R-pod Owners Forum : SOC

R-pod Owners Forum : SOC http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : SOC Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 17:10:19 +0000 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:56:16 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13799 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ SOC : +1. That looks like the one I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=135108#135108 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13799
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 1:56pm

+1. That looks like the one I have with my solar suitcase.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:56:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=135108#135108 SOC : Originally posted by fwunderI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=135105#135105 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13799
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 1:16pm

Originally posted by fwunder

I thought I should resurrect this thread because...

Recall that this thread started with what seemed like my controller stuck in charging boost mode. Well, I opened a ticket with Renogy with the same observations I disclosed here. The unit was over a year old but rarely used.

Well, it took a little while, but in the mail today arrived a brand new "New Edition Voyager Controller" No charge, no postage.

I have to say I do like when companies back up their products. Kudos to Renogy!

So very happy they came through for you. I had the complete opposite experience and ended up working out the issue with a EE friend of mine. As simple as the fix was, Renogy was having no part of it. At least the tech that was assigned my my case.

Happy to hear it worked out for you.

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:16:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=135105#135105 SOC : I thought I should resurrect this... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=135104#135104 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 12:54pm

I thought I should resurrect this thread because...

Well, it took a little while, but in the mail today arrived a brand new "New Edition Voyager Controller" No charge, no postage.

I have to say I do like when companies back up their products. Kudos to Renogy!

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:54:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=135104#135104 SOC : I understand the female workers... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134727#134727 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13799
Posted: 01 Aug 2020 at 6:48am

I understand the female workers only live 5-6 weeks on average anyway so a drone born early in the season has it pretty good....

Didn't know till I looked up bee reproduction just now that boy bees were haploid and females diploid, So the number of members in each generation going back are the sum of the two preceding ones, the Fibonacci sequence....1,1,2,3,5,6,13,21....Weird.

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2020 06:48:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134727#134727 SOC : I start the roundup with the boy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134726#134726 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 01 Aug 2020 at 5:29am

I start the roundup with the boy bees (drones) 'cuz they are easy to catch and don't have a stinger. The vast majority of the hive are girl worker bees and they can be really mean!

The drones are lazy boys. Their only work is to mate with a queen and only the fittest few will get this pleasure. Otherwise they sit around the hive being looked after by the workers or hang round on the bee equivalent of street corners waiting for a young queen to come by. All summer they luxuriate. But when the weather gets cold the workers drive these passengers outside to die. And yes, its true that when a drone mates with the queen he dies in the act.

Let that sink in... Confused

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2020 05:29:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134726#134726 SOC : All boy bees no girl bees? Do... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134722#134722 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13799
Posted: 01 Aug 2020 at 3:45am

All boy bees no girl bees? Do you count antenna segments? Tongue

]]> Sat, 01 Aug 2020 03:45:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134722#134722 SOC : Hey Leo. Those little tie... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134702#134702 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 5:06pm

Hey Leo. Those little tie downs would make great surf rod holders too!

Busy afternoon here rounding up the herd for branding. Fishing knots are good practice for making the lasso to catch these guys! That's Alfred, Al, Adam, Bob, Billybob, Billy Jr., Bud, Budowski, Baxter, Charlie, Carlos....

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:06:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134702#134702 SOC : Fred I had no doubt!!! That... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134699#134699 Author: Leo B
Subject: 13799
Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 4:11pm

Fred

I had no doubt!!! That is quite the set up!!!
You da man!!]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:11:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134699#134699 SOC : Found some nice inexpensive... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134696#134696 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 31 Jul 2020 at 2:37pm

Found some nice inexpensive tie downs for the rack mounted portable panel. I through bolted with 1/4 inch stainless bolt and lock nut. They feel very strong and are quick release.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NOC8Q6/

]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:37:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134696#134696 SOC : Hey Leo-welcome backwe missed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134524#134524 Author: Pod People
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 10:07am

Hey Leo-welcome back

we missed you

Vann

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:07:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134524#134524 SOC : Yes StephenH, your case is different... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134515#134515 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 7:32am

Yes StephenH, your case is different because you don't want to connect Li and PbA batteries in parallel. ]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:32:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134515#134515 SOC : Originally posted by offgridAnd... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134511#134511 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 7:05am

Originally posted by offgrid

And you don't need to separately connect the bargeman and solar either. The PV system and the alt can charge in parallel. In fact, if you want you can just connect the solar charge controller at the TV side of the bargeman and it will charge both the TV and trailer batteries. Either use 10AWG wire or add an appropriate fuse where you connect if you use smaller gauge wire.

