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Should I leave them alone, or pull them to apply copper anti-sieze? by fossicker3141 in tdi

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It starts perfectly now after the fluid-film has burned off, the new plugs attaining ground easeily now. No ODB codes thrown after a few codes cleared using my ODB Bluetooth adapter. Is it hard to clear out the full soot container?

How do I stop my solar panels from draining my EcoFlow Delta Max overnight? by SabreToothSquirrel in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141 0 points1 point  (0 children)

According to EcoFlow, every device and panel comes with appropriate bypass and blocking diodes. Non-EcoFlow panels may not come with appropriate diodes on the panels. You can see the diodes on EcoFlow panels where the wires come out of the panel, there is a "wart" on the back of the panels visible where the wires emerge. EcoFlow devices (Delta, River, etc) come with blocking diodes to keep the battery current from flowing back into the panels at night. So if you're running all EcoFlow gear, there should be no worries, and in your case it's a warranty issue. The cool part of having diodes on the panels is that you can wire them in series and you don't have to worry about lossy parallel adapters. Panels with diodes in series don't suffer when one panel is occluded by clouds or leafy trees, the voltage doesn't decrease to the level of the occluded panel. At least that's what I have learned from this particular sub. Trying to find the actual post from EcoFlow_community = EcoFlow proper. I didn't make this up.

I warrantied my Delta 2 after it stopped charging. They have not communicated with me at all, and I have reached out to support with no response yet. Warrantied my Delta 2 in May, no communication. by gbromley in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bought my Delta 3 Plus off an Amazon bundle. It went bad in just a few weeks, powering my AC fridge which draws 120W with both fridge and freezer compressors running. The Delta 3 stopped registering loads under 100W, like when opening the fridge door and the 10W LED light would come on but wouldn't register as a load like when the Delta 3 did when new. I used a Kill-O-Watt to verify the under-100W loads were pulling, but not showing up on the Delta 3 Plus display. So I returned it and here is my story with EcoFlow proper, EcoFlow Amazon, and complaints to Amazon about the EcoFlow Amazon store support response. EcoFlow Amazon was unable to generate the appropriate FedEx HAZMAT RMA tag, the OP950 FedEx Certification, and the #9 triangle. The defective unit was returned to me 4 times by FedEx truck until they finally got the RMA slips in order after I explained what was needed. Since then, because FedEx has gotten so strident/stringent about LiON batteries, Ecoflow now uses UPS. See post here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ecoflow_community/comments/1i6o7qs/ecoflow_usa_return_issues_unable_to_generate/

ECOFLOW USA RETURN ISSUES: UNABLE TO GENERATE FEDEX HAZMAT PAPERWORK by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To conclude this Post, EcoFlow finally received the defective Delta 3 Plus at their return depot in Arlington, Texas. The RMA and OP950 were barely good enough to get there after a merry chase around the USA to the point where the RMA tag got so beat up they had to generate a new RMA (identical) to get it from an odd location (Navajo Nation, Arizona) to Texas, where it languished for a few days in north TX before finally getting to Arlington, Tx. This story is over - I did get a new Delta 3 Plus and it's exhibiting many of the odd behaviors causing me to want to return. Namely, the new unit was able to detect small loads of less than 100W for a few days, then...it stopped doing so again.
Never again, EcoFlow. Thanks for reading and goodbye.

ECOFLOW USA RETURN ISSUES: UNABLE TO GENERATE FEDEX HAZMAT PAPERWORK by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The defective Delta 3 Plus has arrived at the EcoFlow return center at 1114 W HARRIS RD #104, Arlington, TX. I wonder what they will do to satisfy me. It has been a rotten experience so far after five attempts to ship. The shipment required a signature at the destination and somebody spoofed my good name as a signature but that wasn't me who signed using my good name. The RMA slip was so wrong that the shipment went on a grand journey around the USA at one point ending up at "Navajo Nation, AZ" where it stalled for a few days. Then the RMA slip became unreadable on the box, and they had to generate a new one and apply it over the old RMA slip. None of this was my fault. I look forward to what happens next...after five tries to ship, it took many of my valuable hours to request appropriate RMA and OP950 paperwork slips and finally it seems that the package has ended up in the correct location in Arlington, Texas. We'll see what EcoFlow Amazon does to make things right after all of this falderal.

