Date:         Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:56:59 -0700
Reply-To:     Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar controller question..semi off topic.
Comments: To: Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAHTkEuJq0MH3tr6owXpKcjGOmV-7guX9yFyyKDHrJsXWOaMGrQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Ask Mr Condelli, who set mine up.

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On Apr 16, 2013, at 4:23 PM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Respond off list, if you think it would be of no interest to the general
> list population...
>
>
> I recently got a second solar panel, a 75w 4.5A 16.6v rated with 21.4v
> max...  I was running this during the winter with our old 40w plastic
> panel,which had a built in charger/controller.  I do not have any specs on
> that, and that is out of reach right now....The two panels kept our two
> large deep cycle/marine batteries well charged...the original 40w panel
> alone was not up to the task, except with very sparing electric usage and
> bright full sunshine every day...
>
>  So, I brought the one newer panel home with us and I would like to get a
> proper controller so I can use it to charge the vanagon or any other
> 'remote' battery I have need of during this summer..
>
>  But I have no idea what any of the numbers mean on the charge controllers
> I am looking at, when it comes to selecting the proper one...Here's the
> numbers I am thinking of from the Northern Tool company...
>
> 3.5 amp- 52.5 watts....$20
> 8.5 amp-  127.5 watts. $29
> 10amp.   150 watts       $59
> 30amp 450 watts           $99
>
>  I am guessing the second one would work.  Cost is a factor for me, too.
> I will be using this on various starting batteries, mostly.  If need be, I
> will take the controller out of the circuit again when I go back to the
> desert and hook it up in series with the second panel and the controller
> that worked fine for us this spring and winter....
>
>  In order to charge a big fat RV deep cycle battery, do I need a big
> expensive charger/controller?   What do these numbers all mean?  Anyone
> want to give me a quick bit of advice on this?
>
>  I just stuck the panel in the sun and I get 21.x volts out of the
> wires....a plug on a 8 gauge extension cord a few feet long.   I am
> planning on keeping a plug, after the controller, and ending it in a couple
> of jumper clamps for use around the ranch and campsites...
>  Thanks...Don Hanson