Hank the Tanks Dodgy battery and solar system

[Pudsey Bear]

Brackets don't have to make the panel bigger at all. They can be fitted on the inside of the panel.

Not the ones we are discussing.

 

[Geek]

You can fit a 200amp relay and switch from hab batts to starter batts, you can use this for emergency starts linking all the batts up or to send power to the starter battery if required, this is in place on my van as if i have left van lights on im still able to start her up.

I have a different approach. There is an Andersen connector for the solar controller output, an Andersen connector for the VB and an Andersen connector for the LB.
That way I can connect the solar to either set of batteries, or I can connect the batteries together - and yes, it does work for jump starting, even though each of the three batteries n the leisure bank has a 70A fuse in line.

 

[Geek]

Not the ones we are discussing.

Discuss different brackets, then.

 

[barryd]

Oooooo I wouldn't have done that.

Nor me mate, too risky.

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Discuss different brackets, then.

Why, I'm happy with mine and Barry is happy with his, no problem to solve.

 

[Nabsim]

Why, I'm happy with mine and Barry is happy with his, no problem to solve.

But by changing the sort of bracket it opens up more options on panel sizes. Just think, a nice 400W+ panel for under £80. Doesn't matter if you don't need it all you can make use of the extra at the end and start of harvesting season

 

[exwindsurfer]

But by changing the sort of bracket it opens up more options on panel sizes. Just think, a nice 400W+ panel for under £80. Doesn't matter if you don't need it all you can make use of the extra at the end and start of harvesting season

I'll second that Neil

 

[exwindsurfer]

View attachment 141241

Pmsl

 

[exwindsurfer]

So what's happened up to now Barry?

 

[barryd]

Panel, Long brackets and Victron 100/20 smartsolar controller were all ordered yesterday and on their way to Merl. In fact the panel is already there. I went for the full width brackets as if needed they can be cut to fit flush with the panel as space is tight.

Had a lot of discussions with Merl regarding the cabling and other bits. I think we are just about there in terms of stuff that needs ordering. Just need to get it fitted now.

 

[barryd]

So what's happened up to now Barry?

Our posts crossed. See above. Just waiting on Merl for a date now.

 

[exwindsurfer]

Panel, Long brackets and Victron 100/20 smartsolar controller were all ordered yesterday and on their way to Merl. In fact the panel is already there. I went for the full width brackets as if needed they can be cut to fit flush with the panel as space is tight.

Had a lot of discussions with Merl regarding the cabling and other bits. I think we are just about there in terms of stuff that needs ordering. Just need to get it fitted now.

Sounds good.Is Merl coming up to yours and fitting it for you Barry ?

 

[merl]

Our posts crossed. See above. Just waiting on Merl for a date now.

Just thought I'd pop back here and catch up, Still going strong I see
Everything ordered at my end Barry, I don't want to spoil your weekend so I'll tell you the total on Monday

 

[exwindsurfer]

Just thought I'd pop back here and catch up, Still going strong I see
Everything ordered at my end Barry, I don't want to spoil your weekend so I'll tell you the total on Monday

Lolol

 

[merl]

Sounds good.Is Merl coming up to yours and fitting it for you Barry ?

Barry is 'popping' down to me and then folks (drumroll) .................................................This 'kin thread will be history!!
He'll probably postpone for a couple of months so he can hit the 1000 post milestone

 

[barryd]

Barry is 'popping' down to me and then folks (drumroll) .................................................This 'kin thread will be history!!
He'll probably postpone for a couple of months so he can hit the 1000 post milestone

Nah! We should keep the thread running in case after a couple of weeks after you set it all up I decide to go for Lithium.

 

[exwindsurfer]

Ok what's happening now Barry ?

 

[barryd]

Ok what's happening now Barry ?

The extra battery is in the van but not connected yet. Merl has the panel, brackets and Victron controller and a few other bits so just waiting on going down there to get it all fitted. Might be a couple of weeks time, not sure yet.

 

[trevskoda]

Would not be keen on that solar regulator, charges van battery through the starter battery.

 

[Tezza33]

I think some Hymers did use blue and brown in their 12v system, so there could be confusion.

German vans can have brown and blue instead of red and black. Don't think it's old v new or anything just they used a different standard. Hymers were often brown and blue. Don't know if they have changed this on new models now though

Indeed, for DC systems different colours can be used, there is no old vs new colours. My Globecar is part of Hymer group, the main cables to leisure battery are brown for +ve, black for -ve!

My 2002 Hymer has brown and black for the VB and brown and blue for the rest of the electrics