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Topic: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem? (Read 264 times) previous topic - next topic
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Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Hello Technical Gurus,

In running through the displays on the face of the Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i, I noticed that the amp/hr display read "01".   The display indicator on the solar boost was lighted at "float" and 13.2 v.  Normally that amp/hr reading is close to 200.   Does this mean my batteries are not holding a charge?

Further information:
--I was running the generator with AC on during the reading.  (Prepping the rig for Ladeze in a couple of weeks).
--The Victron meter "history" says that a deep discharge occurred to 10.4v (this message has been there since the install several months ago).  Is this low enough to ruin the batteries?
--The battery needed to be refilled with a lot of water (maybe 2-3 cups?--a lot of squeezes on the battery filler).  The low water in the battery occurred a couple of months ago.
--I had Vince install a house battery disconnect, as there seems to be a draw of about 0.9 when everything inside the rig is off, including the dash radio.

I am getting the T-105s load-tested tomorrow.

Any words of advice for me before I get the batts load-tested?  I like to be prepared before heading to a repair shop.

Thanks in advance.

Cindy Beck
Corona, CA
2004 MB, CRV Toad



Cindy Beck
2004 MB Blue/White, Honda CRV
Corona, CA

Re: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #1
The Blue Sky manual says the amp-hr reading is the total amp-hrs delivered by solar since the function was reset. This is NOT the same as the amp-hrs charge in the battery. Your battery monitor gives you that information. Monitor battery condition with the Victron. Also, the fridge will draw current when on propane, as will the propane detector, etc. Blue Sky specifically warns against disconnecting the batteries while it and the PV system is connected to the 12V system. Before disconnecting, remove the fuse to the charge controller.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #2
Thank you so much for your reply, Steve.

Would I normally find the fuse to the charge controller in the battery box?  If I am getting a load-test tomorrow on the house batteries, will they have to disconnect the batteries from the system to do the load test?  If the answer is yes, then I will need to find that fuse.  I do know where the fuse is to the LD-installed solar panels, if that helps at all.

Thank you for your response.

Cindy Beck
Corona, CA
2004 MB, CRV Toad
Cindy Beck
2004 MB Blue/White, Honda CRV
Corona, CA

Re: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #3
I believe most factory installations put the fuse inside the converter, near the fuse panel. Other locations would include the battery box. If uncertain, you might need to pull a fuse in the daytime, and see if your solar charge current drops to zero.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #4
Maybe this will help.

'15 RB Manual...

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"

Re: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #5
Cindy: in my 2004 MB the solar panel fuse is located on the right hand side of the fuse panel in an unmounted but marked fuse holder.  In other words it is in a pigtail set of wires on the right.  There is a large red/black name tag attached.  However, my controller is the original Heliotrope 30-S so your set up may be different.

Re: Update-Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #6
Thank you all for your replies.

Because of the water usage in the batteries and the deep discharge message on the Victron a few months ago, I was concerned that the batteries might have been ruined.  When I saw the "01" on the amp-hrs on the solar boost, I kind of over-reacted.  Thank you Steve for reminding me that the solar boost amp-hr reading is the solar delivered since the last re-set.

  The warnings about removing the fuses prior to disconnecting the batteries has me a bit concerned.  As I mentioned in my original post, I had Vince add the battery disconnect to the house batteries so there would not be another "deep discharge" during (indoor) storage.  The battery disconnect when in the "off" position also causes the Victron and solar boost displays to go dark.  Would I need to remove the solar fuses prior to each time that I move the house battery disconnect to the "off" position?  Am I over-thinking this?

The nice gentleman who performed the load test today was able to access the batteries with the slide out tray extended so he did not have to disconnect the batteries (Whew!). He connected the load tester to both batteries in series and used the 12 volt reading on the tester.  He said the batteries were fine.

Now, on to prepping for the trip to Idaho to meet the Ladeze!
Cindy Beck
2004 MB Blue/White, Honda CRV
Corona, CA

 
Re: Solar Boost reads "01" amp/hr when batt is fully charged---a problem?
Reply #7
You should find the location of any solar fuses - they should be removed before any work on the 12V system as a precaution. If you flip the battery disconnect, in all cases I've seen, there will still be voltage and current in the system from solar. Typically LD installs the disconnect switch in the link coupling the two 6V batteries, which would not disconnect solar. If your Blue Sky controller was installed by the LD factory, I would contact them for fuse locations.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit