R-pod Owners Forum : ZAMP solar plug in jack uage http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : ZAMP solar plug in jack uage Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:48:38 +0000 Thu, 26 May 2016 16:18:11 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7473 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Originally posted by... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=75883#75883 Author: Rustler
Subject: 7473
Posted: 26 May 2016 at 4:18pm

Originally posted by Podster

The plug is an "SAE" you can find them anywhere, but to a 10g size you may have to shop on line. I'm sure you can find one or two on Ebay. 

The POD is likely lacking the inline fuse on the charge lines due to the Zamp certification. 

This is a popular setup that can be fitted for the POD pretty darn easy. I agree with the idea that its always good insurance to include an inline fuse on the power side Good luck!






The reason for having a fuse on the charge side is due to requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC). The charge controller is sitting between a solar panel and a battery, which is capable of very high currents. The NEC considers the charge controller to be a potential short circuit during a fault condition. A fuse is required to protect battery wires during a short circuit fault condition.

The NEC is complex and often hard to understand. But it is worth following for fire safety reasons as well as protecting expensive equipment. The following link takes you to a lengthy discussion of the code from a solar power system perspective. There are some practical examples discussed as to properly protect a solar system and comply with the NEC.

The article is entitled:
Photovoltaic Power Systems And the 2005 National Electrical Code: Suggested Practices 

http://www.solar-electric.com/media/wysiwyg/PV-NEC-V-193.pdf




]]> Thu, 26 May 2016 16:18:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=75883#75883 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Just got an R Pod 178 last week.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=72720#72720 Author: Oliveman
Subject: 7473
Posted: 06 Apr 2016 at 12:58pm

Just got an R Pod 178 last week. Dealer ordered plug and I bought after market 80Watt panel. Huge savings
]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2016 12:58:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=72720#72720 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Git-er-done!A great idea. Who... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=71799#71799 Author: jimqbaum
Subject: 7473
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 2:36pm

Git-er-done!
A great idea. Who said the Yankees have one up on us Southern boys!

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:36:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=71799#71799 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : I was passing by the boating stuff... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=71798#71798 Author: pjfrog
Subject: 7473
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 2:14pm

 I was passing by the boating stuff at the local Walmart and found a 10 gauge, SAE 2pin used as a quick disconnect for a trolling motor.  I had to splice it onto the leads from my solar panels using crimp butt splices and it works swell.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:14:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=71798#71798 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Thanks for the homework!This is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70367#70367 Author: jimqbaum
Subject: 7473
Posted: 26 Feb 2016 at 9:01am

Thanks for the homework!
This is all coming together now.
]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:01:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70367#70367 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : The plug is an "SAE"... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70352#70352 Author: Podster
Subject: 7473
Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 8:16pm

The plug is an "SAE" you can find them anywhere, but to a 10g size you may have to shop on line. I'm sure you can find one or two on Ebay. 

The POD is likely lacking the inline fuse on the charge lines due to the Zamp certification. 

This is a popular setup that can be fitted for the POD pretty darn easy. I agree with the idea that its always good insurance to include an inline fuse on the power side Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456449228&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+suitcase

Here is an SAE connector...   QUICK DISCONNECT WIRE HARNESS 2 PIN - SAE CONNECTOR 10 GAUGE #PC100



]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:16:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70352#70352 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Originally posted by sailor323The... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70298#70298 Author: jimqbaum
Subject: 7473
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 8:03pm

Originally posted by sailor323

The plug  is one of several standard 12 volt plugs, readily available from many sources.  It is a 2 pin or 2 wire connector.  If you go that route get one rated for 10 amps.  And yes, you can save a lot over the cost of a Zamp set up.  For example, I bought 2 140 watt panels for $232 each.  Bear in mind, these panels are too large to be used as a "suitcase" unit.  Smaller panels are available--80 watt panels for about $160 each.  You also need a charge controller--$90 and up, up, up.  Also bear in mind that most charge controllers have to be mounted out of the weather but there are some on the market designed for harsh environments.  That's another advantage for the Zamp unit, the charge controller is integral to the panels.  I have posted a detailed description of my solar installation in the files section of the R-Pod owners Facebook page.

Thanks for the heads up. I will be looking into this for sure!

]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 20:03:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70298#70298 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : The plug is one of several standard12... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70264#70264 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7473
Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 9:09am

The plug  is one of several standard 12 volt plugs, readily available from many sources.  It is a 2 pin or 2 wire connector.  If you go that route get one rated for 10 amps.  And yes, you can save a lot over the cost of a Zamp set up.  For example, I bought 2 140 watt panels for $232 each.  Bear in mind, these panels are too large to be used as a "suitcase" unit.  Smaller panels are available--80 watt panels for about $160 each.  You also need a charge controller--$90 and up, up, up.  Also bear in mind that most charge controllers have to be mounted out of the weather but there are some on the market designed for harsh environments.  That's another advantage for the Zamp unit, the charge controller is integral to the panels.  I have posted a detailed description of my solar installation in the files section of the R-Pod owners Facebook page.
]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2016 09:09:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70264#70264 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Originally posted by sailor323Frankly,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70225#70225 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7473
Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 7:02pm

Originally posted by sailor323

Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused.  It should be even if used for solar charging.

I've said the same thing.  Big fire risk IMO.
]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2016 19:02:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70225#70225 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Originally posted by sailor323One... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70214#70214 Author: jimqbaum
Subject: 7473
Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 2:15pm

Originally posted by sailor323

One other consideration when buying "plug and play" is that you don't get to choose who actually manufactures the panel.

As for the Zamp plug on the pod, it runs directly to the battery.  As such, you can use it for a 12 volt source to run 12 volt appliances.  You should fuse it if you do.  Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused.  It should be even if used for solar charging.


Sounds like if a person were to research who the female plug manufacturer was one could fashion their own solar panel arrangement and save some major moola.Wink
]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2016 14:15:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70214#70214 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : One other consideration when buying"plug... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70205#70205 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7473
Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 10:19am

One other consideration when buying "plug and play" is that you don't get to choose who actually manufactures the panel.

As for the Zamp plug on the pod, it runs directly to the battery.  As such, you can use it for a 12 volt source to run 12 volt appliances.  You should fuse it if you do.  Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused.  It should be even if used for solar charging.
]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2016 10:19:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70205#70205 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : You can use whatever you want,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70193#70193 Author: Podster
Subject: 7473
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 9:20pm

You can use whatever you want, it doesn't have to be a "Zamp" Just make sure you have all of the right components and correct plugs. If you get familiar with how solar works and what is needed, you can save hundreds. Zamp is expensive because it's plug and play, no brain power required. :-)  

]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:20:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70193#70193 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : Zamp solar products are extremely... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70178#70178 Author: Hayduke
Subject: 7473
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 7:05pm

Zamp solar products are extremely overpriced, IMO]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2016 19:05:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70178#70178 ZAMP solar plug in jack uage : A contributor to another forum... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70168#70168 Author: jimqbaum
Subject: 7473
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 2:19pm

A contributor to another forum (Forest River) supplied this handy PDF file on the solar plug in for the newer PODS.
This is google drive file link as it is kinda large.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByJIbU3sdD1CZDFtUUZTN1JXeFk/view?usp=sharing
Thinking about doing this!
]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:19:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7473&PID=70168#70168