Aviator
Registered User
Canada (Legally)
I plug a 1A solar panel into the 12V cigar lighter that takes its pwr from the starter button, and turn the master sw. ON, but leave everything else OFF (no master relay) to keep the battery trickle charged on the ground.
The voltage in the lighter socket with the master OFF is normally zero. With the master ON, it's 12.4V.
The solar panel has a built-in reverse-current flow diode. It puts out 25V with no load - i.e. not plugged in to anything. When plugged in w/master OFF, it drops to 12V, but recovers to 16V w/master ON. The battery is about 75% charged. (The ammeter doesn't move. (+or- 1A presumably wouldn't show anyway)
Q: Why is the voltage so low w/master OFF? The wiring to the starter button isn't grounding anywhere, and the battery doesn't discharge when on the ground, even for weeks.
Q: Shouldn't the voltage be lowest with the master ON and charging the battery?
Anyone have experience with this?
Thanks.
The voltage in the lighter socket with the master OFF is normally zero. With the master ON, it's 12.4V.
The solar panel has a built-in reverse-current flow diode. It puts out 25V with no load - i.e. not plugged in to anything. When plugged in w/master OFF, it drops to 12V, but recovers to 16V w/master ON. The battery is about 75% charged. (The ammeter doesn't move. (+or- 1A presumably wouldn't show anyway)
Q: Why is the voltage so low w/master OFF? The wiring to the starter button isn't grounding anywhere, and the battery doesn't discharge when on the ground, even for weeks.
Q: Shouldn't the voltage be lowest with the master ON and charging the battery?
Anyone have experience with this?
Thanks.