Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

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Topic: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller (Read 618 times) previous topic - next topic

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Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

August 03, 2024, 06:27:56 pm

I having a issue with my charge panel. (RV-30S). I replaced my house batteries with 6V golf cart batteries. I had the same make before. But when I hooked them up I didn't notice they reversed the negative and positive terminals. It started heating up. I removed them and hooked the batteries up correctly.

The Charge panel led lights are not working. Which I believe the batteries are not charging. I replaced 15a solar panel fuse, the two 30a fuses conv/pos, 20a 12v fuse and 7.5 monitor panel fuse. The 100 amp manual fuse doesn't seem to be tripped. I don't have the RV-30s manual so I don't know what to do next.

Re: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

Reply #1 – August 03, 2024, 07:29:04 pm

Check the voltage at the converter output to the battery and compare that with the actual battery voltage. If they are different, there is a hidden circuit breaker that is open. As far as the LEDs in the Heliotrope unit, if there is no fuse blown in the unit, the circuitry may have been damaged. There are newer, better units available to replace it - get an MPPT model.

Steve

Re: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

Reply #2 – August 04, 2024, 03:23:05 pm

I'm with Steve. Unless you're on the road and can't easily receive packages, I would not even bother to troubleshoot the old RV-30S. I'd just replace it with an MPPT controller such as the Solar Boost SB3000i that Lazy Daze installed in more recent rigs. An MPPT controller will extract more power from the panel(s) you have now, and any you may add in the future. It's a very worthwhile investment.

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Re: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

Reply #3 – August 06, 2024, 09:15:57 pm

Thank you for the information. It is very helpful!!!

Re: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

Reply #4 – August 07, 2024, 11:05:35 am

Agree the solar controller appears to be bad, Andy’s suggestion to install Blue Sky Solar Boost 3000i is a good idea, it’s a great controller and can handle 500 watts of panels before reaching its limit.
It can be adjusted for any type of battery charging.

Larry

Re: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

Reply #5 – August 07, 2024, 02:17:37 pm

For Tank0625, and anybody else that wants to upgrade their solar controller from the RV-30S, Amazon has the original controller that came in later Lazy Dazes. Amazon.com : Blue Sky Energy SB3000i Solar Boost 30A MPPT Charge Controller... for $249.
There is a similar looking SCA-30 also from Blue Sky for $99, but it is PWM (pulse width modulated) and doesn't have the MPPT feature. This one is lower efficiency like the RV-30S.
The MPPT controller should also be installed with the temperature probe, an extra $30 Amazon.com : Kit composed of Blue Sky Energy SB3000i Solar Boost 30A MPPT... so that the charger can monitor and adjust the voltage depending on the temperature of the lead acid batteries. Not necessary with Lithium batteries. The 'on the wall' box mount may be necessary for some situations if up against the refrigerator.
Upgrading the controller may not be worth the extra money, but if it is damaged, now is the time for a better solar controller. RonB

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Re: Heliotrope RV-30S Charge Controller

Reply #6 – August 07, 2024, 04:17:22 pm

The Blue Sky 3000i is too deep and tall to fit into the Heliotrope controller box, the 3000i needs to be spaced away from the panel and the controller box opened up a bit to fit.
I made an adaptor plate out of an old Heliotrope HPV-22B solar controller trim piece. A piece of sheet aluminum can be used to make the adaptor, it’s very simple.

Larry

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