Note: I'm a Battery Novice, so I barely get the gist of Series and Parallel. This is my first serious Battery Project and Ian held my hand on the Series portion, but I'm stumped on the Parallel portion. Today is the first day I finally understand the Series portion after having the LiFePO4 MKIII for years.
So for I to get a better idea of things I need to lay things out in a diagram. For Veteran Battery DIY'ers, I'm assuming they can just architect the design in their head but the LiFePO4 MKIII is a niche and proprietary product so you have to take into account it's own design.
Here is one side with 13.3V & 3.3V:
My objective was to get one side to 16.5V, so Ian helped with the Series portion years ago by adding a bridge cable from J2- to J3+:
Essentially, I believe this extends the Series by one more Battery with the positive output changing to J2+:
There's no need to visualise the other side as it's essentially the same.
So for the final 2X @16.5V, it looks like this:
I found a old photo powering a NUC PC:
So my guess is for the Parallel portion?:
J1+ to J2+ and J4- to J3- gets me to parallel? Recommend something other?
You can visualise 13.3V if it streamlines things:
J4+ to J3+ and J4- to J3- gets me to parallel?
Cheers
So for I to get a better idea of things I need to lay things out in a diagram. For Veteran Battery DIY'ers, I'm assuming they can just architect the design in their head but the LiFePO4 MKIII is a niche and proprietary product so you have to take into account it's own design.
Here is one side with 13.3V & 3.3V:
My objective was to get one side to 16.5V, so Ian helped with the Series portion years ago by adding a bridge cable from J2- to J3+:
Essentially, I believe this extends the Series by one more Battery with the positive output changing to J2+:
There's no need to visualise the other side as it's essentially the same.
So for the final 2X @16.5V, it looks like this:
I found a old photo powering a NUC PC:
So my guess is for the Parallel portion?:
J1+ to J2+ and J4- to J3- gets me to parallel? Recommend something other?
You can visualise 13.3V if it streamlines things:
J4+ to J3+ and J4- to J3- gets me to parallel?
Cheers
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By visualising I think I have the confidence to try this now if there are no objections in the next 24 hours:
The 13.3V Parallel helped me to better visualise than the 16.5V Parallel, so if this was for the 13.3V I put a bridge cable J4+ to J3+ and J4- to J3-. Then I figure the output would be J4+ and J3-.
By putting the extra one battery in play, the 16.5V gets a little trickier. So I will add a bridge cable from J1+ to J2+ and J4- to J3-. Then I figure the output would be J1+ and J3-.
I'll try to confirm by this weekend. Right now, I'm running a baseline test on powering my NUC PC for today. If it's double the amp hours after the new parallel configuration tomorrow then I should be able to confirm whether or not this seems to be working.
EDIT: I'll try 13.2V in parallel only for now. I'm still stumped on 16.5V. Need more investigating.
The 13.3V Parallel helped me to better visualise than the 16.5V Parallel, so if this was for the 13.3V I put a bridge cable J4+ to J3+ and J4- to J3-. Then I figure the output would be J4+ and J3-.
By putting the extra one battery in play, the 16.5V gets a little trickier. So I will add a bridge cable from J1+ to J2+ and J4- to J3-. Then I figure the output would be J1+ and J3-.
I'll try to confirm by this weekend. Right now, I'm running a baseline test on powering my NUC PC for today. If it's double the amp hours after the new parallel configuration tomorrow then I should be able to confirm whether or not this seems to be working.
EDIT: I'll try 13.2V in parallel only for now. I'm still stumped on 16.5V. Need more investigating.
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It's Done. After I got a Big Picture of the architecture and made sure everything was fundamentally sound, I just went for both solutions.
So:
Well, after years of patiently waiting for the UcPure/UcBalancer and the LiFePO4 MKIII @16.5V for one rail, I'm really happy to finish off the backlog this Summer so I can focus on the present and future architecture of my System(s).
I'll post if I run into any issues, but it's looking good so far... Cross Fingers...
So:
- 1 whole rail with all eight Lithiumwerks 26650 @ 13.3V. Actually registers about 13.55V. This is great for applications that require strict <15V solutions. 13.5V is as close to 15V as you can get with a safe buffer zone tolerance.
- 1 whole rail with all ten Lithiumwerks 26650 @ 16.5V. Actually registers about 16.9V. This is great for Andrea's clock in which 17V is optimal or for PCs that require decent power.
Well, after years of patiently waiting for the UcPure/UcBalancer and the LiFePO4 MKIII @16.5V for one rail, I'm really happy to finish off the backlog this Summer so I can focus on the present and future architecture of my System(s).
I'll post if I run into any issues, but it's looking good so far... Cross Fingers...
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Since Passive Power Supplies is a bit fresh in my memory, I thought I'll leave a question here.
I'll likely won't be back for a few years after the Group Buy, so it will be good to document for anyone whom parallel their UcPures over the years.
I don't plan to parallel my UcPure 5V for a few years as my chain is in production, but since this is fresh from my LiFePO4 config above I wanted to document before it erases from my memory.
Note: This is just a rough draft. It has not been confirmed that the below is correct. Please don't attempt or rely on the below. I'm hoping over time it can be confirmed for those whom want to pursue this route. Or at least some guidance or tips. I waited a few years until I got my LiFePO4 to the exact config that I wanted because there was no documentation. Most likely because I have a rare use case, so I'll leave this here for those whom get a moment of inspiration. So I only utilised half or 5 LiFePO4s over a few years while the other half or 5 LiFePO4s lay dormant. Ecstatic all 10 LiFePO4s utilised now. Always wish there was documentation tho.
I'll likely won't be back for a few years after the Group Buy, so it will be good to document for anyone whom parallel their UcPures over the years.
I don't plan to parallel my UcPure 5V for a few years as my chain is in production, but since this is fresh from my LiFePO4 config above I wanted to document before it erases from my memory.
Note: This is just a rough draft. It has not been confirmed that the below is correct. Please don't attempt or rely on the below. I'm hoping over time it can be confirmed for those whom want to pursue this route. Or at least some guidance or tips. I waited a few years until I got my LiFePO4 to the exact config that I wanted because there was no documentation. Most likely because I have a rare use case, so I'll leave this here for those whom get a moment of inspiration. So I only utilised half or 5 LiFePO4s over a few years while the other half or 5 LiFePO4s lay dormant. Ecstatic all 10 LiFePO4s utilised now. Always wish there was documentation tho.
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I was looking for these resistors to add to my Mouser Project, but it is not in this thread:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...eapon-to-fight-the-jitter.192465/post-7330696
It just seems like a umbrella term that could refer to many things:
https://www.bioennopower.com/pages/faq-lifepo4-batteries#Li-Ion
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Since my memory is bad, I'll post the parts I use for my UcPure/UcBalancer build for documentation purposes.
I believe I used the 4-40 Nylon because that's the only nuts I purchased. There's also a mm and M2.5 alternative, but I'm pretty sure I used 4-40. The length doesn't matter because I snip off at the end anyways (see photo below). I use these as a plastic buffer between the UcPure and the Cap Body.
Screws & Fasteners 1/4 4-40 Nylon Hex M SCREW NUT
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/9605?qs=g5fiFmky/l7CHNRWFk4amg==
** Note: The 4-40 Screws & Fasteners NYLON PAN is incorrect. I have to track down the hand-twisted knob version.
Screws & Fasteners 1/4 4-40 NYLON PAN
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-9327
Screws & Fasteners 1/2 4-40 NYLON PAN
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-9329
For the Cooper Washers, you can find here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/s...w-size~m12/material~copper/material~copper-2/
Although, I Double Washer to prevent the UcBalancer terminals from touching the UcPure:
So I use a QTY of 10 Cooper Washers for a UcPure 3.3V or 5V build.
The M12 plastic nylon nuts can be found here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/nuts/material~plastic-1/metric-nylon-hex-nuts/thread-size~m12/
I use Solid Core Cooper 12AWG from UcPure to UcBalancer:
https://partsconnexion.com/products...d-qty-1-66-ft-pc?_pos=17&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
For USB, I use Solid Core Cooper 22AWG from UcPure Output.
https://partsconnexion.com/products...-ptfe-jacket-red?_pos=20&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
For everything else, I use Solid Core Cooper 16AWG from UcBalancer Ouput
https://partsconnexion.com/products...u-ptfe-jacket-red?_pos=8&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
If it's for Q7 Clean Side or direct clock-related, I use Solid Core Silver 18AWG from UcPure Output.
https://partsconnexion.com/products...silver-light-blue?_pos=3&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
There's no link for the 18AWG Solid Core Silver, but it's like $30/foot versus $24/foot for 20AWG.
For my Standoffs for RPi or other Ian gear, I use plastic, nylon only standoffs from Keystone:
Standoffs & Spacers M/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 .375 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4941
Standoffs & Spacers M/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 .750 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4944
Standoffs & Spacers F/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 .250 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4842
Standoffs & Spacers M/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 1.00 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4946
I also use Keystone Terminal Blocks as it fits up to 14AWG. I appreciate the headroom too because sometimes I have to bridge or share, so that means double the wires inside the Terminal Block.
