DC - DC charger and solar panels...

[Wave]

I have a 110w solar panel with a built it regulator, when needed, I just plug it into my BH plug on my trailer and it charges the 2 batteries. This is the same grey BH plug I use to charge when towing.

I've been wanting to install the WRND DC-DC charger so when towing the batteries get a decent charge, better than the altinator can supply.

My question is, can I still use the solar panels to charge the batteries when camping via the BH plug (yes the same one when in use while towing, which will then feed power into the WRND unit) when at camp?

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[BushWacker]

Dont know about WRND except its pretty similar ( copy?) of HCDP ... on the latter there is just a switch to be set to ‘ SP, Solar Panel’ OR Car Battery/Alternator. on my HCDP battery box its the same anderson plug fitting that accepts the charging power (... after said switch is set!)
WRND only marginally cheaper than HCDP and I would advise going for the latter ...

[mplester]

The unit has 2 plug in points one for solar and one for your vehicle.
You are trying to use 1 input for both. The feed from your car to the trailer will fit to the dc input of the wrnd the solar has a sperate input and as such you can't use the same plug.
A 110w is also a very small panel to use on 2 batteries.
Unlike the hcdp the wrnd has an auto switch and not a manual switch over.

[BushWacker]

Ok ... I see there quite a few differences between HCDP and WRND... !

As a matter of interest I normally only run one panel charging 1 battery at a time but often charge 2 batteries , 1 after the other, during a full sun day and/or charging my aux battery via my car alternator.

Late last year (Dec at Oliphants River Lodge) at mid-day with full sun my 100W panel was delivering 22v ... but this weekend at Jansens I was only getting 14v at most out of winter sun.
I think at 20 odd volts it gives about 4Amps ...though label on back says rated 22V , 6Amp.

[mplester]

If the panel is pushing that voltage then it's not regulated???
The voltage that you are talking about would need to go through a regulator before the battery.
If you are to use the panel via the wrnd, you will need to run a sperate cable from solar to wrnd,

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[BushWacker]

As far as I know its regulated in the HCDP unit but I cant be sure ... its the HCDP DC-DC 12A unit ... and Ive wired it as below ... what happens in the black box Im not sure

https://www.hcdpelectronics.co.za/i/pro ... %20R02.pdf


The lead/anderson plug from the car battery is pulled out and the solar panel feed is plugged in and the switch moved appropriately .








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[mplester]

As far as I know its regulated in the HCDP unit but I cant be sure ... its the HCDP DC-DC 12A unit ... and Ive wired it as below ... what happens in the black box Im not sure







" #$ "#$$ ! $""





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That it will. My hcdp does the same.


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[BushWacker]

nb Ive edited/corrected my post !

Translation:
NB: I've edited/corrected my post above!

[Wave]

Thanks for the feedback guys, looks like I must aim for the HCDP 12A DC-DC unit as it is switchable depending on input method.

I never knew this unit even existed, so thumbs up to the forum for the info!

[BushWacker]

Try phoning Jacque (solar panel guy) @ Bush Power in Glen Austin Midrand ... but main HCDP guy ... (better website ) is in Pretoria, east side ...

Kit out your caravan/trailer electrics to be complimentary and synergised with your house contingency system wrt Eskom ...

If you source HCDP from manufacturer then I think Jacque etc will build versatile battery box / aux batter supply unit for you ... if you dont do your own ... I think Ant Lombard also may be able to make something up to order ???