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Old 01-15-2017, 12:14 PM   #21
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Originally Posted by Llittle54 View Post
Dang or should I go with the prewire and series. This is my stumbling block!
If you're prepared to rewire with 6ga, then you should do this and wire your panels in parallel. This will give you the lowest losses and nobody will argue that you could have done better!
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Old 01-15-2017, 12:27 PM   #22
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Again. No expert here and wasn't aware of what Alano said above. I haven't read that. So I think I have provided as mosh as I can. I am hopeful other experts can chime in as well. Love learning in the forums.
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Old 01-15-2017, 12:34 PM   #23
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In fact the newer Renogy panels say they use the diodes Alano referred to to minimize power loss to shading:

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-RNG-10...dp_ob_title_hi
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Old 01-15-2017, 02:52 PM   #24
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The Blue Sky solar controllers require a 4 conductor cable with an RJ-11 plug on each end to connect to their iPN_PRO remote panels (which I usually place in the galley). They also require a 2 conductor cable from the shunt to the iPN-PRO.

Since the Cat-5 cable is composed of 4 pairs of 24AWG wires, you can split them off for re-use with the Blue Sky. It sold require you to be able to place an RJ-11 plug at each end of 2 pairs in the proper sequence for communication.

No cell phone monitoring with them, but they do have a great product as well, which I use regularly.

The Victron units don't require any connections when using their blue tooth dongle other than the s solar input cables and the 2 charging output cables. The dongle plugs right in to the unit, and you're DONE!

Another benefit of either of these solar controllers is the capacity for increased solar voltage input. The Blue Sky will accommodate up to 45.6VDC (open circuit) as input from series connected panels, while the Victron will accept up to 100VDC as input.

Series panel connections allow you to use smaller gauge wires as the transport voltages have increased, but you have to be very careful about panel placement, as any slight shading of any panel in a series string will severely impact the output of that entire string.

Class dismissed!!
Yeah, it looks like it would be cheaper to go with the Victron, though I didn't find the price of the dongle. I think I would prefer to see the display next to the existing monitors as opposed to on my phone. Decisions, decisions!

Great to know about wiring in series, thanks for that!
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Old 01-15-2017, 03:35 PM   #25
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Yeah, it looks like it would be cheaper to go with the Victron, though I didn't find the price of the dongle. I think I would prefer to see the display next to the existing monitors as opposed to on my phone.
The dongle is $59. I plan on installing one along with a BMV-702. The ability to monitor battery status on a mobile device from the house during the winter months is a nice feature.
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Old 06-18-2017, 08:27 PM   #26
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Does the zamp premier combiner box accept standard solar plugs or some proprietary zamp plug?
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Old 06-18-2017, 08:41 PM   #27
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We were able to fit five AM Solar 100 watt panels on the roof of our 23D and wired them parallel. On a great day, we have seen 375 watts heading to the 300 amp-hour lithium battery.

On our Classic, we were able to fit nine AM Solar 100 watt panels on the roof wired parallel. We have seen 675 watts going to the 600 amp-hour lithium battery. While there is room for a tenth panel, our Tri-Star 60 MPPT solar charge controller is fully loaded with the nine panels.

We did not use the Airstream supplied wiring.
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Old 06-19-2017, 05:03 AM   #28
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I also have a 2017 with the zamp combiner box and have the same question.
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Old 06-19-2017, 06:33 AM   #29
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My trailer is on order otherwise I would figure it out for myself, but looking online it looks like Zamp uses the SAE connector instead of the MC4 connector. Renogy makes a converter, but it seems to me it would be better to just make a new union inside of the combiner box, but how to waterproof? Has anyone tackled this yet?
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Old 06-19-2017, 07:37 AM   #30
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2017 Prewire Question

I just bypassed the Zamp wiring/box altogether and ran new, beefier wire.
Be careful, the AS prewire will only work well for a certain amount of solar watts otherwise the wire is significantly undersized.
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Old 06-19-2017, 01:23 PM   #31
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Originally Posted by Troutboy View Post
I just bypassed the Zamp wiring/box altogether and ran new, beefier wire.
Be careful, the AS prewire will only work well for a certain amount of solar watts otherwise the wire is significantly undersized.


My system is now complete (see earlier posts in this thread). Bit the bullet and rewired. I also bypassed the Zamp. The rewire, new combiner box and drilling a new hole were no big deal in retrospect! I placed a nice rubber grommet in the hole to protect from the sharp AS skin. In my 22 I was able to drop right into the closet for a clean install.
Anyone here able to provide a brief tutorial and how to interpret the readout from the Victron controller via the dongle on my phone? Including the history. I think I'm getting it but ....
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