Pretty Nerdy - Solar Charge Controller Connection

[pconroy]

A wee bit nerdy, I'll admit, but I do that for a living.

I grabbed an EPSolar LandStar 1024B PWM Solar Charge Controller and wanted to see if I could get it connected to a Raspberry Pi.

A couple of false starts, but I got there -- eventually.

If you're interested, I wrote up a smidge about it here:

LandStar 1024B PWM Controller

[Mustang65]

Interesting!!!!
I posted to your blog

I forgot to add the Cron that would disconnect your USB.. here it is
echo 0x0 > /sys/devices/platform/bcm2708_usb/buspower
Read my caution in you blog

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[pconroy]

Wow Don - that's some serious DIY stuff!!!

Thanks for the detail on your blog, I'll be studying it in detail over the coming weeks. [ Did I miss it, when reading? Why are there two entries for the Dryer and Water heater? ]



For my setup, I'm trying to reach a capacity where the battery will power the Pi thru the night. So far, the 5AH battery makes it. But I have no winter data. I'm hoping to keep that Pi 'always on'.

Thanks again for the suggestions!!

patrick

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by pconroy

Wow Don - that's some serious DIY stuff!!!

Thanks for the detail on your blog, I'll be studying it in detail over the coming weeks. [ Did I miss it, when reading? Why are there two entries for the Dryer and Water heater? ]

Thanks again for the suggestions!!

patrick

The Cloths Dryer, HVAC unit, Electric Hot Water Heater, Kitchen Stove are all 220VAC, so I have a Current Transformer on each of there legs, this allows me to catch the current on both legs of the AC. I also have a CT on each of the main Service cables for total current being used.

On the Dryer circuit, I also send myself a text when the dryer finishes the load. My Home Automation system is programmed to text me when the dryer load drops below 75 watts, 15 seconds after stopping. Yes it is an old dryer, with no electronics to speak of, just a buzzer that can not be heard when at the other end of the house.

Good luck on your project. Electronics is fun, and you really get the feeling of accomplishment on the completion of each project.

Don
My Registry

RVing with SOLAR