Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Used 2015 178

Used 2015 178 - Zamp Solar Port Questions

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Topic: Used 2015 178 - Zamp Solar Port Questions

Posted By: PodDude
Subject: Used 2015 178 - Zamp Solar Port Questions
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2016 at 5:26pm

Well we bought a used 2015 178. It came with a GP electric solar kit - I believe this one - http://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-PSK-120-Portable-Controller/dp/B009MIPH4K - http://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-GP-PSK-120-Portable-Controller/dp/B009MIPH4K .

The original owner had a hookup for the 2 pin Zamp connector but said it never worked. It seems like it was a generic connection for the solar kit the owner wired to a SAE quick connection, I took it apart to see if I could figure out what is wrong, the (neutral?) wire came out of the crimp very easy that may have been the problem. But the SAE connection wire seemed like very small gauge, maybe that is the problem?

I was thinking about buying this - http://gpelectric.com/products/sae-solar-plug - http://gpelectric.com/products/sae-solar-plug but there is no fuse, do I need an inline fuse? I think the Zamp connection has a fuse but I havent' been able find it. And this connector $25.

Or I thought about wiring this to the existing connector - http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0069-6-Terminal-Disconnect/dp/B000NCOKZQ - http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0069-6-Terminal-Disconnect/dp/B000NCOKZQ , but it's only 18 AWG, which I believe I read could be a problem.

Any advise? would be appreciated!

Replies:

Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2016 at 11:07am

Use a multimeter or a 12v tester to see if you have power at the zamp plug. test the pug and then test the wire connex. Use a multimeter or continuity tester to check continuity on the wires between the connector and the battery. Disconnect from the battery before testing continuity. The wires from the Zamp connector to the battery should be 10 ga wires, a red one (hot) and a white (or black) one, ground. I would guess there is a bad connection. Easy to fix. While you're at it, put a fuse in the red line at the battery (probably a 10 amp fuse depending on the output of your solar kit.The zamp plug does not have a fuse.