Does a Schaudt LR1218 controller charge the starter battery?

[drmartinwhite]

Shouldn't have to wait long.

I anticipate a couple of years!

 

[drmartinwhite]

I anticipate a couple of years!

 

[autorouter]

So, my latest thinking is now to buy the Votronic MPP 250, and use the existing cable/connection to the EBL 271. Presumably the connection at the EBL will be OK as it was working OK with the Schaudt LR1218. I just need to adapt the cable ends and make sure they are connected to the right terminals on the MPP 250. The Votronic wiring diagram shows only 2 connections to the EBL, and the starter battery + going separately direct to the battery. Am I right in thinking that if I use the existing cable to the EBL and connect the wire that was previously connected to "Starter Plus" on the LR1218 to the Starter + on the MPP 250 it should all work fine? Which saves me running a separate wire to the starter battery.

The EBL271 is one of those that has Pin 2 of the 3-way solar connector wired to the starter battery. Not all EBLs have this, which may be why Votronic don't use it in their wiring scheme. So yes, just connect the existing wiring to the new Votronic controller. No need to bodge a wire onto the rear terminals, or run a wire direct to the starter battery.

 

[acropolis22]

The EBL271 is one of those that has Pin 2 of the 3-way solar connector wired to the starter battery. Not all EBLs have this, which may be why Votronic don't use it in their wiring scheme. So yes, just connect the existing wiring to the new Votronic controller. No need to bodge a wire onto the rear terminals, or run a wire direct to the starter battery.

Great to have it confirmed. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I just have to find a Votronic at a sensible price on a reasonable delivery time. So far, so bad.

 

[Garry - June]

It is expensive. That Votronic is the other one I'm looking at. Apparently it comes with the right cable to connect to the EBL that I have.

I have the Votronic Duo350 and it connects and integrates with my EBL showing the charge state information on my DT220 ...it came with all the connectors in the box to plug straight in to my EBL..

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[BusyBuilder]

Hi Lenny

So if my control panel displays fully charged batteries, they are possibly only 80% ? how long is the absorption charge then ? either way we have plenty of power for what we need. The Exides are the business.

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Lenny

So if my control panel displays fully charged batteries, they are possibly only 80% ? how long is the absorption charge then ? either way we have plenty of power for what we need. The Exides are the business.

At least 4 hours, that is the default on Votronic & Victron solar regulators. Older EBL's were 8 hours latest ones 16 hours., why they changed it to 16 hours I haven't a clue but seems like overkill.

 

[coopc]

I Have just fitted the LRM1218 to an EBL119
Took all of 5 mins to fit the regulator - came with all the wiring needed
Solar-Charge-Controller-Schaudt-MPP-LRM-1218-12V-1.jpg (500×500) (kerychip.com)
It was the simplest fit ever
My understanding is it charges both starter and hab battries
It is working great for me - It was a little more expensive than the likes of Votronic but worth the extra for ease of fit and compatibility with the EBL119
I also stuck a 130w solar panel to the roof - the regulator can handle another 130w panel if If needed
Lrm1218 Manual
822_213_LRM1218_BA_EN_21_04_2015 (conrad.com)

I do not have a meter but if you want one Schuldt do one
Control Panel Schaudt LT 320 Solar – Caravan Solar Panel Kits & Chargers (mysolarshop.co.uk)
Also Apuljack make one
Apuljack EBL Solar Display Panel - For LRM1218 Regulator | Apuljack (apuljackelectronics.co.uk)

Or you could always fit a shunt - Victron do a range
Battery monitors - Victron Energy
Or the many cheapo Chinese shunts and meters from ebay circa £20

Lrm1218 Manual
822_213_LRM1218_BA_EN_21_04_2015 (conrad.com)