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Don Halas
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Joined: 01 Jul 2015
Location: Connecticut
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Posts: 190
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Topic: Connecting a 100 watt solar panel to Zamp port Posted: 25 Jul 2016 at 2:03pm |
I've got the switch, but it's no longer necessary since I installed the 100w panel. It's capable of keeping the battery charged and overcoming the parasitic battery drain. I can even use the fantastic fan during the day without worrying about the state of the battery.
This may change as the sun begins its seasonal decline, it's too soon to tell but I don't think I'll need to hook up to the house anymore unless I change where the Pod is parked.
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ron/roscoe
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Joined: 13 May 2016
Location: Hanahan, SC
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Posted: 25 Jul 2016 at 2:33pm |
Do you plug in the 100 watt panel to the port on the outside of the pod?
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Ron Rowland
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Don Halas
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Location: Connecticut
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Posted: 25 Jul 2016 at 4:11pm |
No, installation in detail with pictures in previous pages of this discussion.
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bigcat
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Posted: 16 Dec 2016 at 12:45pm |
Hi everyone, there is some awesome info on this thread! I'm a newbie to RVing, and solar, so I am trying to wrap my head around how to get started. I have a 2017 179 with a Zamp port installed by FR. We will mostly be boondocking and I prefer solar over a loud generator. I've been looking at the Renogy panels because they get great reviews, and are much more affordable than the Zamp kits. I'm looking for a way to connect the Renogoy (or other non-Zamp panels) to the Zamp port so I can take advantage of the wiring that FR has already done. Is this even possible? On the Zamp site they call out that they replaced the Anderson Connector with a proprietary connector, so am I stuck with having to go with a Zamp panel and connector?
Many thanks in advance! Ty
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Big Cat
2017 179
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Hunter74
Newbie
Joined: 09 Mar 2016
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Posted: 16 Dec 2016 at 4:10pm |
Originally posted by bigcat
Hi everyone, there is some awesome info on this thread! I'm a newbie to RVing, and solar, so I am trying to wrap my head around how to get started. I have a 2017 179 with a Zamp port installed by FR. We will mostly be boondocking and I prefer solar over a loud generator. I've been looking at the Renogy panels because they get great reviews, and are much more affordable than the Zamp kits. I'm looking for a way to connect the Renogoy (or other non-Zamp panels) to the Zamp port so I can take advantage of the wiring that FR has already done. Is this even possible? On the Zamp site they call out that they replaced the Anderson Connector with a proprietary connector, so am I stuck with having to go with a Zamp panel and connector? Many thanks in advance! Ty |
Yes there is. I have a 120 Watt of another company. The dealship where I bought my trailer had zamp plugs with about a foot of wire, and my solar panels came with alligator clips to plug into the panel or an eyelet plug to attach to the panel. The dealership snipped of the eyelets on the one plug and spliced the zamp plug onto it. Works like a charm. I love my solar panels when camping. You don't have to be as conscious of using lights at night or the radio for a few hours to have tunes outside.
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schwartzw
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Joined: 16 Jun 2015
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Posted: 16 Dec 2016 at 4:27pm |
Here's my original post on how I did mine. http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase/dp/B00HR8YNK6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Cable-connectors-Copper-Strand/dp/B008JHXF4O?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0069-6-Terminal-Disconnect/dp/B000NCOKZQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01
Cut the 50' cable in half giving you one wire with a male connector and one with a female.
solder the cut ends to the battery tender part (get polarity right).
The
connector on the battery tender will plug into the zamp connector on
the rpod and the male/female ends of long cable will connect to the
leads on the solar panel.
Now you have a
portable solar setup for the rpod with a 25' wire. this lets you put
the panels out in the sun even if the rpod is in a shady spot for about
$310. I made a shield/cone thing to protect the controller from the
weather (it's attached to the panels) so I dont' have to put it away
every time it rains.
I believe it's still the right connector for you.
Bill
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2015 R-Pod 182g HRE (SOLD)
2016.5 Lance 2185
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bigcat
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Joined: 25 Aug 2016
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Posted: 16 Dec 2016 at 5:54pm |
Thank you schwartzw and Hunter74!
@schwartzw, do you by chance have any photos showing how the tender part connector is soldered to the cable ends?
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Big Cat
2017 179
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schwartzw
Newbie
Joined: 16 Jun 2015
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Posted: 19 Dec 2016 at 11:48am |
You can't see much since the connections are taped up but here's what it looks like now. so this won't help sort out the polarity. In this one you can see the plastic cone I made to protect the electronics from rain. the panels and wiring is all waterproof already.
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2015 R-Pod 182g HRE (SOLD)
2016.5 Lance 2185
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bigcat
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Posted: 19 Dec 2016 at 12:29pm |
Awesome! Thanks @schwartzw. Do you have tips or advice on how to sort out the polarity?
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Big Cat
2017 179
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schwartzw
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Joined: 16 Jun 2015
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Posted: 19 Dec 2016 at 1:16pm |
Stick a volt meter on the connector on the side of your camper, figure out which is the hot connector. then wire the cables up so your hot pin lines up with that one.
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2015 R-Pod 182g HRE (SOLD)
2016.5 Lance 2185
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