Club 80-90 Forums

one page here i found on the differences
http://solarcraft.net/articles/comparin ... ntrollers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nice one - thanks Lloyd. That's helpful reading.

Also just realised that I missed Tom's post above re going via cranking battery and the Sterling - maybe I need to go straight to the leisures. I guess with a flexible set up like we are considering we can experiment with both and see what works best.

After weekend away I do not to use the Sterling B2B charger. I switch it off via the remote. I prefer to charge my batteries at lower rates via the solar panel. My thinking is they will last longer from not being bulk charged.

PetenAli wrote:Nice one - thanks Lloyd. That's helpful reading.

Also just realised that I missed Tom's post above re going via cranking battery and the Sterling - maybe I need to go straight to the leisures. I guess with a flexible set up like we are considering we can experiment with both and see what works best.

Just measure the amps either side of the Steling charger with a multimeter. I'd be very interested to see the readings.

i just let the sterling do its thing, its only 50A max. And I've never seen it hit that figure. my alternator is 120A, so its getting less of an injection of amps than it would if the alt was doing the work. I think a 150W folding panel may be on my christmas list.. it does appeal, especially for hot countries. Don't think id use it for weekends away here, as my batteries get nowhere near flat over the 2-3 days. I reckon my chest type fridge is a lot less power hungry than the cr50's

After a 48 hours off grid my display will show the sterling at 62A batteries at 12.2v. Maybe it needs calibrating as it's the same 50a unit as you have.

I really think a fixed panel that is removable is the best option. I can have my Kayak on above my panel and I'm still be able to slide it out so I can aim it at the sun if I need to. If I don't have the kayak on board I just leave it on the roof bars.

I have a strong feeling you are right about the CR50 being less efficient than the chest style fridge you have. I do intend on adding an extra 20mm insulation to the sides and top at some point.

you will be right on the fixed panel, i just like the idea that it won't be on there all the time. I may change my mind, i normally do.... Having the solar doing its stuff while the van is on the drive appeals but isn't needed. But i could always have the panels on the garage roof while plugged into the van. Other than seeing how they perform, i don't think ill use them for weekends away.
It is strange how my batteries (with less AH) seem to last better. i don't think I've seen mine get as low as 12.2, and thats with no solar. I presume you've checked for parastic drains? my stereo really hits the battery if the front panel is left in.

Yes, everything has been checked more than once.

From memory, the CR50 pulls just over 4amps when running which all works out with average consumption over given period . Have you put a meter on yours?

Maybe I could borrow yours over a weekend for comparison?

mine is 2.9 amps i think

does any one have instructions for the below controls?



l have the same set up but with a great big error! And l have no idea what it all means, or what the buttons do.

Links also sent by PM.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3lhlihra8485t ... l.pdf?dl=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


https://www.dropbox.com/s/etxu8vxgmmvy3 ... l.pdf?dl=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope that this helps.
David

Clear as an error led glowing red.
Thanks though

Start from the beginning. Check the wiring from the panel to the controller is correct. Then check the battery connection. Have you set the correct battery type?

Exactly same on mine. I bet it goes off if you connect up your second battery.

http://renogy.com/wp-content/uploads/20 ... -Meter.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

l have 2 x leisure batteries wired up in parallel, So I cant connect the second battery to the 2nd out let.
I wonder if it is working fine just giving me the default error light because only one is Connected?

oh and it was all fitted to the van before we bought it.