Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: HPV-22 reading 14.57 (Read 287 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 6 Guests are viewing this topic.
HPV-22 reading 14.57
Hello, 2005 RK with 2 solar pannels and HPV-22 reading 14.57 while connected to shore power. Is that too high? Thanks, Sharon, on the road and really windy so would rather not go and check battery, I know, I know...As of November 15 Battery water level was perfect.
2005 RK
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #1 –
It is slightly high, but might be because of solar panels.  Check your reading at night.  Also, make sure that you check at your batteries to see the charge that they are getting.  It could also be caused by the converter or in our case it was a temperature compensation module.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #2 –
Quote from: HalfMile20  - 
Hello, 2005 RK with 2 solar pannels and HPV-22 reading 14.57 while connected to shore power.

That controller has a switch for shore power or dry camping.  If the switch is set to dry camping, the controller allows for a higher charge rate in the 14V range.   If the switch is set to shore power, the charge rate is in the 13V range.  So you might take a look for that switch on the control panel.
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
That controller has a switch for shore power or dry camping.  If the switch is set to dry camping, the controller allows for a higher charge rate in the 14V range.   If the switch is set to shore power, the charge rate is in the 13V range.  So you might take a look for that switch on the control panel.


The HPV 22 doesn't have that switch but the HPV 22b does.

Jim
 
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #6 –
Quote from: HalfMile20  - 
Hello, 2005 RK with 2 solar pannels and HPV-22 reading 14.57 while connected to shore power. Is that too high? Thanks, Sharon, on the road and really windy so would rather not go and check battery, I know, I know...As of November 15 Battery water level was perfect.


We replaced our HPV 22b with another controller this summer. I mentioned the difference between the 22b and 22 earlier. Based on my experience the reading you are seeing is certainly within normal limits if you are in sun and you factor in temperature compensation which will cause an increase in voltage in colder temperature. Being plugged in doesn't make a difference in what you see for voltage. If I recall they are set from the factory for 14.4 but will exceed that in cold weather.

Jim
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #7 –
Now it reads 14.61. It went down to the 13.1 last night. It is cold and windy but pretty good sun.  The green light blinks but it seems to always do that. Actually, I,m afraid to look at the batteries, have not done that before and I need to see if I am supposed to somehow disconnect before I go popping the tops to check the water. They were topped November 15 to the correct level and I was hopeful I could make it to the SKP RV Boot camp in Feb before they needed attention. What do you all think? Is there a number I should not go over? Thanks
2005 RK
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 

We replaced our HPV 22b with another controller this summer. I mentioned the difference between the 22b and 22 earlier. Based on my experience the reading you are seeing is certainly within normal limits if you are in sun and you factor in temperature compensation which will cause an increase in voltage in colder temperature. Being plugged in doesn't make a difference in what you see for voltage. If I recall they are set from the factory for 14.4 but will exceed that in cold weather.

Jim

In January 2014, after checking with the manufacturer of the HPV 22 and Trojan battery I changed the set point to 14.8. That means that the target voltage was 14.8 and with temp comp I saw readings up to 15 and a bit over. I was told by the controller maker AM Solar that it would be safe up to 15.5v. I also checked the specs on all of the 12v components and found they were safe up to 16v.

This summer I had AM Solar replace the controller with a Blue Sky 3000i which is what LD has been installing for a few years now. I mentioned what I had done on the old one to see what they thought and they had no issues with it. Even though I didn't ask them to they set the new one to the same setting and I have seen voltage readings of over 15v in cold weather.

On the issue of the battery, I definitely would not go more than a month between checking the water level. It will boil off faster plugged into electric plus the charging from solar.

Jim
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #9 –
Quote from: HalfMile20  - 
Hello, 2005 RK with 2 solar pannels and HPV-22 reading 14.57 while connected to shore power. Is that too high? Thanks, Sharon, on the road and really windy so would rather not go and check battery, I know, I know...As of November 15 Battery water level was perfect.

Sharon, the HPV22 lacks the front panel switch that allows you to change from shore power to boondocking, and vice versa. However, that same function can be controlled from a “dip” switch that is located on the back of the panel. I’ve been using that for many years to avoid the 14+ read outs and possible overcharging while on shore power. You first must unscrew the HPV22’s front panel (4 screws). Gently pull the panel forward so that you can see the back of the panel without overstretching the attached wires. It helps if someone can hold a flashlight for you. You will see a row (4, I believe) of tiny switches. You want the second one of these. With a very small flathead screwdriver, flip that second switch the opposite direction from where it is now. If you now look at your readout, it should show in the 13+ range. Your batteries will thank you for not being overcharged. I have this drill down to under 60 seconds. When I go boondocking and want the extra oomph for solar panel charging, I go through the drill and flip the switch the other way. Call it the cheapskate’s HPV22B. 😉  I got this tip from the good folks at AM Solar. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #10 –
"You will see a row (4, I believe) of tiny switches. You want the second one of these."

A 'row' has two ends... is the switch in question 2nd from the right or 2nd from the left as you look at the back of the controller?   :D   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #11 –
As yet I don't have solar in my new to me LD but I have been living in an off grid house now for ten years so I have some experience with solar and batteries. Getting good info in here on solar systems for my LD that I want to do pretty quick but I'm confused on one thing in this thread. My system automatically goes into a holding pattern of 13.4 for one hour after charge reaches 14.8 until it starts charging again and this is whether I'm on solar or running my generator. The green light stops blinking when batteries reach 14.8 and then the charge drops to 13.4.  I'm confused as to why RV systems wouldn't work the same way. The OP says their system stays over 14 continuously on shore power and green light never goes solid which doesn't seem right to me. This indicates battery is never getting fully charged.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: HPV-22 reading 14.57
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"You will see a row (4, I believe) of tiny switches. You want the second one of these."

A 'row' has two ends... is the switch in question 2nd from the right or 2nd from the left as you look at the back of the controller?   :D   ;)

Well, the rig’s in storage 15 miles away, but my muscle memory (dubious reliability) says it’s the second from the left. 🤔 — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