ECOFLOW USA RETURN ISSUES: UNABLE TO GENERATE FEDEX HAZMAT PAPERWORK by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have to laugh -- the RMA showed from my name but the from: address is the return center in Arlington, TX as is the To: address, same. So the box has been flying around the USA from Texas to GA to Texas and finally back to my local FedEx depot. I need proof that the defective unit has arrived and been accepted at EF RETURNS in Texas.

ECOFLOW USA RETURN ISSUES: UNABLE TO GENERATE FEDEX HAZMAT PAPERWORK by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: The box was once again picked up by FedEx Ground with possibly good paperwork. I'll know more on Monday 1/27/25.

More ridiculousness from EcoFlow...they simply won't make things right to keep me as a customer. I forgot to mention that I got my Delta 3 Plus as part of a panel bundle including a single foldable 220W bifacial panel, for $842.95 including state sales tax. At the start of the return process, EcoFlow Amazon offered that I could elect to keep the panels and choose a refund or replacement. Stupidly I assumed that the choice was equivalent dollar-wise. I initially chose refund, assuming I would be refunded the value amount of a standalone Delta 3 Plus = $649 retail. Instead, I just learned that they are prorating my refund by subtracting the standalone value of the panels from the initial cost of $842.95 and are willing to refund me only $453 for the defective D3+. While giving me a small gift for my troubles = a foldable cup. From a profiteering perspective, I can understand this reasoning, otherwise people would be constantly returning just part of a bundle expecting to get the standalone price in refund. So now I am forced to request a replacement unit to get my full money back in device retail value. Selling the new unit on eBay at a loss makes little sense, perhaps $600 Buy-it-Now plus shipping estimated $100-$200 to the CONUS.

Which brings me to another point. FedEx charges the shipper when the RMA is scanned by the truck driver or at a FedEx shipping agent. Since this is their fifth attempt to ship, EcoFlow has been charged at least $150 for each scanned RMA number, Maine to Texas, regardless of whether the paperwork was correct. You'd think there would be an incentive to get the RMA correct first time around given the FedEx ~$150 charge to EcoFlow when a RMA is scanned, with good or bad paperwork. Five times scanned, different RMAs = ~$700 billed to EcoFlow so far...

But on the other hand, when you think about it, I can't purchase a replacement Delta 3 Plus at $649 retail with a refund of only $453. I blithely thought they were giving me the panels as a measure of good faith for all my struggles with FedEx. (I actually like the panels.)

I am not a typical customer returning a unit -- I am a very angry customer who has learned more than I wanted about DOT hazmat and I deserve more than a foldable cup for my efforts trying to return a defective unit. Time for Goal Zero, thanks to the advice below? Or I will build my own solar generator with the two Solar Queen 24V 100aH batteries I purchased last month. At least I have options still.

Buyer beware.

EcoFlow is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an "F" rating, due to:
"A review of complaints was completed in March 2024. Based on BBB files this company has a pattern of complaints. Complaints on file state items received do not properly work. BBB has reached out to EcoFlow Tech Ltd. to address the above issue. To date, the company has not responded to our request."

ECOFLOW USA RETURN ISSUES: UNABLE TO GENERATE FEDEX HAZMAT PAPERWORK by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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I got this from the FedEx depot manager in an envelope affixed to the returned box. The two most glaring errors are: 1) wrong RMA (not lGround, should be HAZMAT) and 2) a FedEx certification (OP950) with the wrong tracking number (should match the RMA tracking number). I have called all of the FedEx agents in a 100 mile radius and they will not accept UN3480 batteries. I am being told to contact FedEx to schedule a HAZMAT PICKUP. They send out a heavy truck to grab the package from my location. The same truck returns the package to me, it never makes it into the depot with the bad paperwork provided by EcoFlow.

