Xantrex Charge Controller

07/21/2010

Note: we'll be replacing the C12 with a C35 charge controller once we have made our new solar panels (that's right, we're going to finally start building solar panels). At that point, we'll retire the C12 as a spare if we need it.

Update: Our Xantrex C12 charge controller has been in service since 2006. Since that time, we've had no problems with it aside from the "night light" feature going wacko one time a couple of years ago. The thing works great - we leave the shack and the bank is at 80% charge and when we get back it's 100%. The charge controller has 3 stages two of which are set by the user - bulk and absorption. The unit enters the float setting by itself.

This is a Xantrex C12, a 25 amp version of their C controllers. This particular model features Pulse Wave Modulation (PWM) charging. It has field settings for bulk charging, absorption charging and float charging. It also has settings for automatic equalization (or it can be done manually by pushing a switch). Unique to the C12 is a feature that will turn on 12 volt lights at night, what they call the "night light" feature.

The C12 also has a 12 volt distribution output for running 12 volt appliances up to 25 amps. A good place to order this controller from is Infinigi.com - I've ordered parts and supplies from them and they're very good with customer service.

You can download the specs. or the manual at www.xantrex.com

	Here is how big the controller is. It's about the size of my hand.
	Here are two of the 1/2 inch conduit openings in the unit. There's another one on the back side for wall mounting.
	The guts. You can see the POT settings on the right hand side. There are also test points so you can set the voltages almost exactly where you want them.
	Another view of the circuit board.

Northern Michigan Solar Powered Cabin

Alternative Energy Living at the 45th parallel

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Peukerts formula explained
T = C/(I/(C/R))ⁿ X (R/C)

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But why solar power?

Benefits:

Drawbacks:

Xantrex Charge Controller

07/21/2010

Note: we'll be replacing the C12 with a C35 charge controller once we have made our new solar panels (that's right, we're going to finally start building solar panels). At that point, we'll retire the C12 as a spare if we need it.

The C12 also has a 12 volt distribution output for running 12 volt appliances up to 25 amps. A good place to order this controller from is Infinigi.com - I've ordered parts and supplies from them and they're very good with customer service.

You can download the specs. or the manual at www.xantrex.com

Here is how big the controller is. It's about the size of my hand.

Here are two of the 1/2 inch conduit openings in the unit. There's another one on the back side for wall mounting.

The guts. You can see the POT settings on the right hand side. There are also test points so you can set the voltages almost exactly where you want them.

Another view of the circuit board.

This product is simple and works great. If you use a lot of canned food either in your home or cabin, the can organizer rotates your food from the oldest to the newest; no more checking expiration dates!

We've teamed up with Amazon for our product listings after some really bad experiences with an online auction site.

Golden Gadgets, LED lighting and low energy products.

Visit our store!

How I test

Don't ask me why, but I've recently become interested in studying earthquake/volcano activity around the world; ash plumes and such. I've added a page with RSS feeds and links to satellite imagery.

Northern Michigan Solar Powered Cabin

Alternative Energy Living at the 45th parallel

Learn about alternative energy, hybrid systems and watch pointless videos!

Peukerts formula explained T = C/(I/(C/R))n X (R/C)

Reviving Deep Cycle Batteries

Email or Contact us here

But why solar power?

Benefits:

Drawbacks:

Xantrex Charge Controller

07/21/2010

Note: we'll be replacing the C12 with a C35 charge controller once we have made our new solar panels (that's right, we're going to finally start building solar panels). At that point, we'll retire the C12 as a spare if we need it.

The C12 also has a 12 volt distribution output for running 12 volt appliances up to 25 amps. A good place to order this controller from is Infinigi.com - I've ordered parts and supplies from them and they're very good with customer service.

You can download the specs. or the manual at www.xantrex.com

Here is how big the controller is. It's about the size of my hand.

Here are two of the 1/2 inch conduit openings in the unit. There's another one on the back side for wall mounting.

The guts. You can see the POT settings on the right hand side. There are also test points so you can set the voltages almost exactly where you want them.

Another view of the circuit board.

This product is simple and works great. If you use a lot of canned food either in your home or cabin, the can organizer rotates your food from the oldest to the newest; no more checking expiration dates!

We've teamed up with Amazon for our product listings after some really bad experiences with an online auction site.

Golden Gadgets, LED lighting and low energy products.

Visit our store!

How I test

Don't ask me why, but I've recently become interested in studying earthquake/volcano activity around the world; ash plumes and such. I've added a page with RSS feeds and links to satellite imagery.

Peukerts formula explained
T = C/(I/(C/R))ⁿ X (R/C)