Can anybody please help a (very) non-technical person with a solar regulator problem?

[Solwaybuggier]

At a recent dealer hab check on our Carthago C-Tourer we were advised the gel batteries needed replacing. We managed to source 2 like for like replacements, and have swapped them over. I isolated the batteries first.

But now the regulator is not behaving as it did - it's an NDS Sun Control SC300M MPPT. The green LED, which normally flashes to show leisure batteries are getting a charge, is not lit. The orange LED showing cab battery charging was flashing initially, but is also now out. And the CBE control panel in the van is flashing to indicate the cab battery is running low.

12v facilities (lights, satellite etc) appear to be working normally.

I've put the van on hook up, but the dealer's service counter is closed over the weekend. Can anyone advise a very non-technical person what I can best do?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[icantremember]

Did you reconnect the solar AFTER the batteries?

 

[Solwaybuggier]

I didn't disconnect the solar - just isolated the batteries using the isolator switch. Should I have?

 

[DBK]

I didn't disconnect the solar - just isolated the batteries using the isolator switch. Should I have?

With some you do as they can be dual 12 or 24 volt chargers and they decide which to be when the battery is connected providing the solar panels are disconnected. A bit like rebooting a PC.

 

[Clarky]

Seem to recall reading that the solar panels should be disconnected by pulling a fuse before disconnecting the batteries.
Might have buggered the controller but, like you, I’m no expert.

Richard

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[Lenny HB]

Try covering your solar panels ( or do it at night). Disconnect all connections to the solar regulator then reconnect to the batteries first then the panels last. With any luck it will reset it.

 

[Ninjabob]

On my cheapo Truma Controller it is disconnect Solar before disconnecting batteries and reconnect batteries before reconnecting Solar.

 

[Solwaybuggier]

With some you do as they can be dual 12 or 24 volt chargers and they decide which to be when the battery is connected providing the solar panels are disconnected. A bit like rebooting a PC.

The charger is a CBE CB 510/516 - the manual seems to suggest 12v only (no reference to 24 v). I suspect that Lenny's suggestion (below) may have the effect of rebooting?

 

[Solwaybuggier]

Seem to recall reading that the solar panels should be disconnected by pulling a fuse before disconnecting the batteries.
Might have buggered the controller but, like you, I’m no expert.

Richard

Ooops - that would mitigate against what was a really good deal on the batteries!

 

[Solwaybuggier]

Try covering your solar panels ( or do it at night). Disconnect all connections to the solar regulator then reconnect to the batteries first then the panels last. With any luck it will reset it.

Thanks - will try that when it's stopped blowing a gale!

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[DBK]

The charger is a CBE CB 510/516 - the manual seems to suggest 12v only (no reference to 24 v). I suspect that Lenny's suggestion (below) may have the effect of rebooting?

I've just downloaded the instructions and it is indeed 12 volt only and there is no mention of connecting things in a specific order.

If you have a multimeter you could check for a voltage from the panels, even if it is cloudy there should be something. You could also check the fuse inside the unit and check the jumper is in the right place for gels although it should still be charging whatever the setting.

 

[Solwaybuggier]

I've just downloaded the instructions and it is indeed 12 volt only and there is no mention of connecting things in a specific order.

If you have a multimeter you could check for a voltage from the panels, even if it is cloudy there should be something. You could also check the fuse inside the unit and check the jumper is in the right place for gels although it should still be charging whatever the setting.

I've got a multimeter - but am so technically dense I've never got the hang of using it! I will check the 2 fuses in the regulator though - thanks.

 

[mitzimad]

For basic multimeter skills go to utube lots on there

 

[Solwaybuggier]

Eureka - immense gratitude to all who've helped, but particularly to LennyHB.

Try covering your solar panels ( or do it at night). Disconnect all connections to the solar regulator then reconnect to the batteries first then the panels last. With any luck it will reset it.

I followed that sequence and the leisure battery charge LED is now flashing. I'm not convinced that the cab battery charge is working, but I can live with that short-term at least.

Thanks all.

 

[autorouter]

Check the cab battery voltage (with a meter, on the terminals) when the sun has been shining for an hour or two. If the voltage is 13.0 or more, then the solar is charging it. (I'm assuming it's not on mains hookup)

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[Solwaybuggier]

Sun - shining? An hour or two? In Cumbria?

Thanks though - although having looked in the online version of the regulator manual (https://www.roadpro.co.uk/userfiles...S/NDS Sun Control SC300M v3 - Booklet ENG.pdf) which is slightly more detailed than the printed version, it appears that the panels only charge the cab battery if the leisure batteries are charged to 80%+, and if the cab battery is at under 12.5v.

But if the weather picks up I’ll take it off hookup for a while and check.

 

[Rjcamper]

Have a look at my post in beginners section, https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/help-with-solar-controller.201717/

Turned out to be a poor connection on the inline fuse, but maybe a poor connection on the battery you replaced or where you isolated the main battery???