I did not realize that. It is good to know. Thank you. In my case though, I did disconnect the Bargman's charge wire since I did run the dedicated circuit for the DC to DC charger. That charger will charge at 14.4V (or 14.6, 14.2 or 14.0V if so selected). Since the alternator has the same regulated feature, this would be higher than the TV's needs and I don't want to cook my TV's battery by feeding the higher voltage back through the system.
]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:05:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134511#134511 SOC : Hey Leo! Please note: Through... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134507#134507 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 6:47am

Hey Leo! Please note: Through it all, I didn't mess with the rod holder! ]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 06:47:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134507#134507 SOC : Great to see you havent changed!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134503#134503 Author: Leo B
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 6:37am

Great to see you havent changed!]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 06:37:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134503#134503 SOC : Hey! I'm retired. It's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134502#134502 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 6:34am

Hey! I'm retired. It's my job to overthink stuff! LOL

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 06:34:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134502#134502 SOC : Originally posted by fwunderShort... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134498#134498 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13799
Posted: 28 Jul 2020 at 5:57am

Originally posted by fwunder

Short answer is: If I'm going to carry the panel anyway, why not put it to work?

More than that though...

The last couple of years I have been getting an inexplicable flame-out with no restart while running fridge on propane while towing. I traveled across country and back and many other trips with no issue. I still have not figured out why or come up with a good solution yet. Anyway, the easy/quick solution was to switch fridge to 12v and keep on going. Heretofore, I have arrived at either a campground with hookups or home so I put the problem on the back burner, so to speak. Strangely, the fridge always fired up in propane mode with no problem when I arrived.

I did notice the batteries take a hit after an all day drive running the fridge on 12v.

What research I could find re: Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma, the 7 pin is just too wimpy to supply any significant charge to trailer batteries.

Further, I did come across this which may be worth considering:

The Bargeman Supply "+12V" does not normally have sufficient voltage to charge Trailer Batteries. In modern vehicles, including the Tundra, the Alternator contains an electronic controller which adjusts output (Voltage, and therefore Amps) according to the measured "State of Charge" found via the "Sense" wire. For a short time after starting, the voltage WILL be sufficient to charge the batteries - but the "State of Charge" recovers pretty quickly, and the alternator reduces its voltage to a "float" level of 13.5 - 13.8V.

All that said, if I'm gonna carry the panel anyway, might as well put it to work. Smile

And it's a fun project.

You guys are overthinking this a bit.

There is no harm done by connecting up the PV module while driving, but your alternator will work fine as well, It will set its voltage at around 13.5-13.8 which means it will maintain the TV batt at that voltage. That's what its supposed to do.

Meanwhile back at the trailer battery, the voltage maintained will be a little lower. There will be a voltage drop from the current flow feeding the fridge in the conductors going to the bargeman from the TV batt and from the bargeman to the trailer batt. Assume 10AWG wire (should be), a total one way distance of 20 ft and the fridge requirement of about 10A you will be around 0.5V lower at the trailer battery, so still over 13V. No big deal, trailer battery will still be fully charged when you get to camp, just not floated.

And you don't need to separately connect the bargeman and solar either. The PV system and the alt can charge in parallel. In fact, if you want you can just connect the solar charge controller at the TV side of the bargeman and it will charge both the TV and trailer batteries. Either use 10AWG wire or add an appropriate fuse where you connect if you use smaller gauge wire.

]]> Tue, 28 Jul 2020 05:57:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134498#134498 SOC : Triple duty! Guarding bee hives!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134491#134491 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 5:52pm

Triple duty! Guarding bee hives! Group 24 w/electric fence.

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 17:52:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134491#134491 SOC : It's a good question Stephen,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134490#134490 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 4:35pm

It's a good question Stephen, but I would imagine the TV alternator probably has some kind of backfeed protection. I have hooked up to shore power with converter on and TV 7pin plugged in and never had a problem....besides this annoying itch.
]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:35:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134490#134490 SOC : Okay. Are you going to disconnect... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134488#134488 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13799
Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 4:15pm

Okay. Are you going to disconnect the 7-way connector's charge wire then or at least put a switch on it so that it and the solar panel won't be conflicting? I'm not sure how having a solar panel feeding into the charging system would affect the TV's battery and alternator.]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:15:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134488#134488 SOC : Short answer is: If I'm... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134484#134484 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 2:52pm

Short answer is: If I'm going to carry the panel anyway, why not put it to work?

More than that though...

I did notice the batteries take a hit after an all day drive running the fridge on 12v.

What research I could find re: Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma, the 7 pin is just too wimpy to supply any significant charge to trailer batteries.

Further, I did come across this which may be worth considering:

All that said, if I'm gonna carry the panel anyway, might as well put it to work. Smile

And it's a fun project.

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:52:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134484#134484 SOC : Looks nice! I'm not sure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134477#134477 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13799
Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 12:07pm

Looks nice! I'm not sure though why you would want the solar to charge while you are on the road. Won't the vehicle alternator be doing that function? On mine, I disconnected the charging wire in the 7-way plug because it was not working for my LiFePO4 battery but I did run a separate charging wire through a battery isolator solenoid to run the DC to DC charger which works great. However, that should not be needed for the two 6V batteries you have. The panel will be good once you get somewhere and are off-grid camping, but I don't understand the use of it while on the road. Please enlighten me.
]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:07:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134477#134477 SOC : OK, I think this will work. Now... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134471#134471 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 27 Jul 2020 at 8:47am

OK, I think this will work. Now you can see why I kept the stretcher inboard. Needed to make room for my rod holder and a kayak on other side of rod holder (lightweight sch 40 Foam core PVC).

