Solar through charge splitter question.

[dougg]

I have 3 battery banks which are serviced by a Battery isolator, I suppose its also a charge splitter. MBI 100/3 ig.
This is sold in the uk by Advance Yacht.

I would like my solar panels to charge all 3 sets of batteries, at present they only charge the house batteries. I was told by the supplier that this unit would do this, I must add at this point that the MBI 100/3 was installed on the boat from new.

Ive connected the feed from the solar to the Input post and taken a "reference" wire from the MBI 100/3 to the house batteries, with a fuse installed, as per the instructions.

The problem is nothing happens, ie the morning star isn't seeing any voltage from the MBI 100/3 so it doesn't charge anything.

Any Ideas please.

 

[halcyon]

I have 3 battery banks which are serviced by a Battery isolator, I suppose its also a charge splitter. MBI 100/3 ig.
This is sold in the uk by Advance Yacht.

I would like my solar panels to charge all 3 sets of batteries, at present they only charge the house batteries. I was told by the supplier that this unit would do this, I must add at this point that the MBI 100/3 was installed on the boat from new.

Ive connected the feed from the solar to the Input post and taken a "reference" wire from the MBI 100/3 to the house batteries, with a fuse installed, as per the instructions.

Have you checked the voltage to the unit ? if so what is it ? it may be to low, or to high if the splitter has a hi voltage cut-out.

The reference is to the alternator, not the splitter.

What are you using for alternator charge ?

Brian

 

[dougg]

Have you checked the voltage to the unit ? if so what is it ? it may be to low, or to high if the splitter has a hi voltage cut-out.

The reference is to the alternator, not the splitter.

What are you using for alternator charge ?

Brian

There is no voltage coming to the unit as the Mppt solar controller cant see any voltage so it wont send any. If i connect the solar back on to the batts it all works fine.

The way i was told was that the splitter had to have a reference point connected to the house batts.

As for alternator charge i am using the alternator.

 

[halcyon]

There is no voltage coming to the unit as the Mppt solar controller cant see any voltage so it wont send any. If i connect the solar back on to the batts it all works fine.

The way i was told was that the splitter had to have a reference point connected to the house batts.

As for alternator charge i am using the alternator.

The reference is for the alternator regulator when it needs battery voltage.

You could try feeding the solar reg with the MIBI reference, if it has a separate sense.



Brian

 

[VicS]

Ive connected the feed from the solar to the Input post and taken a "reference" wire from the MBI 100/3 to the house batteries, with a fuse installed, as per the instructions.

What I understand from the instructions is a "reference" connection is required from the IG terminal of the MBI 100/3 to the IG ( or however labelled ) terminal of the alternator when this is a battery sensed alternator. Other wise it is not required.

Unless there is a battery sensing connection on the Morning star controller this battery sensing provision on the MBI is not going to help .......... unless connecting it to the Morning star output does the trick ......... not sure then what effect it will have on the MBI or the normal charging from the alternator ??? I don't think i would risk it without consulting the manufacturers of the MBI 100/3

 

[dougg]

What I understand from the instructions is a "reference" connection is required from the IG terminal of the MBI 100/3 to the IG ( or however labelled ) terminal of the alternator when this is a battery sensed alternator. Other wise it is not required.

Unless there is a battery sensing connection on the Morning star controller this battery sensing provision on the MBI is not going to help .......... unless connecting it to the Morning star output does the trick ......... not sure then what effect it will have on the MBI or the normal charging from the alternator ??? I don't think i would risk it without consulting the manufacturers of the MBI 100/3

I have contacted the AY, that's where I got the info from. I guess I'll have to contact them again!