Rogue 30A controller in front storage space?
Have just just received it new MPPT 3048. It is solid. Perhaps too solid ;) - bigger than I thought. 4.5" thick, 8x8.5" front. With this amperage it can't be smaller, and 45A unit from Morningstar is ...
Forum Discussion
KJINTF wrote:
If you decide to mount that nice looking controller inside the storage compartment, How will you access the integrated front panel to check status or change the settings?
That's possibly my biggest negative for the Rouge controller - when mounted out of sight the panel becomes almost usless - sure would like to see the panel optional and a nice remote panel available
It's looking quite "technical". Would look nice in the kitchen, not in the bedroom. Alright, enough women talk.
I can see and change anything remotely via serial data cable with optional $45 converter - don't know if I need this yet, will see later. The plan is to mount it on the wall next to the hatch where I could see it and push the buttons if I have to. Once setpoints are adjusted, I don't need to do anything other than checking the display once in a while for curiosity (or doing equalization from time to time which I am not sure I can, with these AGM).
There was an optional remote display with previous model, but I don't see it offered with the current model. At that price, you won't get a 30A controller with remote display anyway. TS MPPT 45 without any display on the main unit costs slightly more.
BFL - yes, controller in the storage will allow slightly shorter battery cables, but there is a voltage sense cable included so in any event it boils down to lost watts rather than incorrect setpoints. Cable length does matter - you don't want to lose watts or amp-hours, but the difference btw location in bedroom and storage is insignificant. The bedroom night table is the "ceiling" of that storage that you see through the hatch, so cable length doesn't change much.
PS: while I was thinking slowly, and typing, I see others have answered most questions already. And no, BFL, this is not a beauty to my subjective taste. Can paint it black if place it in bedroom. Or maybe pink :) ?
