HALLMARK 6X12 CONVERSION

[Tommy B]

Master Obi Don Kenobi. Your wisdom serves me well!

Thanks for that advice.

[Tommy B]

Don the Controller arrived. This diagram is just food for thought. Good info.

I will find a location for the controller and maybe prewire to the battery. 5-10 feet from the battery. Most likely right above the TP. I plan on installing a holder for TP very soon.

Says to use 12 AWG. I have like 30 feet of 10 AWG. Is that ok.? Would an inline blade fuse of 30A X2 suffice for the high amperage fuse. I will purchase if so or provide a pic or link for one if possible.

Lastly, I would like to check out this controller like today. The reason. They did not package this correctly as they placed no bubble wrap on the bottom of the box. Just around the sides and top. Its got weight to it. The wife set the delivered box down on a bar stool and it promptly tumbled off and fell perfectly on the bottom side and made quite a smack on the tile. First thing the wife said was is that breakable?. I unpackaged it and found it not packaged right and upon inspection the glass window is recessed back 1/4 inch but unevenly and it moved slightly. Maybe its designed that way IDK.

I would like to do a function check on it. I have an old never used KTM battery that is now at 9.5 volts and was going to use that. I can make two 15 foot 10 gauge or 12 gauge connections but am not sure about those connectors. Crimp or solder. If the controller is bad I need to move on that right away.

Thanks I will figure it out before you come over.


Oh the panel will be here today as I will need that to check it all out.

[Tommy B]

UPDATE.

I just returned the questionable controller. To much at stake. New one to arrive tomorrow.

Amazon service is great I must say. Hope this one is packaged better.

[flboy]

10Awg is better than 12AWg. That is fine and preferable. For this setup, 30a blade fuse is fine to and from controller as shown. If you are going to use an inverter, need to figure fuse size based on inverter max power.

Good call on the charger. It should at least arrive looking good.

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[Tommy B]

Thank you Don. I was not sure I would ever use that inverter.
Its a Chicago Electric 1000 watts continuous 2000 peak. I was not going to install it but now might be a good time. AC power possible with out the champion genny would be good thing. A back up!

So what size fuse for that Don, please?

I really don't know where I will put it though. In the kitchen bath is preferable but it is getting crowded in there especially with the solar charge controller going in. Maybe a vertical mount wires down right next to the receptacle and then the solar charger above it by 4-5 inches. Has to be enough room to open that cabinet door which swings up and down.

Or the underside of that same cabinet. Upside down. Maybe down there by that ammo can on the shelf right above the 20 gallon water tank. That would be a short run to the battery. IDK.

Its good to be back in the game. Fun to make it all work like you want it isn't it?

[tandempair]

Looks good. Ours is going to be simple, simple. A place to sleep,eat and cook, a portable toilet, some storage and a place for our tandem trike. I really like what you did behind the sink. Was it flashing that you used? We have been trying to decide what to use behind ours kitchen unit and that may just do the trick. Was it attached with regular screws or self tapping?

[Tommy B]

tandempair,

Got those panels at home depot. faux brass panels. You can find them easy

I believe I set one up, tapped an indentation with a nail where I wanted the screw to go and pre drilled through the faux brass metal panel and slightly into the 3/8 plywood behind. Then just used maybe #10 round head 1/2 inch stainless screws. It took some time but it was worth it. It gives off a nice warm glow when the kitchen lights are on. Especially the hood light but that is a 120 volt AC light. It cleans up easy too!

Let us know what you decide!

[Tommy B]

Wow the panel arrived and it is bigger than what I expected.
I just set it here to grab a pic. Of course its going on the roof.

Stoked. Really an off the grid upgrade.

Thanks Don for the advice. It has really paid off.

Do you need your yard cut or anything?

let me know!

[featherliteCT1]

Go Tommy go! I am enjoying your build

[Tommy B]

Well these controllers are giving me major frustration and high blood pressure.

First one did indeed come out of the box broken BUT they both are not even what is displayed on the amazon site. They lack charge and port lights, and two USP charge ports! Seriously?
Amazon will credit both and give me a 20 or 25 dollar discount on my next amazon purchase. They do have good customer service.

So now I will shop for something similar but does anybody have any suggestions? They all are made in China it seems.

Thanks

[McDave]

As your Doctor I recommend 2 oz. of Jameson over ice. But as a friend I would recommend 4 0z. of Jameson over ice.
Then soak in the pool for a while, make your lovely wife some dinner and try again tomorrow.

McDave

[flboy]

Sounds like a sketchy seller. Was the first one correct even though it was damaged?

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[flboy]

Tommy, this one is from HQST and should be a good seller. They also make the panels.. All these PWM types are similar. I like the ones witj LCD screen as they have more info and some settings. This one also has a USB port.

HQST 30 Amp PWM Smart Solar Charge Controller with LCD Display.

That one you got is not what was advertised. Send it back and order this one .. Hopefully it will arrive well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FB3OPKM/re ... Ezb8724Y9X

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[Tommy B]

Ok Don will purchase. Yes a rogue seller. No the first one was not what was displayed either. Oh well. Moving on.

So check this out. This panel can only go right here for many reasons. Size, shape of the roof and the panel. The location of the roof horizontal braces and of course that AC unit.

I will install 2x4 pieces between the braces just like I did there in the kitchen.
The most reward screw on both back braces will actually be into the metal brace I hope. It was all very tight and there is no other way That I can see.

Don I will wait some and check back here before I proceed. But I need to run up to HD and get a 2x4 and some L brackets.

[flboy]

Tommy, that will work for the mount.

I was thinking of the metal struts for the mount to limit holes in the roof and etc.. where panels and etc.. can be removed without messing with the roof seal again, but you can unscrew the brakets from the panels.. so same deal.

Looks like you will be done before next week. Just let me solder up those connectors. Don't want any loss in the connections. :-)






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