HOW TO: Mount a tablet computer in place of the Zamp controller

[John E Davies]

I mounted a Victron MPPT controller under the street side bed, so I had a really big hole to fill where the Zamp one used to be:

Super heavy duty vecro ... Velcro Professional Heavy Grade white

A 2.1 amp dual USB charger mounted inside, spliced into the stereo power wire with an inline fuse:

My old iPad Mini 2 will support a Split Screen (but only a Mini 4 or later will support Dual Screen, where both windows are active). My main purpose was to have an easy to view head height display for my VictronConnect App, which shows both the battery and the solar status. I can also send or receive text messages from my Garmin inReach, view map apps, or just about anything else. This unit has a cellular chip, so the gps works, but it does not have an active cellular account, so I need to be near wifi to get new new data. OTH I can download lots of maps for offline use for my Pocket Earth Pro and GAIA Pro nav apps. 

Even dimmed it would be way too bright at night, so it will get put to sleep.

John Davies

Spokane WA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 25, 2021 by John E Davies

[GraniteStaters]

John, I have been thinking about how best to handle and upgrade from the Zamp PWM Solar Controller to the Victron SmartSolar 150/45 TR or MC4 controller for the improved efficiency.  I don't suspect I will ever add a roof another roof panel and Victron has confirmed that there isn't any benefit in using the larger 150/70 controller.  I don't see a significant reason to move the controller to the basement other than more space.  If I moved the controller to the basement, I would just splice the existing PV and battery cables using Blue Sea posts.  I figured I might put a Victron 712 screen in the vacant Zamp opening or add the display module to the controller and just use Bluetooth to manage it.  I don't believe heat is an issue for these controllers, but would be interested in yours or anyone's input.  We are planning on making a longer trip out West and hope to do more dispersed camping and I would like to insure that I can recharge my AGM batteries more efficiently.

[John E Davies]

David, these controllers are very efficient, around 98%, but I would not ignore the cooling issue. They specifically say that you need a few inches of clearance at the top and bottom for airflow. The problem with mounting one in a dead end compartment like where the Zamp one is located, or under the bed, is that the whole area heats up, especially if you put it next to the inverter, which gets toasty. Did you see this thread?

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/5329-how-to-victron-mppt-solar-charge-controller-underneath-the-street-side-bed/

You will definitely get a little better charging performance by installing an MPPT unit, but the cost/ benefit ratio isn’t that great. You would probably be better off getting a 100+ watt portable suitcase panel, and if that proves to be inadequate, then you can consider changing the main controller to a more efficient one.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/5478-how-to-remote-mount-the-controller-of-a-suitcase-solar-panel-not-inside-the-trailer/

John Davies

Spokane WA

[GraniteStaters]

Thanks, John, for providing your thoughts.  I appreciate it. 

David