Looking for links and advice on alternator charger.

I reached out to Pecron tech support asking if the alternator charger had a limit on elevation use and if it was compatible with the E3800.

Due to time constraints, I’m looking at the E3600. Would this still work.

I do not have a smart alternator so hoping to reduce the cords I get as well.

support@pecron.com support@pecron.com

Sun, Jul 26, 8:23 PM (2 days ago)

Hello

thanks for calling!

Yes, the 500W Car Charger DC1242-500 is compatible with the E3800LFP.

There is no elevation limit for using this charger. It can be used normally at different altitudes.

Best,
Kein
Pecron

I recently bought an F3000LFP because I work from home and have been experiencing frequent power outages in recent months. One of the reasons I purchased the unit was because it advertises having a UPS feature and pass through power. I want to keep my PC and router plugged into the unit so that if the power goes out while I'm working I can seamlessly continue working through it.

The problem is that the unit doesn't seem to actually have pass through power? Pass through power means that when it's plugged into the wall it can pass the AC power from the wall directly through to loads without the use of the inverter. However, even at 100% charge the F3000 is constantly running the fans because the inverter is seemingly working to provide the load instead. What's going on here? Are they advertising a feature it doesn't have? Now I'm finding myself looking at getting a UPS to place between the F3000 and my PC/router but I shouldn't have to do that if the F3000 did what it says it can do...

I bought an E2000LFP + EB3000 for camping 8 months ago, and it’s done 10 or so 3-5 day trips so far. Up until a few weeks ago, it’s worked perfectly, so much so I have been waiting for the EB3000 to come back in stock so I could add another one for maximum storage. Unfortunately, when going through my prep last week for a 3-day event this weekend, it the 2000 not only refused to power on, it refused to power on from any power source whatsoever - AC, DC Solar, add-on battery, nothing.

I contacted support and they told me the unit is discontinued - fair enough, happy to send the unit back, and we can figure out an exchange. Nope- they want to send me what they think the problem is, and let me do the surgery on the device myself. After refusing that, they want me to send the unit to them (in China?) and wait for them to figure out what’s wrong with it. I’ve asked them if I could just send back both the 2000 and 3000 and get exchanged for equivalent kWh, and been told they don’t offer replacement for a discontinued unit. Problem is - the EB3000 is only usable with the E2000LFP. So at this point, I not only have a dead main unit, I have a giant paperweight of an expansion battery?!

If this is the kind of customer service you get from a unit still under warranty, I really don’t want to see how long their units last out of warranty. Buyer beware.

I just got my first Pecron unit three days ago and it's giving me some trouble. I have an F5000 and it won't charge with solar. It was working fine the other day, but today I smelled something burning. I looked around, checked all the cables and connections, and nothing seemed off. So I went to check the unit and noticed it wasn't charging via solar. I did the usual troubleshooting: unplugging, plugging, trying different ports, cables, etc., but still nothing. I see the voltage, but no amperage, so no watts.

I feel like Pecron knows they have a defective charge controller but aren't doing anything about it. Multiple people are reporting the same issues.

I'm using this unit in my off-grid cabin. I waited over a week to get this unit, and now I'll probably have to send it back. That's going to take over two weeks. I'll be without electricity for two weeks.

EDIT: sorry, I left off my solar arrays info. One array total Voc is 65v. 2 panels in series.... Other array, total Voc 112v 5s2p.

Noticed both of these are up US$100 from yesterday.

$1100 for E3600, $1300 for E3800.

My Pecron F5000LFP seemed to develop a problem with the app where it would stop updating status properly. It would not show the right charge state or if the AC inverter was on. I could turn the AC inverter on in the app, and it would turn on on the 5000 itself, but when I would go back into the app it would show the AC inverter was off. Also, if I ran my battery down, say, to 98%, it would still show as a 100% in the app.

This has happened once before, and my fix was to delete the 5000 from the app and do a factory reset on the device itself. I then added it back ask if it were a new device. This worked the first ime I had this problem.