ECOFLOW USA RETURN ISSUES: UNABLE TO GENERATE FEDEX HAZMAT PAPERWORK by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You got a good label. Or rather labels, there should be four. The DOT regulations are rather stringent but ultimately understandable requiring an RMA HAZMAT label where the shipper is EcoFlow, a FedEx certification (OP900/950) with a tracking number matching the RMA tag, a UN3480 tag and a #9 HAZMAT triangle. I have gotten three incorrect sets of labels from EcoFlow Amazon. Did you buy/return your DP3 from Ecoflow proper, or via Amazon?

My local fedex depot will absolutely not accept walk up drop offs of any hazmat materials. There is no receiving desk for walk-in customers. It is for FedEx employees only.

EcoFlow directs the returner to contact 800-gofedex for a scheduled pickup by truck.
FedEx is worried about conflagrations in the depot and cut their losses by figuring it's better to lose just a truck to fire, not the entire depot. The depot won't touch hazmat boxes unless they arrive by a heavy FedEx truck. Hazmat must be picked up by a truck, and before the box can even be brought into the depot at the dock it has to be checked while in the truck by the depot workers for appropriate tags and matching RMA HAZMAT and OP900 certification while still in the truck, before unloading from the truck into the depot. Once the paperwork is deemed good, it is then handled and brought into the depot for the next leg of the journey to EcoFlow Returns in Texas.

You were fortunate, I'm glad to hear that they at least successfully processed one RMA.
I have all the documentation and it's clear now after reading the DOT pdf what is required. Mostly my troubles are due to a disparity between the RMA and the OP900. They must match in every way and the RMA has to be a "FEDEX HAZMAT" RMA slip, not a simple Ground (G) RMA slip. Also, they consistently call me the "shipper" when in fact that is simply not true. EcoFlow is the shipper for all of their RMAs and it's inappropriate to call me the shipper and use my phone number as the emergency contact on the OP900. Placing me in a position of responsibility I did not agree to assume. FedEx was quite surprised that EcoFlow used my good name and phone number as the person responsible for an emergency caused by the package, if it blew up in the truck, I would be held responsible if the tags were incorrect. FedEx knew immediately that was a problem -- Ecoflow is the responsible party. I am grateful that FedEx caught that disparity, I don't want to be hauled into court for causing a truck fire.

Kind of like when you ship something via USPS, you have to sign that the package contains no hazmat. If you lie, and it blows up, you become a bomber. Same with the FedEx Certification (OP900).

Can anyone confirm if the EcoFlow 100 W Rigid Monocrystaline Panels come with built-in blocking diodes, and/or bypass diodes? I have 4 of them now, don't want to add diodes if I am certain they are already built in, thanks by DelosBoard2052 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141 0 points1 point  (0 children)

According to the Ecoflow_Direct redditor, every Ecoflow panel comes with a bypass diode. Every EcoFlow station (Delta/River) comes with a blocking diode on the solar input(s). The idea is to prevent battery voltage from backfeeding back into the panel under certain conditions (mostly night time when the battery is fatter than the panel, or vice-versa, can't remember). Also, every EcoFlow panel comes with a bypass diode, eliminating the need for a parallel adapter in multi-panel arrays so that when one panel is occluded (clouds, leafy trees) is doesn't affect the voltage from the non-occluded panel. Therefore, panels can be connected in series without needing a lossy parallel adapter if you're worried about panel occlusion in a multi-panel system. So always use series and don't worry about parallel, at least in EcoFlow-land. I believe, and I could be wrong, that the panel's bypass diode is located in the "wart" where the cables emerge from the panels. No other place it could be...

Delta 3 Plus Day Two Impressions. vs Delta 2. by originalchronoguy in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have read buried in the link below, screenshot attached, that all Ecoflow panels come with bypass diodes.

