New to solar, I would like to learn how to do it the RIGHT way.... Fast learner.

[inetdog]

Hi Dereck
Can Killerwatts use the part: ACS712ELCTR-05B-T
from Allegro Microsystems ?
link: http://www.allegromicro.com/en/Produ...Cs/ACS712.aspx

Is is Hall effect current measurement component which can measure +/- 5A with resolution of 185mV/Amp

Hello ... Is there anybody out there ???

The sensor looks interesting. But its use will be limited to locations where you would normally be able to use a shunt and voltmeter combination, since it requires connection in line with the current being measured. I guess there might be some advantage of a lower voltage drop than a shunt, but the other problem in my mind is the limited current handling capacity. Beyond a certain point the current path will overheat and possibly damage the electronic part.

But their FAQ seems to cover that concern pretty well:

Steady state thermal testing with continuous DC (or AC RMS) current, based on Allegros ASEK712 demo board, shows that at an ambient temperature of 85°C the ACS712 can withstand a maximum of 40 A before reaching the maximum thermal junction temperature of 165°C.

And, no, there is nobody out here that I can see.

[SolarWatt]

Hello ... Is there anybody out there ???

[SolarWatt]

Hi Dereck
Can Killerwatts use the part: ACS712ELCTR-05B-T
from Allegro Microsystems ?
link: http://www.allegromicro.com/en/Produ...Cs/ACS712.aspx

Is is Hall effect current measurement component which can measure +/- 5A with resolution of 185mV/Amp

[KillerWatts]

Will do Dereck, thanks again!

[Sunking]

Thanks again king!

If you want to address me personally, my name is Dereck. I am not a Sir, Mr, or your king. Just plain ole Dereck

[KillerWatts]

As Joe Friday would say: Just the facts.

Good deal! That's what I am after. Thanks again king!

[KillerWatts]

You want the correct answer or someone to tell you what you want to hear? You said yourself you wanted to do it right.

I was just asking about the PV-6010 stuff that I already have and from what I understand this stuff is on a lot of the UL rated ones. And I guess that I should modify that statement to right-ish do to the fact that doing it "right" seems to involve a phone book,telephone, and a checkbook. That does not sound like very much fun, or like something I can afford to AC a wood shop.

[Sunking]

So now I am curious as to what you guys mainly talk about on here.

As Joe Friday would say: Just the facts.

[RussN9ZP]

http://www.dowcorning.com/applicatio...0813&type=PROD
Dow Corning Chem PV-6010 MSDS Wonder what the PV might stand for, It CAN'T be Photo Voltaic 'cause "it wont work for that"!
Anyone besides our most helpful "King" have any tips on testing the cells and if a 0.15 Ohm resistor is required to do it right?

You want the correct answer or someone to tell you what you want to hear? You said yourself you wanted to do it right.

[KillerWatts]

Again no Resistor is used, just a Hall Effect amp meter with a known light source. Manufactures use two test methods.

1. is the Isc test through a dead short with a special test lamp.
2. Is the Imp using the same test lamp through a MPPT tracking resistance which is dynamic and not a set value under computer control. You cannot duplicate the test with a fixed resistance.

All you can do is the Isc test and your results will be inconclusive because you do not know the input light level.

Ohhhhh, well, the most knowledgeable king's status has been updated to HELPFUL. Thanks, you really know your stuff! So now I am curious as to what you guys mainly talk about on here. Is it mainly system design, or new stuff in the industry orrrr? I don't want to be tooo off topic.

[Sunking]

Search for Tektronics TCP312 current probe.

For a budget device look for a current shunt with a maximum current reading just above what your cells will generate. A good precision shunt will run around $10 to $40. This is the resistor type you have referenced too. A 5 amp 50 mV shunt is a precision .01 ohm .25 watt resistor. But it will introduce errors causing you to read low values especially with a low level test lamp. .

[KillerWatts]

Russ, all of the DIY solar sites and forums that I have found have ya hoos cobing together a bunch of cheap un-safe crap that my 14 year old could tell you is not gona last long. THIS forum seems VERY knowledgeable and I would much rather be the "dumb guy" on this site and learn something than to be the "smart guy" on one of the other ones and act like I know something (cause I don't).

[KillerWatts]

King, so I could use my grow light and that Hall effect thing. How do I know if either of my meters is that kind or not?

[KillerWatts]

So what do you guys talk about? Different ways to bolt stuff to roofs? lol! I was not trying to whine. King what about the short circuit Hall effect thingy? Thanks again!

[Sunking]

What about the resistor thing, anyone know?

Again no Resistor is used, just a Hall Effect amp meter with a known light source. Manufactures use two test methods.

1. is the Isc test through a dead short with a special test lamp.
2. Is the Imp using the same test lamp through a MPPT tracking resistance which is dynamic and not a set value under computer control. You cannot duplicate the test with a fixed resistance.

All you can do is the Isc test and your results will be inconclusive because you do not know the input light level.