2oldman wrote:
Is there an inverter in this mix somewhere? Do you dry camp?
If you're on shore with a charger you really don't need to have solar working with it.
I do dry camp, but no inverter. I don’t really see the need for one. The only things that won’t work off 12V or LP gas is my microwave and air conditioner. Neither of which I would use an inverter for, I’d rather fire up the generator for those and save the battery capacity. I do have a 175W inverter for small things, but even my iPad, iPhone, laptop, etc all have 12V cords to charge direct off 12V circuits.
When on shore power, no, I don’t need the solar charger in the mix. However, for simplicity sake, I’d rather have a system that will manage that for me. I would prefer no to have to turn off one system before turning on the other, and would rather have them figure out what they need to coexist and do the right thing. With that said, if I have to I will.
DrewE wrote:
I think you may be a little confused about how things are wired currently. The 120V and 12V systems are isolated from each other, except in that the converter is a 120V load and ….
Very good info. I do realize 12V and 120V are isolated circuits. I probably should have stated independent of a converter, rather that isolated.
Its starting to sound like a PD4645 upgrade to my Magnetek 6345 is the easiest way to go, and then just install a solar system and try to match the charger and controller with regard to charge voltage settings. And if the PD4645 is happy working without a battery connected, thats perfect as it solves that problem as well.
I just did some reading on filtered vs unfiltered. More knowledge is a good thing :)
Thanks for the info. I’ll continue researching solar systems and controllers. Installation seems like a breeze, and I already know where I can route the wiring and monitor placement. My last issue will be making enough space to update to dual batteries in the current space, or find a new location for them.
