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FAQs
- How do I increase panel charging voltage cut off?
- Open cover by removing two side machine screws
- Turn small screw in upper center counter-clockwise-- slowly, a 1/4 turn at a time.
- Check voltage with a voltmeter placed across the fully charged battery terminals. Ensure that the panel is cut off (when Panel Off Led lights up) when proper desidered charging voltage is reached. Do this when solar panel is under full sun and battery is fully charged.
- Caution: battery can be damaged if too high a voltage is applied to a fully charged battery. We recommed a voltage no higher than 14 volts when battery is fully charged.
- What is a blocking diode and do I need one?
- A blocking between the controller and the panel prevents small voltage leakage through the panel at night. During the day, however, the diode results in .5 volts drop in the system. Many panels already have a blocking diode built in. A panel without a blocking diode will draw appx .30 mA during a 10 hours non-sun period. What this means is that for small solar systems the blocking diode is optional. If you decide to install one, simply place a properly rated Schottky diode in series with the positive line from the panel to the controller.
- How do I check the blocking diode?
- Place an ammeter in series with the positive lead of the solar panel attached to the controller's panel terminal. When there's no sun, the meter will read 0 Amps. Keep in mind that the voltage across the terminal will read the battery voltage, since the two components are connected in parallel. A blocking diode prevents current from flowing in the opposite direction.
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