converter difference

[zander]

Stone,

Good points all around. I guess I didnt finish explaining my system. I also plan on adding some fairly large solar panels on the roof to keep everything charged for long periods of camping in one spot, runnig the radio etc.

I am still trying to decide if I should have those charging at 24v into the start batts or 12v into a reservoir batt. I like the idea of charging to the 24v system as that will alway keep me in a position to start the vehicle, and the Solar Converter will in turn keep the 12v batt charged.

Your point about a charge controller in line between all this is well taken as well. If I get the right controller it should also prevent back flow from the 12v into the 24v system...

 

[Greg_B]

Stone,

Good points all around. I guess I didnt finish explaining my system. I also plan on adding some fairly large solar panels on the roof to keep everything charged for long periods of camping in one spot, runnig the radio etc.

I am still trying to decide if I should have those charging at 24v into the start batts or 12v into a reservoir batt. I like the idea of charging to the 24v system as that will alway keep me in a position to start the vehicle, and the Solar Converter will in turn keep the 12v batt charged.

Your point about a charge controller in line between all this is well taken as well. If I get the right controller it should also prevent back flow from the 12v into the 24v system...

Hmmm....

The solar panels adds flexibility for sure.

You can leave the Solar Converter in load balance mode, and trickle charge 12V to either battery, and the converter will balance the batteries. The converter is bi-directional.

I would be tempted to use your large solar panels direct to the deep cycle battery as this one, isolated from the starting system, will have the biggest draw. You could then keep a small panel for the starting system, leave it to trickle charge, and keep it in load balance to mind the batteries.

I would still suggest hooking it up with the marine switch, so you can place the converter out of load balance when parked for extended periods with no charging, and/or in cold weather that will stress the batteries and show any imbalance.

gb

 

[Deny]

Stone,
I have those 12v tractor lights, so that while I'm camping, I can keep them on while I set up tent/fire after the sun goes down, and not drain my 24 system. of course once I get off road lights I will get 24v.
cheers,
Deny

 

[Stone]

Okay, I see what you're saying, Deny.

Zander:
Regarding the charge controller, I did a quick search of Radio Shack's website and came up with this one:

It's made by ICP Global Technologies, and is a charge controller for up to 21A 12v. It handles both lead acid and gel cell batteries and costs about $100 USD from Radio Shack.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=980-1464

I'm sure there are many others available out there...but this is the type of product that I was thinking of to avoid overcharging your third battery from the Solar Converter.

Looks like there's even something available from Solar Converters themselves that is a single unit that can act as a charger for your third battery. Their PT 12/24-30 is good for 30A, and can take voltage from your 24v bank and with an adjustable circuit (may have to pre-order it to be factory set...not sure), can charge a 12V battery. It then has a sensor to cut off the charge when it hits a certain voltage...looks like usually 14.5V for 12V batteries. So you would install this unit instead of a Solar Converter, if you want to run an isolated 3rd battery instead of load balancing or step down conversion.

http://www.solarconverters.com/product_frame.html

Greg...would you be able to find out how much these units cost?

 

[Greg_B]

Yup, however not till next week now I would think, due to the holiday weekend. I need to talk with them anyway early next week to replace stock.

Zander, browse their site and see if any other solutions interest you. I can get quotes, and we are more then willing work somthing out so other solutions are explored.

gb

 

[zander]

Thanks Greg,

After a fair amount of research I think what I am after the Solar Converters Inc EQ 12/24-20 in straight convert mode, and just charge my 24v system directly with two 12v panels (the charger I use there can be set up as an equalizer). No one seems to have em in stock though and there is a two week wait... Do you have one in stock? Either way I would rather order it through you now that I see you deal in them.

As a side note I also saw these products by Vanner which might be worth investigation:
http://www.vanner.com/htm/pro_01.htm?series_sku=3195361503151112&a=a&pt=3

As near as I can tell they are just more expensive, and not necessarily better.

 

[Greg_B]

Chatted with Solar Converters, and they can build one of their linear current boosters so it gets hooked up to the 24V string, and has a on/off suto switch set to something like 26V so as you drive and the alt goes over 26V the system turns on, takes in the voltage from the 24V side, and puts out 12V's to the deep cycle battery. Most likely a minimum 15amp charge. This way you could still use your deep cycle to use your 12V appliances while driving, and then switch to solar panels direct to the deep cycle when you stop.

http://www.solarconverters.com/lcblist.html They use the same board as this unit, however there are some modifications to the circuts.

This would not give the load balance mode you are seeking though.

gb

 

[zander]

Got the Solar Converter in from Greg and installed it the HJ60 yesterday. So far its just in convert mode as I need to upgrade some battery terminals. But I have it set up so I only have to add the one wire from 12v to the switch to have it work like Stone's set up (Thanks for the diagrams!)

Instead of using a switch I used a surface mount sealed marine circuit breaker in the engine compartment. Hoping this will give an extra measure of safety in stream crossings etc. I kept everything up as high as possible in the engine compartment as well. I will post some pics soon.

The only circuit I have isolated thus far is the cig lighter, as I am still researching the right stereo.

 

[zander]

I was wondering if anyone has actually researched a modern 24v CD player? I would assume they exist somewhere in the world yes? This would keep the 12v converter loads low for accesories etc.

So far in my research I have found that Luxma specs their radios to 24v (but not 28v which I think is required here while running)
http://www.uscaraudio.com/cgi-bin/usstore.cgi?user_action=detail&catalogno=LDVD880TV

 

[Stone]

You would need an external amplifier for that unit that you linked to. I have found 24v audio electronics to be rare and usually expensive for the good quality stuff. 12V audio components are sold everywhere and product support for them are easily obtained.

Your Solar Converter would be able to power your CD player and a few other accessories without any problems. I would say that keep your larger loads, like large offroad lights, electric winches and such 24v...and other smaller draw accessories can be powered off the 12v Converter.