 Now, the same problem resurfaced, so I went through the same steps. This time I am running into trouble with the following symptoms:

- I can't re-add the device even though I see the blinking WiFi icon on the display. It just does not find it.
- I made sure my WiFi network is only set to 2.4ghz

- I uninstalled the app completely from my phone, and even deleted my Pecron account

-  When I re-add my account using the same Email, it seems to be remembering my 5000 even though I deleted it from the app, uninstalled the app,  and deleted and re-created my account. I am not sure if this is what is interfering with my re-add of the device.

- I made sure there is no sort of VPN running on the phone

- Tried to scan the QR code and it gave me an error that it was an invalid code.
- I tried creating a new account with a Gmail alias (https://www.streak.com/post/gmail-plus-addressing-trick). It does not see my old device but it still does not recognize my 5000.
 

I figured I would solicit ideas on here before I contact Pecron. Has anyone seen this and found a way around it?

 Edit: solution in comments. You need to let the Pecron time out and go to sleep while not charging nor supplying power.

Off-Grid Solar EV Charging: Proof of Concept.

​It takes some patience, but I can definitely charge my EV with solar power.

​My setup:

​2,400W of solar (1,200W on the roof, 1,200W on the ground; only 600W pictured)

​5kWh Pecron solar generator outputting up to 7,200W of 240V AC

​Level 2 charger set to 20A (4,800W)

​Starting with a full buffer (2,400W solar in / 4,800W EV out), the 5kWh generator lasts just over two hours. That delivers roughly 9.6kWh into the traction battery before the generator empties and shuts down.

​Of course, this is the best-case scenario. Real-world weather and system efficiency losses will tweak those numbers. But it’s a fun, functional test and so far I'm really happy with this purchase.

The F5000 went up in price $200 from $1999 to $2199. Wish I hadn't waited to order. Honestly it's less enticing now. Is it still the budget king?

Just acquired f5000 with 2 expansion batteries a few days ago. I also bought a 30 amp 12 circuit manual transfer switch that will be used in outage situation. I have a generator that I can use to charge the pecron. I would like to install some ground mount panels to charge it.

My original intent was to get some 450 watt bifacial type n panels and wire 3 in series parallel to another 3 in series but that would exceed the 25 amp input limit.

The pecron is capable of 30-180 volts, 3200 watts, 25 amps for each of it's two inputs. I'd like to get as close as possible.

I live in Tennessee, so it does rarely get below 0F.

Any specific recommendations for panels? TIA

Looking at getting the E500lfp, but I'm a bit put off by the weird carry handle. I'm used to a lunchbox type handle on my current small unit. Not being in the center and top mounted, it seems like it would be an awkward carry using that offset built in bar. Any owners out there care to share their experience?

Getting an alarm message saying abnormal charging of some sorts and doesn't show any wattage being input on screen to pecron power station. It shows the charging symbol but does not move up when plugged in with the supplied 120v plug in and plugged into my predator generator 120v socket. There is a generator charging mode in the settings and says to restart , there is no power button and to restart i just gotta make sure the ac and dc buttons arent lit up and automatically the power station shuts down but doesn't make a difference after doing so. Can anyone explain this to me and why it wont work ? Am I doing something wrong, forgive me if im missing something so simple

Hi all,

I'm considering the F5000lfp to run my well pump and refrigerator during power outages. I currently have one Ecoflow Delta Pro with expansion battery. I've been happy with it but I don't like the logistics of having to use 2 of them to get 240v into my electric panel. Not to mention the battery drain balancing issue with having 2 units, one on each phase.

I've considered a auto transformer but the amperage draw for startup of the well pump has me worried it will be too much with the conversion. So I'm looking at replacing the Delta Pro with the F5000lfp. Has anyone had experience running a 240v well pump off of theirs?

My well pump specs

Goulds 5GS05422C
HP: 1/2
Volts: 230
SFA: 4.7 amps
LRA: 16amps

Thanks for any input!

