Novice needs some help please

[Alan_C]

Hi everyone, I have just bought a 12v telly for "Betty" , plugged it in via the 12v socket tuned it in and started watching it. After about 40 minutes the tv died on me and also my gas blower heater also stopped. So i am thinking the batteries (2) have died. Now betty is 30 years old but i dont know how old the batteries are, is there a date on leisure batteries, and do you think i should replace them, also i have a solar panel that i haven't really used so should i keep that switched on at all times. thanks for any assistance.

 

[autorouter]

As for the solar panel, the previous owner of the van has installed a panel into the van with 3 switches. top switch is for the solar panel when on it shows digital screen with well im not sure if it is amps or volts but usually shows between 12.0 and 15.0,but this can be switched off, second switch isloates batteries and 3rd switch is on/off switch for blow heater. Dont know if this makes any sense.

The usual arrangement is to connect the solar panel wires to a module called the solar controller. This controls the power from the solar panel to stop it overcharging the battery. The solar controller also has a pair of outputs to the leisure battery. Do you have a solar controller, and if so what make/model is it?

 

[Alan_C]

The usual arrangement is to connect the solar panel wires to a module called the solar controller. This controls the power from the solar panel to stop it overcharging the battery. The solar controller also has a pair of outputs to the leisure battery. Do you have a solar controller, and if so what make/model is it?

All i have is a digital display, no make or model, this has been built into the outside of the wardrobe cupboard , it has been boxed in on the inside of cupboard so i will need to take the panelling off and see what kind of setup it really is.

 

[BillyKontiki]

But that means you aren't watching Line of Duty

Or Family Guy

 

[autorouter]

All i have is a digital display, no make or model, this has been built into the outside of the wardrobe cupboard , it has been boxed in on the inside of cupboard so i will need to take the panelling off and see what kind of setup it really is.

I think that is the solar controller. I would expect an output of 12 to 15V to the batteries. About 14.5V when actively charging, and about 13.5V when the batteries are full and it's in float charging mode (keeping them topped up). These controllers are normally left on all the time, to catch the maximum sun in the early morning for example.

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[BillyKontiki]

All i have is a digital display, no make or model, this has been built into the outside of the wardrobe cupboard , it has been boxed in on the inside of cupboard so i will need to take the panelling off and see what kind of setup it really is.

Are you sure it’s no a fish tank.

 

[Nanniemate]

But that means you aren't watching Line of Duty

I must be the only person in the country not watching, missed the first of the new series as I was doing something else then I had not caught up by the second week, so I intend to binge the whole series at some stage. You never know it may be in the van once I have the solar fitted On the first jolly after lockdown lifted, I thought there was not TV reception on the site so really enjoyed books that had kindly been passed on. Then the other week when pottering on the drive was checking bits. turned on the TV and heyho it was set to DVD that why it didn't work

 

[Nanniemate]

Or Family Guy

have to admit never seen it or the Simpsons. Love Tom and Jerry though

 

[kevenh]

Sounds like the batteries are flat or need replacing . Do you have a volt meter ?

I’d 3rd (or is it 4th now?) the idea about getting a digital multi meter to check voltages & current.
I have one of these: eBay dmm
Sorry, that listing has ended but it has the pertinent info of what make & model meter lots of Funsters have in their Motorhome toolkit

 

[kevenh]

have to admit never seen it or the Simpsons. Love Tom and Jerry though

Pfft. The Simpson’s was a rehearsal. The skills learnt there were properly used on Futurama.
I’d start there

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[Manic]

when changing your batteries, don’t forget to cover your solar panel before removing the batteries or you could damage the solar regulator

 

[Nanniemate]

Pfft. The Simpson’s was a rehearsal. The skills learnt there were properly used on Futurama.
I’d start there

Now I am really confused

 

[kevenh]

Now I am really confused

Futurama is created by Matt Groening - him what is behind The Simpsons.
As good as it is, it, err. lasted just 7 seasons. Sky air the program.

 

[Alan_C]

After installing new leisure batteries everything is now hunky dory, all is working as it should so thanks for all the info and advice from everyone.
The £15 has proven it's worth already.. thanks again