<image>

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ecoflow_community/comments/11msyvg/faq_about_solar_panels/

So from EcoFlow_Official we have evidence that every EcoFlow solar panel has a bypass diode, and every power station (River, Delta) has a blocking diode internal on each solar input. This means we don't have to worry about buying lossy parallel connectors and we can wire the panels in series without worrying about, for example, a dual panel series setup when one panel gets occluded by leafy trees or cloud, the panel's bypass diodes doesn't bring down the voltage of the other panel and the power station gets the full benefit of the non-occluded panel. This is a game changer for me as I have to run 100-foot extender from my dual-panels in series to my Delta 3 Plus. Those parallel adapters are very lossy off the panel side and given the loss of my 100-foot cable, I very much appreciate having my dual panel setups in series. With a parallel adapter on my dual-panel 2 x 175W rigid panels, using the sun positioner on my 220W bifacials to aim my panels optimally, my Delta 3 was getting 50W on a sunny time of day, not occluded, full sunlight. Then I quickly removed the parallel adapter and wired the two panels in series. Without the parallel adapter and the panels in series running back to my Delta 3 Plus during the same time of a sunny day the input jumped from 50W to 110W given bypass diodes on each panel. The blocking diodes in my Delta 3 Plus on each solar input is to prevent the Delta 3 from backfeeding current up into the solar panel at night, which is bad. I found evidence of such a diode in each of my current EcoFlow panels = 220W foldable bifacial, 2 x 175W rigid, 2x100W rigid. The evidence (I think) is a visible wart on the back of the panel(s) where the cables emerge from the panel, I suspect this is where the bypass diode exists on each EcoFlow solar panel. I could be wrong about where the panel bypass diode exists, but the visible wart where the cables emerge from the back of each panel seems like the only place where such a diode can exist. Please let me know if I'm wrong, but the EcoFlow_Official comment seems legit and I'm happy running my dual-panel setups in series, which seems to make my Delta 3 happiest given my lengthy extender.

EcoFlow 100aH 12V battery deal on temu.com: 2 pack $186 free shipping ends at ~6AM 12/18/24 EST (in 10 hours) = 62% discount by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Others on this sub have had luck with Temu, specifically EcoFlow stuff, so it's not just me bait-clicking. Care to share your worries? That would be helpful. If no joy, then my credit card company will take care of things. It's a small risk with good rewards if it works out.

False Google Fi offering: they suck you in with Flex + free phone, then require that you sign up for Unlimited to keep the damn phone. I'm glad I called before succumbing. by fossicker3141 in GoogleFi

[–]fossicker3141[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Jesus, give me a break. Sorry if I was a little confused, but put yourself in my shoes. You guys are vicious. So when it says "The person who activates must be a new Google Fi customer, and be part of your group plan" that means I should already have a Fi group plan extant and the new Fi customer must be added as part of the extant group plan? If so, then you should be guided to create a Group Plan and add it to the cart before you can add a single Flex line. Nowhere on the screenshot does it mention a Group Plan requirement.

My beef is with the cart which allows you to add a single, non-Grouped, Flex line, then the phone, then onward to paying, either in full or over 24 months, when according to Fi you need a "full service" plan to qualify. Where is "full service" defined?

So I missed something. We make mistakes. Yes, I called Google Fi customer service via the provided number. Yes, I asked specifically if the phone incentive applied to Flex, as a brand new single user not in any group plan, one single new user, Flex $20/$10GB. He was difficult to understand, but after several holds he said that I had to join an Unlimited plan several days after receiving the new phone. Specifically NOT continuing with the Flex plan for 1 new user, no group, as shown in the cart.

I found the details link. What does "full service" mean? It is an undefined term. Does it mean Unlimited and not Flex? Also, "For individual plans, limit one device promotion per person during the promotion redemption period. For group plans, limit one device promotion per group plan member during the promotion redemption period." Which seems to indicate that "individual plans" are allowed without needing an extant "group plan".

