315 replies to this topic

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Since you have the Zamp portable, I assume three things... you have successfully used the Zamp portable on your camper, the portable does not have it’s own controller and your entire system is Zamp.

Put the meter leads on the Zamp portable plug (I assume SAE) that you connect to your camper. That will tell you which pin is positive. Your connector on any other portable set up should be set up with the same output polarity as your Zamp portable. FWC wires the auxiliary connector to the onboard controller, or at least they did on my old Grandby.

All that said, I don’t understand why you want to go with a different portable. Your rooftop plus Zamp portable should give you sufficient charging.

Edit: I just noticed this is part of Ladybug’s thread. Perhaps we should create another for this discussion. Apologies to Ladybug for stepping on this.

[Wallowa]

Since you have the Zamp portable, I assume three things... you have successfully used the Zamp portable on your camper, the portable does not have it’s own controller and your entire system is Zamp.

Put the meter leads on the Zamp portable plug (I assume SAE) that you connect to your camper. That will tell you which pin is positive. Your connector on any other portable set up should be set up with the same output polarity as your Zamp portable. FWC wires the auxiliary connector to the onboard controller, or at least they did on my old Grandby.

All that said, I don’t understand why you want to go with a different portable. Your rooftop plus Zamp portable should give you sufficient charging.

 

 

Sage..got the testing procedure and thanks! 

 

Why another panel?  Well we go off the grid for extended trips, frequently in unforgiving environments and like the old expression "1 = 0 and 2 =1" .....going to a 200w portable in lieu of the current Zamp 80w when needed would give us an extra edge on keeping the batteries charged..a light weight, compact, relatively inexpensive backup panel provides a painless redundancy.

 

Having said that, my professions [retired now] and previous activities required and have instilled in me a "what if" approach to planning and execution of plans...hence I recognize that our Hawk will still be functional without water or power; we have back-ups for both...but I prefer to have an edge and a reserve..

 

Thanks again for your information.

 

Phil

Edited by Wallowa, 25 October 2018 - 04:58 PM.

[ProjectsInProgress]

Hoyden, 

 

If the performance of the refrigerator is still in question, has the hot side heat exchanger portion of the fridge been checked for good airflow?  Dust bunnies or other objects that block the air from getting to the hot side will increase the run time and energy consumption.   Make sure the intake and exhaust openings are not blocked also.  

 

PIP

[hoyden]

Hi PIP!

 

It has, and all clear, but thank you for the thinks! It's definitely good to double check that. 

[Happyjax]

I agree with those who stressed to check polarity. I believe Zamps are wired backwards.....

 

As far as "sticking" with them I find Renogy to be a great product at a reasonable price. I think Zamp is priced higher. I can not state whether the extra is worth it.... that would be up to the individual to decide:)

 

I picked a 2nd Renogy 50w flexible up for $92. A very good deal in my estimation. I will do a folding 100w light and portable external panel with them:) Will be about 15-20 lbs lighter than my 1st solar suitcase.

 

Would help out in times when light was not perfect:)

[craig333]

Always check polarity. There was a batch made incorrectly a while ago and really confused the heck out of people.