Fixed Terminal Blocks HORIZ. TERM. BLOCK
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/8718?qs=%2BS1bAMbChF8qBANams/R5Q==
I'll keep my projects consistent with the above parts going forward as it's my standard.
I believe I used the 4-40 Nylon because that's the only nuts I purchased. There's also a mm and M2.5 alternative, but I'm pretty sure I used 4-40. The length doesn't matter because I snip off at the end anyways (see photo below). I use these as a plastic buffer between the UcPure and the Cap Body.
Screws & Fasteners 1/4 4-40 Nylon Hex M SCREW NUT
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/9605?qs=g5fiFmky/l7CHNRWFk4amg==
** Note: The 4-40 Screws & Fasteners NYLON PAN is incorrect. I have to track down the hand-twisted knob version.
Screws & Fasteners 1/4 4-40 NYLON PAN
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-9327
Screws & Fasteners 1/2 4-40 NYLON PAN
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-9329
For the Cooper Washers, you can find here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/s...w-size~m12/material~copper/material~copper-2/
Although, I Double Washer to prevent the UcBalancer terminals from touching the UcPure:
So I use a QTY of 10 Cooper Washers for a UcPure 3.3V or 5V build.
The M12 plastic nylon nuts can be found here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/nuts/material~plastic-1/metric-nylon-hex-nuts/thread-size~m12/
I use Solid Core Cooper 12AWG from UcPure to UcBalancer:
https://partsconnexion.com/products...d-qty-1-66-ft-pc?_pos=17&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
For USB, I use Solid Core Cooper 22AWG from UcPure Output.
https://partsconnexion.com/products...-ptfe-jacket-red?_pos=20&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
For everything else, I use Solid Core Cooper 16AWG from UcBalancer Ouput
https://partsconnexion.com/products...u-ptfe-jacket-red?_pos=8&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
If it's for Q7 Clean Side or direct clock-related, I use Solid Core Silver 18AWG from UcPure Output.
https://partsconnexion.com/products...silver-light-blue?_pos=3&_sid=266b59995&_ss=r
There's no link for the 18AWG Solid Core Silver, but it's like $30/foot versus $24/foot for 20AWG.
For my Standoffs for RPi or other Ian gear, I use plastic, nylon only standoffs from Keystone:
Standoffs & Spacers M/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 .375 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4941
Standoffs & Spacers M/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 .750 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4944
Standoffs & Spacers F/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 .250 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4842
Standoffs & Spacers M/F NYLON STANDOFF 4-40 1.00 L
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/534-4946
I also use Keystone Terminal Blocks as it fits up to 14AWG. I appreciate the headroom too because sometimes I have to bridge or share, so that means double the wires inside the Terminal Block.
Fixed Terminal Blocks HORIZ. TERM. BLOCK
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/8718?qs=%2BS1bAMbChF8qBANams/R5Q==
I'll keep my projects consistent with the above parts going forward as it's my standard.
Attachments
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I understand why I mixed up the regular Keystone screw with the Keystone thumb screw now. I ordered the Keystone thumb screws off Digikey instead of my usual Goto Mouser. Again, the length doesn't matter because they get snipped off anyways but the thumb screws do come in varying lengths as needed.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/2502?qs=LDXARy4xNQs6dHbZsVeU4Q==
I use these 3.0V Ultra Caps, but going forward I think I might try the 2.7V Ultra Caps since the price gap has expanded. For example, I got the 3.0V for $83, now they are $90. The 2.7V has remained steady around $70 in that time. Plus, the UcBalancer runs @2.7V by default.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/504-XL60-3R0308T-R
I only use Medical Grade Mean Well AC/DC to power the UcPure or any Passive Power Supply. I don't like RF. Transformers spit out tons of RF. Mean Well has RF filters built in. I like to keep my chain from contaminants as my chain is "technically" completely Off Mains. So it makes no sense to me to degrade SQ and the audio experience with transformers when it can be avoided. But as I learned in this hobby, increase in RF can be mistaken for increase in SQ. You see it all the time.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/709-GSM90B19-P1M
The power cord will vary depending on which region you are located:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/709-YP13+YC13
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/2502?qs=LDXARy4xNQs6dHbZsVeU4Q==
I use these 3.0V Ultra Caps, but going forward I think I might try the 2.7V Ultra Caps since the price gap has expanded. For example, I got the 3.0V for $83, now they are $90. The 2.7V has remained steady around $70 in that time. Plus, the UcBalancer runs @2.7V by default.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/504-XL60-3R0308T-R
I only use Medical Grade Mean Well AC/DC to power the UcPure or any Passive Power Supply. I don't like RF. Transformers spit out tons of RF. Mean Well has RF filters built in. I like to keep my chain from contaminants as my chain is "technically" completely Off Mains. So it makes no sense to me to degrade SQ and the audio experience with transformers when it can be avoided. But as I learned in this hobby, increase in RF can be mistaken for increase in SQ. You see it all the time.
