Thanks to Ken I found a paper showing advanced testing of MPPT algorithms using a boost controller (my $8 experiment) and voltage control over the load.
I just need to reconfigure it so that the solar cells drive the boost controller into a higher voltage load, not lower. Duh! Time to reconfigure the batteries into a series 24 v bank. If the resistance of the batteries is not right i will try others, or some pure resistive lads. It looks like it will work for measuring the max power point manually in theory after all. Funny they did JUST what I did, but with different values, and a silly computer in the mix to vary the booster voltage into the load. Maybe I was closer than I thought.
Cool paper on maximizing MPPT outputJim
