[Rhodes22-list] Solar Panel Output - Jay

[Kroposki]

Jay,
	Have you checked the water level in both batteries?
                 Ed K

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Roger Pihlaja
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 7:24 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Panel Output

Jay,

There's a simple way to troubleshoot your mysterious current draw.  1st,
rig
up a way to measure or at least indicate the current being drawn from
your
battery.  This could be as high tech as a clamp-on inductive ampmeter
over
the +12 VDC lead off the battery or as low tech as an inexpensive 12 VDC
automotive continuity test light wired in series with the +12 VDC lead
off
the battery.  Switch off all the 12 VDC circuits on board.  Make certain
you
don't have anything like a night light or the LED time display on your
stereo still turned on.  If you have no measurable current; then, your
problem is in the battery itself losing charge.  If you have a small
current; then, one by one, remove the fuses or circuit breakers until
you
isolate the faulty circuit.  Once you know which circuit is causing your
current draw, you should be able to figure out where the fault lies.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay Friedland" <a.jayf at verizon.net>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 6:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Panel Output


> Thanks, Bill, I needed that!!!
>
> Seriously, I know I have a short some place but running checks across
> all 6 circuits hasn't turned up anything. Without being able to
isolate
> it, I can only compensate right now. I know the cells aren't losing
> much, just trying to hold what I can as a trickle charge. It's been
> on-going since 1997, with some rewiring by a local marina guy, and
then
> at NC. Loss of voltage over weekend twice was after 1/2 hr.+ running
> time on motor.
>
> Sat., I'll have a fresh set of eyes and meters. Next slip, an
> electrical engr. will help this weekend. Trying to do most of this
> without losing sailing time as well. You know what I have and it
> doesn't make sense-
> it's not that complicated. Will persevere till I nail it.
> Jay
>
> On Wednesday, July 9, 2003, at 01:15 PM, Bill Effros wrote:
>
> > Jay,
> >
> > Roughly .2 amps in bright direct sunlight--.1 when overcast.
> >
> > You are overcomplicating this problem.
> >
> > I have essentially the same equipment and use.  You must have a
short
> > somewhere.  You are not losing this much power through your solar
> > cells.  You are not using this much power with your lights and sound
> > system.
> >
> > Your Yamaha should put more electricity into your system in 5
minutes
> > of running than your solar cells are capable of losing the following
> > night--and a fully charged 2 battery system should have enough
reserve
> > power for more than 2 years of nights even if direct sunlight never
> > falls on the solar cells during the day.
> >
> > My E-Meter measures the discharge of the solar cells at night.  It
is
> > accurate to .1--the discharge is less than that.  My system has
> > remained fully charged day and night for more than 5 years (although
> > the fully charged capacity has declined as the batteries have aged.)
> >
> > Find the short and stop fooling around.
> >
> > Bill
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Jay Friedland
> > To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
> > Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2003 6:47 AM
> > Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Solar Panel Output
> >
> >
> > List-
> > Can anyone tell me the output of the standard solar panels, I
believe
> > Solarex, used from the factory? I'm still having a problem with
voltage
> > loss with a 2 battery, 2 panel system with switch. Using only nav
> > lights and the 12v Cambridge Sound system, unable to start Yamaha
> > engine, except manually. Contemplating adding Starter batt. isolated
> > for engine only. I'm adding ICP charge controller this weekend as
well
> > and take some measurements to see where I'm losing power.
> > Thanks,
> > jay
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>
>


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