Solar & House Battery Setup
Contents
Solar & House Battery Setup
PDXWesty Solar Setup
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=452520&highlight=charge+control+panel
Voltage Regulator
This is required to pump up 14.1v+ for any AGM or Deep Cycle battery.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=363115&highlight=voltage+regulator+15v
Alternator Charging Relay
The Yandina voltage regulation (blue wire) is used with AGM to limit the charging voltage to 14.2 volts or less. Apparently, AGM batteries don't like higher voltages.
Aux Battery
Connectors / Wiring
When you add connections inline in wiring, you should try to always make the load end the male, the feeder the female. That way when you disconnect it, or if it ever comes apart by itself, you don't have an exposed hot male tip hanging around. Having the shielded female on the hot side means that that hot connector is covered when it's disconnected.
Ebrake
I see one wire heading toward driver door. Gray with green stripe
Aux Battery Voltage Measurement
| Voltage Reading | State Of Charge |
|---|---|
| 12.84 Volts or higher | 100% |
| 12.60 Volts | 75% |
| 12.18 Volts | 50% |
| 11.88 Volts | 25% |
Manufacturers
Odyssey - PC1200MJT recommended for starter, the PC1500 & PC1700 for the seats
These are possible options for the driver & passenger seat.
Standard Group 41 battery
LifeLine GPL-27T - 100Ah
Indel ASU Fridge
AGM charge: 100% = 12.8, 75% = 12.5, 50% = 12.2, 25% = 11.9.
Most alternators will not get an AGM battery to 100%. A good strong solar panel or plug-in 3-stage charger is usually required. With these, a bulk charge is done first at slightly under 14V but high amps, then the absorption stage starts at about 14.4V but lower amperage until it reaches 100% charge, then goes to float or 'maintenance' charge. I'm still learning myself, so if I've missed something please feel free to add to this, those of you with more experience.
As far as batteries go - so far I have been mildly disappointed with Interstate, Optima, Deka. The Sears Platinum version (less expensive than) of the Odyssey seems robust, but for only my latest personal choice is the Lifeline batteries. Expensive but worth it.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=521652&highlight=diesel+odyssey
Propex Heater
Anyone know if its possible to hook a propex up to the old fridge propane line?
Yes - remove the old fridge line and fitting at the regulator tee, install a 3/8" NPT x 1/4" compression fitting, run the 1/4" copper to the Propex. Alternately, I can supply a 3/8" compression fitting for the Propex to use the existing fridge line, if it reaches the heater. But don't replace the gas fitting on the heater with an NPT fitting please- the heater threads are BSPT, not NPT.
Stock Circuit Changes
Stock Fuse 3 runs the dome lights, stereo, and other components. This should be routed to the aux.
