stupid question on PL20 solar controller

Submitted: Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 18:54
ThreadID: 110414 Views:3049 Replies:3 FollowUps:9
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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?



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Reply By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 21:40

Saturday, Dec 13, 2014 at 21:40
That is a AGM battery
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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
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.

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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
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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
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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
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