Solar reg question

[Bob]

What I've decided to do is buy a 6" x 4" x 2" project box from Jaycar with a clear lid.
Into that I'll mount the MPPT regulator with 2 x 50 amp anderson plugs bolted to opposite side to the box.
Nice and compact IMO.
As for the panel from the junction box on the back of the panel I'll run 5mtrs of 6mm sqrd fig 8 wire which I
take it should be ok over 5 mtrs, I'll terminate that with another 50 amp anderson plug,
I can then plug it via an anderson from my AUX battery and into my battery box the same way.
If anyone sees something wrong or why it wouldnt work ,happy to hear you

I was thinking of putting my Redarc Solar Regulator in a similar Project Box with a clear Lid however I am concerned that it will get quite Hot inside the Box.

Does anyone have any ideas about the Heat

PS
Just checked the Manual for the Redarc Regulator and it operates up to 55 Degrees C and then swithes itself off.

[threedogs]

Thanks Bob was reading somewhere about having the controller and the battery in similar enviroments.
What I might do is mark and drill a heap of holes or fit a computer fan to it straight off the panel.
I'm sure ET will tell me why this is not a good idea,
55c is achievable if in a box so some kind of ventilation might be the go.
@ Bob that box is about $23 from Jaycar, I just drilled it, but if I did it again I'd buy a piece of PCB to suit
as it has mounting holes and then mount the controller to the PCB this will allow air circulation, but its still in a sealed box eh

[threedogs]

FYI I can now get my batteries to 14.4v so very happy with that,
so with that result I recommend to 20amp solar controller used

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-24V-5...item3a90a5017c

[Cuppa]

FYI I can now get my batteries to 14.4v so very happy with that,
so with that result I recommend to 20amp solar controller used

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-24V-5-10A-15-20A-30A-MPPT-Solar-Panel-Battery-Regulator-Charge-Controller-GL-/251534836092?pt=AU_Solar&var=&hash=item3a90a5017c

TD if you choose to believe that that regulator actually is what it says it is that is up to you. Folks may not need bells & whistles in their solar regs, but this one will be analogous to using a hammer & chisel to tighten up the bolts on your motor! With all that you spend on your car I can’t believe that you’ve been such a cheapskate when it came to buying a regulator!

[threedogs]

its doing whats its supposed to do cant beat that.
All I want is for it to top up my battery box if it needs it
My battery use ATM is confined to weekends up the Murray
or where ever I choose to go.
So far I've not needed to top up any battery on any trip.
I rarely take the solar panel[s] for that reason.
As I say to others It suits my needs it may not suit you lol
These panel top my batteries at home BTW not out bush

[megatexture]

I was thinking of putting my Redarc Solar Regulator in a similar Project Box with a clear Lid however I am concerned that it will get quite Hot inside the Box.

Does anyone have any ideas about the Heat

PS
Just checked the Manual for the Redarc Regulator and it operates up to 55 Degrees C and then swithes itself off.

My box has two latches and hinges on it so its only closed when it has to be but your reg should be at the batteries so it's not hard to keep it in the shade

[threedogs]

My box has two latches and hinges on it so its only closed when it has to be but your reg should be at the batteries so it's not hard to keep it in the shade

Would it in your opinion get hot enough to warrant running a small fan powered by the solar side of things into the box.
Like a computer fan

[megatexture]

I don't see the point in getting a box then cutting a hole in it for a fan, it's no longer water/ dust proof then.
I've put mine in the box to protect it from salt spray, sand and rain if we go camping without the trailer on the beach.

If your worried about the heat maybe throw a thermometer in there when its charging the batt and see what temps it reaches in the shade. Could mounting the reg in a cast alloy box with a Perspex window on the front dissipate the heat faster possibly

[the evil twin]

FYI I can now get my batteries to 14.4v so very happy with that,
so with that result I recommend to 20amp solar controller used

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-24V-5...item3a90a5017c

If they are floating at 14.4 that isn't good, Cobber.

If they are absorbing at 14.4 then dropping to 13.2 ish float charge then that is fine.

[threedogs]

as soon as i took them off they went to 13.2v
So to me thats doing it job.
Did some reading where it wasnt good to have it at 14.4 for too long