Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 10:49:59 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Solar collector
In-Reply-To: <BAY405-EAS320EB1F93CB8C420E33B30AA0680@phx.gbl>
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I have 2-F13T5CW fluorescent bulbs above the gallery area. They are listed at 13watts per bulb.
I understand about the loses in the inverter. But confused with the below.
"There are some loses in the inverter and as the battery discharges the
inverter will try to run all the way down to 10.5 volts so that is why I use
the 1 to 10 instead of 12 volts. "
What does it mean " use 1 to 10 instead of 12 volts?
Dennis
Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
West Newbury, Vermont
> On Dec 20, 2014, at 6:08 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> What size are those lights? The inverter draw will be proportional to the
> load placed on it. Figure 1 Amp/Hour for every ten watts. Watts = volts X
> amps. There are some loses in the inverter and as the battery discharges the
> inverter will try to run all the way down to 10.5 volts so that is why I use
> the 1 to 10 instead of 12 volts.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dennis Jowell
> Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2014 2:59 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Solar collector
>
> Thanks Dennis for the info. I only use the inverter to run the 2 lights over
> the sink when their is no shore power available. Does this still put that
> much load on the alternator?
>
> Dennis
>
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> West Newbury, Vermont
>
>
>>> On Dec 20, 2014, at 9:52 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> From the factory the Westy did not come with a dual battery set up.
>> What was there was a relay controlled from the alternator
>> exciter/indicator light circuit wired so that the refrigerator would
>> work on DC power when the alternator was actually charging. Many have
>> used that set up to charge an auxiliary battery and for the most part
>> it somewhat works. The GoWesty instructions may be assuming you are
>> adding the 2nd battery and solar system at the same time so the
>> recommendation for the kit. You should be able to connect the solar
>> panel system to your house battery leaving everything else as is.
>>
>> Since you have that 800 watt inverter keep in mind that at full load
>> you are looking at some 80 amp/hour draw. While running the alternator
>> will try to be the source and with a relay inter-connect the chassis
>> battery will also get involved. All the wiring and the relay needs to
>> be able to support this load. I would suggest #6 or #4 and a 100 amp
>> relay. Yes all the way to the alternator.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>> Behalf Of Dennis Jowell
>> Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2014 9:03 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Solar collector
>>
>> I just received my GOWESTY solar kit to add power to my auxiliary
>> battery and read the instruction install sheet. The recommended
>> install procedure is to purchase the GOWESTY auxiliary battery kit.
>> My 1988 Westy came with the factory auxiliary battery hookup already
>> installed. My question is do I really need the GOWESTY add on or use
>> the factory kit on board already. I've been using the 2nd battery for
>> years. I have a battery charger, 800 watt inverter, and my truck
>> fridge running off the 2nd battery with no problems but I would also
>> like to add my stereo to the 2nd battery next. Does anyone have any
> experience with the solar kit. Any help would be appreciated.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>> Dennis Jowell
>> Scotch Hollow Farm
>> West Newbury, Vermont