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/709-GSM90B19-P1M
The power cord will vary depending on which region you are located:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/709-YP13+YC13
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For legacy LiFePO4 MKIII Flagshippers, Ian posted a configuration:
https://github.com/iancanada/Docume...PowerSupply/pictures/Six3.3VConfiguration.png
Not my use case as I only need 16.5V with either 5 26650 (Travel) or 10 26650 (Desktop).
https://github.com/iancanada/Docume...PowerSupply/pictures/Six3.3VConfiguration.png
Not my use case as I only need 16.5V with either 5 26650 (Travel) or 10 26650 (Desktop).
Here's my Solid Core Wiring:
Interchangeable
===============
Neotech Silver Solid Core 23AWG <--> Mundorf Silver Solid Core 24AWG
Neotech Cooper Solid Core 24AWG <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 24AWG
Neotech Silver Solid Core 18AWG <--> Mundorf Silver Solid Core 18AWG
Neotech Cooper Solid Core 18AWG <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 18AWG
No Neotech Silver Solid Core Equiv <--> Mundorf Silver Solid Core 15.5AWG
No Neotech Cooper Solid Core Equiv <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 15.5AWG
Neotech Cooper Solid Core 12AWG <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 12AWG
Neotech supposedly has 12AWG and 14AWG in Silver, but impossible to procure. Mundorf Silver Solid Core Max is 15.5AWG so best avaialable ATM. Max for Terminals is 14AWG so it's not far off.
UcPure2UcBalancer -> Neotech Cooper 12AWG
UcPure 5V Terminal -> Neotech Cooper 22AWG USB Cable
Alternative1: UcPure 5V Terminal -> Mundorf Silver 24AWG USB Cable [I'm really happy with my 22AWG Cooper USB cable, so I plan to upgrade to Silver]
Alternative2: UcPure 5V Terminal -> Neotech Cooper 20AWG USB Cable [20AWG is the max for USB Connectors, but I gave up due to soldering complications]
UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Neotech Cooper 16AWG -> StationPiAudioSide [Neotech Cooper 14AWG is the max for Terminal, but Molex connectors max out at 16AWG]
Alternative1: UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Neotech Cooper 14AWG -> StationPiAudioSide [Neotech Cooper 14AWG is the max for Terminal, but Molex connectors max out at 16AWG. I will attempt 14AWG when I order Molex 16AWG. I ordered 14AWG, so just waiting for my next Mouser order. It should work given enough attempts]
UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Neotech Cooper 22AWG USB Cable [20AWG is the max for USB Connectors, but I gave up due to soldering complications]
Alternative1: UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Mundorf Silver 24AWG USB Cable [I'm really happy with my 22AWG Cooper USB cable, so I plan to upgrade to Silver]
UcPure 3.3V Terminal -> Mundorf Silver 15.5AWG -> Q7 "Clean Side"
UcBalancer 3.3V Molex -> Neotech Silver 18AWG -> TransportPI MKII 3.3V
LifePO4 6.6V -> LinearPi 5V -> UcConditioner 5V -> Neotech Cooper 14AWG -> StationPiRPiSide
LiFePO4 MKIII Flagship 16.5V -> Neotech Silver 18AWG -> 5.6448MHz
Alternative1: LiFePO4 MKIII Flagship 16.5V -> Mundorf Silver 15.5AWG -> 5.6448MHz [Doubtful I will try this, better to wait for UcPure 16.5V upgrade]
Alternative2: UcPure 16.5V -> Mundorf Silver 15.5AWG -> 5.6448MHz [2025 Project?]
Neotech more geared towards North American Market. Mundorf Europe Market.
If 14AWG is too large for the terminals, you may need Keystone terminals which max at 14AWG:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/8718?qs=%2BS1bAMbChF8qBANams/R5Q==
Interchangeable
===============
Neotech Silver Solid Core 23AWG <--> Mundorf Silver Solid Core 24AWG
Neotech Cooper Solid Core 24AWG <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 24AWG
Neotech Silver Solid Core 18AWG <--> Mundorf Silver Solid Core 18AWG
Neotech Cooper Solid Core 18AWG <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 18AWG
No Neotech Silver Solid Core Equiv <--> Mundorf Silver Solid Core 15.5AWG
No Neotech Cooper Solid Core Equiv <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 15.5AWG
Neotech Cooper Solid Core 12AWG <--> Mundorf Cooper Solid Core 12AWG
Neotech supposedly has 12AWG and 14AWG in Silver, but impossible to procure. Mundorf Silver Solid Core Max is 15.5AWG so best avaialable ATM. Max for Terminals is 14AWG so it's not far off.
