Replacing Atkinson solar controller

[farafield]

I bought a new controller that is supposed to do a better job of charging. However, it doesn't seem to be as straightforward to change out as I'd hoped, me being a non-electrician. Pictures show existing unit (notice how the wires attach to a "post." New unti (no post). ***Asking honestly***, why would Atkinson make the new unit similar to the old one where one could easily hook up the new one, no splicing? I called them but didn't really understand what they said. Thanks.

[kb0zke]

Kim, I'll try to answer your question. It looks like your original controller has two posts for attaching cables, and your new one has you insert the wires into a "hole." You are wondering why the change.


Using posts, you have to crimp a terminal onto the wire, then tighten that terminal to the post. The post is exposed, so there is a possibility of someone or something touching both connection points accidentally. That's not a good idea! Using the "hole" method, you simply insert the wires into the proper point and tighten the screw. That screw is usually recessed, at least a little bit, so that it is harder to accidentally touch both terminals. Somewhat safer.


I have both types of connections, and both work well. With either one you have to make sure that connections stay tight. Generally, if a terminal is properly crimped on it won't ever come loose. It has been known to happen, though, that a terminal appeared to be properly crimped on, but wasn't, and later came loose. Good to check every connection point regularly.

[farafield]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

Kim, I'll try to answer your question. It looks like your original controller has two posts for attaching cables, and your new one has you insert the wires into a "hole." You are wondering why the change.


Using posts, you have to crimp a terminal onto the wire, then tighten that terminal to the post. The post is exposed, so there is a possibility of someone or something touching both connection points accidentally. That's not a good idea! Using the "hole" method, you simply insert the wires into the proper point and tighten the screw. That screw is usually recessed, at least a little bit, so that it is harder to accidentally touch both terminals. Somewhat safer.


I have both types of connections, and both work well. With either one you have to make sure that connections stay tight. Generally, if a terminal is properly crimped on it won't ever come loose. It has been known to happen, though, that a terminal appeared to be properly crimped on, but wasn't, and later came loose. Good to check every connection point regularly.

Thanks so much for your response. I don't see what you mean by holes to insert the wire into. The new one has wires coming out and I think I have to cut off the terminals and splice them to the wires that exist. They do have these "connections" midway up the wire. Could these be an alternative to splicing???

[Glen Carter]

I was having all sorts of charging reliability issues with my Atkinson, so I replaced it with a Victron MPPT and a BMV-712 monitor. No issues after that.