Electrickery for camping

[Adam Stander]

So what do you guys think about a boat swich board build into the back.

[Fluffy]

So what do you guys think about a boat swich board build into the back.

Nice, but be careful. Most are utter Chinese junk.

[Jaaks]

Quick question?
Where in Pretoria would one be able to buy all the goodies needed to wire up the Ctek 250s and battery and solar panels etc. Anyone have a good referral that does not charge stupid prices?

[atkinse]

Bushpower.co.za

Based in Midrand

[Joe N]

Hi Guys, hope you can help? Firstly, thanks to all involved in putting together this guide; excellent work. I have been following this guide whilst building my system (will post some pics later) and have a couple of questions. But firstly the system I am looking to build:
-input 1: 2 x 85 W solar panels in parallel to a BH plug. BH plug to Regulator. Regulator directly to aux battery in battery box.
-input 2: starter battery to BH plug via 100A fuse. BH directly to aux battery in battery box (will connect/disconnect manually; as this charging will only be used on the odd occasion)
-input 3: 25A AC charger with crock clamps onto aux battery terminals when AC is available.

-output: Aux battery to fuse box via 100A fuse. Fuse box to: 2 x BH's, 2 x cigarette sockets.

Question 1: My understanding is that the regulator (Victron 75/15) I will be using could also be used as a "traffic manager" (supply fridge, as well as charging aux battery). I have not put much thought into possibly using the regulator in this way? Suggestions?
Question 2: Should there be a fuse/switch between the solar regulator and aux battery, seeing that the connection will be "permanent" to the aux battery; even when charged from AC / alternator?
Any additional comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Joe

[Dif]

Hey Joe.

Copy from the Cruiserclub!! Phone Andrew at our offices and have a chat.

[Elders]

Joe I have not tried this (using the battery and power point outputs) function. Sadly cant provide you with first hand info on this practice and its benefits.


LEt's see what the other members say.

[Hanman]

A question please, if I may.
In post #8 the image of the MPPT regulator.
What is the "Load" (+ and -) for?

[Eggie]

A question please, if I may.
In post #8 the image of the MPPT regulator.
What is the "Load" (+ and -) for?

You can leave it open. It is where you would connect loads such as lights for typical fixed solar installations. In our case with recreational vehicles equipped mainly with fridges, we seldom make use of this output, but rather connect directly to the battery.

As an odd example: Should you use an Engel fridge/freezer that comes without it's own low voltage disconnect, this output could be useful to prevent the fridge from totally discharging the battery.

[GerhardBunk]

Hi ek het die VA meter by 4x4Direct gekoop en gekoppel.
Ek gebruik hom op my "ou zero" yskas.

Wat vir my nou "odd" is die wyser A meter wys in orde van 4A wat volgens my min of meer standaard is vir enige yskas.

Die digitale een wys soos op fotos in die 10ne .Maw 14.5 ens.

Sien fotos aangeheg.

Het ek dalk erens iets verkeerd gekoppel of gedoen. Het probeer om volgens die diagram te werk wat ek hier op die forum gekry het.

Hoor graag een van julle se kommentaar.

Groete Gerhard

[offroadbiker]

Great post. It now makes sence to dumies to me!!

Question I have the N/L system in mine(vehicle) with the selenoid, when my ship comes in I would also like to fit a Ctek but for now what dc2dc can I fit?

Where can I get one that doesn't cost ann arm and leg??

Tx

[Elders]

Dirk will you be installing/using solar panels ??


Use either the Ctek250 or the HCDP unit which switches AUTOMATICALLY between alternator and solar charging - IF you are going the solar route.


If solar is not part of your planning, speak to the guys at HCDP and ask about their MPPT dc2dc charger options.

[Elders]

time for the next episode ....


Those that have read the full thread, and especially those that have bought some of these parts KNOW there are some "interesting sales talk" out there.


So to TRY and get a bit closer to the real story behind the salestalk I installed three off Volt-Amm meters - these are distributed by 4x4Direct http://www.4x4direct.co.za/shop/

Pieter is also a commercial member here.

Here is the wiring diagram to my system -



The attached pdf tells more of how I wired this.


EDIT / UPDATE : 4x4Direct now has a number of different meters. I used a 20A meter for the soalr and Ctek circuits. Then used a 50A meter for the battery circuit - bear in mind I have a full distribution network supplying various electrical items, thus the larger meter.



I am planning a series of experiments ...

[mfuwefarmer]

Chris why only 12.9V to the battery, was your battery SOC 100%?

[glassman]

Apologies if I'm posting this in thew wrong thread but I need some advice on supplying electricity to a bush camp.

The camp will accommodate 10 - 15 people and the electricity will not be required for heating or cooking. Main requirements will be fridges, lighting and charging batteries for cameras and computers etc. It's a permanent requirement - not just once off.

Any thoughts on the options and costs will be appreciated.

Regards

[Elders]

Glassman please contact "Offroad Addict" - http://4x4community.co.za/forum/member.php?u=600

[Elders]

Chris why only 12.9V to the battery, was your battery SOC 100%?

Oom Bertie ek het n reeks fotos geneem gedurende die installasie - ek kan regtig nie die omstandighede rondom die foto onthou nie ....



Sodra ons weer son het hier in die Kaap wil ek die battery 50% ontlaai - dan in die son parkeer en die laai spanning en stroom monitor. Ek het nou al reeds gesien hoe die Ctek die stroom "throttle" soos die battery se SOC styg.

Sit die yskas aan en die grafiek verander weer ! So dit sal n ander eksperiment wees.

[glassman]

Thanks. Will do.

[Paul Dold]

Excellent post Chris!
Nice to continue passing on your expertise to forum members.

[mfuwefarmer]

Excellent post Chris!
Nice to continue passing on your expertise to forum members.

+1