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solar controllers
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152051
FYI

Hi

I  inquired with AM Solar about replacing my Heliotrope HPV 22b controller with a  more modern Bluesky SB3000i.

"Save  your money" is what I inferred from their reply. Below is the full text of the  reply.

Tom,

From an AGM batteries standpoint, on a day-to-day basis,  the SB3000i is no better than the HPV-22B. Obviously, the SB3000i has a few more  display features, from an operator's view point, but you still would need to  change over to an SB temperature compensation sensor.

The SB3000i would be a little better for flooded  lead-acid batteries, but not necessarily for AGM batteries, because it does have  an equalization mode.

If you're running with AGM batteries, I wouldn't spend  the money to upgrade. If you're running with flooded batteries, than the  equalization feature can justify the upgrade, in my  opinion.
Re: solar controllers
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152052
Thanks for posting AM Solar's reply, Tom; very useful information! ;-)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: solar controllers
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152053
The reason why the Heliotrope HPV-22B isn't used anymore is because Heliotrope went out of business.
The HPV-22B also equalizes. Both controllers are limited to 400-watts of solar panels.
If you change controllers, the new controller will have to be adapted to the old controller's panel cutout.
The two controllers are different sizes. The battery temperature sensor will need to be changed.
A bit of time and money is needed to swap controller, for little to no gain. IMO.

If you have an older controller, without  Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), it's a worthwhile upgrade.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze