multifunction DC measuring panel

    I made this panel to serve two functions:

1. To connect up solar panels and to regulate their charge to a battery, as well as monitoring the current and voltage.
2. To measure the current drawn by a load such as a light, fridge, etc.

    The parts cost approx. $98 and the panel was relatively easy to construct. The voltmeter has a range 10V to 16V so as to give a reasonable accurate reading. The solar regulator is rated at 6A and it is mounted inside the enclosure. Connections to and from the panel are via 4mm banana plugs. leads, alligator clips and a cigarette lighter socket. The alligator clips are useful for connection to an Anderson plug when charging your camper trailer battery.
 

    There are two holes in the enclosure’s side for viewing the regulator’s indicator lights and a further three holes were drilled into the top to provide ventilation for the internal regulator.

solar panel charging

    The above picture above shows the Multifunction panel connected to 2x20W solar panels charging a 12V 12Ah AGM battery. The solar panels connect to the input and the battery is connected to the output. The switch is set to “0”, so as to use the panel’s regulator.
 

    The above picture above shows the Multifunction panel connected to 2x40W hinged solar panels which have an onboard regulator. The solar panels connect to the input and the camper trailer’s Anderson plug is connected to the output. The switch is set to “1”, bypassing the panel’s regulator.

load connection

    The Multifunction panel is connected to a 12V Battery and a lamp load is plugged into the cigarette lighter’s output. The switch is set to “1”, bypassing the panel’s regulator.
 

 thanks to Kevin Davis for sharing this idea

march 2010