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Duke 48 · 22-05-2012, 05:29

I want to add a charge controller to maintain the battery bank. There seems to be a large price difference between the Tektrum MPPT 30A and the Blue Sky products of similar size. Is the Tektrum a real tracking controller or just a charge controller? I have not found any reviews on the Tektrum.

**noelex 77** · 22-05-2012, 05:52

A quick google search suggests it only regulates at a single battery voltage, which is not satisfactory.
Be careful some of the Blue Sky regulators do the same thing, which for the money is poor.
There are a lot of ways of implementing MPPT and the regulating circuits! some of them are cheap, with performance to match.

**goboatingnow** · 22-05-2012, 06:28

it claims to be MPPT , but has a very poor input voltage range, Id be suspicious

Dave

**noelex 77** · 22-05-2012, 06:40

I think the best cheap regulators are Gensun. These are PWM and MPPT

Genasun MPPT Solar Charge Controllers

**barnakiel** · 22-05-2012, 06:52

Weigh any expensive controller against possible amps gain from investing the balance into another panel (space and other factors permitting). At time an extra panel does more than a better controller and fewer panels.

b.

jeremiason · 22-05-2012, 07:02

We have a Blue Sky 60amp MPPT Controller and 795 watts of solar.

The controller is made to accept 36-48 volts. Our panels are run in paired series and produce about 40-42a amps per hour in direct sun.

We have been using the controller for three years without a problem and would buy one again.

Duke 48 · 22-05-2012, 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

I think the best cheap regulators are Gensun. These are PWM and MPPT

Genasun MPPT Solar Charge Controllers

Thanks for the info, but I did not see anything at the Genasun sight that would be any more cost effective at handling my 270 watts.

**noelex 77** · 22-05-2012, 08:13

Yes gensun is more suited to smaller installations.
The Outback 60 is the best controller in this range, but it is expensive.
This Rogue controlled has gained a very good reputation and it's specs are very good, but I have not personally used it.

Rogue Power Technologies

dennisjay · 22-05-2012, 12:02

I have a Blue Sky controller running two 135W panels. It's worked flawlessly for five years.

sy_gilana · 22-05-2012, 13:31

Try the IVT Tech MPPT30A from Conrad.co.uk or Conrad.de
We have had good results, have fitted 6 now...on different boats...

Celestialsailor · 22-05-2012, 13:49

I have the Blue Sky 2512 running 2, 100 watt panels and soon to run another 50 watts. I called the factory and they are open to any questions. So far, I'm happy with mine.

**goboatingnow** · 22-05-2012, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

Try the IVT Tech MPPT30A from Conrad.co.uk or Conrad.de
We have had good results, have fitted 6 now...on different boats...

had a look at the IVT site, good range, reasonable prices too.

Dave

**noelex 77** · 22-05-2012, 15:53

The IVT looks like another controller that is let down by its regulation.
14.1 v for "several minutes" then dropping to 13.7v then turning of completely for 11 minutes !
The bulk voltage is way too low for flooded batteries. The absorption time is much too short. The regulator should maintain the float voltage while there is still solar power, which this one does not seem to do.
This regulator appears to be totally unsuitable for boats with flooded or AGM batteries and a poor choice for gel batteries.

**goboatingnow** · 22-05-2012, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

The IVT looks like another controller that is let down by its regulation.
14.1 v for "several minutes" then dropping to 13.7v then turning of completely for 11 minutes !
The bulk voltage is way too low for flooded batteries. The absorption time is much too short. The regulator should maintain the float voltage while there is still solar power, which this one does not seem to do.
This regulator appears to be totally unsuitable for boats with flooded or AGM batteries and a poor choice for gel batteries.

I think you may want to read the translation from the German sightly differently

what it says

"1. Bulk charging phase
Up to a voltage of 14.7V, the battery is charged with maximum current.
2. Timer phase
The battery is held on a voltage of 14.7V for several minutes. The duration of the timer phase is determined by the type, age and quality of the battery up to 90 minutes
"

absorption exit phase is by timer.

**noelex 77** · 22-05-2012, 16:27

The manual is available in English here.
http://www.produktinfo.conrad.com/da...e_en_fr_nl.pdf
1. Up to 14.1 with maximum current.
2. Held for several minutes
3.13.7v
4. No charging current
5. Reactivated after 11 minutes.

I hope there are 2 different models and the one above is not fitted to any boats.

The above specs were for a

IVT MPPT-Solar-Laderegler 30A 18319
From Conrad