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Feeder Help - PLEASE
#8172558
02/16/21 10:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 148
Klinker
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 148 |
How many volts should a 12V feeder solar panel be putting out?
Am I correct in saying that a fully charged 12V feeder battery sould read between 12 & 14V?
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8172599
02/16/21 10:52 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,019
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,019 |
Most modern 12V solar panels will put out 13-15V.
Yes, a fully charged 12V battery should read between 12-14V. Will sometimes read 15, though 13/13.5 is the norm.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8174545
02/18/21 01:07 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
DLALLDER
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306 |
Normal 6v/12v solar panels put out extremely small amounts of amps. When a solar panel is initially connected to a dead battery the voltage will be down very low and will increase as battery charges. With no use, a solar panel will take a long time (maybe several days of full sun) to fully charge the dead battery.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: skinnerback]
#8174621
02/18/21 02:06 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,591
decook
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,591 |
Most modern 12V solar panels will put out 13-15V.
Yes, a fully charged 12V battery should read between 12-14V. Will sometimes read 15, though 13/13.5 is the norm. This. You have to have more charge voltage than the battery voltage or it will never top off.
Press for an AMERICAN.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8175690
02/19/21 12:59 AM
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 148
Klinker
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 148 |
FYI - the answer is 20-22V, in full sun, for the typical 6x6/8x8 solar panel used on most deer feeders.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8175700
02/19/21 01:07 AM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,425
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,425 |
Klinker, so you asked the question and then you later answered it..... Does that mean it was a test for us(which is fine), or did you find the answer elsewhere and just reported back??
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8175704
02/19/21 01:10 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,019
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,019 |
FYI - the answer is 20-22V, in full sun, for the typical 6x6/8x8 solar panel used on most deer feeders. None of mine read that high, even new/clean & in full sun. I've tested numerous times with a Fluke Meter.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: skinnerback]
#8175729
02/19/21 01:32 AM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,928
Ol Thumper
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,928 |
FYI - the answer is 20-22V, in full sun, for the typical 6x6/8x8 solar panel used on most deer feeders. None of mine read that high, even new/clean & in full sun. I've tested numerous times with a Fluke Meter. Yes sir I have as well, 20 plus volts even at low amperage will kill a battery in short order. I’m not saying their isn’t some made like that but I haven’t seen one. I test everything before I install them and I’ve checked a lot over the years. They have to be over 12volts to charge but if yours is putting out 22 volts I’d be buying some spare battery’s.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8176695
02/19/21 06:59 PM
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 148
Klinker
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 148 |
Freerange, I found the answer elsewhere and wanted to share the info...not a test.
The 4 that I tested yesterday all read 21.something volts, which is exactly wwhat Roger at Alamo Feeders told me they should read in full sun...his feeders have been running on the same batteries for 2.5 years now. The two Texas Wildlife Supply panels I tested yesterday also read 21.something volts. I have not tested the Rambal, Lamco or Top Hand feeders yet, but by appearance they all have the same solar panel.
EDIT: That is 21.something open circuit voltage...without a load (not connected to the battery - tested disconnected at the end of the panel leads)
Last edited by Klinker; 02/19/21 07:07 PM.
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8176806
02/19/21 07:58 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,534
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,534 |
Im guessing readings may vary based on what you are checking them with? I would think like others that 20+ volts would not be good.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8177773
02/20/21 02:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
I test my solar panels every year at least once. Most of my 12 volt ones will put out 18 volts or so(with no load) in the sun. IIRC my panels are only putting out 70ma. The key is testing one in the shade or cloud cover to see how many volts they are putting out. I also will test them while hooked to the battery. Cleaning a solar panel on a regular basis helps their efficiency.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Feeder Help - PLEASE
[Re: Klinker]
#8177784
02/20/21 02:08 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,150
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,150 |
Very important to test them with a draw on them.
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