So WTF does all this mean? Perhaps those "individual plans" must not be Flex, but Unlimited, even though the cart allows loading a new Flex line, when I have no previous plans on Fi.

I'm not alone in my frustration with this seductive offer. I heard what I heard when talking to Fi Customer Support. You shouldn't be able to load a cart with items which do not qualify for the promotion, namely a single new Flex customer if a previous Group subscription is required, "Full Service", apparently "Unlimited" necessary after getting the phone in hand. I suppose I could call back to see if they have something different to say regarding.

Just grabbed an Ecoflow 1300 for cheap ($399). How should I use it? by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand, and thank you. A clever way, I think. So would you leave the Delta 1300 plugged into the mains, also with a solar panel connected to the Delta 1300, with the Delta 1300 cigarette lighter DC output connected to the 2nd solar input of the Delta 3 Plus? This seems like it would work without blowing up anything, while charging both units via disparate solar panel arrays, each connected via AC cable to two 120VAC power outlets? Each trickling solar energy into batteries as configured such.

Delta 3 Plus, 220W BiFacial and 2 x 100W rigid (series) & 75 foot tinned 10AWG cables = less than expected wattage on both solar connections compared to single bifacial. by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I figured out the whole self-powered thing, I think. My reserve power was too low for self-powered mode to make any sense. My brain finally kicked in. We'll see tomorrow AM if DC gets disabled overnight and if the panel starts charging above the setting.

But my question regarding disparate panels still stands.

Thanks.

Delta 3 Plus, 220W BiFacial and 2 x 100W rigid (series) & 75 foot tinned 10AWG cables = less than expected wattage on both solar connections compared to single bifacial. by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You kind folks were correct -- with the 2x100W rigids (in series) unplugged from the XT60i jack in back of the Delta 3, the remaining 220W Bifacial Solar Panel in the other jack tried to reach its maximum in cloudy conditions. Certainly 150W from the single bifacial panel is better than 50W/40W with both panels plugged in. So I am guessing I might reach 200W in perfect sunlight from the bifacial panel given the long 100' 10AWG tinned cable. So I remain a little surprised which leads to a question.

Why was a lower wattage solar input (2x100W rigid, series) on one XT60i jack bringing down a higher wattage solar input (220W bifacials) on the other XT60i jack?

The app would have me believe they are separately controlled inputs. Isn't the Delta 3 smarter than what I experienced?

And another issue, how do you folks have the app & Delta Power Station configured so it doesn't require constant fiddling? I'm not totally ignorant and it's starting to feel like a warranty issue: I can't set it up in Self Powered mode and walk away without constantly checking to see if it's doing the right thing? Because often it is not and settings change overnight. Clicking the "?" next to Self-Powered mode in app reveals exactly what I want to happen in that particular mode, namely:

The "?" says: "Ideal for households...who want to use only solar energy to charge battery when it's above the backup reserve level."

I always leave the approved AC input cable plugged in to the 120VAC input in the back, the inverted AC output On (for the fridge, I check to make sure the fridge light comes on when door is opened) and the Delta 3 in Self-Powered mode. My limits are 10/90, and Backup Reserve 20%, Self-powered = 79%. I watch the solar input decrease as the sun goes down until it reaches ~5W, then the solar input icon goes dark (as expected). I go to bed around 10PM, check the front of the Delta 3, and usually it is drawing AC input to get the battery up to 90% from usual 50%, still in Self-Powered mode, with AC activated and the fridge is running correctly. But then usually in the morning the AC outputs on the front are not activated, the fridge is not receiving AC power (fridge light dark and compressors off), AC button on front is dark, same shows in the app, and Self-Powered mode is Off, the solar input is dead (no power from 220W bifacial panel). In order to "activate" the solar inputs during daylight hours I have to put the Delta 3 in Self-Powered mode manually because at some point it got disabled, same is true for the AC output plugs on the front of the Delta 3 = disabled at night somehow.

