M
MackM
Mine goes up to over 14 when there is solar power. This is a screen shot from my app.
Mine goes up to over 14 when there is solar power. This is a screen shot from my app.
Trollhunter
VIP Member
Great, then I had the correct settings
Trollhunter
VIP Member
Tell you what, this solar panel installation has just made me want summer even more! Now I really cant wait for some warmer days and chances to find some wild spots.
Will have to wait though, still snow/rain/cloudy and 3-7 degrees over here
Will have to wait though, still snow/rain/cloudy and 3-7 degrees over here
babble
VIP Member
These readings look good to me. Yes, you set it on GEL 1. Both my batteries are nicely topped up now. I've had to go and help out a few friends with dead batteries over the last week or so too.
Trollhunter
VIP Member
Great, I guess I'm just not used to having so much power at my disposal
When scrolling through the parameters of each battery, I take it the V max is then the max value it has had recently as this seems to fluctuate with time?
Roger Donoghue
VIP Trade Partner
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I'm getting a new delivery of the duo chargers in tomorrow. I'm also getting the bluetooth dongle with adapter lead as it is now apparently compatible with the DR series of chargers.
I will test the app before I sell the bluetooth hardware, as last time I looked, the app was atrocious, but that was a few years ago.
I will test the app before I sell the bluetooth hardware, as last time I looked, the app was atrocious, but that was a few years ago.
Roger Donoghue
VIP Trade Partner
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I do now have and sell the bluetooth kit for the Duo racer series chargers. They are not on my site. If you drop me an email from my site (not a PM here as I might miss it) I can then arrange a seperate paypal invoice when you order a solar kit.
The app works fine. It's not Victron, put it that way, but, you can see solar chargign current and battery levels - you do have to hit the refresh button to get the latest numbers - it's not "live" like on the Victron app.
There seems to be an iOS app as well as the Android app (I've tested the Android version) - but I've not tested it.
The app works fine. It's not Victron, put it that way, but, you can see solar chargign current and battery levels - you do have to hit the refresh button to get the latest numbers - it's not "live" like on the Victron app.
There seems to be an iOS app as well as the Android app (I've tested the Android version) - but I've not tested it.
Tompoole
Lifetime VIP Member
What is AGM Battery Technology?
Absorbed Glass Mat batteries are constructed differently than the traditional flooded battery. This write-up covers mainly the Concorde Sun-Xtender AGM's, but also applies to most other brands of deep cycle AGM batteries.www.solar-electric.com
VRLA battery - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
AGM Batteries vs. Gel Batteries | VARTA® Automotive Batteries | Clarios
AGM Vs Gel Batteries - Compare the differences and simlarities to help decide which is the best battery for your application and lifestyle.www.varta-automotive.com
No, AGM is not GEL!
I set my Victron on AGM spiral as gel setting doesn't charge at 14.7 which is what's needed to fully charge some arm batteries
NRDSRFR
VIP Member
I want a dual battery solution (2 leisure + 1 starter) and prefer to buy German over Chinese...Hey I bought a VW right?
These look like they fit the bill. I guess 165w would suffice for 1 panel and 250w version for 2
And the panel looks slick
Your solar camper site has a “my own option” for the controller, so any idea if the new 2020 panel wire connector you mentioned in another post is compatible?
I’m pretty much ready to pull the trigger I’m away to Devon 1st week august to a site with no hookup.
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These look like they fit the bill. I guess 165w would suffice for 1 panel and 250w version for 2
Our premium range of dual battery MPPT solar charge controllers has now launched :: News :: 12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid
www.photonicuniverse.com
And the panel looks slick
12V solar panels charging kits for caravans, motorhomes, boats, yachts, marine
12V solar panel solar charging kits for motorhome caravan boat campervan yacht marine off-grid
www.photonicuniverse.com
Your solar camper site has a “my own option” for the controller, so any idea if the new 2020 panel wire connector you mentioned in another post is compatible?
I’m pretty much ready to pull the trigger I’m away to Devon 1st week august to a site with no hookup.
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NRDSRFR
VIP Member
Slaps self on the wrist. I somehow did not see that you already mentioned Votronic in the original post.
that unit still lacks the Bluetooth capability of the Victron, but victron don’t offer dual charge units.
i’m not sure if anyone has come across this unit yet, but it looks to have it all: dual charge, MPPT, compact, bluetooth capable with an app and affordable at £110 with 2 year warranty
and the optional panel is 1/2 the price of votronic at £40
15A MPPT Pro Charge Controller Display
15A MPPT Pro charge controller display
www.solartechnology.co.uk
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Roger Donoghue
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... I thought you didn't want a Chinese charger? Those are, and I'm deeply suspicious of it's MPPT claim. It looks entirely like the common-on-ebay fake MPPT chargers. I will research more.... (it charges battery 1 to 70% and then both "equally" - which is impossible with MPPT as it totally relies on monitoring the battery voltage to make the MPPT magic work. Can't do what when charging two at the same time.
I might buy one to test. I'll soon know as I'll put it up against another known MPPT charger.
I'm getting a touch confused as you are chatting to me on PMs and also on here.
The Epever chargers are superb and I've been selling them for around 7 years with 1 failure in all that time.
