Slightly odd electrical poser

[Electric_Andy]

I run Ctek chargers on vehicles that don't get much use to keep them in good order, ready to use.
run 240v extension under car and into engine compartment, place charger under bonnet also, secure aprt from cable

I think this is the best way unless you want to go down the solar route. A dedicated smart car charger will be worth the money, they will put out a higher power when the battery is low, and then enter maintenance mode when it's full. Also cabling etc is properly rated for that specific use. The extension cord and charger under the bonnet is also a better idea as it will not get wet (unless you get heavy sideways rain) - you should be able to close the car bonnet fully with the extension cord running under it, there's usually a good gap somewhere or you can leave it on the latch if not enough room to close.

 

[swee'pea99]

No the controller is a regulator without it you could boil the battery on a sunny day

It's arrived! Um...can I ask, did you find it reasonably easy to set up/use? I'm not finding the user's manual massively intuitive. (This is not uncommon, and I acknowledge my own share of the blame.) I can see how to wire it to the panel and battery, but as for setting parameters - unh? And what is 3-stage PWM charge management? I need to know.

 

[numbnuts]

It's arrived! Um...can I ask, did you find it reasonably easy to set up/use? I'm not finding the user's manual massively intuitive. (This is not uncommon, and I acknowledge my own share of the blame.) I can see how to wire it to the panel and battery, but as for setting parameters - unh? And what is 3-stage PWM charge management? I need to know.

To me honest I just wired it up and didn't touch the parameter settings and it is working fine and has been since April, if it ain't bust.....

 

[DRM]

It's arrived! Um...can I ask, did you find it reasonably easy to set up/use? I'm not finding the user's manual massively intuitive. (This is not uncommon, and I acknowledge my own share of the blame.) I can see how to wire it to the panel and battery, but as for setting parameters - unh? And what is 3-stage PWM charge management? I need to know.

I would hazard a guess that 3 stage PWM charge is basically the charge cycle, 1 Bulk charge when the charger is putting a high current in, 2 Gassing, this when the electrolyte can be seen bubbling as hydrogen gas is given off, 3 Equalising charge where it attempts to bring all cells up to the same state of charge.

 

[albion]

This one
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/22557909...BlJs0s0AUDaovdxc+OSSVuv4gT|tkp:Bk9SR4qGk6L8Yg

Size wise, my calculation is that it is a 17 watt panel, assuming it has high conversion at 20% or above. More likely it hits about 12
max making it just above 10 watts in summer.

It is still useful at that low price.

 

[swee'pea99]

To me honest I just wired it up and didn't touch the parameter settings and it is working fine and has been since April, if it ain't bust.....

Thanks. That was what I was hoping to hear . Still faffing around with the battery at the moment, but once I've sorted that I'll definitely be installing this.