Solar and Batteries

[tx2sturgis]

in windows I just use paint.  it's already there nothing to add. 

Yes....if you are only resizing a couple of pictures.....but the one I linked can do 5, 10 or 100 photos all in a couple of keystrokes, all at once. 


Very handy sometimes.

____ <<< thumbs-up goes here

 

[duckwonder]

In my opinion the BEST image resizer for Windows is this one:


http://www.bricelam.net/ImageResizer/


It's what I use. It's free. It works. It installs, and then it pops up as a menu selection when you right click images, singles or in batches, in your folders.

It doesn't have any ads, and it doesn't do anything else.

But it works and no app needed.

Hey thanks!  Downloaded it just now, will see what I can do.

 

[duckwonder]

You all are awesome so I wanted to post a quick update while working on the pics.  The word is:

I need new batteries.  2 6v golf cart batteries in series I believe.  Working on a place to mount them, ha-ha, have them mounted, and need to take some measurements.  Hopefully I can figure out the pics and get some measurements together and update again at that point.  Thanks for your support!!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Once you have it installed, you wont even know it until you need it.

Lets say you take 5 pictures that you need resized, and they are in your main pictures folder after downloading from your phone or camera.

Select all 5, (control-click) or (shift-click) and then release control or shift, then while the cursor is over one of them, right click. (if using a left mouse then left-click). (trackpad: menu click).

You will see a drop down menu, but now it will also give you the 'Resize' option.

Click on that and you will have a new menu just for picture resizing...with several options.

Sizing is kinda obvious, but if you click on the [] Resize Original, they will keep the same name, but will be resized.

Otherwise, it will create 5 new images, same file name but it will add (medium), (small) etc to the name.

Its easy once you do it a couple of times.

 

[duckwonder]

picture test

 

[tripper]

$180 plus shipping

https://www.solarblvd.com/products/solar-cynergy-160-watt-foldable-12-volt-solar-panel-2/

I have this exact panel. The stand is flimsy but works. It is very big, heavy and awkward. I am a big guy and not weak, but this panel is a PITA to move around and store. If you are a smaller person or a lady I would recommend something smaller, ideally two flexible 100 watt panels tied to a pvc framework. The 160 watt Cynergy came with a cheapie controller and the wiring to connect to the battery (not very long and very thin gage so a lot of voltage loss). I installed a Victron 15 amp MPPT controller near the battery on my rig, ran the panels in series to make 24v and cut up a 12 gage extension cord to make heavy duty wiring from the panel to the controller. I would estimate total cost at the time $160 for the portable Cynergy panel, $100 for the Victron controller, and $20 for the heavy gage extension cord. I ran it 24v to the vehicle as there would be much less voltage drop and less current needed to travel through the power cord. The result of doing this was amazing, the 160 watt panels put out a peak of 165 watts on a cool morning at Organ Pipe in AZ, so I will say the Cynergy solar panels themselves work very well.  $280 dollars total and a little rewiring I have a first rate portable setup for much less than the Zamp setup, I have no problem with Zamp other than grossly overpriced.
Here is the readout from the Victron:


BTW at the time it included the case, which I see is a $25 option now, the case is a flimsy, unpadded canvas bag, I would not spend the $25 for the case, the panel is hard to put in the bag.

 

[duckwonder]

Ok so here is the solar and batteries update.  I have 2 Prostart Marine batteries in 2 different outer bays several feel apart.  Now that I have access I can see the outer case is beat up but the main house battery was changed 12/15.  The other battery was changed 1/16.  I used the new multimeter and you can make fun of me but I'm really proud of that.  Both batteries read at 13.5v so that was a good thing!  They were both low on fluid so I added some distilled water thru a funnel.  The 100w panel on the roof does have a very small box of some kind on the underside of the panel, don't know what that is but was not going to un-mount the panel to find out.  The wires go down thru the roof and tie directly to the house battery.  There is no solar controller and no inverter.  Supposedly there is a Converter that would live behind the breaker box.  So I don't know, am I ok with this set up?

Other thing is the generator is now acting up and I have very carefully exercised it according to instructions and it's run like a top every time and was perfect as of 2 days ago.  I cannot imagine what went wrong there.  That whole deal could delay me getting out west, perhaps for the entire winter.  It is not easy getting in to Onan places.  So that's a bummer.  

Anyway, that's what I have.  If anyone can let me know if the solar set-up is friendly enough for boondocking longer periods (If I get the genset fixed)? or do I need something different?

 

[Trebor English]

A solar controller is necessary.  If you had a 10 watt panel a diode would be sufficient to keep from discharging overnight.  A 100 watt panel is enough to overcharge and there is nothing to stop the overnight discharging.  The batteries are big so damage is not imminent.  Watch the water like a hawk.  You can disconnect the solar panel manually when the sun goes down.  I have a $10 PWM controller.  It is adequate.  It keeps the battery from being roasted and stops the overnight discharge.  There are people who don't like those inexpensive controllers.

 

[user 15722]

So I don't know, am I ok with this set up?

Other thing is the generator is now acting up
It is not easy getting in to Onan places.
... or do I need something different?

I believe there was a long dialogue on what you might, or may not have on another thread.
I am confused !

Many people have told me the cooler months bring many, many rv'ers to quartzsite and also associated repairmen.
If you can make it from wherever you are located it's possible your repairs and modifications could be made properly, for discount prices.

Others here on the forum might offer more information from experience.
Best, wheels

 

[duckwonder]

I believe there was a long dialogue on what you might, or may not have on another thread.
I am confused !

