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Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #25 –
My monitor for the SW3012 doesn't use dip switches lcd display with user settings. I am able to pick my equalize, bulk, absorption and float voltages and length of time. It just doesn't know that Lifeline AGM's can be equalized so it locks out that feature on AGM's
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #26 –
As far as mine operates If you set your me-rc remote for AGM 1 the equalize circuit puts out 15.5 volts in a four hour cycle. And the charge voltage is 14.3. Lifeline only

In agm2 for non lifeline batteries the charge voltage is higher 14.5 and the equalization is the same,  does not work.

Same as gel.  No equalization extra voltage if the button is pushed.

The me-rc manual showing the lifeline equalization availability is from 2009 it's possible your remotes software could be older and may be uodateable?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #27 –
My SW3012 is a 2017 model I have set the voltage to 16 for equalizing which is within the parameters of Lifeline. Remember I have a Xantrex. It does let me set times and voltages, just doesn't recognize equalizing AGM's
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #28 –
My IOTA DLS-90 has a optional feature, called IQ4, which equalizes every week. From IOTA's literature, It "automatically provides four-stage battery charging for safer charging and longer life for your system's battery." The IQ4 module was developed by smart, although not perfect, engineers.

It works by increasing the charge voltage to 14.2 volts for one hour each week. This is what I would call a "gentle" equalization. I believe Gel and AGMs do not require equalization since their electrolyte is held in place and does not stratify like flooded batteries. That said, it's not harmful to charge any lead battery to 14.2 volts weekly because it's good to perturb the electrolyte regularly.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Tim –
My IOTA DLS-90 has a optional feature, called IQ4 to equalize every week. From IOTA's literature, It "automatically provides four-stage battery charging for safer charging and longer life for your system's battery."
Tim, your system is above my pay grade, but nice though.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #30 –
Craneman I have a sw 2812.  Sister to your sw3012.  Both use either a me-rc or the me-arc remote panels,

In the manual for either remote it shows the battery types,  two different AGM profiles are in the menu,

AGM One is for your lifelines.  AGM Two is for the rest,

AGM one has its max charging voltage set for the lower internal resistance Lifeline batteries at 14.3 and when the equalization process is triggered it sends 15,5  volts for four hours to your batteries

AGM two has its max at 14.5 volts and if used on lifelines will slowly damage them from overcharging,

If you try to equalize in AGM 2 nothing happens.  Same 14.5  volts,

Gel profile does not allow equalizing either.  Same 14.2 max volts as charging.

16 volts into a lifeline is not good,

All these voltages are based on 78 degrees and a BTMS is needed to avoid over or undercharging any battery bank.

The ME-ARC shows how many days since equalization and as it has a clock inside can be set to remind you at a future date to equalize,

Once or maybe twice a year unless a heavy continuous user or your use short cycles the batteries a lot?

Obviously 16 volts in colder weather might be ok  I do not know what voltage the BTMS will have the charger send out in the AGM 1 profile if the equalize function is engaged during colder weather than the 78 degrees that is the std temp profile.

But the chart says 15.5 max so I would think the EQ voltage regardless of temp is that number?

The ARC version of the remote panel allows bulk charge reagsrdless of battery SOC and has a silent mode.

Both panels manuals are available for download.

The ARC can be reset to turn on the charger above the RC's default 80% SOC so the batteries are not running down to 80% and back up all the time. Needless cycling unless on limited power
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #31 –
From Lifeline. 16 is within the 15.5 to 16.3

Can I equalize AGM batteries? - Lifeline Batteries
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
AGM one has its max charging voltage set for the lower internal resistance Lifeline batteries at 14.3 and when the equalization process is triggered it sends 15,5  volts for four hours to your battery. 16 volts into a lifeline is not good,

Never seen a charging amount that high on our Lifelines with the "Truecharge 40". Every couple of months, or after we've dry camped, it will decide to put the hammer down for a couple of hours. Maybe that is "equalilzation" or just normal? In our three years full timing, the batteries have behaved well.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #33 –
My mistake the model numbers are similar.  Xantrex does not have the lifeline particular setup in it.

Liquid acid Flooded and AGM both are good at producing CCA's at less than full charge.  More than Gels. Which makes them excellent in  marine banks.  Both cycling and engine start capability make them the best choice there.

All liquid acid batteries sulfate it seems.  Almost all lose capacity over time,  hard to perfectly recharge and equalize them. 

An advantage of Gels is they seem to not sulfate and not need equalization and are able to be normally recharged to 100% original capacity.

So while AGM's start out with more capacity after five years or so they may measure less.

I spent countless hours long ago playing with coach battery systems. 

Never sold a used coach then without replacing every battery in it, never.

Equalized myself to death.

So the flooded/ AGM as the start battery works well.  Better cca's in cold weather.

Not deep cycled normally.



"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #34 –
Roger,
I don't have a true trickle charger. It is a multistage charger like you noted.
Thanks.
Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #35 –

I think this was briefly discussed few years back. I wanted to solicit opinions one more time.  Since last discussed there are new products out there. To maintain fully charged engine battery via cigarette lighter plug such as Suaoki 18V 12V 18W Solar Car Battery Charger Portable SunPower Solar Panel Trickle Charger with Cigarette Lighter Plug, Battery Charging Clip Line for Motorcycle RV Boat Marine Snowmobile
I have my reasons for wanting this setup, while under covered parking be able to keep the portable solar panels on the dash, inside where few hours of none direct sunlight hits the area. I have tested it with a small solar rechargeable flashlight.
Thank you,
AL

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Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Solar power for storage

Reply #36 –
1.5 amps of 12 volt may or may not keep things up. 

My first thought was to use a double female adaptor and if one is not enough to plug in two units?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4