Finding an MPPT charger that does the starter too is tough, particularly if you want Bluetooth as well. The app for the Epever is indeed not very good. Hence I don't list them on my site. But the charger itself is fine, going on past experience with Epever. I wish Victron would make one.....
The panels I sell are from China too. You will be hard pushed to find ones that are not assembled in China. Even German cell manufacturers often send their cells to be assembled in China.
The cables in my kits are compatible with any chargers .
R
I might buy one to test. I'll soon know as I'll put it up against another known MPPT charger.
I'm getting a touch confused as you are chatting to me on PMs and also on here.
The Epever chargers are superb and I've been selling them for around 7 years with 1 failure in all that time.
Finding an MPPT charger that does the starter too is tough, particularly if you want Bluetooth as well. The app for the Epever is indeed not very good. Hence I don't list them on my site. But the charger itself is fine, going on past experience with Epever. I wish Victron would make one.....
The panels I sell are from China too. You will be hard pushed to find ones that are not assembled in China. Even German cell manufacturers often send their cells to be assembled in China.
The cables in my kits are compatible with any chargers .
R
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NRDSRFR
VIP Member
You are correct. I rang them to ask and they are UK designed, but manufactured in China...
The man on the phone was helpful though and did say that beyond around 75% charge on leisure, The controller then splits the current to equally charge leisure and starter batteries
Regarding the status panels, Will the factory Volkswagen control unit not display positive Amps flowing into the leisure batteries like when the engine is running? Or is that just wired into a separate circuit behind the relay and doesn’t show up?
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Roger Donoghue
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The VW panel doesn't know about the solar charging as we connect directly to the battery/ies. The voltage will be correct, but it won't show the charging amps, and the battery % icon will become incorrect when parked up for several days (a quick ignition on and off resets it to be correct). The MPPT charger always tells the correct battery level and charge levels.
NRDSRFR
VIP Member
I’m going to install a display panel on the pillar the same way. How does it come off it feels a bit tight I’m afraid to break a grommet or something. From your photos it looks like there’s at least two on the bottom, do you just need to pull hard and hope for the best?
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Alan Andrews
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
The C pillar cover is held with 4x plastic press studs....2x top + 2x bottom. Just be steady and it will come free. Use plastic trim tool to help remove.
Roger Donoghue
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The connectros fit under the panel in the 1st lower roof "trough". The new ones even more so. The older ones do but just require being in exactly the right orientation.
NRDSRFR
VIP Member
Thanks
There isn’t as much space behind it as I expected. I ordered the Voltronic kit along with Richard’s panel kit so I’ll update when I get it done. The panel seems slimmer if anything.
Here is a photo which hopefully helps the next person so you know exactly where all the studs are!
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Roger Donoghue
VIP Trade Partner
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I cut the hole around here:
So that it matches the indent behind. For reference, the MT50 and MT11 depth behind the panel is: 12mm. PLUS the network cable plug sticking out the back of it. The pillar clips back on happily with that installed.
So that it matches the indent behind. For reference, the MT50 and MT11 depth behind the panel is: 12mm. PLUS the network cable plug sticking out the back of it. The pillar clips back on happily with that installed.
NRDSRFR
VIP Member
So although the Votronic display panel sits very flush, it requires an extra cm of depth at nearly 22mm including the little pins
The panel is probably only a couple millimetres thick, so just see if this is going to fit I may have to fashion a little block of wood or something with the same dimensions so I don’t have to damage the panel to try it out. Will just see if I can push the panel back in with something 20mm thick behind it
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The panel is probably only a couple millimetres thick, so just see if this is going to fit I may have to fashion a little block of wood or something with the same dimensions so I don’t have to damage the panel to try it out. Will just see if I can push the panel back in with something 20mm thick behind it
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Roger Donoghue
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Good idea that. Shame They make the back square. Round means an easy hole cut.
NRDSRFR
VIP Member
The circuitboard is nearly exactly the size of a 8x9x2 Lego. I managed to push the panel back on, barely, with the Lego brick behind
Not as easy as a round install but they provide a drilling template
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Alan Andrews
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Looks like a standard square electrical adapter will do to lift the panel away from the plastic.
You'll get this at screwfix or similar.
You'll get this at screwfix or similar.
NRDSRFR
VIP Member
I’ll have a look. Votronic makes one, but charges £20 for it and I may just need a few mm lift to make it a little less snug. Rather not have it protruding out at that rate I’ll put it somewhere else like above the vanity door
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Alan Andrews
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
I've just had a look.
Screwfix do not have anything.
I suggest going to a very good electrical trade store with your plate and seek guidance on what will fit.
Alan Andrews
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Yes that will work for you but will require you to cut in to the nice aluminium cabinet.I’ll have a look. Votronic makes one, but charges £20 for it and I may just need a few mm lift to make it a little less snug. Rather not have it protruding out at that rate I’ll put it somewhere else like above the vanity door
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When I fitted the MT11 Epever remote panel in to the C pillar cover, I took a view that I could always buy a new plastic trim cover.
As Roger has said it only required a round hole and came supplied with the surround adapter plate.
Cutting in to the aluminium cabinet is somewhat permanent.
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