Use cheap controller for LVD

paul12345 · July 2022

I notice with some disappointment I cannot use my Morningstar PWM controller for both charging AND load control. It's either one or the other. I'm looking for an option other than to buy another TS-45. I do have a separate LVD on the circuit I need controlling but which can be better utilized elsewhere, so, question is, can I wire in a cheap no-name controller in that place to do the same job & not cause any issue with the Morningstar?

littleharbor2 · July 2022

Most charge controllers (cheap or not) don't have load control functions. If you have to go with a cheap controller it will need to be used as a charge controller and the Morningstar as a load controller. Trace/Xantrex/Schnider Xantrex controllers are another brand that will do load control. You may find a used one fairly cheap, or buy new for something north of a hundred bux.

Horsefly · July 2022

The Victron Smart Battery Protect is not real expensive (depending on the load size you want to disconnect), and it is designed specifically for cutting off loads when the battery voltage gets below the level you choose. If you don't need the programmability, you can get the regular Victron Battery Protect (not the "smart" one).

paul12345 · July 2022

Thanks, I have a Kemo Battery Guard providing service at the location. It works via a potentiometer. I was going to use that in another setup but it's probably better to just buy another. It would have been good to use a 20 Amp PWM with load control which at the moment is just sitting around gathering dust.
But if it is in some way going to interfere with the TriStar, I prefer not to take the risk.

Use cheap controller for LVD

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