Yes, it has been something trying to determine what I have.  There are 2 threads.  One started (this one) because I was trying to determine that and see if I need repairs or an upgrade.  The other (how to live on 100w of solar) is a general thread about what can be run with 100w of solar in a day.  It's more about seeing if I can boondock for longer periods on what I currently have based on others' experiences.  I can see how it is becoming more confusing as I get more info and enter it in both threads.  Good point, just going forward with this thread.

 

[duckwonder]

"maybe if you gave us the dimensions of the panel we might get a better idea of how many watt it is.  a 100 watt panel with no controller I don't believe it.  when you got a reading of 13.5 volts was the sun out?  was the panel shaded?  did both batteries read the same voltage?  we need pics of the wiring on both batteries.  is the wire from the panel exposed on the inside of the van?  what's the battery voltage in the morning before the sun comes up? " highdesertranger

Wish I would have known that would be helpful.  I have sciatica so I cannot lift a ladder, the weight is ok on it but the bulk gives me trouble.  I could have checked that while the guy was here today (though I doubt he would have had the time to lay a tape down on the panel).  I'm pretty sure it's 100w but you're right, I am not positive, it just Looks like it to me, lol.  Yes, I got 13.5v readings on both batteries in full sun, no shade.  Did not get pics of the wiring during that stuff today but now I know how to put a wrench on that tray and could get some better ones, if you'd pm me an email address or cell number it's be easier for me to send the pics.  The wire from the panel is not exposed inside the van, it must run behind the wall in the kitchen.  Voltage before sun comes up, not sure, I could check it now, but wouldn't it be the same since it's parked and I haven't used anything in it?  Oh, are you trying to tell if I'm losing power during the night because there is no controller?  I don't understand that stuff, sounds important.  And it sounds like you're not convinced there is no controller.  That's what the dude told me but I trust that about as far as I can well, it does not matter.  Let's just figure it out.  Thanks HDR.

 

[jonsun]

a 100w panel is pretty big. Its voltage is more like 17-20v range, not 13.5. that is a float charge and signifies either a real little panel meant just to keep the battery topped off, not charge it, or there is a charge controller somewhere that has simply gone into float charge.

the panel should stretch most of the way across the roof or laying long ways be something around 3.5 ft long and 2ft + wide.

 

[tx2sturgis]

If the battery is showing 13.5 with the panel in full sun, there is either a solar charge controller SOMEWHERE, or...the converter and/or associated loads on it are keeping the voltage there. If there was no solar controller on the system, the voltage would be free to drift much higher and as I said earlier, probably 'toast' the battery.

It's not your fault, but we are getting some confusing and conflicting information and it is causing us to be all over the place with answers.

We are sure trying to help you but SOMEONE with knowledge and time needs to go thru that system with a fine tooth comb as they used to say....

 

[duckwonder]

a 100w panel is pretty big. Its voltage is more like 17-20v range, not 13.5. that is a float charge and signifies either a real little panel meant just to keep the battery topped off, not charge it, or there is a charge controller somewhere that has simply gone into float charge.

the panel should stretch most of the way across the roof or laying long ways be something around 3.5 ft long and 2ft + wide.

Thanks.  The panel is probably about those dimensions.  If there is a controller, it might be under the panel, but i'd need to be out west to deal with that.  People don't know much about solar where I am, especially moi, and I'm physically unable to get up there and mess around. What is this float charge business?  That sounds terrible.  Is my panel useless?

 

[tx2sturgis]

a 100w panel is pretty big. Its voltage is more like 17-20v range, not 13.5. that is a float charge and signifies either a real little panel meant just to keep the battery topped off, not charge it, or there is a charge controller somewhere that has simply gone into float charge.

the panel should stretch most of the way across the roof or laying long ways be something around 3.5 ft long and 2ft + wide.

All good points there Poindexter!

(payback!)

 

[duckwonder]

If the battery is showing 13.5 with the panel in full sun, there is either a solar charge controller SOMEWHERE, or...the converter and/or associated loads on it are keeping the voltage there. If there was no solar controller on the system, the voltage would be free to drift much higher and as I said earlier, probably 'toast' the battery.

It's not your fault, but we are getting some confusing and conflicting information and it is causing us to be all over the place with answers.

We are sure trying to help you but SOMEONE with knowledge and time needs to go thru that system with a fine tooth comb as they used to say....

May be my fault, I had 2 threads at one time, and some answers came because we had to speculate based on very little information.  I know you guys are trying to help, and you have!  Since I can't get up there, and there's no real help here, I need to get out west to look at the solar.  Now I have a brand new generator that won't run, so that is seriously jamming up that plan.  And how will I travel out with no real working solar?  I am getting pretty bummed out.

 

[Trebor English]

What time of day was the 13.5 volt measurement?

 

[Weight]

I had an Onan and it would just surge, never settling into a steady RPM. Not doing any charging, just making noise. I changed the spark plugs. Cleaned the air filter. Changed the oil. Every thing good after that. Onan Tech sent me after the spark plugs.

 

[duckwonder]

What time of day was the 13.5 volt measurement?

Bout 11am on a bright sunny day.  Hot too, 90s.

 

[duckwonder]

I had an Onan and it would just surge, never settling into a steady RPM. Not doing any charging, just making noise. I changed the spark plugs. Cleaned the air filter. Changed the oil. Every thing good after that. Onan Tech sent me after the spark plugs.

Thank you, mine is brand new.  When they can fit me in hopefully they will take care of it.  Best to you.