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Topic: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-))) (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-)))
Yahoo Message Number: 135056
Arby is factory equipped with two 100w solar panels and an HPV-22 Charge Controller sourced from AM Solar. Disconnecting the house batteries and the shore power cord is not enough to avoid a shocking experience while working on his electrical system.
 The HPV-22 is not very smart either and will happily cook the house batteries dry during extended outside storage.
 For the simple solution to both problems, follow this direct link to the details: http://flic.kr/p/dstd5q

Thanks for visiting, George
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135064
Quote
The HPV-22 is not very smart either and will happily cook the house batteries dry during extended outside storage.
Actually, there is a solution for we poor HPV-22(non-B) owners. We can do the same thing that the "B" models do with their switch. I was replacing a lot of water in the batteries, and concerned about the 14+ readings the HPV was giving, so I emailed a query to AM Solar a while back. Here's the response I got from Dave Reuter:
 'The best solution to your issue is to purchase a new HPV-22B so that you can switch the charging mode to a 13.2 float voltage ("shore power"). The other option is to change dip switch  (# 2, counting from the left, located in the upper left hand quadrant of the circuit board) from "norm" to "low". This will change the charging set point to 13.2V just as the "dry camp/shore power" switch does. Obviously, this is not real convenient as it requires that you remove the 4 face plate screws and pull the controller out of the wall to access the dip switch block. By the way, the Bulk/Taper set point voltage setting for the HPV-22 is 14.3V.'
 I followed Dave's instructions, removed the unit from the wall, immediately saw the row of dip switches on the upper left of the back panel, flipped the #2 switch, and reinstalled. I've been on the 13.2 float charge ever since, and my water use has dropped dramatically. I check it once a month, and it takes very little water, if any. Our 2006TK ("Albatross") has only a single 100w solar panel, but that has been sufficient for our mixed bag (boondocking and hookup) camping style, even with the lower charge point.

--Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135067
Thanks for the info. I have 2006 and add water every two weeks but I would to change the setting as you did but what does a dip switch look like? bob&verna
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135068
Thank you so much, Jon. That's good stuff indeed.
 With your permission, I'll add that information to my original post as an update
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135069
I should have made it clear that I'd like to add the quote to the Flickr posting.

George
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135094
Quote
Thanks for the info. I have 2006 and add water every two weeks but I would to change the setting as you did but what does a dip switch look like? bob&verna
Bob-- once you take off the cover and pull the unit out, it will be immediately clear.  As you look at the back, in the upper left corner there is a row of tiny pins (switches).  You want to move the second from the left.  I forget now whether it's up or down, but move it the  opposite of the way you find it when you first look.  I will be changing mine back to the higher level in a couple of weeks when I set out on a five-night boondocking trip for the SoCal Caravan Club outing to Live Oak near Solvang.  The higher level will help restore the charge faster in the winter sun.  I'll just change it back when I bring the rig home to LA for storing outside.  I've got 5 1/2 years on the original batteries using these procedures and they perform just fine. Pulling the HPV-22 out to do this takes only a minute. -- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135095
Quote
Thank you so much, Jon. That's good stuff indeed.
 With your permission, I'll add that information to my original post as an update in the form of a complete quote of your message.
George:  go right ahead.  I always figured anything posted here was free for just about any use.  Have enjoyed your Arby postings.  I think a lot of affection went into that rig.  -- Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Living Long Term with Arby - This May Shock You (literally) ! :-
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 135096
Thanks, Jon. I appreciate it.
 I set Arby's float voltage this morning and took pics of the process so everyone can see the details. I know you had someone ask for details so the post might prove helpful to him.

Later, George