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Solar Panel Charge Waveform

DarkSkySeeker
Explorer
Explorer
I wanted to see what my solar panel was doing when charging my batteries so I borrowed a single board oscilloscope from a friend and took this video. This explains why my analog ammeter doesn't show any current flow.

Youtube
There is something special about camping in an RV.
.
18 REPLIES 18

DarkSkySeeker
Explorer
Explorer
pigman1 wrote:
What controller? Size, Brand, model, rating of panel and size, brand, rating, age of batteries? Battery charge state?

Click

15Ah battery recovered from one of those combination light/radio/powersource handheld accessories.
There is something special about camping in an RV.
.

DarkSkySeeker
Explorer
Explorer
Son of Norway wrote:
OK, I have noticed the same thing with my analog meter. Can you explain to me how the waveform on the oscilloscope shows why the analog meter won't work? (I have three kids who are engineers, so obviously the apples sometimes DO fall far from the tree.)

When the charge is applied in 10-20ms pulses, an analog meter can not respond - at least mine - which is a mechanical needle in a housing. By the time the needle wants to rise as the voltage rises and current flows, the voltage drops and the current stops. The needle can't respond.
There is something special about camping in an RV.
.

Son_of_Norway
Explorer
Explorer
OK, I have noticed the same thing with my analog meter. Can you explain to me how the waveform on the oscilloscope shows why the analog meter won't work? (I have three kids who are engineers, so obviously the apples sometimes DO fall far from the tree.)
Miles and Darcey
1989 Holiday Rambler Crown Imperial
Denver, CO

pigman1
Explorer
Explorer
What controller? Size, Brand, model, rating of panel and size, brand, rating, age of batteries? Battery charge state?
Pigman & Piglady
2013 Tiffin Allegro Bus 43' QGP
2011 Chevy Silverado 1500
SMI Air Force One toad brake
Street Atlas USA Plus