Hi all, I am new to this. The setup I am building is for running a satellite node which transmits photos from remote locations over the iridium network (Instant Wild, if you've heard of it). I can't speak to how much power this unit uses but suffice to say it is well below what this system is spec'd for. We have designed the battery set up to have enough amp hours to last several months during periods when the sun does not come up (arctic winter).
Panel: 100w
Batts: Two 12v 120aH VRLA
Controller: SunSaver 10L-12v
Today I connected the batts in parallel and connected the panel into the pre-wired controller. I have not yet connected the satellite node as I wanted to ensure the batteries were fully charged before running the whole system (the sat node connects directly to the batteries anyway). I placed the panel in direct sun and let er rip. After about five minutes I noticed the positive terminal on the battery terminal of the controller was smoking and I disconnected the panel. Both batts read 12.6V. Blackened wire + melted plastic:
What caused the controller to overload/melt?
My operating theory is that the controller failed. I saw no lights come on at connection and no indication of life, even though the batteries had good charge and the panel was well lit.
Thanks
Kris (noob!)
Panel: 100w
Batts: Two 12v 120aH VRLA
Controller: SunSaver 10L-12v
Today I connected the batts in parallel and connected the panel into the pre-wired controller. I have not yet connected the satellite node as I wanted to ensure the batteries were fully charged before running the whole system (the sat node connects directly to the batteries anyway). I placed the panel in direct sun and let er rip. After about five minutes I noticed the positive terminal on the battery terminal of the controller was smoking and I disconnected the panel. Both batts read 12.6V. Blackened wire + melted plastic:
What caused the controller to overload/melt?
My operating theory is that the controller failed. I saw no lights come on at connection and no indication of life, even though the batteries had good charge and the panel was well lit.
Thanks
Kris (noob!)
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