IOTA charger Potentiometer
kansas
Solar Expert Posts: 100 ✭✭
I have an IOTA DLS-45 charger, not an IQ4 model. The dual voltage jack that comes with the DLS-45, when used, changes the output voltage from 13.6 volts to 14.2 volts. I have read on other threads here that this charger has a potentiometer, located inside the charger cover, that can be adjusted to change the output voltages.
I emailed IOTA several days ago to confirm this information and asked: 1) does the DLS-45 have a potentiometer; 2) is it advisable/safe to access and adjust it; 3) can I set the dual voltage maximum as high 15.3 volts: and 4) if the dual voltage maximum is 15.3 volts, what will the lower voltage be? IOTA hasn't responded.
I would be interested in information on any of these questions. Thanks a million . . . Bill
I emailed IOTA several days ago to confirm this information and asked: 1) does the DLS-45 have a potentiometer; 2) is it advisable/safe to access and adjust it; 3) can I set the dual voltage maximum as high 15.3 volts: and 4) if the dual voltage maximum is 15.3 volts, what will the lower voltage be? IOTA hasn't responded.
I would be interested in information on any of these questions. Thanks a million . . . Bill
Two 140 watt Kyocera panels, wired in parallel; Ironridge top of pole mount; two 6 volt, 242 AH US batteries, wired in series; Morningstar ProStar 30 charge controller and SureSine 300 inverter; Trimetric 2025-A meter; IOTA DLS-45 charger, Honda EG3500X generator; Aermotor 702 water pumping windmill.
Comments
The potentiometer in on the fan end, left side. I have seen them two colors blue and white. It has a small silver flat head screw. If you want 15.3 or so you'll have to have the plug in when you adjust it. You can adjust it with a DVM. Once the battery reaches voltage you can adjust it again if necessary. Good luck with IOTA.
This one is blue.
Attachment not found.
Thanks, Blackcherry04. If I dial it up to 15.3 with the dual voltage jack in, I assume the 13.6 voltage without the jack will also have gone up, correct? Can I safely leave the potentiometer setting at 15.3 volts? My concern was raised because IOTA doesn't mention the potentiometer or any voltage adjustment option in their literature that I could find.
It's not user adjustable. You could get an electrical shock by opening the unit and poking around with a screwdriver. They could not get UL listing if that was the way a user/consumer had to adjust it.
However, an electrical technician is allowed to open it up and adjust, repair, calibrate, etc. But an electrical technician is not an end user.
--vtMaps
If you'r worried about it, then don't do it. To answer your question, the 13.6 will go up proportional to the amount you raise the upper voltage.
I leave them turned up and run their output through a Xantrex c-35 controller, so I'd say yes since I have some going on 4-5 years.
I understand and will take necessary precautions. I assume disconnecting the unit, adjusting, reconnecting and checking the voltage, etc. would be a safe, if slow, method? Thanks VTMaps and Blackcherry04. Bill
Mine is old , 2002 or so , fan end has a yellow dot in a hole in the case . small micro driver adjusts mine to 14.8 without tel-com plugged in . in my DTS45 . I run a few , 45-90 amps
Why not just spend $20-$25 and buy the IQ4 module for your charger? I added one to my DLS-55, and DLS-75.
One being installed in my camper:
One on my alt-power setup:
Makes a basic power supply into a 3 stage smart charger. Worth every penny!
Because even with the IQ module, it does not raise the voltage up enough for proper charging of some batteries. You can adjust the voltage and ALSO use the IQ4 to get the best of both worlds.
Whether or not the IQ4 is a needed accessory depends a lot on how the charger is being used, IMO. If the Iota charger is powered by the grid, as with the one we use in our converted cargo trailer, then I believe the IQ4 is well worth the money. OTOH, if the Iota charger is being powered by a generator, skipping the IQ4 in favor of tweaking the pot a little to get the desired voltage. That is, assuming there is also solar to do the finishing charge and saving generator fuel. We have a Honda generator and use an Iota whenever we get enough clouds to allow the battery charge to fall to where I am uncomfortable. Then the genny is run until we get to maybe 85% SOC. Then I shut it off to not waste so much fuel on that last bit. That's just my perception. YMMV.
My situation, which is why I'm interested in adjusting the Iota's potentiometer, is off-grid with generator back up. Out of the box the Iota voltages are two low for my needs. Adjusting the potentiometer will allow me to bulk charge my batteries at 14.7v, the manufacturer's spec., and with the dual voltage jack installed produce a 15.3v equalizing charge (also manuf. spec.), if I sometime feel the need for a corrective equalization. My Morningstar CC has an automatic equalization function at a voltage less than recommended by the battery manufacturer. Being off-grid, I don't foresee needing the Iota as a float charger. I did consider the IQ4 option, though, and it looks like it would make a very capable grid-tied smart charger. Thanks for the insights. Bill
Kansas/Bill,
I agree with what you want to do... Force the IOTA to charge a Vbulk and Vequalize vs the normal lower Vabsorb and Vfloat voltages.
A simple pot+switch properly wired means don't have to open the supply and adjusting the 10 turn pot.
A very nice solution for off grid+generator setup.
-Bill
Thanks, Bill. Just trying to keep from killing those batteries . . .
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