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Dinosaur

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Joined: 12/08/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 323

Posted: 01:16pm 11 Dec 2013

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Hi All

I have a Tracer-4215RN Solar controller in the caravan.
Currently it is connected to AGM batteries, but looking at converting to LifePo4.

I am trying to find out if I can use the Tracer to shut down the battery charging
from a remote source.
IE: 8 cell monitor has a N/C alarm output that I would like to use to simulate
a fault condition that shuts down the Tracer.

Others have fitted SSR's with massive heatsinks, which I would like to avoid.

Have emailed Tracer, but dont hold much hope. There are no external connections
for such a purpose, but perhaps by connecting directly to the board ???

Anyone have any ideas on this ??

Regards

Regards
Hervey Bay Qld.

davef
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Joined: 14/05/2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 499

Posted: 07:14pm 11 Dec 2013

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Trying to get a schematic out of Tracer or the supplier, who seemed to repair these devices, proved to be fruitless.

I am not familiar with LifePo4 cells, but would expect the charging regime is different than Lead-acid/SLA. Which would mean re-programming the "smarts".

Has that model got a RJ45 connector on it?

I even tried to get some insight to what was inside the remote on/off switch option, so that I could interface my own switch contacts. I suspect that a simple switch connected to the RJ45 connector would do the job, but was not prepared to open the box until the warranty runs out.

Good luck.

Dinosaur

Guru

Joined: 12/08/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 323

Posted: 10:41pm 12 Dec 2013

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Hi All

Dave you mentioned:

Quote I even tried to get some insight to what was inside the remote on/off switch option

I am not aware of this option. There is a SW 1 header on the main board, which I suspected may aid my cause, but sofar no reply from Tracer.

Just below the led's there is a unpopulated 3 pad SW 1 item.

Really, a remote On/Off switch is all I need.
The difference in Float voltage is the only point of contention, and
two Schotky diodes in parallel solve the slight voltage difference.

Regards

PS:It has a RJ45 connector for the remote display.Edited by Dinosaur 2013-12-14

Regards
Hervey Bay Qld.

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