Another Low Cost MPPT Deal or Not?

I found this on youtube if you are interested in seeing the guts of this controller.

click

Saw this today blue sky 30a MPPT

That was fast. I look forward to your review.

Yes, please. :)

ok, I got it. It'll be after xmas before I get a chance to do any testing. I'll start a new thread with results

BFL13 wrote:
Possible alternative to the Eco-Worthy (at $102,) this is $30 more, but also with free shipping, but has the remote (short wire though--maybe you can get longer wire from phone or whatever?) Pretty sure I have seen Tracers at closer to $200?

Still 20a but wow 150v input limit. ( The Eco is kind of limited at its 42v) So this one could be used with a string of 12v panels in series whereas the Eco can't be.

Seems like a good deal, but is there any catch?

(Sorry, I know it isn't a Rogue, but might get the job done for some folks--if its any good that is )

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Tracer2215RN-20A-12V-24V-MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controller-Regulator-150V-MT-5-Meter-/231092870597?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ce355dc5

They state the remote cable is an RJ-45 so any Cat 5 Ethernet cable will work. need to verify whether straight through or flipped though.

I didn't know the controller Voc limit was related to battery voltage. I thought it (and controller amps rating) was the total panel Voc whether you were in series or parallel, whatever. I know controller wattage limit is twice at 24 vs 12 battery voltage, but isn't that different?

The 150v voc limit is for 24v it seems

That link in the OP has a very interesting blurb on when to choose PWM and MPPT, saying if it is either sunny or raining you might as well get PWM, but if cloudy you do better with MPPT (more to it than that--worth a read)

Same blurb says their MPPTs are 100v input limited. Inconsistent with 150v of the OP controller spec. Whatever.

If you look at their collection of solar controllers , there are several of these at various prices. You can get this one without the remote for a few dollars less.

It also says it has a 4-stage charging profile (Eco is 3 stage but not sure if that is significant)

Shadow

Check the OP of the tread you posted. ;)

Now then did they have fun ripping the Eco W for being unknown, sure they did. Did I enjoy reporting back a year later that it was still functioning as advertized, I sure did.

Now if you want to see them rip a new controller, check out how they reacted to the Rogue when it was new.

As for the VOC limits, two things. One is the Eco W is a perfect match for a 250-260w 24v panel. Second if the MS's VOC limit makes it better than the Eco-W, then the controller discussed here has a higher VOC limit than the MS, so does that mean it is a better unit than both of the others?

The answer of course is the one that fills your needs dependably is the best one for you. I'm happy to see new gear come out and be tested. There is no value in me puffing up my chest and saying mine is better than yours, the best I can do is say it fills my needs better. In my case the MS 15a was too small and the Rogue 30a too big.

hmk, I look forward to your review and I'll post what I find here too.