I am in the process of installing a solar charge system. To link the 2- battery banks i purchased a Xantrex Pathmaker (combiner). The directions seem easy enough... however, in the diagram- they note the battery switch set to the #1 bank at all times.. the pathmaker basically links the positive terminals of the 2 batteries, and has a ground connection but why is the battery selection important? Is it to steer the "starting load" through the house bank and not in the other direction?? Does this mean the selector switch always has to be in the #1 position even when i leave the boat?? Also- they recommend, but do not advise as to how, to install fuses (not provided)... is this necessary? and if so...where in the line are they situated.. appreciate any and all advice... thx
- Status
first batter to charge
when charging batteries a combiner only combines the two battery banks when the charge in the first battery bank reachs 13.5 volts. Until then the first battery is charged alone. After the 13.5 volts is reached the second battery bank is connected and recieves a charge until both banks are fully charged and the regulator shuts the charger off. So, set your switch to the bank you wish to charge first and let the combiner do the work of equalling the banks.
when charging batteries a combiner only combines the two battery banks when the charge in the first battery bank reachs 13.5 volts. Until then the first battery is charged alone. After the 13.5 volts is reached the second battery bank is connected and recieves a charge until both banks are fully charged and the regulator shuts the charger off. So, set your switch to the bank you wish to charge first and let the combiner do the work of equalling the banks.
Combiner
It's important to run the charging through the house bank first, not the starting battery, regardless of what # is on your switch. Tie the solar panel into the house bank, too. The combiner then "sub-feeds" the starting bank whenever the charging voltage exceeds its set point, and disconnects when charging voltage is not present. The battery switch should be set to whatever you need it to be, since you need to think of the battery switch as simply determining which battery the power comes out of. If you are connecting the combiner wiring to the battery posts, just think of it as connecting them to the batteries themselves - the wiring just has the juice flowing both ways! Stu
It's important to run the charging through the house bank first, not the starting battery, regardless of what # is on your switch. Tie the solar panel into the house bank, too. The combiner then "sub-feeds" the starting bank whenever the charging voltage exceeds its set point, and disconnects when charging voltage is not present. The battery switch should be set to whatever you need it to be, since you need to think of the battery switch as simply determining which battery the power comes out of. If you are connecting the combiner wiring to the battery posts, just think of it as connecting them to the batteries themselves - the wiring just has the juice flowing both ways! Stu
Can I splice?
I have a combiner and "smart" charger. However, the charger cables aren't long enough to reach my two series 27 house batteries. So, I have the charger going direct to the starting battery and rely on the combiner to charge the house bank. After reading the above responses, It sounds like the charger should go to the house bank first. It makes sense that the house would need charging more often and would drain quicker. That's what leads to my question. Can I simply splice wires from my charger to the house bank rather thae the starting battery?
I have a combiner and "smart" charger. However, the charger cables aren't long enough to reach my two series 27 house batteries. So, I have the charger going direct to the starting battery and rely on the combiner to charge the house bank. After reading the above responses, It sounds like the charger should go to the house bank first. It makes sense that the house would need charging more often and would drain quicker. That's what leads to my question. Can I simply splice wires from my charger to the house bank rather thae the starting battery?
Wire Extension
Harry If you extend any wire you will increase the voltage drop. So, splicing a wire isn't a problem, but if it's longer it drops more voltage. In a charger, or anywhere else, that's the last thing you need. Check the 3% voltage drop table in a West Marine catalog, and figure your distance. It'll tell you what size wire you need. It could be just fine, who knows unless you do the math for yourself. A butt splice is no problem, and they make butt connectors for connecting different wire sizes. And, you're right about getting your combiner connections corrected - it is, BTW in the instructions, least it was in my West Marine combiner in 1998. Stu
Harry If you extend any wire you will increase the voltage drop. So, splicing a wire isn't a problem, but if it's longer it drops more voltage. In a charger, or anywhere else, that's the last thing you need. Check the 3% voltage drop table in a West Marine catalog, and figure your distance. It'll tell you what size wire you need. It could be just fine, who knows unless you do the math for yourself. A butt splice is no problem, and they make butt connectors for connecting different wire sizes. And, you're right about getting your combiner connections corrected - it is, BTW in the instructions, least it was in my West Marine combiner in 1998. Stu
May not need more wire
I just checked on how I wired the combiner into the charging system. This way may work for you if you have a 1,both,2,off switch. The Alternator or charger is wired into the "2" terminal of the switch. The combiner is wired to both the "1" and "2" terminals. My #2 switch is connected to the house bank and #1 is to the starter battery. If you wire your system in this way you may not need to have additional wire.
I just checked on how I wired the combiner into the charging system. This way may work for you if you have a 1,both,2,off switch. The Alternator or charger is wired into the "2" terminal of the switch. The combiner is wired to both the "1" and "2" terminals. My #2 switch is connected to the house bank and #1 is to the starter battery. If you wire your system in this way you may not need to have additional wire.
Combiner
Kenny, Combiners normally have a heavy duty relay - unless of the very latest technology. This relay requires a few watts from the battery to hold in. Just feel it after 1/2 hour in the ON state. Result is much of your solar charge is wasted in the combiner. I suggest simply using a simple 5 amp diode from solar panel to each battery. This preserves the batteries' isolation from each other and the lowest battery gets most charge. Its also inexpensive. If your solar panel is large - eg 5 amps output - you might need to consider a current regulator. This a whole new bag of worms. If you need a regulator I suggest you go to a marine electrical firm for advice.
Kenny, Combiners normally have a heavy duty relay - unless of the very latest technology. This relay requires a few watts from the battery to hold in. Just feel it after 1/2 hour in the ON state. Result is much of your solar charge is wasted in the combiner. I suggest simply using a simple 5 amp diode from solar panel to each battery. This preserves the batteries' isolation from each other and the lowest battery gets most charge. Its also inexpensive. If your solar panel is large - eg 5 amps output - you might need to consider a current regulator. This a whole new bag of worms. If you need a regulator I suggest you go to a marine electrical firm for advice.
- Status