Does anyone know about ARK Portable battery boxes and where to buy them

[WhileInTheWild]

I had the chance to hook the ArkPak up to my Renogy 100W solar suitcase during a day trip to the park yesterday, am happy to report the Anderson connectors are indeed compatible (I have no idea if there are different sized ones) so I didn't even have to mess with the alligator clips, I still keep those with the panel though in case I need to hook it up to the main car battery if I have an oops moment. I just turned the LCD panel on the ArkPak off, connected the solar panel via the Anderson connector, set the base settings on the solar charge controller (AGM = Sealed, to save you a google) and then let it be. I'm going to need to look into a remote temperature sensor for the battery though when charging via solar as without it the panel uses the temperature at the panel and with our hot summers that won't work well when the ArkPak is in the shade, does anyone know if a temperature sensor needs to be on the actual battery terminal or could it be attached to the external terminal on the ArkPak?

 

[pdxfrogdog]

When would you turn off the ArkPak (the screen/controller not the isolator), when it is use and not charging via the internal charge controller? Does leaving it on have any negative impacts beyond a slight battery draw? I have mine hooked up to my fridge in the back and it gets charged via the DC-DC charger when driving so should I keep leaving it on? Otherwise I think I would need to turn it on while driving for the charge controller, correct?

My understanding is that the Arkpak has to be turned on (screen illuminated, audible fan noise) for the internal charge controller to function. If the Arkpak is in discharge mode, you can turn it off (screen dark, no fan) while still powering devices via the internal 12v battery. This acts as a quiet mode, suitable for night with the only downside being that the voltage readout is not visible.

 

[pdxfrogdog]

I had the chance to hook the ArkPak up to my Renogy 100W solar suitcase during a day trip to the park yesterday, am happy to report the Anderson connectors are indeed compatible (I have no idea if there are different sized ones) so I didn't even have to mess with the alligator clips, I still keep those with the panel though in case I need to hook it up to the main car battery if I have an oops moment. I just turned the LCD panel on the ArkPak off, connected the solar panel via the Anderson connector, set the base settings on the solar charge controller (AGM = Sealed, to save you a google) and then let it be. I'm going to need to look into a remote temperature sensor for the battery though when charging via solar as without it the panel uses the temperature at the panel and with our hot summers that won't work well when the ArkPak is in the shade, does anyone know if a temperature sensor needs to be on the actual battery terminal or could it be attached to the external terminal on the ArkPak?

I believe the charge controller on Renogy suitcases can make use of an optional remote temp sensor. No idea about cost or cable length, etc.

I suppose another approach might be to modify the suitcase to move the controller further away from the panels, but that might be tricky to get right. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about solar, but I seem to recall that cable gauge and length matter a lot.

 

[WhileInTheWild]

I believe the charge controller on Renogy suitcases can make use of an optional remote temp sensor. No idea about cost or cable length, etc.

Correct, it references the correct part to buy so I should be able to get that no problem but I'm just curious if it needs to be connected inside the ArkPak or if the external terminal would be sufficient, I would imagine there would be some heat loss on the external terminal but I really have no idea about such things. I'm not keen to move the solar charge controller as the kit is just so well designed and integrated as it is, maybe if I had a camper I'd look at doing something like that but for now I'd like the unit to remain portable & integrated (to itself).

 

[pdxfrogdog]

Correct, it references the correct part to buy so I should be able to get that no problem but I'm just curious if it needs to be connected inside the ArkPak or if the external terminal would be sufficient, I would imagine there would be some heat loss on the external terminal but I really have no idea about such things. I'm not keen to move the solar charge controller as the kit is just so well designed and integrated as it is, maybe if I had a camper I'd look at doing something like that but for now I'd like the unit to remain portable & integrated (to itself).

For the scenario you described, with the Arkpak in shade, I can't imagine it would matter if the remote temp probe is on the Arkpak case or on the battery. Aren't you just trying to get the controller to acknowledge that the battery is in the shade and not at the (potentially really hot) temp on the backside of the panels in full sun.

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi to all

just wanted to advise that i am back from leave and if anyone needed help or information please ask.

i hope that you all had a Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year with Family or Friends.

i am looking forward to a big year in 2015.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi to all in the USA

just wanted to check in and see how you guys are going over there ? Here in Australia they were saying on the news that the USA is going thru really bad cold weather system especially in the eastern states, i hope you are all staying warm and safe.

if anyone has any questions please ask.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Corey]

Here in WA. state our winter is pretty much over.
Heck, we really did not get one.
Temps were hovering around 60° a few weekends back, and this week it is in the 50s.
Snow pack is terrible, I smell electric rates going up later.

We are getting lots of rain though...

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi to all

just wanted to let everyone know that Ark will be closed during the Easter break we close at 430pm Friday 02/04/2015 Sydney Australia Daylight savings time and will re open on Tuesday 07/04/2015 at 9am Sydney Australia day light savings time.

you are still able to order from the USA website with no problems, its just if you ask a question we wont be in a position to reply until after the 07/04/2015.

If i get mobile phone reception i may log on and check if i get the chance, take care and hope you all have a happy safe Easter with family and friends and that you get spoiled by the Easter bunny.

Regards

Brett From Ark

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi Guys

just wanted you too know that the Ark USA website has some cracking Easter Specials so if you been thinking of pulling the trigger now may be a good time to check the special out on the USA website

Regards

Brett From Ark

 

[andrewh]

Brett,

Do you guys ever release firmware updates for the Arkpak? Do the newer models benefit from newer code at all?

 

[Brett From Ark]

Brett,

Do you guys ever release firmware updates for the Arkpak? Do the newer models benefit from newer code at all?

Hi Andrewh

firmware is not released or updated that often, it would only apply to individual units that may require a specific change which doe not happen that often.

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi to all

Just wanted you guys and girls to know that Ark will be at the Overland west Flagstaff event from May 15 2015, we will be sharing a stand with a company called Kakadu Camping INC, we will be located at stand 49, so if you want to see the Ark Pak in action out in the field this is your chance.



hope to see you there

Regards

Brett from Ark

 

[surly]

Will you be at the NW Overland rally as well?
Any show specials going on?
Thanks

 

[Brett From Ark]

Hi Surly

my colleague Mark will at the show this weekend and yes will be be running specials at the show stand.

refer to the above post number 448 which has all the details about the show it started today.

Regards

Brett from Ark