Master
SupporterHi - fitted a Powertech DC-DC charger with the solar connected to it. Previously the solar went through the MPPT into the main battery. Am I right that the solar only chargers the aux battery? The solar was great at keeping the main battery topped before the DC-DC but now it sits in the 12.3-12.5v range. Wondering if I just disconnect the solar off the aux and run it though the MPPT to the battery again - I only have a 50a/h battery for the air compressor and fridge I might purchase later. No extended stays anywhere without motor running for long periods.
2001 Disco D2 V8
2008 Defender 90
2013 Disco SDV6
OldBushie
Hi Tikka and the only battery that will be charged when a DC/DC device is being used as a solar regulator, the the battery connected to the output side of the DC/DC device.
There are a few DC/DC devices that will trickle charge the cranking battery from the solar input, but this will only occur when the auxiliary battery is fully charged, and I am pretty sure Powertech devices do not have this feature.
Is your vehicle sitting unused for long periods of time between uses?
Master
SupporterThanks for that...yes the 90 is usually a Sunday car. And it has an OBD2 on it but nothing else that should be pulling power. I found with the solar direct the starting battery was over 13v easily (13.6v from memory) and it made a difference when starting.
2001 Disco D2 V8
2008 Defender 90
2013 Disco SDV6
Wizard
What initiates the Powertech DC-DC charger to start charging? Is it an increase in Volts when engine is started or is there a ignition wire that triggers the Powertech DC-DC charger to start charging the Aux Battery?
Originally Posted by Tikka7mm08
OldBushie
It’s a very basic unit…
Needs 13v to trigger on. So engine running as practice.
However, if a solar input was put on main battery, then every time the main battery exceeded 13v at terminals the charger will kick in, and start charging / drawing down on the main battery pretty hard. Could result in a flat main battery quite easily.
Wizard
Yeah, that's why I asked the question... If it was ignition operated, then it would be easier...
OldBushie
Good point, as they do not have an ignition sense, they are a bit of a problem.
Tikka, being that you have a 90, a simple Ignition activated relay would be a far better set up than a DC/DC device.
This would allow the solar to keep your cranking battery maintained, and would allow for very fast recharging of your auxiliary battery when your motor is running, something the DC/DC device can not do.
Master
SupporterJust my luck.
2001 Disco D2 V8
2008 Defender 90
2013 Disco SDV6
Master
SupporterCan you suggest one by brand so I can look up and reference?
2001 Disco D2 V8
2008 Defender 90
2013 Disco SDV6
OldBushie
Hi again Tikka, I was suggesting a simple high current capacity relay, wired to your ignition circuit. This could also be controlled with as simple as a switch that you turn on and off as you need it.
Or you could use one of my Traxide isolators and the setup would be fully automated. This would also allow you to connect your solar panel to either battery and the Traxide isolator would connect both batteries together while the solar panel is active.
Both of these setups would recharge your batteries far quicker than any DC/DC device could.
Because you have a 90, the Traxide setup would allow you to use a lithium auxiliary battery in the future, with out the need for any modifications to your setup.
Using a Traxide isolator with a lithium auxiliary battery would give you a setup that would better look after both batteries even when your 90 is not used for many weeks at a time.
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