Difference in solar charge controllers

pianotuna wrote:
Tinstar,

Let me be blunt. The Heliotrope was junk when it was new.

Got it. Still trying to learn what all is involved with the solar system.

Tinstar,

Let me be blunt. The Heliotrope was junk when it was new.

jorbill2or wrote:

I would suggest at some point you add a battery monitor to the mix.

I've got a Freedom SW 2012 inverter and can monitor the battery bank from it. I'm still trying to learn the solar system and how the two work together. Very seldom do I dry camp and I'm plugged in most all the time. That RV30DE has a setting for equalizing the batteries and I can turn it on or off. I think I need to leave it off since I can equalize from my Freedom inverter but I'm not positive. It wouldn't make sense to me to equalize from both.

It does sound like I need to switch out the charge controller. I know it's old and since I don't know anything about solar, I'm not positive how or if it works and I don't know how to check it.

I have been using Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost 2512i(X) for several years and have been very happy with it.
www.bluyskyenergyinc.com

Heliotrope made and used by the company that AMsolar in Oregon became , are old , not even used by AMsolar anymore a quality 40 amp pwm controller ( all you probably need ) are reasonably priced. I have used Morningstar and currently use a bogart sc2030 connected to a bogart trimetric tm2030 rv That monitors battery life and runs the controller.
Probably overkill but I would suggest at some point you add a battery monitor to the mix. I don’t use grape solar controllers but I do have grape panels and they seem to be a quality product.
If you really want info on the heliotrope.. call AMSolar in Springfield Oregon .. they made the device and can give you the info you desire.

+1 on Grape Solar. Contact customer support for a link to the blue tooth app. Allows you to download the history.

Hi,

The Heliotrope controllers are not worth using. Go to Home Depot and acquire the Grape 40 amp controller. It will blow the Helio right out of the water.