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alano · 05-04-2016, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eheffa

I may just run all four of the Standard 10 AWG cables to the engine room with and install a Relay DPDT switch there just before the MPPT Controller with a Parallel / Series switch at the helm.

And you will only need a SPST switch at the helm. I look forward to seeing your results.

Silvr_Bullet · 02-23-2018, 07:16 PM

I have a 16' Sport it was factory fitted with an 80 watt Zamp Solar Panel mounted on the roof with a SunExplorer Controller in the trailer. I recently purchased a 120 watt Zamp portable unit with its own built-in Controller, I want to attach the portable via the Zamp Plug. Now I would have two controllers, and I have no idea how that would work, what controller would be utilized? Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!

I posted this on an Interstate forum, but I see that this is more an appropriate forum.

alano · 02-23-2018, 07:26 PM

Two solar controllers charging the same battery(s) should work fine. The situation is akin to having a solar controller and converter.

switz · 02-24-2018, 12:03 PM

Two solar charge controllers attached to the same battery could end up with one back feeding the other and cause issues. A better solution is to use a single controller and wire the solar panels in serial so more power could come to single controller if both panels were connected.

alano · 02-24-2018, 12:21 PM

No disrepect to swift, but check with Airstream if there's any question. They (AS) wouldn't provide a Zamp connector connected directly to the batteries with an existing solar controller if they thought there would be contention.

Solar controllers are designed to only source current, not sink current, so connecting two controllers together is allowable provided both are setup for the same target voltage - 12 V in this case.

dznf0g · 02-24-2018, 12:38 PM

I have an idea....why don't you folks Google something Like, "can you use 2 solar controllers on a single battery bank ". I did, and there's plenty of info.

Silvr_Bullet · 02-24-2018, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

Two solar charge controllers attached to the same battery could end up with one back feeding the other and cause issues. A better solution is to use a single controller and wire the solar panels in serial so more power could come to single controller if both panels were connected.

Alano and Switz thanks for reaching out with help, there is an Electrical Schematic in my Airstream Manual it seems to only show the system from the roof Solar panel and makes no reference to the Zamp Plug on the ‘A’ frame. maybe an option for me is at times that I do not have sun on the roof I could disconnect the roof panel and use the Zamp Portable with its integrated controller I have an 80 amp AGM 12 volt battery. I would have to get some help with this, I wonder if that is something an RV shop is up to?

alano · 02-24-2018, 02:07 PM

Unnecessary in my opinion. Connect the portable panels when the sun is out and enjoy!

Silvr_Bullet · 02-24-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alano

Unnecessary in my opinion. Connect the portable panels when the sun is out and enjoy!

Thanks! I am overthinking and obsessing over this issue!

ROBERT CROSS · 09-29-2018, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

I have a 16' Sport it was factory fitted with an 80 watt Zamp Solar Panel mounted on the roof with a SunExplorer Controller in the trailer. I recently purchased a 120 watt Zamp portable unit with its own built-in Controller, I want to attach the portable via the Zamp Plug. Now I would have two controllers, and I have no idea how that would work, what controller would be utilized? Anyone have experience with this? Thanks!

I posted this on an Interstate forum, but I see that this is more an appropriate forum.

My solution with the Zamp...Get a female 7pin, tap into the ground and charge wire and charge the batteries directly thru the umbilical...works fine for us. 👍👌🏽

POI...I did change the end to match the Zamp wiring.

Bob
🇺🇸

RichardBoyd · 01-01-2019, 02:18 PM

Where is the best/economical place to have solar panels installed? Jackson Center? on a 2018 Tommy Bahama 28ft

GMFL · 01-01-2019, 02:22 PM

No,no,no. Not Jackson Center. Doing it yourself is by far the most economical. There is lots of info here on the forum. AM Solar is a great resource.
https://amsolar.com/

Gene · 01-09-2019, 09:00 PM

Over many years I have seen posts indicating Airstream overcharges for panels that are not the best. Perhaps that has changed.

Forum member Lewster installs solar systems. In the summer he has a shop in Hood River, Oregon, and he is in Florida in the winter. Last I know he uses AM Solar products. Lew is an electrical engineer who went a different route and is extremely knowledgeable. Our Airstream had crappy panels installed by the dealer in Denver and they only lasted a few years. Lew put better panels and a better controller and told me what to do to put in a better converter and batteries. We had a good time getting to know each other and hanging out for a few days. You can find him through a Forum search.