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GayleWYO 
Newbie 
Joined: 30 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
 Topic: Solar panels to charge batteriesPosted: 09 Jun 2015 at 9:44am |
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Is it okay to use a solar panel other than Zamp
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johnmaci
Senior Member 
Joined: 17 Jun 2014 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 202 |
Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 10:02am |
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I would say yes; panels are panels. What matters are the connectors.
I use a Renology Solar Suitcase. If you have a newer Pod with a built-in Zamp controller, you can get the cheaper model w/o a controller: http://www.renogy-store.com/Solar-Suitcase-s/1889.htm -or- You can go with a boat panel kit (a bit pricier) with flexible panels: http://www.renogy-store.com/Solar-Boat-Kit-s/1906.htm |
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp 
Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 11:29am |
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The "solar ready or Zamp ready" pods DO NOT include a controller. You will need a controller. They are set up to be attached directly to any of the Zamp portable panel sets, which include a controller mounted on the panel.
The only "advantage" of going with a Zamp sourced kit is it's pure "plug and play". But you don't have to use a Zamp panel or controller. Amazon has several portable panel sets with built in controller for much less than Zamp wants. If you want to use the Zamp plug on the pod, you will have to add it to the wiring coming from the controller. |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp 
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 12:23pm |
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Don't forget to add a fuse in the Zamp line at the battery.
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108 |
Posted: 09 Jun 2015 at 6:41pm |
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Yes, I put together a panel and charge controller and set it up to plug right into the "Zamp" plug. It's just an SAE plug connected to two #10 wires that run directly to the battery. Adding a fuse is always a good idea.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
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GayleWYO
Newbie
Joined: 30 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 9:49am |
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thanks for your help
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MurphDog
Newbie
Joined: 18 Oct 2014 Location: SLC, UT Online Status: Offline Posts: 12 |
Posted: 10 Jun 2015 at 5:19pm |
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I also have a Renology. Works like a charm. I run the Fantastic Fan all day and run LED lights at night. My battery never dips. I just rotate the panel a few times a day to follow the sun.
Good luck! Dean
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2010 R-Pod 172, 2010 Mazda CX9
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mikeyg2347
Groupie 
Joined: 27 May 2015 Location: MT Online Status: Offline Posts: 75 |
Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 2:40pm |
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I bought a Renogy 100 watt charger and I want to attach a SAE plug. Which side of the
Zamp plug-in is positive? |
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Mike
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 5:32pm |
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108 |
Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 7:46pm |
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+++, I just wired two of these in the field this weekend and don't even know because like furpod said, always check the polarity with a meter and verify how they are wired and that's what I do.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
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Solar panels to charge batteries