stupid question on PL20 solar controller
Submitted: Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 18:54
ThreadID:
110414
Views:
2737
Replies:
3
FollowUps:
9
This Thread has been Archived
Member No 1
Plasmatronics PL20 solar controller,
I see the controller has setting numbers for Liquid and Gel type batteries
what setting does one use for Full River DC120-12 batteries?
is and AGM a liquid battery?
Reply By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 21:40
Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 21:40
That is a AGM battery
AnswerID:
542958
Follow Up By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 21:43
Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 21:43
Sorry I assumed you might know what it meant but just in case
I should have added that AGM means Absorbed Glass Mat...so in other words it is not a liquid battery......the "liquid" is absorbed in the glass mat making it stable and non serviceable... The PL20 handle them
well
FollowupID:
829731
Follow Up By: Member No 1 - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 09:37
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 09:37
I know what the acronym means, but dont know if it is a liquid acid type or gel?
If not either of the above what settings would you set the pl20 at???
I was hoping someone had already worked all this out so I could copy with out having to search the entire world for the info
you were no bloody help...lol
FollowupID:
829754
Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 09:40
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 09:40
A better and more common term for a "liquid" battery is a "flooded battery".
An AGM battery does have 'liquid' but it is all absorbed into a glass mat.
Plasmatronics use both terms "liquid electrolyte" and "flooded" in their manual as being the same thing.
FollowupID:
829756
Follow Up By: Member No 1 - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:08
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:08
thanks Allan....but what setting?
FollowupID:
829760
Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 12:05
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 12:05
As others have said, the PL20 is fully programmable from Setting 4, but frankly, I cannot be bothered with detailed custom settings to charge a battery, I just take the easy path.
So for an AGM battery I would use Setting 1 and be done with it.
But if you want to be more precise then you need to obtain Fullrivers battery specs and brave the PL20's elaborate programming with which I cannot be of assistance! Sorry.
FollowupID:
829768
Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 22:33
Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 22:33
Fullriver have excellent data on their website including detailed charging information.
The PL20 is totally programmable, so I suggest you use programme 4 and set exactly what Fullriver suggest.
It is also very worth while to add a battery temperature sensor. This will stop over charging in very hot conditions and undercharging in cold conditions.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
AnswerID:
542960
Follow Up By: Member No 1 - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 09:38
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 09:38
I guess I figured that bit out, but what are the settings?
FollowupID:
829755
Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:07
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:07
Google is your friend.
From
the DC120-12 spec sheet
Charge at 24A or less to between 14.5 and 14.9V
Float at 13.6 to 13.8V
Both specs are at 25 degC and as others have said, are best temperature-compensated.
Cheers
FollowupID:
829759
Follow Up By: Member No 1 - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:10
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:10
but what settiings are they are the PL20
Look guys...I know the PL20 is programable but what are the settings...the codes are too confusing...i was hoping someone had already done all this and could sell me the settings for the PL20 to suit the AGM
FollowupID:
829761
Reply By: Racey - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:01
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:01
I have mine set on Program 2 it meets the requirements of AGM. The alternative is to email Plasmatronics and they will advise you on the exact settings for your battery. I did this a few years ago, the response was very prompt.
Cheers
Jon
AnswerID:
542967
Follow Up By: Member No 1 - Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:11
Sunday, Dec 14, 2014 at 10:11
getting close...thanks Racey
I have sent them an email and await their reply
FollowupID:
829762