ISB Sola Basic advice?

[Lou_Morris]

I'm interested in buying a Sola Basic voltage regulator for our Class C 30 AMP RV, but have a question about the wiring. I'm looking for one I don't have to hard wire.

I'm in Mexico (Sayulita) now. I've been through the various threads about this topic, and I've seen recommendations for the the Sola Basic 4000. But I still am not clear about whether this unit requires hard wiring? It is not clear from the images. Some have mentioned creating their own in/out plugs, but I'd like to avoid that.

I'm hoping to find a portable unit that I can simply plug my surge protector into the IN port (I have a Progressive Industries portable) and then my 30AMP RV cable into the OUT port. The surge protector would then plug into the pedestal.

I've browsed MercadoLibre and seen the 4000 there, and several other Sola Basic models available as well. Some model images show in/out ports to plug into, others (like the 4000) do not.

So, any Sola Basic 4000 users out there who can advise? Is this unit portable in this way, or does it require hard wiring? Are there other Sola Basic units that are portable and would serve our 30AM needs?

[CA_Traveler]

The Amazon review does have a picture of the inside and it does the job for the 3 reviewers. And maybe it does need a pre inspection as suggested by one reviewer.

For an RV I would: Change the input and outputs to a 30A RV plug. Then use adapters to allow for 20/30/50A RV pedestal plugs.

The wiring looks small for a full 30A and one unit has a lower rating.

I'd disable the 220V output switch so that it can't be accidently switched to that output. As noted above it doesn't appear to be 120/240V compatible just 220V and the wiring/plugs confirm that.

However in terms of being in a CG with low voltage these units could be useful. And in places like Mexico with it's 127V standard (and often reported higher voltage) it would help.

I'm considering taking the rig to Puerto Penasco for the first time and others have noted over 130V.

[navegator]

Sorry for the question, I figured it out the 50/60 Hz statement means that it will work in either 50 Hz or with 60 Hz since it is completely electronic and has no motor in the construction.

Many moons ago Mexico City and visinity was part of Compania de Luz y Fuerza Motriz, if my memory serves me right the original owners were British, they provided 110 Ac 50 cycles (that was what they called them) power being generated at the Necaxa dam.

The rest of Mexico was all 120 v 60 cycles from the Comicion Federal, as far as I remember, today Mexico City is 120 v 60Hz.

Thanks ya all for the info, at least now I know the peed of the dinamos.

navegator

[CA_Traveler]

Most (all?) of the EU is 230V/50HZ. The US is 120 +-10% so these units might be a little low unless they can be changed.

[CA_Traveler]

Almot wrote:
CA, manual in the link is indeed from European site. Couldn't find any for the US.

Amazon sell them in US version. One review shows cr.appy soldering work inside.

There is a similar ATVR 5000 on Ebay by Nippon America - output terminal posts for 110 and 220V, frequency 50/60 Hz. Go figure. They also have 8000 model with digital voltmeters. Have some doubts that "Nippon" is still Japanese - it can't be, at this price.

At least this one is 4% regulation or 105.6V, but on the low side.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

They don't convert hertz. It just means it will work with either 60 or 50 hertz.

[Almot]

navegator wrote:
Can any one explain how they change 50 Hz to 60 Hz at the end of the line?

I don't understand the question. The standard is 60 Hz both in the US and Mexico. Is it 50 Hz in some places here?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

1800 RPM reduced to 1500 RPM

[navegator]

Can any one explain how they change 50 Hz to 60 Hz at the end of the line?

My understanding is that that is from the power plant or generating station with the speed of the generator or dynamo, is that correct?

I try to learn something new every day.

navegator

[Almot]

CA, manual in the link is indeed from European site. Couldn't find any for the US.

Amazon sell them in US version. One review shows cr.appy soldering work inside.

There is a similar ATVR 5000 on Ebay by Nippon America - output terminal posts for 110 and 220V, frequency 50/60 Hz. Go figure. They also have 8000 model with digital voltmeters. Have some doubts that "Nippon" is still Japanese - it can't be, at this price.

[CA_Traveler]

With multiple output plugs perhaps limited to 15-20A each it’s not clear how it could be adapted for a 30A RV. I was wondering about the 110V and 220V labels since the US standard is 120V and 240V. Apparently the 220V is for 3 wire applications and not the 120/240V 4 wire 50A RV power.

And Almot’s link shows 50Hz not 60Hz and 110V +/- 5%. That’s down to 104.5V. The 5000VA/220V=22.7A and apparently 22.7A is the maximum 110V limit. Not sure what the “Delay” is used for. Red flags are up for me until I learn more as it doesn’t appear to be for US power or RVs.

[Almot]

Regvolt ATVR-5000, manual from 2014: 22.7A max.

Chinese origin confirmed, btw.

[Almot]

navegator wrote:
This might not be to good for RV's since it does take up a lot of space and needs orientation for connective air circulation of the cooling fins plus the dedicated ground, I think that the ISB Sola Basic is a better option.

Ecowise 30A: 26 x 16.5 x 18 cm, 7kg.
Sola 4KVA: 29 x 21 x 25.5 cm, bigger and much heavier 12.7 kg.

Fins orientation in Ecowise, yes.

One thing that is better in Eco is that it doesn't have fixed boost step at low voltage, but rather, keeps it steady 115V, no matter if the input is 100 or 140.
I recall Don had problems with Sola because it didn't boost until voltage dropped to 100-something?

Interesting - Eco description at homedepot.mx says "pico suppressor". I don't see it mentioned on Eco website.

ATVR-5000 is same big and heavy as Sola, but I like the cost and amps. Somehow it feels like Chinese import though. Can anybody comment on alleged protection from "surge and spike" in this unit?

[navegator]

Last night I checked the web site of ecowise.mx and downloaded the PDF's for installation instructions and operators manual, and from the video these are fairly large boxes plus they stress that a dedicated ground needs to be installed or the unit will not work correct, it is an electronic unit and I found out that the unit needs to be installed up right because it has large cooling fins at the back.

The instructions and install manuals stress the ground or the warranty is void, they also indicate that it is for Mexico only and is 30 Amps, it is an American product I do not know if is manufactured in Mexico or in the USA, parent company is Power Wise Group.

This might not be to good for RV's since it does take up a lot of space and needs orientation for connective air circulation of the cooling fins plus the dedicated ground, I think that the ISB Sola Basic is a better option.

navegator

[pianotuna]

They have a 5000 watt unit, too.

Kidoo wrote:
What do you think of this one.

https://www.110220volts.com/atvr-8000.html

[Kidoo]

What do you think of this one.

https://www.110220volts.com/atvr-8000.html