Is the external Zamp solar plug controlled by a controller?

[johnwen]

We have 320 watts of panels on top of our E2 and have the Zamp external port on the side of the trailer.  Does the Zamp charge controller, inside the trailer, control the external plug?  Currently I have a portable Renogy 100w suitcase panel going through its own pwm controller that is mounted on the suitcase.   Then I go through the external port, using a reversing plug (because of Zamp's design) to augment the Zamp panels on top of the trailer.  It has been helping by reducing the charging time and I'm able to easily aim it at the sun.  I'm interested in replacing the suitcase with a 200w flexible setup with an nppt controller, that's much lighter and more helpful.  I'm guessing the Zamp port on the trailer is a direct shot to the battery, uncontrolled, and the Renogy pwm controller is doing what it's supposed to do.  Can I just put a 200w panel in the place of the Renogy, go through the reversing adapter (if necessary), set up the new panel's controller for my 440ah AGM 6 volt batteries and ... that's it?

Thanks for any help,

John

[SeaDawg]

The zamp connector, as installed by Oliver, requires input from a separate controller.  

It's set up for "suitcase solar", ie,  panel(s) with their own separate controller. The zamp connector connects directly to the battery bank, via an inline fuse to protect against over-voltage. 

If you want to upgrade your portable panels,  you must provide a separate, appropriate controller between the panels and the batteries, in the standard configuration. 

So, yes, you can upgrade to 200 watts, add a controller that accommodates the new panels, and you'll be fine.

What you CAN'T do is send unregulated power from panels without a controller to the port.

[topgun2]

16 minutes ago, johnwen said:

Can I just put a 200w panel in the place of the Renogy, go through the reversing adapter (if necessary), set up the new panel's controller for my 440ah AGM 6 volt batteries and ... that's it?

Yes...that's it.

Just be certain that your new panels have their own solar controller and that the polarity (reversing adapter (if necessary) are there.

Bill

Just to be safe - you might also want to check the fuse on that Zamp external port.

[johnwen]

2 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

standard configuration

As in the "AGM" mode as selected on the new panel's controller?  Ultimately I'll want to use the new 200w panel to also charge a portable power station, as in a Jackery, etc.

[johnwen]

Thanks, Bill 

[topgun2]

16 minutes ago, johnwen said:

As in the "AGM" mode as selected on the new panel's controller?  Ultimately I'll want to use the new 200w panel to also charge a portable power station, as in a Jackery, etc.

Does the solar controller on the 200 watt panels allow for different batteries?  Mine does not - therefore I can not change anything on my solar controller.

If yours does allow changes then I'd set it to whatever you have in your Ollie.  The Jackery has a lithium battery which (as I understand it) can be charged at AGM setting but the lithium will simply either not fully charge and/or it will not be charging at the optimum rate(s).

Bill

[johnwen]

1 minute ago, topgun2 said:

Does the solar controller on the 200 watt panels allow for different batteries?  Mine does not - therefore I can not change anything on my solar controller.

If yours does allow changes then I'd set it to whatever you have in your Ollie.  The Jackery has a lithium battery which (as I understand it) can be charged at AGM setting but the lithium will simply either not fully charge and/or it will not be charging at the optimum rate(s).

Bill

I don't know, Bill.  I've not decided on the panels yet.  Originally I was trying to take advantage of Amazon's price breaks today but have decided to not make any rash decisions, as I want to make the best possible decision with this.  My OMMO solar battery will not complete its charge as I think it has its own controller internally and when charging it I've been using Renogy's controller also and I think that's what's preventing a full charge.....but then again, I really don't have a clue.  I think 2 controllers are creating the problem with completing the charge.

[topgun2]

1 minute ago, johnwen said:

but then again, I really don't have a clue.  I think 2 controllers are creating the problem with completing the charge.

What batteries do you have in your Ollie?

[johnwen]

4 x 6 volt Bright Way Group 220ah AGMs for 440 ah capacity.  

[SeaDawg]

Jackery units have their own internal controllers, and use unregulated/uncontrolled  voltage input from the portable panels. .

So yes, that's likely a problem. 

You could install a switch before the controller, and a separate lead to thr jackery. And you'd likely be fine. Look at the specs on jacery panels.

[John E Davies]

FYI, it might give you some ideas:

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

[johnwen]

TY, John  

[SeaDawg]

@johnwen, how old is your OMMA unit? Does it charge on ac,  but not on solar? 

I've read some mixed reviews on longevity. On OMMA.

Are you planning to replace it with a jackery unit?

[johnwen]

About 4 yrs but still behaves as if new.  Yes, it charges to 100% on a/c and approx 70% on solar.  Haven't decided on replacement.

[topgun2]

Are you certain that your charge controller is set properly?

[John E Davies]

10 hours ago, johnwen said:

About 4 yrs but still behaves as if new.  Yes, it charges to 100% on a/c and approx 70% on solar.  Haven't decided on replacement.

Wait for the upcoming larger EcoFlow River 2 Max, I have the 600 and it is stellar but a little too small in capacity. A larger one of around 1000 or 1200 watts is expected. I will buy one and gift my 600 to a relative. They are blowing out their older models with regular fire bomb lithium batteries and soon I expect to see all of their products to have LiFePO4 battery technology like the Olivers have.

Sign up for emails and they have excellent special member deals.

https://us.ecoflow.com/

https://thetechnologyman.com/ecoflow-river-2-max-review-best-500w-portable-power-station/

John Davies

Spokane WA

 

[Galway Girl]

Zamp connector compatible solar panel suitcase build here:

 

https://4-ever-hitched.com/ggs-blog/f/here-comes-the-sun

[johnwen]

6 hours ago, Galway Girl said:

Zamp connector compatible solar panel suitcase build here:

 

https://4-ever-hitched.com/ggs-blog/f/here-comes-the-sun

Thanks...I really like your setup.  I've been looking for a way to move my Renogy controller from the 100w panel to a place close to my trailer batteries, and the portable, waterproof case seems a good portable solution 

John

[Geronimo John]

On 10/11/2023 at 5:16 PM, SeaDawg said:

The zamp connector connects directly to the battery bank, via an inline fuse to protect against over-voltage. 

The inline fuses I know about protect from over amperage, not over voltage.  By simple math, to a point, that can be interperted as a power control method, as Power = V * A.  But the failure it protects is amperage. 

Also, the typical inline fuses often have a 250 max voltage limit.  Not a level we want to see anywhere in our OTT's.  

GJ

[SeaDawg]

Thanks, gj. I had a brain fart. The fuses are amp rated. My Furrion port has a ten amp. I've read that the zamp port has a 20 amp inline fuse.