Solar panel makes noise

[Trident]

I have a 1998 airstream motorhome when I reinstall the fuse to the solar panel monitor the step retractor AND the hydrolic level monitor under the dash start to tic like the sound of a small relay making and backing ( I am an electrician )this can't be right and I cant belive I am the only one that has this issuew . Please help what is going on...
Thanks

[DanielB]

Are they ticking at the same time or are they alternating tics?

[Trident]

Originally Posted by DanielB

Are they ticking at the same time or are they alternating tics?

The same time, I think I would have picked up on that if the first tic was at the side door followed with another at the front of the motorhome. What ever this is I can't believe this it good on ether of these units to cycle 30 times a minute while the sun is up , this is the reason I disable the solar panel.
Any thoughts?

[masseyfarm]

Sounds like maybe your solar panel is not connected to the battery but only running that circuit that includes the items mentioned. The panel builds up enough juice to activate the circuit and then cannot support the demand and the relay drops the connection?

Use you DVM to detemine where your solar is connected and if it actually is going to the battery.

Have you got your "STORE" switch in the use position?

Dave

[Trident]

Originally Posted by masseyfarm

Sounds like maybe your solar panel is not connected to the battery but only running that circuit that includes the items mentioned. The panel builds up enough juice to activate the circuit and then cannot support the demand and the relay drops the connection?

Use you DVM to detemine where your solar is connected and if it actually is going to the battery.

Have you got your "STORE" switch in the use position?

Dave

Dave I hope are still on the forum it's been a while.
I took the rv out of what I call a baggy (cover ) and the first sunny day (and we don't have that many) it started again as before.
With the STORE switch off (all loads off) that's when it starts ticking with lights on , quite. I took the fuse out of the solar power regulator it stops ticking . I think you are right it is going to the battery but only when the store switch is closed when the store switch is open the panel tries to run things like something in the step control.
Any ideas?

[drboyd]

Could it be a circuit breaker opening because of an overload or short? That sounds like the noise I was hearing from the circuit breaker on mine.

[idroba]

On old solar charge controllers it was not uncommon for the controller to regulate the output and charge by monitoring the battery voltage. When the voltage went up, the system opened a relay and stopped the charge. Actually it modulated the overall current delivered by a rapid on and off switching the same way the old mechanical voltage regulators for generators on autos up until the electronic alternators came to be in the 1960's.

So, it is possible that you have a simple voltage controlled relay regulated solar controller. They were made obsolete about 2000 or so with all electronic ones, but I bought one in the late 90's that worked that way.

This is my best shot, but it could be totally wrong too.

[Trident]

Originally Posted by idroba

On old solar charge controllers it was not uncommon for the controller to regulate the output and charge by monitoring the battery voltage. When the voltage went up, the system opened a relay and stopped the charge. Actually it modulated the overall current delivered by a rapid on and off switching the same way the old mechanical voltage regulators for generators on autos up until the electronic alternators came to be in the 1960's.

So, it is possible that you have a simple voltage controlled relay regulated solar controller. They were made obsolete about 2000 or so with all electronic ones, but I bought one in the late 90's that worked that way.

This is my best shot, but it could be totally wrong too.

Thanks for your input.
I have always in my work life resisted being a parts changer when it comes to repairs. But after a close look at the solar panel I can see it's breaking down. Looks like the seal is broken in two places along the sides. Could be minor and not causing the issue but like you said it's an old system. I am still going to find out how it's wired in the rv I don't understand the symptom I find.


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