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shanebevel
Newbie
Joined: 04 Jul 2015
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Posts: 10
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Topic: ZAMP wiring Posted: 16 Jul 2015 at 12:23pm |
Yup, or a SAE to PowerPole pigtail and then I can power everything I already have with PowerPoles. Why more people don't use that connector, I don't know. They are just awesome.
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128
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Posted: 16 Jul 2015 at 12:19pm |
Originally posted by shanebevel
As a weird side note, the first thing I thought when I saw the port was power access! The plug used (while not the awesome Anderson Power Pole) is a standard connector, so a man could build a pigtail to whatever he wanted and access 12v from the back of the camper through a sizable cable. Ham radio/chargers/12v led lantern all kinds of stuff.
My only thought was that I didn't know if it ran through a converter of some type, but it looks like a direct connection, so that's pretty cool!
So in theory, any solar panel producing 12v+ could be used here right? Not just a zamp branded kit.
Shane |
Yes you can add a SAE connector to any panel/controller combo and feed at that port.. and yes.. 12v goes both ways.. so you could add a properly wired SAE connector to anything 12v you wanted to power outside.
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shanebevel
Newbie
Joined: 04 Jul 2015
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Posts: 10
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Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 11:02pm |
As a weird side note, the first thing I thought when I saw the port was power access! The plug used (while not the awesome Anderson Power Pole) is a standard connector, so a man could build a pigtail to whatever he wanted and access 12v from the back of the camper through a sizable cable. Ham radio/chargers/12v led lantern all kinds of stuff.
My only thought was that I didn't know if it ran through a converter of some type, but it looks like a direct connection, so that's pretty cool!
So in theory, any solar panel producing 12v+ could be used here right? Not just a zamp branded kit.
Shane
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mikeyg2347
Groupie
Joined: 27 May 2015
Location: MT
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Posts: 75
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Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 9:09pm |
oooops, I mean total distance of 50'. 20' plus 30', uh, somebody help me here...I ran out of fingers and toes.
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Mike
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mikeyg2347
Groupie
Joined: 27 May 2015
Location: MT
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Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 9:08pm |
Yep, I factored in the wire from the connector to the battery for a total distance of 20'. Should be OK with 10 gauge wire all the way from the charger to the battery.
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Mike
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
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Posts: 1108
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Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 7:30pm |
LOL, Good Deal...don't forget to add the original 20' or so if you are using the Zamp Plug!
Another acceptable practice if you don't know the amperage output of a panel, you can figure 1 amp for ever 15 watts of panel size. So a 50w panel is rated at about 3 amps out and a 100w panel at 6.
Since amperage increases power flow, distance will be shorter and/or wire size will be larger.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 12:31pm |
Ditto on the calculator!!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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mikeyg2347
Groupie
Joined: 27 May 2015
Location: MT
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Posted: 08 Jul 2015 at 10:22am |
That calculator is really cool. Makes it easy for the rookie/amateur (me) to get a fast answer. Looks like if I use 10 gauge cable I can go about 35' from the Zamp port and keep the line loss to less than 3%. Solar chargers can be a challenge when you want the trailer in the shade, but the solar panel needs to be in the sun. Thanks for the link.
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Mike
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108
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Posted: 07 Jul 2015 at 9:34pm |
This solar wire size calculator may help and has more info about some of the variables...
10g is a pretty good size tube, presumably done by FR and Zamp to mute any critics about the wire being to small. I think FR and Zamp nailed it. There is no money to be saved where wire is used for power transmission.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128
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Posted: 07 Jul 2015 at 6:01pm |
There are a few variables, but stranded copper 10g wire will lose about .25 volts every 15 feet. Your controller may have an adjustable output, or automatic.
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