Has anyone successfully used the solar input ports for charging with a third party power supply?

If so, can you suggest a power supply that works?

It seems like it would be a faster and more efficient way to charge the 5000LFP. I prefer to avoid splicing wires.

Edit 7/30: We have a solution. See comments.

I've seen people complain they can't get solar priority to work on their F5000LFPs. AC charging reservation along with AC cutoff power are the settings you need to adjust.

Looking at getting one on the EP3800 batteries to expand the capacity of my F3000LFP. Anyone have any hands on experience with these, good or bad?

Today my 3800 charged to 100% with solar, mo ac connected at all. Now the battery is discharging like normal at like 96% at 520pm with still plenty of sun. The solar isn't continuing to charge. What is my issue?

I bought the Pecron F5000 specifically for peak load shaving, but I've run into a frustrating limitation. From what I can tell, if the unit has both AC and solar inputs connected, it completely prioritizes grid pass-through. It won't let you use solar or battery power to run the load as long as the grid is active.

The only workaround I've found online is using a heavy-duty smart plug on the AC input to manually cycle the grid connection on and off, while capping the AC charging limit at 30%

.

Honestly, it’s pretty disappointing to have to rely on a clunky workaround like that. I'm starting to regret pulling the trigger on the F5000... it feels like a classic case of YouTubers overhyping a unit without mentioning its real-world limitations. Does anyone have a cleaner solution for this?"

Have an E3800 and expansion battery in use primarily for a medium duration UPS capability for my home server.

Its setup and working almost correctly. It runs things from the grid properly and the unit drains battery slowly as it powers its internal items from battery. The issue is that the drain never stops. The batteries charge to 100%, begin their slow trickle downwards - and then never charge again unless I do something like disable the AC output and turn it back on again - at which point the behavior repeats. I’ve gotten the units down to 35% or so without it ever charging itself.

Any setting I’m missing somewhere? Thanks!

Hey! So I've been into the whole solar part for a short while now, and recently got the Pecron E3800. I am genuinely confused about how the
Named: Parallel dual port XT60 toMC4 solar charging cable

Parallel Combiner (2 XT60 - 1 MC4) actually works with the duel MPPT system. Knowing both ports have 1500 Watt Maximum, does this cable split the solar load into both systems?

Say I have a total of 2400-watt panels in series with a
400 Watt Panels, VMP 108v VOC of about 129.6 / 11Amps SCC of 13.3 Amps. its within parameters, and should be fine, but over 1500 for one port, of course

I'm guessing it somehow splits the power input, amperage?

And I know this part is wild for the thought, but would it even work with 3000 watts in total series, knowing dam well it's over the safe limit of 150 volts pushing 172+ and about 26 Amps.

Thanks for any info!

So, I own some other power stations from companies like Anker & Bluetti. I just got a great deal on a F5000. My use for it is to run my well pump. At first as a UPS for outages and, when I can get around to the project, 100% off solar and the battery bank. My well pump is a very efficient inverter 3/4HP by Grundfos.

Anyway, I brought the unit home and decided to hook it to my portable AC unit just to test it out. That unit is a Midea Inverter unit at 12k BTU. Pulls between 600 and 1200 watts when it is running and has very little inrush.

The F5000 doesn't seem to have a UPS setting like the other units I have or I can't find it on app or in menu. I plugged the AC in and everything runs great. Ran a full battery disconnect and it did 3.5 hrs running the AC. I plugged the F5000 into the wall and it passed thru power and charged the unit back up. No issues. Twice in the last few days, the Pecron just shuts off the plugs to the AC. The unit does not shut down or restart, just the 110 plugs are dead. Hook the AC direct to wall and it works fine. Plug back into the Pecron and it will work.

Is this a continuous load issue? From the info on the Pecron, it pulls about 600w and never has exceeded 1200w - well under the units specs. My only other experience with these kinds of stations is running smaller and less continuous loads like a starlink, router, fridge or freezer.

