Is there an alternative to the Rutland/Marlec HRDi controller?

[Rivers & creeks]

Storm Doris blew up our HRSi controller - both lights flashing and the Rutland in permanent slow rotate mode. Wired directly to the batteries it span up and is charging nicely. So I need to put another charge controller in and the much more beefy HRDi is £150! Is that really the only other option? Anyone using a non-Marlec with their wind genny? The stop switch on the HRDi is a big plus

 

[LadyInBed]

My 913 came with a Rutland HRS503 Regulator back in 2001 and is still going strong, I see that they are now about £50.

 

[sailorman]

my aerogen is wired directly to the domestic battery bank as is the LVM 93 voltage controller with its exceedingly large dump resistor, this proved to be Doris proof

 

[KellysEye]

Our Aerogen had an on/off switch there was also a house battery voltage display instrument, when the battery was fully charged we would switch the Aerogen off.

 

[MM5AHO]

I have fitted an on/off switch, but I am unhappy about the current drain when no wind. Seems excessive.

 

[H35]

Following up on this matter. I have on hand a Rutland 913 incl a HRDi controller, both "new" in box. Price seems ok. But I am looking for info on the controller, wether or not I can hook up say two solar panels as well as the 913? As I have learned, to serial connect two solar panels, the voltage doubles, so I can make use of the concept of an MTTP regulator. So, has this HRDi controller what I'm looking for?

 

[VicS]

Following up on this matter. I have on hand a Rutland 913 incl a HRDi controller, both "new" in box. Price seems ok. But I am looking for info on the controller, wether or not I can hook up say two solar panels as well as the 913? As I have learned, to serial connect two solar panels, the voltage doubles, so I can make use of the concept of an MTTP regulator. So, has this HRDi controller what I'm looking for?

The HRDi can be used with the 913 plus up to 160 watts of 12 volt solar. A blocking diode must be used the the solar.

The HRDi can output to two battery banks

(See the manual)

If you want to go down the route of series connection of the solar panels then you need an MPPT controller