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11-28-2015, 10:57 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2011 28' International
Cedar park
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 7
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Solar Help please!
Factory installed solar is not charging. Full sun. Panels unobstructed and clean. I have an Atkinson PVCM25D controller that has the full and partial leds lit. The charge light is not on. The batteries are at about 50% full. Any ideas? Is the controller bad?
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11-28-2015, 11:31 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,223
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Check to see if there is a disconnect switch turned off between the solar panels on the roof and the charge controller. Also, check to see if the isolator switch from the charge controller to the battery setup is turned on. Verify the main battery "use" switch by the door is on so the battery is not isolated.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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11-28-2015, 12:38 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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On the factory install the solar panels are always connected to the batteries no matter the position of the Battery Disconnect, and I don't think their are any other switches in the system.
The Battery Disconnect does isolate the batteries from the converter/charger is STORE position with external power, and that's the best position for the Battery Disconnect over the long term.
Otherwise the converter/charger will eventually overcharge and ruin the batteries. Could the batteries have been ruined this way, or maybe just have run their course?
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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11-28-2015, 01:00 PM
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#4
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1 Rivet Member
2011 28' International
Cedar park
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 7
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The batteries charge from my generator or while plugged into shore power. They will die after a day or so of boondocking. Wouldn't the solar still charge of the batteries can charge otherwise?
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11-28-2015, 01:13 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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When the generator is charging them through the Airstream's converter/charger they will show about 13.4 v or so, which is actually the output of the converter/charger, not the battery charge. After the generator is off and the batteries have settled down, do they still show a full charge, about 12.7 volts?
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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11-28-2015, 07:26 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Check the fuse between the Atkinson and the positive bus bar where it is connected. If the fuse is good, there's a good chance that the Atkinson is bad.
Several threads on that problem.
Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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11-28-2015, 07:40 PM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member
2011 28' International
Cedar park
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 7
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Batteries show a full charge (12.7) after charging with the generator. I checked the fuse and it is good. So, @lewster do I just replace that piece or is there more to it?
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11-28-2015, 07:51 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2011 34' Classic
Westchester Cty.NY
, / Miami FL
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,122
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the solar will not charge until the voltage drops to under 12.5 volts. try draining the batteries a bit (during full sun) to get the solar to kick in.
__________________
Ricky
2012 F150 Super Crew 5-1/2' bed Ecoboost 4x4 3.73 elec. lock diff. Propride hitch
give life. kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Ingrid-my unofficial '"World's Oldest Streamer" 1909-2008 R.I.P.
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11-28-2015, 08:01 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
2011 28' International
Cedar park
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 7
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It was at 12.0 earlier today and the solar wasn't doing anything. I think it must be the Atkinson.
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11-28-2015, 08:12 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
Pleasanton
, California
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 745
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One last thing, have you verified that the input voltage to the charger from the solar panels is greater than 12 V? Perhaps an open-circuit at the input to the charger would explain your symptoms.
__________________
Al, K6IV
2015 30' Classic, "Chez Nu"
2014 RAM 2500 w/Cummins Diesel
ProPride Hitch, 400 W Solar
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11-28-2015, 08:14 PM
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#11
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Free Range Human
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
Haines
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 736
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If your controller is above the refer, as mine is, pull it out and check the connections on the back. When my system was first installed, the line from the panel disconnected from the controller.
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