I made up a length of 10 AWG, sleeved with braided cable sleeve. Mc4 on panel end. Anderson powerpole 45 amp on other end. I use a lot of anderson powerpoles and bonded zip cord from Powerwerx. The cable snakes down the inside edge of back hatch. It's not pinched.

Haven't decided how to attach to roof rack. Could just lash it down with some paracord or u-bolt or combination. Dunno yet.

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2020 08:47:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134471#134471 SOC : Ohhh, thanks guys! I was able... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134445#134445 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 2:53pm

Ohhh, thanks guys! I was able to spin them off while vhb was hot and not cured. I should have known better. Was really overkill anyway. It's plenty strong without.

That's why I visit this place!

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 14:53:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134445#134445 SOC : OG is right. You should not attach... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134433#134433 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 1:34pm

OG is right. You should not attach anything to the backs of the panels. Use the frame. Another thought I had is that you might want to use schedule 80 PVC for the frame. Walls are a bit thicker & stronger. However, if you feel it's strong enough now, there's no need to add weight.]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 13:34:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134433#134433 SOC : I'd recommend against placing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134423#134423 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 12:45pm

I'd recommend against placing pressure on the backs of the cells like that, they can develop fractures really easily. You won't see them but they will eventually degrade electrical performance. The frame is fine, you can just outboard the mounting legs to the corners, and drill holes in the frame where you want them The inboard holes are there so the modules can be mounted to handle really heavy wind and snow loads which you will never see in a portable application.

I would guess that the controller just resets when you disconnect it from battery power. One of the software versions warns against having a load on the batt during equalization because it can get stuck if that's happening, not sure which version was causing the issue originally at this point. Anyhow in gel/AGM mode it will never equalize so problem solved. You don't need both controllers to equalize anyhow.

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 12:45:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134423#134423 SOC : Originally posted by ToolmanJohnIt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134420#134420 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 11:54am

Originally posted by ToolmanJohn

It looks like the Renogy solar controller might have a similar feature, but stuck on equalization?

Thanks John. I may have accidentally somehow reset the controller. I swapped battery and solar connections. Yes, I have them clearly labeled. Just wasn't paying attention. Anyway it complained about battery overload. When I hooked it up properly, it seems it may be functioning better. At least, when side-by-side with new controller.

I have detailed all of this to Renogy. It would be nice to hear from them.

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:54:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134420#134420 SOC : Modified version of panel mount/stand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134419#134419 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 11:49am

Modified version of panel mount/stand is much stronger. Shortened legs, glued it up, added some bracing with pvc blocks and vhb tape and added a simple preventer with paracord and trucker's hitch to keep it from collapsing. It's easier to adjust than the Renogy suitcase.

I think this will work.

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:49:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134419#134419 SOC : Originally posted by OlddawgsruleHa..... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134418#134418 Author: fwunder
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 11:43am

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Ha.. I learned it from my Grandfather who did it in Newfoundland. Not just a WV thing! Between that and the Kindling Cracker life is good! Well, the splitter as well...

Yeah, I am sure the tire method was invented shortly after the wheel was. Now I have to have that Kindling Cracker!! I thought I was hip with my Fiskars 28 inch hookaroon!

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:43:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134418#134418 SOC : Solar is awesome!!On my STECA... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134415#134415 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 11:02am

Solar is awesome!!

On my STECA SOLARIX PRS 2020 20A charger controller (150 watt rook mount panel) the chart for voltage levels is:

End of charge voltage (float) 13,9 V

Boost charge voltage (boost) 14,4 V

Equalization charge (equal) 14,7 V (MONTHLY)

The equalization charge only happens every when there's enough solar power to do so. This is on 2 Trojan T-105 6 volt golf cart batteries in series (12 volts). There must be an internal clock keeping track of when it happens. The solar charge controller is directly hooked to the batteries, regardless of whatever the charger/converter is doing, the solar does it's thing when it decides to do it. Which is nearly 100% of the time. I only plug into shore power at home when prepping for a trip (cooling fridge on electric, or running the A/C while cleaning inside the camper).

It looks like the Renogy solar controller might have a similar feature, but stuck on equalization?

I have had my batteries installed in the trailer (mine are in the trailer nose, not an R-Pod), always check water levels before storage, and left alone all winter to take care of themselves. So far results are great. Just a little water to add each spring. Solar is awesome!!

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 11:02:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134415#134415 SOC : Originally posted by fwunderAfter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134404#134404 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 13799
Posted: 26 Jul 2020 at 7:02am

Originally posted by fwunder

After bending down to chase after all the pieces for a few years, you learn that those WV farmers had some good ideas. I lived in SW Virginia for 6+ years - Blacksburg.

Ha.. I learned it from my Grandfather who did it in Newfoundland. Not just a WV thing! Between that and the Kindling Cracker life is good! Well, the splitter as well...

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 07:02:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13799&PID=134404#134404