Critique my solar charger/battery monitor setup?

[Buddha.]

There is a wire somewhere that leads to the negative battery post from the frame. Find it and tie it into the shunt.

Only one wire comes from the negative on the battery and it has to go to the shunt. Zero exceptions.


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The green wire in this image goes down to the frame and bolts to it(this is a ground). The not pictured factory 6awg uses the same bolt and continues the run back to the converter/charger. The only groung I have going to the batteries the blue/purple marked wire. So I think I'm good then?

What about the little silver screw mounted on the left side of the solar charger there? It has markings there indicating it's a ground. I haven't really dug into the manual yet but I assume I should ground it, to the right side of the shunt.

 

[Alloy]

The converter I have is the Progressive dynamics PD9160A.
"Once the battery reaches 90% of full charge, the Charge Wizardautomatically selects the NORMAL Mode (13.6V) to safely complete the charge. The STORAGE Mode (13.2V) is automatically selected after 30 hours of non-use of the 12-volt RV electrical systems. The lower charging voltage in the STORAGE Mode of operation reduces battery gassing and water usage, while maintaining the charge. Every 21 hours when the system is operating in the STORAGE Mode, the Charge Wizard will automatically switch to the EQUALIZATION Mode of operation. The EQUALIZATION Mode increases the charging voltage up to 14.4 volts for 15 minutes. This increased voltage mixes up the battery electrolyte and prevents battery stratification and the resulting problems of battery sulfation."

PD is better than WAFCO but still not a battery charger. Your solar controller is better than the PD. The manufacutre (Crown) of my batteries wants the Absorption at 14.5V and Equaliztion at 15.5V. Check the parameters you batteries require.

 

[Bayou Boy]

PD is better than WAFCO but still not a battery charger. Your solar controller is better than the PD. The manufacutre (Crown) of my batteries wants the Absorption at 14.5V and Equaliztion at 15.5V. Check the parameters you batteries require.

The guy has regular GC2s. The PD absolutely will charge them just fine.

He needs to read the entire manual though because it is somewhat configurable.


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[john61ct]

PD makes some great chargers that just happen to be sold as "converters" because the RV market uses that term.

None of the terrible limitations of the old-school ones.

 

[Alloy]

PD makes some great chargers that just happen to be sold as "converters" because the RV market uses that term.

None of the terrible limitations of the old-school ones.

A great charger uses a battery temp sensor.

 

[john61ct]

Very few do. Victron went for **many** years without at the low end, and only recently made it available, as a separate product.

Could say the same about a dedicated voltage sensor,

so easy to let the best become enemy of the good. . .

All I meant was, just because it's from PD don't make it crap.

 

[Alloy]

Very few do. Victron went for **many** years without at the low end, and only recently made it available, as a separate product.

Could say the same about a dedicated voltage sensor,

so easy to let the best become enemy of the good. . .

All I meant was, just because it's from PD don't make it crap.

WAFCO is crap

 

[john61ct]

Seeing as there is no true Earth Ground in an off-grid mobile system.

But Chassis Common Reference, also tied to the Negative Returns in multiple spots, is good enough.

 

[Bayou Boy]

Ignoring positive ground systems ? Ulterior motives perhaps ?

Which campers have positive ground? Which cars do?

Is that even relevant?


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[Bayou Boy]

Dunno about others campers.
Fwiw, My big camper is isolated ground. But, Despite mostly pointless as its constructed primarily of cellulose and lignin, could just as easily been made positive ground or negative.
Cars, Its a safe bet none manufactured in past 50 years or so.

After all that... and now the relevant part.
Lots of solar power is constructed as or its components are intended to be positive ground system.

No one is installing a solar panel in a positive ground configuration on a camper.


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[john61ct]

Certainly not me.

I've occasionally seen positive ground components, but always just wondered about who would find them relevant.

I am very curious about that "ulterior motive" bit though, I really should develop one I s'pose kids need to eat

8-D

 

[Bayou Boy]

What happens when ’No one’ unknowingly purchased positive common/ground components, or reads about grounding something or another, then confused as go on to hook it up?

Hopefully they return it and buy the right stuff.

I’ve installed more than one solar system and never ran into this issue. Mostly because it’s not one.

If you are installing a solar system and down know that your setup is negative ground you might just need to hire a pro.


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[shade]

What happens when ’No one’ unknowingly purchased positive common/ground components, or reads about grounding something or another, then confused as go on to hook it up?

Crazy talk.

No one ever makes mistakes, especially when they don't know what they don't know.

 

[Bayou Boy]

Not precisely needed if one understands and willing to accomidate what they are working with. Its not issue if one understands whats going on, or by dumbluck connects it right.

Are we really having this conversation about people that know nothing at all about 12v systems ordering and trying to install a solar charging system? And your using those people to attempt to prove a point? Because that’s ridiculous. Later guys.


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[Alloy]

Certainly not me.

I've occasionally seen positive ground components, but always just wondered about who would find them relevant.

I am very curious about that "ulterior motive" bit though, I really should develop one I s'pose kids need to eat

8-D

Apparently the Telecom likes pos ground.