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Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-15-2009, 10:48 AM

I have a 2006 Dutchstar, Zantrex 2000 Inverter, Gel Cel House batteries (4), (Zantrex properly reprogrammed for Gel Cel)
The question I have relates to Voltage readouts. The Zantrex panel reads 12.3 volts, the solar panel reads 12.6 volts, and a voltmeter reading at the battery reads 13.0 Volts. The Zantrex panel also reads "battery fully charged"
Are the differences in readings a result of voltage drop? The Zantrex panel is probably 35' from the battery, the solar panel connection 15' and the meter reading at the battery.
I don't want to let the batteries voltage to go below 12.2 volts.

M&EM · 12-15-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43'

I have a 2006 Dutchstar, Zantrex 2000 Inverter, Gel Cel House batteries (4), (Zantrex properly reprogrammed for Gel Cel)
The question I have relates to Voltage readouts. The Zantrex panel reads 12.3 volts, the solar panel reads 12.6 volts, and a voltmeter reading at the battery reads 13.0 Volts. The Zantrex panel also reads "battery fully charged"
Are the differences in readings a result of voltage drop? The Zantrex panel is probably 35' from the battery, the solar panel connection 15' and the meter reading at the battery.
I don't want to let the batteries voltage to go below 12.2 volts.

How sure are you of your voltmeter accuracy? More info is needed such as shore power connection and solar panel contribution during your direct battery measurement info. I have found most panel meters to reflect voltage drops at some distance to battery unless they have sense leads right at the batteries. At 13 volts, battery is probably charged if no other charging sources were on.

Marty

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-15-2009, 12:41 PM

Pretty sure of meter accuracy...tested on AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 volt batteries.
No shore power
No contribution from solar panel...measurements taken in storage shed

GaryKD · 12-15-2009, 02:01 PM

Hi Ronnie,
Are you coming to the Tampa RV Super Show? I'll be there and we can use both of my meters. Just as a double check.

If it was me, I'd trust my meters over any appliance reading.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-15-2009, 02:54 PM

Thanks Gary that's the direction I was leaning.
We will not be in Florida this year. Our plan is to stay out West. A month in Chula Vista, several weeks in Arizona, a week or so in Nevada (Death Valley), and then back up the coast and home.
I did enjoy meeting and visiting with you last year at the Tampa show, Route 66 in Ft Meyers, and the Amigos.
Come out West again!!

Gary RVRoamer · 12-15-2009, 06:21 PM

I don't think your Xantrex display is affected by the distance - it is just a remote readout of the voltage seen at the Xantrex itself, which is surely within 3-5 feet of the batteries. My guess is that you have a poor connection at the battery terminals, which is giving the Xantrex and the solar a low voltage reading. I'd remove and clean all the wires to the battery terminals. Also whatever your coach has for a battery monitor/controller (the thing that has the disconnect relays, aux start switch, etc.). Could have a poor connection there too.

Norm4015 · 12-15-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43'

I have a 2006 Dutchstar, Zantrex 2000 Inverter, Gel Cel House batteries (4), (Zantrex properly reprogrammed for Gel Cel).

Just a quick question. Are you sure your batteries are Gel Cel and not AMG batteries? If they are actually AGM and the Xantrex is set to Gel Cel you will not charge them fully.

I have noticed my Xantrex display is often 0.2-0.4 volts less than the batteries and I think it is due to a voltage drop going to the panel.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-15-2009, 07:38 PM

You are correct they are AMG!

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-15-2009, 07:39 PM

Forgot I set them for AMG on the Zantrex

Eddie Foy · 12-15-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43'

You are correct they are AMG!

It is AGM folks! (Absorbed Glass Mat)

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 12-15-2009, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the correction...
RV Roamer, I will check and clean all connections. Visually there is no corrosion and terminals seem to be snug, but I will re-check