Print Page | Close Window

solar controller mounting

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12127
Printed Date: 06 May 2024 at 10:16pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: solar controller mounting
Posted By: oregonkramer
Subject: solar controller mounting
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2018 at 5:36pm
I just bought the Renology solar panel kit and am trying to figure out where to place the Wanderer controller. I want to use the Zamp connector and though I could splice into the plug line to the battery but couldn't find the route to the battery. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.



Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 9:25am
The zamp connector should go directly to the battery. You can put the solar controller right at the panel(s), and just extend the battery connection through the zamp connector.

Or you could bypass the zamp connector, and wire your panel/controller directly to the battery.


-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: BVK
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 10:03am
Originally posted by GlueGuy

The zamp connector should go directly to the battery. You can put the solar controller right at the panel(s), and just extend the battery connection through the zamp connector.

Or you could bypass the zamp connector, and wire your panel/controller directly to the battery.
From what I've read about the ZAMP ports (we don't have one on our 2012 171), the polarity is reversed on the plug, which requires the purchase (or hacking together) of an adapter to correct the polarity.

Does that coincide with your experience?


-------------
2012 RP-171 HRE, 2006 F-150


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 11:49am
Originally posted by BVK

Originally posted by GlueGuy

The zamp connector should go directly to the battery. You can put the solar controller right at the panel(s), and just extend the battery connection through the zamp connector.

Or you could bypass the zamp connector, and wire your panel/controller directly to the battery.
From what I've read about the ZAMP ports (we don't have one on our 2012 171), the polarity is reversed on the plug, which requires the purchase (or hacking together) of an adapter to correct the polarity.

Does that coincide with your experience?


It's about 50/50.. just switch the cables at the battery. It's 12v..


-------------


Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:04pm
"It's about 50/50.. just switch the cables at the battery. It's 12v."

The solar cables to the battery.  Not the battery cables.


-------------
Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:13pm
Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

"It's about 50/50.. just switch the cables at the battery. It's 12v."

The solar cables to the battery.  Not the battery cables.


Yes.. a given within the scope of the question, but yes the 2 smaller cables at the battery are the leads from the zamp port. Just switch them if needed.


-------------


Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2018 at 1:24pm
You are right.  But with the range of electrical knowledge we see on this forum I just thought we could avoid the inevitable post about why did I loose all power when I swapped the battery leads.


-------------
Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150



Print Page | Close Window

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz - http://www.webwizguide.com