Solar Charger

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by thoer

Pat it is a BatteryMinder. I had a BatteryTender but it had no desulation mode so I replaced it. The model I have -12248- is not waterproof but it has since been replaced by one that is, the 128CEC1. I was convinced by their website's explanations of the methodology and the "1 year 100% Money Back Guarantee and 5-Year “No-Hassle” 100% Warranty." They are far from cheap but seem to build a high quality product.

Thankyou Eric for the information . Looks good better then once a month plugging in ,or putting on a charger . Hassle . Pat

[chinaski]

Well it's an interesting topic and I appreciate the conversation. I'm going to go with the factory install and see how it works for us. If it proves to be inadequate for our use case I'll look at after-market tweaks - like installing a different charge controller.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

OK, here is my take on the Tracer Series of MPPT controllers. From the spec sheet and user manual it appears all four models have the same features,

Thanks for that input, Paul. Gives me some good insiight.

Once I get my 5.0 (just over a week now) I will take it to this solar shop. They do lots of bigger fixed installs too. They also offer training and courses. Though far from being an expert, I do like their customer service. I will talk to them further about these controllers, with the limited knowledge I do have.

[freespirit]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

The solar company here in town I am dealing with recommended one of their units made in China. This is the link to the manufacturer site with the controller. I would be keen to hear thoughts from those more in the know than I am.
Tracer1215BN/ Tracer2215BN/ Tracer3215BN/ Tracer4215BN-Products-solar charge controller—Beijing Epsolar Technology Co., Ltd

And this is the link to the remote monitor meter that monitors and sets things.
MT50-Products-solar charge controller—Beijing Epsolar Technology Co., Ltd

Just one of many videos on it.
MT50-Products-solar charge controller—Beijing Epsolar Technology Co., Ltd

possibly the new version of what Renogy has been selling "Tracer"..they sell a lot of solar stuff..perhaps contact them and ask about this new "Tracer 2nd gen" as it looks a lot like their new Commander series (perhaps they are private labeling it)

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by freespirit

possibly the new version of what Renogy has been selling "Tracer"..they sell a lot of solar stuff..perhaps contact them and ask about "Tracer II"

That is not even listed on the manufacturers site.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by thoer

Pat it is a BatteryMinder. I had a BatteryTender but it had no desulation mode so I replaced it. The model I have -12248- is not waterproof but it has since been replaced by one that is, the 128CEC1. I was convinced by their website's explanations of the methodology and the "1 year 100% Money Back Guarantee and 5-Year “No-Hassle” 100% Warranty." They are far from cheap but seem to build a high quality product.

Eric just found the 128CEC1 on Amazon for 150. That sound good or should I only order from Battery Minder ? Pat

[freespirit]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

That is not even listed on the manufacturers site.

please look at the pic
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-20-amp...ge-controller/

and the new commander series
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-40-amp...oller-w-mt-50/

and lastly the same meter MT-50 is included
ep solar shows the older Tracer for clearance
http://www.epsolarpv.com/en/index.ph...d/95/am_id/134

charger and meter on ebay too...search "renogy"
MT-50 appears to be new version of the MT-5 meter

[thoer]

Pat, BatteryMinder gives some free options if you buy direct, but to me none of them of them were worth the savings I got buying from Amazon. One of the free things they offer is a temperature sensor, but that model comes standard with one of those. Were it me I'd save $30 and get it from Amazon.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by freespirit

please look at the pic
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-20-amp...ge-controller/

and the new commander series
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-40-amp...oller-w-mt-50/

and lastly the same meter MT-50 is included
ep solar shows the older Tracer for clearance
Tracer series-Products-solar charge controller—Beijing Epsolar Technology Co., Ltd

charger and meter on ebay too...search "renogy"
MT-50 appears to be new version of the MT-5 meter

You are linking to the same one I did. The old clearance model the company I don't think carries any longer.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by thoer

Pat, BatteryMinder gives some free options if you buy direct, but to me none of them of them were worth the savings I got buying from Amazon. One of the free things they offer is a temperature sensor, but that model comes standard with one of those. Were it me I'd save $30 and get it from Amazon.

Thanks for the head's up Eric. The site wanted 239. Wow . Amazon it is . Pat

[thoer]

Pat, that $239 model is the aviation certified version. The "regular" one is $179 direct from BatteryMinder. Can be confusing because it is the same model number with extra letters added at the end on the aviation certified one.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by thoer

Pat, that $239 model is the aviation certified version. The "regular" one is $179 direct from BatteryMinder. Can be confusing because it is the same model number with extra letters added at the end on the aviation certified one.

Thankyou Eric ,I was trying to figure why , such a price difference . Think I will go with Amazon . Pat

[blakebt]

We are having just a solar port installed (customer supplied) for $100.00 wired to the battery so we can add a portable panel later. ETI recommend the Zamp port. Does that sound like a good option? I'm surprised they didn't recommend GoPower if thats what they use. I don't know anything about solar yet. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[thoer]

Brenda I posted a reply back onto your original thread (Solar Port) about this.