains separate pages with parameters for Aktivs which are wired from the factory and Aktivs which are rewired to put all Ecotrek chargers on the "charge-side". When in doubt pick the page for factory-wired Aktivs.

Instructions

Watch Adam Nations' video for an introduction to MC-614 programming. Adam's video updates three voltages and you will check every setting. Read the Balmar manual that explains basic and advanced programming. Marine How To has a great article that deeply explains the Balmar (Don't pick the Lithium battery type) Marine How To: programming-a-balmar .

Using the parameter's in SUIET Hacks table, program the MC-614 with the Ecotreks off, Promaster ignition on and the engine not running. Don't start the engine until the MC-614 is fully programmed.

TIPs:

1. BV stands for Bulk Voltage. The Balmar's seven segment display can't print a V so Balmar substituted a lower case "u". Likewise, a lower case "b" is printed instead of "B". Programming is already a little strange so this website uses the values you will see on the display (e.g., bu, Au, Fu, bA, bEL).
2. The Balmar enforces dependence between parameters by not allowing invalid parameters to be programmed. For example, Float Voltage (FV or Fu) must be lower or equal to Absorption Voltage (AV or Au). Let's see what happens when Fu is 13.7 and Au is 14.0 and you want Au to be 13.5 and Fu to be 13.5. Au comes up first so you start to lower it to 13.5. The Au display counts down to 13.7 and then stops because it is now equal to Au. In this case Au must be lower to 13.5 first, wait for the Fu to come back around and then Fu can be lowered to 13.5. The programming sequence goes around three times and then everything is saved. Don't be frustrated if the password needs to be re-entered to get another three rounds at changing everything. It took me many many rounds to get it right the first time. Also, don't turn off the ignition until the setting are saved and the display reads SAu.
3. Adjusting the battery type setting (bA) after you've finished programming will reset many parameters back to the default, the default is wrong and you’ll have to reprogram all over again.
4. You can take hours to learn and confirm the Balmar is programmed correctly. If you run out of time, turn off the engine, take a picture of the wired Balmar, unplug all the wires and put electrical tape on the ends. The Aktiv can then be safety driven without worry of damage. Of course the UHG will not work but everything can be used and will work. The next day you (with help of a teenager) can confirm the ecotreks and ignition are OFF, reconnect the wires per the picture, turn on the ignition and continue to learn :-)

PVEVER Solar Controller Instructions

The MT50 monitor needs to be connected to connected to reprogram the solar controller. The MT50 does not need to be mounted. SUIET's MT50 cable was snapped in place and never removed. We unsnap the controller on the other end of the cable and keep it in the cabinet until the next time we reprogram.

The MT50 cable plugs into the solar controller without tools (see right hand picture). Some inverters are installed close to the controller and in the way of reaching the socket. Remove the 2 to 5 Robson-head screws and slide the inverter rearward if needed. TIP. The inverter is sometimes stuck to the floor and needs a good shove against the wall to break it loose.

Instructions

The SUIET Hacks LLC Ecotrek parameters table at the end of this webpage contains separate pages with parameters for Aktivs which are wired from the factory and Aktivs which are rewired to put all Ecotrek chargers on the "charge-side". When in doubt pick the page for factory-wired Aktivs.

Snap the MT50 cable into the rectangular connector on the end of the PVEVER. SUIET's cable was snapped in once and we leave the cable dangling in the cabinet. Snap the MT50 remote meter to the cable. Turn on the Aktiv's cabin. Follow the MT50 directions for checking and changing all using SUIET Hacks table values. The parameters are checked against interdependence rules so program the parameters in the order of shown in the sequence number column. Press save after entering each parameter. The controller will prompt you for a password; enter "00000". The other parameters can be changed in any order.

MicroGreen Inverter/Charger Instructions

Microgreen inverter/charger should be wired to the charge-side of the Ecotreks but the Hymer wired it to the discharge-side. As-is the inverter can overcharge revision H Ecotreks and cause revision L1 Ecotreks to disconnect the discharge-side to protect themselves. A new revision of Microgreen software is being sought to accommodate Hymer's mis-wiring. For now follow these tips:

1. Ignore the control panel volt meter when powered from shore
2. Always reset Ecotreks that are turned on after shore power is disconnected.

The Aktiv's electrical system will be more reliable if the Inverter is rewired to the charge side, see Rewiring Aktiv's Ecotrek System

Instructions for correctly setting the Inverter

Skip these instructions for Aktiv Loft

Set the battery type to b-1 and current between 30 and 50 amps using this procedure. Hold each button down until the beep, release and wait a moment before the next push.

1. Simultaneously press both “Left-Right Select” and “Up-Down Select” buttons. The field “Vac” should be flashing.
2. Press “Left-Right Select” repeatedly until the flashing field shows below the battery symbol shows the nnA, where nn is the charge current setting.
3. Press “Up-Down Select” repeatedly until the flashing field shows a value between 30A and 50A (e.g., 42A).
4. Press “Left-Right Select” repeatedly until the flashing field shows “b-n”, where n is a number between 1 and 8.
5. Press “Up-Down Select” to change the value to “B-1”.
6. Press “Confirm” to save the new settings.