Starting the solar set up.

[WheelEstate USA]

I also have some years of soldering behind me, but crimps do have their place and I believe this one of them.
Those last few inches of cable often need to make some contortions for smooth hookups to components. Solder can cause undue stiffness at those points.

 

[GotSmart]

If three people who's opinion I respect on this forum tell me something, I had better listen.

 

[GotSmart]

I called around, and found Battery Outfitters will sell reconditioned batteries for $41 each. (6 volt deep cell) $120 for T105's new. That should give me the breathing room in case my local jobs do not pay as much as I am hoping for.

 

[akrvbob]

Since I'm talking buying seperate pieces you could buy the Kyocera panel and any controller. The quality is the same between the Blue Sky and Morningstar but the Morningstar has higher amp capacity so you can add another panel later to the same controller.

Most higher end controllers do not come with a monitor giving you the option to get the one to fit your needs. They are both smart controllers and able to keep track of all kinds of information. The Mornigstar can connect to your PC via ethernet and gather huge amounts of info on your usage. It's a fun toy, but for most people it's just that. And of course you are paying for that capacity, it's built into the controller. That's why they don't come with monitors, so you can choose how high-tech you want it to be.

They are both MPPT, that has nothing to do with the display.

The Blue Sky will save you some money, but it can't grow. However, you can buy two of them for the rice of the Mornignstar, and I chose it because I would just buy another complete system later on if I needed and it would be redundancy. I like that! I have 4 panels, 3 controllers and 6 golf carts in my system, each a a stand alone system. One dies, I still have two left! One is on my trailer two are on my van so if I leave the trailer home, Like I am now, I still have solar.
Bob

 

[akrvbob]

Since I'm talking buying seperate pieces you could buy the Kyocera panel and any controller. The quality is the same between the Blue Sky and Morningstar but the Morningstar has higher amp capacity so you can add another panel later to the same controller.

Most higher end controllers do not come with a monitor giving you the option to get the one to fit your needs. They are both smart controllers and able to keep track of all kinds of information. The Mornigstar can connect to your PC via ethernet and gather huge amounts of info on your usage. It's a fun toy, but for most people it's just that. And of course you are paying for that capacity, it's built into the controller. That's why they don't come with monitors, so you can choose how high-tech you want it to be.

They are both MPPT, that has nothing to do with the display.

The Blue Sky will save you some money, but it can't grow. However, you can buy two of them for the rice of the Mornignstar, and I choose it because I would just buy another complet system later on if I needed and it would be redundancy. I like that! I have 4 panels, 3 controllers and 6 golf carts in my system, each a a stand alone system. One dies, I still have two left! One is on my trailer two are on my van so if I leave the trailer home, Like I am now, I still have solar.
Bob

 

[blars]

Only some Morningstar models have ethernet. They also make PWM controlers with similar model names, so be carfull if you find a "bargain" online. (The MPPT models have MPPT in the name.)

 

[GotSmart]

Thanks. I know just enough about solar to deal with a reputable company. I do not know enough to go online searching for components on my own.

I have seen some horrible systems at Harbor Freight so I will only deal with a highly recommended company. That is why I am stopping to AZ to complete my set up.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

GS....Are you driving out to Az?? If so, when??

We'd enjoy meeting up with you if possible.

 

[GotSmart]

I have to be out of my house by July 1. I will be wandering that way around the 3rd or so perhaps. I have stops to make in Kansas and Colorado on my way out. If I do not make the solar place by the 3rd, I will not be able to get anything until the 7th. I am guessing they will be closed those 3 days. I need to call and check. Yep. I need to get there on the 3rd, so I can get things installed. Otherwise no power until at least Monday the 7th.

I will see when my employer (who is panicking at losing me!) is willing to do. He already has me scheduled to build him a wood shop, run power for a cabin, frame in a boat shed and rebuild a lean to (as well as paint his classic Cub Cadet) in the next month. I still have to finish the build and pack as well!

Northern AZ Wind and Sun is in Flagstaff, right off of I 40.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/N.../data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x991a205e1fc74fd8?hl=en

 

[WheelEstate USA]

You better get to work, big guy

Az Wind & Sun isn't far from where we're sitting (in Flag) right now...5 minutes away.
Next week we'll be in N.M. for most of June, probably. July should find us in Colo.
Maybe we'll have the chance to meet somewhere along the way.

