Help with solar in a new Hymer

[Minxy]

the way I understand it leisure batteries should be a matched pair. dealer I use if you order a second battery they change both...

When we saw our Globecar it only had one leisure battery so as part of the deal I insisted on a matched second one.

 

[Speve]

@lennyhb apparently this is how it's connected I'm not good with electrics so have copied this for you.it includes wiring diagram etc
http://www.fritz-berger.de/medias/s...8852547010590/199530-187620-183530-220700.pdf

 

[Lenny HB]

@Speve Thanks, I've already looked at that. Is there a plug with 3 cables in Block 6 on the Elektroblock (next to mains plug)?

 

[Speve]

@lennyhb ill have a look in the morning and let you know.

 

[Speve]

@lennyhb hi Lenny here's a pictur of the front of the Schaudt it's really cluttered with cables but you can see the solar connector next to mains supply.

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[Lenny HB]

Thanks, looks like you can wire it via the Elektroblock, once Ive got the batteries sorted I think I'll change the regulator as the ELB29 does not control the solar charging just passes it through.

 

[JeanLuc]

Thanks, looks like you can wire it via the Elektroblock, once Ive got the batteries sorted I think I'll change the regulator as the ELB29 does not control the solar charging just passes it through.

I have just had a look at the manual for the newer LRM1218 (MPPT regulator). That does have end of charge voltage adjustment so it will pass the relevant charge regime through the EBL29. There are three programs: AGM2, Gel/AGM1 and Lead-Acid. The corresponding Charge/Retention(float) voltages are: 14.7/13.7, 14.4/13.8, 14.4/13.4.

Hope this helps.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have just had a look at the manual for the newer LRM1218 (MPPT regulator). That does have end of charge voltage adjustment so it will pass the relevant charge regime through the EBL29. There are three programs: AGM2, Gel/AGM1 and Lead-Acid. The corresponding Charge/Retention(float) voltages are: 14.7/13.7, 14.4/13.8, 14.4/13.4.

Hope this helps.

Good news, but it is a bit expensive.

 

[peterc10]

The LRM is an MPPT controller and they are always more expensive. About £140 from A&N in North Wales. To me the advantage is in it working with the Electrobloc.

 

[Chipster]

The LRM is an MPPT controller and they are always more expensive. About £140 from A&N in North Wales. To me the advantage is in it working with the Electrobloc.

Exactly!!!

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[Lenny HB]

Until recently I have always been pro using Schaudt regulators with Electroblocks, however my thinking is now different.
The ELB 29 & I think the ELB99 is similar and they do not control the solar charge, just provide can easy way to connect to the batteries. The LR 1218 only puts out a constant 14.3 volts and I believe it is not suitable for use with ELB29 as it will over charge the batteries. The LRM1218 is OK as it has proper charge regimes, however there is no advantage using one of them against any other good quality dual output MPPT controller with a ELB29.

 

[Abacist]

These issues are very disappointing to hear about Hymer which I thought was supposed to be the bees knees in engineering in Motorhomes. Sounds like economy measures are starting to spoil the product.

 

[Speve]

We are quite happy with our Exsis and the solar works really well even on dull days,I realise it's still very new but it's working well and we love the van.

 

[Lenny HB]

Battery update

Hymer only accept a CCA test which is a starter battery test, took the batteries over to Premier and of course no surprise to find they pass the CCA test so Hymer will not replace them. Chris at Premier did say they have had a few fail and they had taken a hit and replaced them at their cost to customers who had brought vans from them.

I expect my dealer would replace them, but not much point in taking a trip over to Belgium to get another pair of batteries that may well fail in a year or so.
I've been reading up on the Hymer German forums and even the Varta AGM batteries Hymer now fit have been failing so I will replace the batteries then take it up with Hymer direct.

Spent a week deliberating what batteries to get, AGM's were out, and needing a low profile battery it reduced the choice. The two front runners were Vatar LFD90 a 90 A/H wet cell or Sonnenschein SL75 GEL (same as Exide G80), went for the Gel's at twice the cost £300 for the pair.
Decision was based on, the GEL's would give me a higher usable capacity the SL75 is 78 A/H at C20 rate which at 80% DOD gives 125 A/H for the pair compared to the two 90 A/H wet cells giving 90 A/H at 50% DOD. Also our last van had Exide G80 Gel's they were still performing like new at nearly 6 years old when we sold the van.

Now looking at upgrading the solar charging, currently have the Schaudt LR1218 feeding into a ELB 29, not ideal, although the LR1218 gives a very good output for a PWR regulator with it's cleaver circuitry, once it reaches a potential of 14.2 volts it does not reduce to a maintenance charge, and the ELB 29 is one of the cheaper Elektrolocks that only has a feed through to the batteries and does not regulate the charge. Had a similar set up on the last van with a ELB 101, didn't appear to worry the Gel batteries, but I don't want to take the risk.

The Schaudt LRM1218 looks good & not too expensive if you buy in Germany, but limited to 275 W of PV panels and I may want to fit a 3rd panel, dual 300 W MPPT regulators are a bit on the expensive side so I am thinking of fitting the same controller that Andy (@Techno100) and few others have fitted, together with a solar split charge relay then I can still wire them via the ELB. That regulator is quite a bit larger than the current one so won't be able to fit near the Elektroblock and will have to be quite a way from the batteries, if necessary I will increase the size of cable from the regulator to the ELB.

 

[peterc10]

Lenny

Thanks for that. Not sure I understand it all though! However I would be interested in knowing how you eventually get on with your claim against Hymer

Peter

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[Lenny HB]

Lenny

Thanks for that. Not sure I understand it all though! However I would be interested in knowing how you eventually get on with your claim against Hymer

Peter

Don't think I'll get anywhere, but worth a try, not too bothered as we saved 12K on the cost of the van by buying in Belgium.