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rockies
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# Posted: 30 May 2018 20:03
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I was reading this book about how to set up a solar power system. Quite a lot of useful information.
https://www.amazon.ca/Preppers-Total-Grid-Failure-Handbook/dp/1612436374
The book is written by a couple who run a website called Off Grid Geeks.
http://off-grid-geek.blogspot.com/search?q=inverter
One of the products they recommend is a MidNite Solar Classic 200 charge controller.
http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=257&productCatName=&productCa t_ID=21&sortOrder=2&act=p
However, one device I've never heard of before is an optional accessory called a "Whizbang Jr".
http://www.midnitesolar.com/productPhoto.php?product_ID=519&productCatName=Charge Controllers - Classics&productCat_ID=21&sortOrder=1&act=p
According to the Off Grid Geeks the Wizbang Jr does this: Every amp of power that flows in or out of the battery bank goes through the Wbjr. The Wbjr measures all the current going into the battery bank during charging, and out of the battery bank when it's used, and it acts like the gas gauge in your car. Put gas into the tank at the gas station and the gauge goes up. Drive around and it goes down. That way you know how much gas is left in the gas tank. The Wbjr does the same for your battery bank, letting you know how much capacity is left at any given time. It has tons of features and Alan has access to all the data from his smartphone so we can check in on it when we are gone.
Since Creeky is the resident expert, I was wondering what he thought of this device (and their site or book).
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ICC
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# Posted: 30 May 2018 20:52 - Edited by: ICC
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The Whiz Bang Jr (~US$50-55) has been around a long time. They only work with Midnite charge controllers. They use the display on the controller and the programming is done via the controller. That may be why many people may not have heard of them. I have some in use. Like any brand of power "fuel gauge" they are only as accurate as the base capacity the battery bank is rated at. If the specs state 600 amp-hours capacity at such'n'such volts when new, that AH falls as the batteries age. And that takes some guesswork to compesate for.
Talking old lead cells, creeky.  When the CC is equipped with a battery temperature sensor the decrease in available capacity is compensated for. You can see a 600 AH battery, at 75 F, set drop to maybe only 400 AH, whatever, as the temperature falls and nothing else changes.
All the Classic charge controllers are good, IMO. Different models to cover different maximum PV string voltages. Only buy as high a capacity as you need. The 150 works as well as the 250. All have the ability to be monitored remotely.
Anyhow I like the Midnite products. Their surge protection devices are the best. IMO. (lightning arrestor in common lingo) I believe they still make everything in Arlington, Washington.
I've not looked at the prepper site, so no comment there.
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Borrego
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# Posted: 31 May 2018 12:09
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My new Schneider system has an optional little box that goes in the DC unit and gives readouts on all kinds of stuff, has a gas gauge looking thing that shows Empty - Full. Is this the same thing? Also the MPPT has a LCD screen with face plate buttons for configuration and system monitoring, shows all stats, daily logs, monthly logs etc. I assumed these were common on most systems....?
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