Charging mystery (1 Viewer)

[New Dawn]

took our motorhome to have second solar panel fitted. Engineer said he would wire it through existing controller. On picking it up. I asked if it was charging engine battery as well as domestics, to which he replied No. But he could fit a B2B for £120. We decided to wait. We also have the Cobra tracking system fitted which allows us, via a weblink, to keep our eye on the system. It also allows us to check battery charge. Now here's the mystery, on recent check it showed engine battery at 13.1v today it's at 14.2vts. Does this mean it's receiving charge voltage from somewhere (ie solar). Domestic
Batteries are at 98%. As we are no experts at anything electrical, but there are funsters who are !!! Thought we might ask for an opinion/advice.

 

[Techno]

A fully charged battery is 12.6 to 12.7 volts so if you are seeing well over that then yes most definately that is a charging voltage. have a look a couple of hours after dark and compare the reading.

 

[Techno]

What is the voltage of the leisure batteries and starter battery at the same time?

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[New Dawn]

Hi Andy. Looks like something is creating the charge current then. Will check on weblink at current state of domestics & engine batteries.
Readings are !! Domestics 99%. Engine 13.18vts. (4-45pm). Thanks for info/advice.

 

[Techno]

The only way to be sure is with a volt meter direct to the batteries. The accuracy of any other method can only be proven by comparing.

You cannot compare a percentage with a voltage either. You need to know the voltage of both and at the same time.

It may be that a previous owner had a battery master fitted in a place that is not obvious as they are fit and forget. If one is fitted then you would find the engine battery is always half a volt behind the leisure battery and this would explain how the starter battery is getting a charge while OFF hook up.

 

[Wildman]

looks like you are sorted then. No matter how.

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[Munchie]

My solar panels are wired from reg direct to leisure batts so no way the engine batt is fed from them!

 

[New Dawn]

Right, get the picture now Andy. All this techy electrical stuff is above me. But might know someone who can do the checks your on about for us. Have written down what you have said to show him. Grateful for your input.

 

[New Dawn]

Wildman. Main thing is we never spent the £120 on something we don't need by the look of it. So glad there are people like Andy who can advise & help. It's not easy when your a novice & don't know or understand these things.

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[JeanLuc]

Can you list the following:

1. Make and model of charger / 12V control system (probably a Schaudt Elektroblok as it's a Burstner);
2. Make and model of solar regulator;
3. Whether the solar regulator is plugged into the charger (or is it wired directly to the leisure batteries).

 

[New Dawn]

Hi Jeanluc. Sorry can't answer any of the questions you put, until we next go to MH. But as soon as we do will PM the info. Thanks for helping out.