There is a continual dot-sounding interference on the vans TV and at the same time, the inner fridge light blinks on and off continually. The fridge is not the problem as I turned it off but the poor wTV signal continued. I have been able to stop the interference by pushing in the buttons of the solar panel meter, but when released the static starts again. So Im thinking that the solar panel circuit is interfering with the TV signal and the fridge light. That means the solar panels are not producing smooth power. But the led roof lights do not flicker. Any suggestions
Thanks everyone for your replies. I did disconnect the battery from the solar controller/meter and the 'static' stopped. Don't know enough about the workings of a solar controller but they are cheap to replace. Will let you know the outcome. Regards. Mike T
Is the controller located at the panel or at the battery? I would locate it as close to the battery as possible. Ideally the controller should be sensing the battery voltage, excluding the voltage drop in the cable.
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Thanks everyone for your replies. I did disconnect the battery from the solar controller/meter and the 'static' stopped. Don't know enough about the workings of a solar controller but they are cheap to replace. Will let you know the outcome. Regards. Mike T
Did you try the LED lights individually Mike? As WAWT said, the solar and controller do produce smooth power, and the lights would go thru the controller and you might be getting a false reading and thinking it's the panel.
Before disparaging the controller, I would examine the installation. I know it's not the same thing, but many years ago I retrofitted an electronic alternator regulator to an old Chrysler. The original mechanical regulator worked fine. After swapping it out, the new regulator worked, but there was a low frequency oscillation in the charging circuit which caused the headlights to flicker. Actually, it was more like flashing.
The reason was that the regulator was mounted on the firewall rather than on the alternator. There were other problems, but I recall resolving this particular problem with a relay controlled by the ignition switch. This allowed the regulator to sense the appropriate voltage without a voltage drop. I believe this voltage drop was responsible for the oscillation. I'm not completely certain, though.
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"No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full."
Thanks again one and all.
My solar panels connect directly to the solar controller near the battery which then connects directly to the battery for trickle charging (polarity and connections correctly done). Van leds run off the battery and not the solar regulator, even though there is an unused connection point on the controller. Has been working for over two years without issue. So I will replace the controller, avoiding the 'cheapies' as advised. Thanks. Mike T