Solar charge controller RFI

[RedHerring]

I have something like loud clicking noise across most frequencies on bands from MF to VHF. I believe it's my el-cheapo solar charge controller. Here is why:

1. With all consumers of electricity off, it's clicking.

2. With the battery disconnected from the controller, it's still clicking, but in a different way (slower, and with several second pauses between series).

3. With solar panels disconnected from the controller, or at night, there is no clicking at all.

The controller in question is Renogy 30 Amp PWM, Renogy 30 Amp PWM Charge Controller - SolarSyn

Should I get a new controller (which one), try to add some chokes to the output wires, or?

By the way, "Positive Ground Controller" sounds odd, doesn't it? So far I've no idea what that's all about, but my ground is negative, like everyone else's.

[Mystic38]

as you have a pwm controller, the clicking is interference coming from the pulses in the charge controller..

if you are inclined you can try to reduce their magnitude into the system and their effect, or you can try another charge controller.. take a look at MPPT controllers, they will convert more of that solar power into charging current that PWM types

[RedHerring]

> they will convert more of that solar power into charging current that PWM types

That difference is trivial in hot/sunny conditions. Price difference isn't. All else being equal, MPPT produces more radio interference. Some of these things have much better built-in RFI suppression than others. This is what I "know" in theory.

How does this apply in practice to a 20-30 amp rig that's basically asked to run a fridge and not much more than that down south is what I need to figure out. What I have from P.O. is actually good enough, except this RFI issue.