UcPure2UcBalancer -> Neotech Cooper 12AWG
UcPure 5V Terminal -> Neotech Cooper 22AWG USB Cable
Alternative1: UcPure 5V Terminal -> Mundorf Silver 24AWG USB Cable [I'm really happy with my 22AWG Cooper USB cable, so I plan to upgrade to Silver]
Alternative2: UcPure 5V Terminal -> Neotech Cooper 20AWG USB Cable [20AWG is the max for USB Connectors, but I gave up due to soldering complications]
UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Neotech Cooper 16AWG -> StationPiAudioSide [Neotech Cooper 14AWG is the max for Terminal, but Molex connectors max out at 16AWG]
Alternative1: UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Neotech Cooper 14AWG -> StationPiAudioSide [Neotech Cooper 14AWG is the max for Terminal, but Molex connectors max out at 16AWG. I will attempt 14AWG when I order Molex 16AWG. I ordered 14AWG, so just waiting for my next Mouser order. It should work given enough attempts]
UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Neotech Cooper 22AWG USB Cable [20AWG is the max for USB Connectors, but I gave up due to soldering complications]
Alternative1: UcBalancer 5V Molex -> Mundorf Silver 24AWG USB Cable [I'm really happy with my 22AWG Cooper USB cable, so I plan to upgrade to Silver]
UcPure 3.3V Terminal -> Mundorf Silver 15.5AWG -> Q7 "Clean Side"
UcBalancer 3.3V Molex -> Neotech Silver 18AWG -> TransportPI MKII 3.3V
LifePO4 6.6V -> LinearPi 5V -> UcConditioner 5V -> Neotech Cooper 14AWG -> StationPiRPiSide
LiFePO4 MKIII Flagship 16.5V -> Neotech Silver 18AWG -> 5.6448MHz
Alternative1: LiFePO4 MKIII Flagship 16.5V -> Mundorf Silver 15.5AWG -> 5.6448MHz [Doubtful I will try this, better to wait for UcPure 16.5V upgrade]
Alternative2: UcPure 16.5V -> Mundorf Silver 15.5AWG -> 5.6448MHz [2025 Project?]
Neotech more geared towards North American Market. Mundorf Europe Market.
If 14AWG is too large for the terminals, you may need Keystone terminals which max at 14AWG:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/8718?qs=%2BS1bAMbChF8qBANams/R5Q==
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I didn't need 3.3V or 5V either. The 5V on this product is not isolated from Mains. So I have the UltraCapacitors 3.3V and 5V for this product, but it turned out to be a waste of PCBs. Cost of doing business, cost of learning curve. So I just chalk it up to a educational expense.
I have been running 5 cells X 3.3V = 16.5V for years. So my power supply was configured for 2 X 16.5V. Now, it's configured only for 1 X 16.5V (10 cells).
So you can run 4 cells X 3.3V = 13.2V @ 2 X 13.3V if that is what you are asking. So the below photo, you can use either side for 13.3V. But depending on power consumption, 4 cells might not last long.
But I recommend going for UcPure 12V instead. This product is $200 + $80 cells. That $280 opportunity cost can be used towards UcPure.
This product is not as DIY-Friendly as the UcPure. The UcPure is well-supported now that it's the modern choice. I'm going back on a 2 year hiatus after the Group Buy closes, so I won't be around to assist for this product. Ian has sort of stopped supporting this product as well.
I do love this product for it's 13.2V and 16.5V scalability. It's flexible too as I plan to bring this for traveling. I only need 5 cells to power 1 X 16.5V and I should be able to sneak it pass the TSA. 10 cells no way, but 5 cells should be okay.
From this photo, you can see two open slots open on the terminals. So I was only using half @ 5 cells. It would be similar running @ 13.2V once configured properly.
I have zero regrets with this product. I love it, but it's complicated. Worst case is I use this to power a Mini Computer if I happen to UcPure/UcBalancer all my 12V+ gear.
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Wrong photo. That photo used 8 cells @ 1 X 13.2V.
This photo is better. Just ignore the 3.3V for 2 isolated @ 13.2V. This is 1 isolated @ 13.2V + 1 isolated @ 3.3V.