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RE: Started PV installation today :)
Almot, that thought did cross my mind. The day after I JB'ed them down, I checked to see if I could break them loose. They passed the 2 finger pinch test.
The bus bars have 5 terminal holes AND a hole for a screw.
A simple diagram O O O X O O
The wires come through the roof at the top of the bedroom sliding door bay, then down the vent chase. I may be able to get my hand and a block in there to back a screw better. I will need to make sure there is no metal. Holiday Rambler used aluminum framing.
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Jersey Shore
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05/21/12 10:15pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Started PV installation today :)
I ordered the one with two #8 holes. We'll see. No package from Solar Blvd today.
The fuse came today and I found the tinned 5/16" lugs at the marine store, so I made the battery cables tonight.
I noticed the red #4 pos wire is fine stranded, and the black #4 neg wire has coarse strands. All good?
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5210032.jpg height=600 width=400
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5210037.jpg height=600 width=400
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Jersey Shore
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05/21/12 07:01pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Started PV installation today :)
Thanks again SMK and Don. I enjoy reading your posts here and learned enough to tackle this install.
Cruz-in said......
Hi Getting ready to do just this install. A couple of questions:
1) How did you clean/prime the roofing surface prior to sticking down the panels?
I scrubbed the roof with spic-n-span and water (4-1) as I do every spring.
2) You mentioned "MC3 cables and Strain Relief fitting from Solar Blvd should be here this week to finish the 4-5 foot run from the panels to the combiner box.", could you eloborate on the strain relief or provide a link?
I JB welded bus bars to the bottom of the box. The #8 + and - going to the controller is hooked up and comes out the bottom of the box and down the vent chase to the basement. I screwed and dicored the box in place. I'll get a picture when I open the box to finish the connections.
The MC3 cables are for the extra run to the box. I ordered 2 MC3 cables and will cut each in half and screw the bare end to the + and - bus bar in the box. I'll drill two 1/2" holes in the box for the strain relief fittings for a secure water tight seal.
Here's the links....
1/2" strain relief fittings with 2 #10 holes
MC3 cable
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Jersey Shore
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05/21/12 09:31am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Started PV installation today :)
Thanks, ...your right, just checked and they are 5/16". No loss, I found them in one of the many coffee cans around the garage full of nut's/bolts, fasteners, fittings, etc. Back they go. Any idea where to find the tinned #4 3/8" connectors? Grainger? Marine Store?
I guess hard work pays off. Spent last weekend scrubbing the roof, cleaning bird crap, the dreaded black streaks, and waxing. Not as much enjoyment as the PV install.
I'll cover the panels when I connect everything and go "live"? Panels say "Do Not dissconnect under load"
The Rogue manual doesn't say in which order to connect the wiring (PV first or battery first?), only says to hook up the temp. sensor and batt. voltage sensor before powering the unit.
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Jersey Shore
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05/20/12 10:01pm |
Tech Issues
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Started PV installation today :)
Put other chores aside today and got motivated to start installing the PV system on the 5th wheel.
Went with Two Unisolar PVL-124w panels in parallel being the Rogue's max 60v. Got a good deal on the panels with local pickup and stick down install was simple.
I hope they are far enough from the AC units to avoid shading. Might be an issue early/late in the day where it's parked at home facing North/South.
I checked the panels before installing and each showed about 38.5 VOC in full sun.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5200016.jpg height=600 width=400
I ran #8AWG from the combiner box to the controller, removed the vent pipe chase enclosure in the bathroom and ran the wires to the basement. 18 feet one way. MC3 cables and Strain Relief fitting from Solar Blvd should be here this week to finish the 4-5 foot run from the panels to the combiner box.
I thought about skipping the combiner box and running #10 MC3 cables straight to the controller, but this was cheaper and 2 cables were easier to run then 4.
The two panels are <8 amps. I have room to add one or two more PVL-124 panel up front if I find it's needed.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5200023.jpg height=600 width=400
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5200020.jpg height=600 width=400
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5200025.jpg height=600 width=400
Mounted the Rogue 2034 controller above the battery box. Wiring to two 6V GC batteries will be about 36" #4AWG with an inline DC fuse.
40a inline fuse
Should I put a fuse or disconnect from panels to the controller?
Also are the brass battery crimp connectors pictured below OK? OR
is there a better connector?
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5200024.jpg height=600 width=400
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P5200030.jpg height=600 width=400
Hopefully I can finish the install Thursday and be up and running by Friday when we leave for the M.D. weekend. (and put the vent chase enclosure back up in the bathroom)
It'll be nice to cut down on Genny's runtime.
Please feel free to offer opinions and advice. Thanks!
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Jersey Shore
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05/20/12 09:05pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Onan 5500 Marquis Gold shuts off after a few min.
We have the same Genset. Mine wouldn't start, no fuel, and I thought it was the pump. Checked the pump and it was fine. Ended up being a pinhole in the fuel line sucking air.
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Jersey Shore
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05/18/12 11:20pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Argh- totally screwed up!
