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Charging Voltage

Randy

Randy

Ranger
Donating Member
This is most likely a dumb question, but it seems that all the cigarrette lighter plug-in type meters display the current voltage in the battery. Is there any way to display the number of volts going in? This would tell me that the trailer is getting charged when connected and how much my solar panel is putting out.

Thanks,

Randy
 
A plug-in voltage meter will show the charging voltage applied to the battery when charging is active since they are part of the same circuit.
It will normally read a volt or two above the voltage measured when the battery is in its resting state.

What the meter won't tell you is the battery's current draw from the charger or the battery's remaining current capacity. You need an amp meter / load tester for that.
 
So it always defaults to the charging voltage, even if it is way less than the resting state, for instance when a solar panel is connected to a battery with close to a full charge?
 
The meter will read what the battery voltage is at that time. When the battery is charging, it will show a higher voltage than the normal battery, due to the characteristics of the battery and charging process. When the charger (or solar controller for that matter) senses that the battery is fully charged, it will shut off so the voltage will drop to the battery normally charged value. In storage, the battery charger will switch on and off as the battery sags due to self discharge or vampire loads.

A fully charged battery will read about 13.3V +/- 0.2V. When it is charging, it will be 14V or more. When it is trickle charging it will be a little less.
 
Randy,

I spoke with Cary and others about your same question. After some research I found the TriMetric TM 2025-RV. This unit once wired into your electrical system via the battery, will tell you AMPS / Volts going out and AMPS / Volts coming in (from solar or shore power). Look here for more specifics.

http://www.bogartengineering.com/products/TriMetric

As I mentioned, I did speak with Cary and we are planning this into our future 560 Ultra build. It does require a 100amp shunt and both shunt and TM2025RV would cost about $175.00. This will allow us to see real time, the amps leaving the battery as we use lights, fans, etc., as well as input from Solar panels. Now we will be better able to manage our electrical usage while off the grid.

Hope this helps.
 
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I'm interested in having both voltage and amperage information on charge and discharging the battery. With an AGM battery it is sealed and cannot be checked with a hydrometer. Over time an individual can observe the cycle performance better knowing both voltage and amperage. Bogart Engineering has a very good reputation for their products. Kudos to CI for exploring this option.
 
OK so another question since I am solar illiterate. What is the function of the controller that comes standard on many solar panels..does it not control the power supply to the battery on a as needed basis? Thanks R
 
Ron,

That is a correct assessment. Think of it like your automatic battery charger on the trailer. Rather than use AC shore power though this would use the DC power output of the solar panel to manage the charging of the battery.

Cary
 
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