 

[GotSmart]

I will be starting a trip thread. Posting pictures and visiting people.

 

[akrvbob]

Are you doing the install yourself? You know they don't do installs, just retail the parts.

No need to search for parts, NAZWS sells both the expensive Morningstar and less expensive, but just as good a quality, Blue Sky. You can buy the kit or tell them you want to save and they will piece together everything you need and double-check it's right. They'll make sure it's right if you tell them to.

When I take people in I just act as an interpreter explaining everything the salesman is saying, the person makes the decisions.
Bob

 

[GotSmart]

Are you doing the install yourself? You know they don't do installs, just retail the parts.

No need to search for parts, NAZWS sells both the expensive Morningstar and less expensive, but just as good a quality, Blue Sky. You can buy the kit or tell them you want to save and they will piece together everything you need and double-check it's right. They'll make sure it's right if you tell them to.

When I take people in I just act as an interpreter explaining everything the salesman is saying, the person makes the decisions.
Bob

I will have the bottom end set up, as well as the power stations at various places where power is needed. I work better in person so I will try to be there when they open up on the 3rd. (or it might be safer on the 7th after the drunks are off the road.

Over the next few weeks I will be gathering the wires and setting up the power from the alternator as a supplemental charger, and figuring the exact placement of the power stations. Will you be on your trip then?

 

[akrvbob]

Yes, we are entering Canada tomorrow.

The install is very simple and if you run into a problem they will answer any of your questions. One warning though, higher end controllers offer a dazzling array of options during the set-up and it can be pretty confusing. Some of it I don't understand, but it will all be child's play to Sternwake, hopefully he will be online to help you with any decisions.

Blars was right, the controller in that kit doesn't have the ethernet port, the 60 amp one does. It is MPPT though.
Bob

 

[GotSmart]

My jobs might keep me in Missouri until after the 4th. Then I should have the money to double the investment in my van with $1,500 worth of solar.

I really do not want my solar kit to be the latest wizbang. I just want quality and dependability. A fridge, my CPAP, and some music and electronic entertainment. (For me and not the people a mile away!) Perhaps some lights and a electric coffee pot for the real cold mornings.

I can cook with a propane stove. (OUTSIDE!)

 

[GotSmart]

Well I went to instal the Solenoid Relay, and all I got was a plain unit with no markings. Sternwake, does it matter which side is hot?

 

[SternWake]

No , use whatever side that keeps distances shorter and install cleanest. Give the small terminals 12v and test for continuity on the big terminals.

the small terminals if two exist. One will be ground. Check to see if either small terminal has continuity to solenoid body.

 

[GotSmart]

The small terminals have continuity with each other only. I take that to mean that they both are a power source. I also figure the body of the solenoid is the ground. All four terminals have a plastic insulator between them and the body.

I have changed my priorities to do without a TV. The laptop will be my main entertainment, as well as a standard automotive stereo. Some lights to read by, and the fridge and cpap. An outlet to charge my cordless batteries and phone.

I need to detox from society!

 

[Donedirtcheap]

Is it a continuous duty solenoid?

 

[GotSmart]

Is it a continuous duty solenoid?

I am glad you asked that question. I went back and looked up the description.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002OQXIS4...UTF8&colid=2V2H86R4VLH9&coliid=I3BCDXWMCRW92K

Tekonsha 12 Volt 4 Terminal Battery Switch fits all your needs. 4 terminal has insulated ground terminal for use with fiberglass or other non-conductive materials. Includes terminal nuts and lock-washers. Nothing else to look for or buy, saves time and money. Isolates starting battery. Assures primary battery power for starting engine and provides secondary battery current for auxiliary power. Cadmium plated, non-breakable heavy duty housing. Resists rust, gives long life in most any environment. Full time charging of both batteries. Gives you early re-use of secondary battery. 12 volt DC continuous duty.

That is why I thought it was a directional unit. I guess I need to attach power to one large terminal, and see if the small ones are powered. If all 3 unused are powered, that is power in, if only the small ones are powered, that is the power out side.