DW gets her work schedule only 4 weeks in advance so have to wait to make reservations. Plans were for Hershy PA area for Memorial Day. 2 weeks ago the first 2-3 campgrounds we called were full. We found PA Dutch Country Campground still had a few sites. Give them a call. Might get lucky.
clicky
You can try Seashore Campsites or Beachcomber in Cape May. We've stayed at Seashore a few times. Both are huge parks.
clicky
Good luck.
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Jersey Shore
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05/17/12 10:02pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: BIRDS!!!!!
During winterization I shove a big contractor trash bag in the pinbox to keep the birds out. Robins here. Before there was sure to be a nest by the first trip in spring.
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Jersey Shore
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05/15/12 08:42pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: The Lively Little Campers Are Back! (Season 3)
Where did you camp? Williamsburg is on our short list. Do you have any favorites in New Jersey? We live in Monmouth County.
Best--Jeremy
Jeremy,
We stayed at American Heritage Campground by Norge. Good reviews and after staying there last week I agree. Cement pads, clean restrooms, friendly staff, free mini golf, pool, nature trail, sites are all pullthough but a little close, alot of families. The campground is around 15-20 minutes from most attractions (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Busch Gardens). Outlet stores, Pottery Mall, Antique Mall, and Go Karts are 5 minutes.
We're in Monmouth County also. Grew up in Middletown and live in Wall now, I'm a tile and stone contractor in the Red Bank area. A real shame the Fort closed. My good neighbor and a few past cleints were relocated.
We dry camp at Allaire State campground right down the road a few weekends a year. The kids like the historic village and railroad. Miles of hiking/biking trails also.
We camp at Seashore Campground in Cape May at least once a year in spring or Fall.
We plan on heading up to Swartswood State Park to relive childhood memories camping there.
That's about it for NJ, we also go to Jim Thorpe PA in October for the Fall Festival. Great times always.
Camp on,
Jim
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Jersey Shore
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04/20/12 11:18pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Slow propane leak
We had a similar slow leak and it turned out to be the regulator.
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Jersey Shore
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04/16/12 09:56pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: New Hampshire
A good drive from Rochester, but we love this campground.
Saco River campground
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Jersey Shore
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04/16/12 09:40pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: The Lively Little Campers Are Back! (Season 3)
Make season 3 one to remember!
We just kicked off the season with an 8 day Williamsburg VA "Spring Break" trip. Blessed with great weather. The kids had a rough time heading back to school today.
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Jersey Shore
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04/16/12 09:30pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: NJ Family campers
Sussex County here, originally from Bergen Co. Family of 5. We usually stay close to home, Swartswood State Park (very nice place). We do plan on camping down the shore at Allair (sp?) State Park, it's only an 8-10 drive to Point Pleasant.
Hi George,
Spent my childhood camping, canoeing, and fishing Swartswood. Great distant memories from the late 60's early 70's. I can remember catching salamanders, the beach, the dam/grist mill at the far end of the Lake, and an island with abandoned summer houses (likely long gone).
I really have to take the family back this summer.
Alaire State Park is right down the road from us and we head over for a quick weekend getaway. At times there are many Scouting groups, but always great neighbors. Don't miss the Alaire Historic Village and railroad also.
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Jersey Shore
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04/03/12 08:57pm |
Family Camping
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RE: Wheel bearings
Thank you for the info IC.
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Jersey Shore
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03/31/12 10:23pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Delaware Seashore State Park - Easter Break
That was my first choice for Spring Break. DW and kids decided dad needs to drive ALL day and booked Williamsburg. I just want to relax. We'll get to Delaware Seashore State Park sometime this summer.
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Jersey Shore
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03/28/12 09:51pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Delaware Seashore State Park - Easter Break
DP
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Jersey Shore
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03/28/12 09:41pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Strangest thing you carry with you
Don't leave home without it!
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff38/Jaymz996/P9180006.jpg height=200 width=400
??????????
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Jersey Shore
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03/28/12 09:17pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Wheel bearings
Do Dexter "Nev-r-lube" axles need maintenance?
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Jersey Shore
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03/27/12 09:15pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Best RV Road atlas
There are many bridges in New Jersey with 10' limits. These are are on secondary roads but you still need to be aware of low bridges. Know your height limits and get a good truckers book to know your route. I had to reroute a trip several years back when traveling to Nigra Falls. Better safe then sorry.
I think we found that bridge going to Niagra Falls last summer. Nice 20 mile backtrack.
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Jersey Shore
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03/26/12 09:20pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Honda 2000 generator - need help!! (FIXED NOW)
Try running it with the gascap open slightly and see if it stays running. If it does, the gascap is not venting.
Just had a similar problem here. Would run for for 15 seconds to a few minutes and shut down (without surging). Sometime it starts back up, sometimes not (no spark). Traced it to a faulty ignition coil with the multi meter. Yours surges before shutting down so it sounds fuel related. I've forgot to open the vent and it does that.
Good luck and let us know what the fix is.
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Jersey Shore
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03/11/12 10:58pm |
Tech Issues
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