Which ones are you thinking of? Powerpole? I have never seen a problem with mating different colours of Powerpole, but there are "finger safe" versions which don't mate with the traditional ones unless you push very hard.
There are also some clones around that may not be made to very high tolerance.
John
Sounds like you have a plan. ;-)
My only caution (that you may have already covered) is with single pole connectors and making sure you can't make a 'bad' connection by accident (especially with those sorts of currents available).
e.g. I might sacrifice some extra voltage drop by (say) making up a double pole / twin connector 'Y' lead into the controller that allows each battery to be wired and polarised correctly / automatically, without having to think about it. Whilst single pole connectors can be very flexibility, without care that flexibility could open up vulnerabilities (might be ok for you, but not some kind soul trying to help)?
Cheers, T i m
p.s. I am envious of your opportunity to play with this level of gear. ;-)
Yes, specifically the SB(50 I've experienced) range:
"SB Series have colour-keyed housings
A unique feature of the SB Series Powerpole housings are that they are keyed to only mate with the same colour housing. For example, a gray SB50 housing will only mate with other gray SB50 housings. A red SB175 housing will only mate with other red SB175 housings, etc. The exception for SB50 is the black housing, which also mates with the SB50 gray housing. The exception for SB175 is the black housing which is keyless and will make with all other colours. For SB350 there are no colour mating exceptions.
The colour-keyed feature can be used to colour code different voltages or systems and prevent accidental connection."
See above, the smaller series (PP15,30,45) are as you say, fully interconnectable across the colour range. ;-)
That's what I thought was the problem when I first bought some 'clone' SB50's, until I looked closer and found the mechanical keys were very different. ;-(
I have generally fitted the PP15-30 connectors to anything portable and typically 12V (or lower if on an RC model etc), keeping a 'std' orientation of the two plugs (keyed together) for the 12V stuff and something else for the other stuff.
The dilemma I currently have is that several things seem to come with SAE connectors (solar panels, Optimate chargers etc) and they don't play well with the Powerpoles [1]. I have made up converters but that means more connections and chances of getting stuff wrong so what I have done in the past is cut the SAE connector off but left it on a short length of cable (~100mm) then fitted PP connectors to both bits and so giving me a 'native' PP connector, but with the option of SAE if required.[2]
Cheers, T i m
[1] I've not found a solder_it_yourself SAE connector so that means you have to either buy them with a length of cable attached (rarely heavy enough) or buy an SAE extension and cut it in half to make two converters or SAE ends etc. [2] I sometimes cable tie the SAE <> PP converter cable to the end of the charger lead itself so I can't lose it and can use it in place. ;-)
It would be so much cooler if you built it into a van, and at the touch of a button the panels unfolded and tracked the sun.
...snip...
Thanks. Interesting.
John
It could also be partially built into a semi-dedicated [1] trailer, that way you wouldn't have to load and unload it all every time and with some thought, could (should anyway?) be designed with a false floor to keep the batteries underneath with vents at the side / floor so the batteries could be charged in-situ between uses?
If it could be left outside securely between uses, one panel could be left on top (and / or be part of a lid) and might keep the system charged?
(some / four of the) The panels could be mounted on the trailer, held in place by sockets fitted to (/inside) the trailer corners, the (<6') tubular uprights forming extra corner steadies and the batteries and other gear helping towards ballast, holding it all steady in a breeze. ;-)
~100kg of batteries, interconnects and controller plus ~100kg for the panels plus whatever the stands weigh so a 6' x 4' x 350kg gross (unbraked) small goods trailer could be used.
Assuming the OP's or said 'estate car' has a tow bar (all estate cars should IMHO <g>) it would be ready to rock at short notice, could be stored in any club members garage / barn in between outs and towed by anyone with a towbar, should the OP not be available (no reliance on a 'big' car).
I think that would make both a practical, convenient (not having to load and unload between uses) and cool rig. ;-)
But then I'm a trailer fan ... currently having something like 11 myself ... [2] ;-)
Cheers, T i m
[1] Maybe also using the trailer for moving hives / other things between outs? [2] Possibly including a 350kg box trailer that could be for sale. ;-)Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
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