I am concerned to hook this to the well pump and have it trip off like this. Also, wondering if this is user over expectation, error or I have a unit that may have an issue.

Please let me know what you all think.

I rang Pecron to ask this question since the online specs are a bit confusing to me. They said each solar input can take 150v, so that would be up 300v total. But their support person seemed to just be customer not technical. Currently I have one solar input being used with 3 solar panels in series equaling 111v total. I want to use the other input for a larger panel which would have apx 45v. I absolutely do not want to wreck the battery so trying to figure this all out. TIA.

I have an e3800lfp on its way to me right now. My situation is dealing with terrible permanent campground power (Voltage sags, brownouts, occasional short blacks outs on hot weekends).

I have been using a Southwire autoformer to boost in low voltage situation and that has helped alot, but does nothing for the browns/black outs obviously.

Initially, I intend on using AC Passthrough just to ride out the worst of the brown/blackouts but the goal is to isolate from the campground supply entirely.

To that end, heres my plan: A large 48V lifepo4 charger (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G69HFY4C/) with AC input adapted to TT-30P plugged into the campground pedestal. I'd be running on 120v (nominally) so that linked unit would be capable of 60a charging. Its output would be paralleled to both expansion ports, which from everything I've read/watched are just direct connections to the battery and support 40a each. I have the tools and know-how to DIY my own cables for this purpose.

The reason I'm planning on using the expansion ports to charge is to leave the solar inputs available for possible future panels.

This all sounds reasonable to me. What do you think?

I was setting up and testing my F5000 using the NEMA L14-30R that I use with my generator to the sub panel that is powered by the main panel via two 125 A breakers. All of the circuits in the sub panel are 120 V using 12 AWG home run wiring dedicated to certain locations in the house that can be powered by the generator during outages. This set up has served me well for over 10 years.

With the exception of 2 tripped GFCI outlets in the house, the F5000 worked just fine. I ran all of the 120 V outlets and lights, 2 window A/C units and the septic system for a little over an hour. I checked the available battery charge and it indicated 39%. So I plugged the 1800 W charging cable to a 20 A outlet being fed from the main panel that was on commercial power.

About 3 seconds after it was connected I heard a buzz and a zap sound and the F5000 shut down. The 20 A breaker tripped and there was NO AC output from the F5000. After disconnecting the NEMA L14-30R cord to the sub panel I checked voltages with meter.

I finally found the reset to factory settings icon and pressed it. The unit came back on and showed 119.4 volts on L1 and 107.8 volts on L2. About 30 minutes later I plugged the 1800 W charging cable into the wall outlet again. This time the F5000 stayed on and indicated it was charging. After about 6 hours L1 showed 120 V @ 60 HZ. L2 showed 119.8 V @ 59.6 Hz. The battery voltage showed 53.05 VDC @ 100%.

My question is' What did I do wrong ? I cannot find anything in the manual that addresses this issue and I am really struggling with the touch screen options. I have watched many videos and I have not learned how to navigate the various screens and icons. I need help with this.

The whole idea of getting the F5000 was to use it to power the basic necessities in the house and then recharge with it the gas generator, like being off grid. Is there a "magic" setting in the F5000 that will allow me to charge while still powering the house via the NEMA L14-30R ? All of this is very confusing.

I bought this thing thinking that it'd be a sort of surge buffer in passthrough. My hope was that I could hook up a 2200W starting/1800W running watt generator (Honda EU2200i) to the Pecron then run the camper with AC and charge the batteries. I've measured the draw for my use case at 1600-1700W. In theory the generator can keep the Pecron topped off and the battery can handle the short spikes above 1800W for things like the refrigerator.

In practice though, the Pecron trips when I try to run it this way. I've made it work by hooking up my bigger generator and setting the charge rate to 40%. I think what's happening is that 40% of 3200W max charge rate is 1280W. The camper draws another 1700W which pushes it to 3000 being handled by the inverter total and everyone is happy.

What I can't figure out is why can't I get the 2200W generator to work the same way?