Hi we having a 100 watt solar panel fitted on the caravan roof next week also just bought a new 110 leisure battery,just wondering would I be able to use the radio that's fitted in the caravan when we go of grid when just using the solar panel
I don't know how much battery power the radio will consume but it should be less than that of a 12 volt television I would have thought. However, as you are new to having a solar panel it may be a good idea to purchase a voltmeter for under a tenner and just check the battery voltage at intervals until you get an idea of how much power is being consumed and how long to re-charge during daylight hours.
I often use a 12v TV for 3-4hrs a night and have no problem with keeping the battery charged up and also use the radio a lot with a USB stick of all my CD albums on MP3. In good sun the battery (110 amp) is charged back to full by lunchtime or late afternoon if cloudy. I use a 150w folding panel, gives out 8amps in full sun and a boost charge of 14.4v when needed. I also have a 150w inverter to charge up my shaver, laptop and phone, also have a USB adaptor which plugs into the 12v socket to charge head torch, bike lights and GPS watches.
Welcome to the world of off grid, we use the C&CC Region, Section DA 3/5day meets and Temporary Holiday Sites, pay from £4.60 to £10.00 a night, so cheap caravanning, more outings go off when we want and stay as long as we want. Next you need a Safefill refillable gas cylinder for cheap gas, I pay around £8.50 for 8.6kg/15ltrs of gas.
We have a 100watt panel and a Truma controller. When charging a green LED on the controller shines solid and when the battery is fully charged it flashes. The controller works like a smart charger and its surprising just how quickly the battery is replenished even after using the mover.
Thanks for the replys, we have got some 12volt equipment which we had for about 18month so far we got a 12volt tv,usb adapter for 12volts,2recharable lights,radio, Octavia there is a safefill site about a mile from where we live that fits/sell the cylinders will have to nip down and have a look at them,we use the rally's on both clubs but always with hook up,so far we got holidays booked in may,June,July, August useing solar,
Years ago I have used both HF and VHF radio's from a caravan it was considered mobile so one had a better chance of gaining awards, with HF at 100W transmit power we did need a generator to maintain it over 24 hours, but with the 30W VHF it was no problem.
Clearly receive only it would last weeks, my FT290R had both internal and ability to use 12 volt and the internal batteries would run it for 24 hours, OK only 3W transmit power but looking at weeks of a 12 volt battery with nothing charging it.
I have not tried with solar panels, I would not think the controller would produce enough hash to stop you receiving or to cause any problems with transmit, however they are switch mode controllers so only way to be sure is to try it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Radio
via mobile 17/3/2019 at 1:39pm
