Solar30 controller question

grizzzman wrote:
It would "likely" be an ok weekender system though.

Or a storage maintainer. Will go on and off, keeping it around your selected 13-something. Still not perfect because then it won't hit Absorb even momentarily.

RJsfishin wrote:

Almot wrote:
I recall it's a single mode charger. It goes up to some voltage and then shuts down. So if you set it to Abs around 14V, you have to change it to Float when the time is right - and if you're there. Better wait until BFL comes from holidays, my recollection might be wrong.

Its ok to say "I don't know" because obviously you don't. Or say nothing at all.

Strange reaction, considering that the answer was correct. Need some coffee after holidays, perhaps.

smkettner wrote:
I would be tempted to put the restart voltage lower such as 12.5 if there was no real 'float'.
At least you saved some money....

The problem is that there is no absorb charging. (Very important if you want to reach at least 90% charge day to day) It would "likely" be an ok weekender system though. (As long as the person changes the voltages on a as needed basis) Like what BFL13 does.

I would be tempted to put the restart voltage lower such as 12.5 if there was no real 'float'.
At least you saved some money....

RJsfishin wrote:

Almot wrote:
I recall it's a single mode charger. It goes up to some voltage and then shuts down. So if you set it to Abs around 14V, you have to change it to Float when the time is right - and if you're there. Better wait until BFL comes from holidays, my recollection might be wrong.

Its ok to say "I don't know" because obviously you don't. Or say nothing at all.
My solar 30 operates the same as my PD w/ wizard. I have it adjusted to 14.6 bulk. I don't remember what the float was, but w/in any other float range.

Seems to me that you need to heed your own words.
Solar30 manuel

Snowman9000 wrote:
I've been reviewing the archives. So the Solar30 is adjustable for charging voltage. From BFL13's posts, I think what I get is that it is a taper charger, and they take liberties with the term "float". It puts full amps to the battery until Vabs is reached. Then it does what?

Shuts off?
Floats at a lower voltage?
Continues tapering at Vabs?

I get the impression it shuts off.

Yes it shuts off (At a voltage you select) then it turns back on (At a voltage you select) As an example you could set it at 14.8 volts then set it to turn back on at 13.4 volts.

Make NO mistake this is a cheap and inefficient solar charge controller. As an example, if you dont understand that it would need to be turned down durring non use times, it will eventually overcharge your batteries.
Good luck with your adventures

Almot wrote:
I recall it's a single mode charger. It goes up to some voltage and then shuts down. So if you set it to Abs around 14V, you have to change it to Float when the time is right - and if you're there. Better wait until BFL comes from holidays, my recollection might be wrong.

Its ok to say "I don't know" because obviously you don't. Or say nothing at all.
My solar 30 operates the same as my PD w/ wizard. I have it adjusted to 14.6 bulk. I don't remember what the float was, but w/in any other float range.

I recall it's a single mode charger. It goes up to some voltage and then shuts down. So if you set it to Abs around 14V, you have to change it to Float when the time is right - and if you're there. Better wait until BFL comes from holidays, my recollection might be wrong.