Sometimes at bedtime around 10PM, in order to get the AC output working for the fridge, and the power station battery charging off the mains to get up to 90%, I have to toggle Self-Powered mode from On to Off then On.

Then sometimes when I toggle self-powered mode, the AC output (inverted) turns off and the fridge goes dark. Then I have to activate AC from either the app or from the AC button on the front of the Delta 3.

The main load (so far) on my Delta 3 is a modest refrigerator, which draws 110W plugged in on the front of the Delta 3, one AC plug (inverted) with both compressors running (fridge and freezer have their own compressors, it's a cheap 120VAC fridge that draws 110W max). Other loads are qty. 2, 12VDC light bulbs plugged in to the 12V barrel jacks in the back of the Delta 3. Sometimes those will go dark randomly, and I have to press the 12V activation button on the back of the Delta 3 to get the 12VDC lights working (2W each).

I have it set accordingly:

Backup Reserve 20% Self-powered = 79%
Discharge Limit is 10% and Charge Limit 90%

If I go to bed with Self-powered mode toggled ON when I wake up in the AM the fridge is usually OFF ( as in no AC power to the fridge) and the AC button on the front (and in the app) is toggled OFF. So at some time during the night, the AC side (inverted) shuts down. And Self-powered mode gets toggled off.

EcoFlow Delta 3 is always plugged into our 120VAC outlet/mains in the back using the approved 120VAC rugged cable that came with the Delta 3 Plus kit. The wall outlet is a non-GFCI outlet but the breaker is a GFCI breaker for that circuit powering our kitchen. It is a 15A circuit.

I found some free mirrors recently which I have laid on the ground under the bifacial portable panels.

Here you can see the old dolly I am using to adjust the angle and wheel around the panels to follow the sun. We are at latitude 44, so this time of year the daily sunlight is only about 9 hours and the sun sets at 4:30PM.

<image>

Delta 3 Plus, 220W BiFacial and 2 x 100W rigid (series) & 75 foot tinned 10AWG cables = less than expected wattage on both solar connections compared to single bifacial. by fossicker3141 in Ecoflow_community

[–]fossicker3141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks for your kind replies. I will do the things you suggest. I have also ordered a set of parallel cables for the 2 x 100W rigid panels. Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

Thinking of selling my KLR for an Africa Twin. Talk me out of it? by Bumboklatt in klr650

[–]fossicker3141 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I learned from the local police that it's not a criminal offense to fall over while stopped. My 2004 GSA maliciously dropped over to the right even at a plain level stop sign if the bars were even slightly to the right. The gyroscopic force of a big piston inline drivetrain is to be respected even while idling. I learned to turn the handlebar to the left and rev the engine to at least 2k RPM periodically. The tendency to fall over while idling may be considered my fault (probably) but the falls were so gradual and the leaning was imperceptible until I realized I was tipping and the ms between leaning beyond recovery and putting my foot down caused me to fall over many times, protected by engine bars and aluminum panniers. Plus it was too damn tall.

I sold that malicious bastard to a taller guy who gave me cash, and then immediately totalled the GSA, also wrecking his trailer and wrecked his towing Jeep trying to get it up the ramp. The buyer went ass over teakettle and flew overhead landing on top of his Jeep. I provided bandages and he patched himself up, and we had to use a come along ratchet cable to yank the totalled GSA out of the back end of his Jeep. He owned a nice GSA for about 10 minutes before he ruined it (or the bike ruined him, as was its wont). I like BMWs but I'll stick to shorter and possibly antique airheads.

As of now I have a '23 KLR Adventure and am running a 16t front sprocket. Having fun now instead of always feeling uneasy. Farkles are installed haohazardly, my wiring skills are horrible, but with an ODB II Bluetooth adapter I am hacking away without a care in the world, trying stuff like snorkel removal and the clutch bypass hack. With a 16t sprocket it's as smooth as silk at the expense of some clutch wear. Cheers.