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Post by olmucky on Oct 2, 2023 10:18:02 GMT -5
We get two X a day of direct sun on the feeder MAYBE 2 hrs max each time . The rest of the day is filtered quite a bit.
The feeder battery doesn’t like to stay charged after a spell
I was thinking of buying a second solar panel and mount it in sun-spot two.
Anyone think it’ll be an issue having two of the Wildgame solar panels connected to my 6v?
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Post by bullfrog on Oct 2, 2023 11:24:09 GMT -5
We get two X a day of direct sun on the feeder MAYBE 2 hrs max each time . The rest of the day is filtered quite a bit. The feeder battery doesn’t like to stay charged after a spell I was thinking of buying a second solar panel and mount it in sun-spot two. Anyone think it’ll be an issue having two of the Wildgame solar panels connected to my 6v? I’m not an electrical expert, but I’d guess that if you add a second panel, you’ll want to rewire the first so that only one set of connectors attaches to the battery terminals. You’d probably want to make sure the output stats are the same between both panels. I don’t think you’d want to separately attach two panels with each having their own connections to the battery. I would think that could have some unintended consequences. Just as you wouldn’t want to hook up two separate trickle chargers to the same battery. Something might go “boom” or at least spark. Maybe try a new battery and a higher quality single panel? I know panel quality can make all the difference. |
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Post by cadman on Oct 2, 2023 11:51:17 GMT -5
Hook the solar panels in parallel before the regulator or whatever the feeder uses to control the voltage to the battery to be sure it doesn't overcharge. I am assuming even a feeder has some kind of regulator to control the battery charging.
Parallel is positive to positive and negative to negative.
My 2c from what I remember from the good old days.
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Post by JS84 on Oct 2, 2023 12:39:56 GMT -5
Cad is correct on the wiring. You'd probably be best served to just make the cable longer for the primary panel though.
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Post by olmucky on Oct 3, 2023 14:49:32 GMT -5
There is no regulator.
Direct to the battery terminals
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Post by JS84 on Oct 3, 2023 15:48:40 GMT -5
Longer wire
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Post by cadman on Oct 3, 2023 15:51:17 GMT -5
There has to be some kind of controller to prevent the battery from overcharging. It may be in the solar panel itself, but it has to be there. Maybe it is part of the Battery.
I don't know much about solar charging, but there has to be some kind of controller or I think you have a danger of the battery overheating.
Like Josh said, go longer wires and move the original solar panel to more sun. Unless I knew that there was a regulator or something to prevent overcharging, I would not hook up a second solar panel. You don't have a wiring diagram do you? What brand and model feeder?
With a "this came from Google disclaimer" It appears at least some lithium batteries have overcurrent and overvoltage protection built in to protect the battery.
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Post by olmucky on Oct 3, 2023 16:48:43 GMT -5
All the feeders I know of are the same setup:
Battery to the programmer module -> motor
Solar panel to battery.
There is no other way I’ve ever seen
I think it’s fairly standard.
I don’t think the solar panels produce much
Depending on how often and long your feeder goes off, the panels generally will JUST keep a 6v charged with a full 8 hours of sun.
As mentioned I’m at 2ish, twice a day.
This has grown too long.
Thanks for the input. I’ll see if the interwebs has more info on the panels and how much they produce.
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Post by cadman on Oct 3, 2023 17:12:03 GMT -5
You could always contact the manufacturer and ask them.
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Post by JS84 on Oct 3, 2023 17:36:41 GMT -5
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Post by james243 on Oct 3, 2023 17:58:09 GMT -5
I wouldn’t worry about over charging either. Just a thought, but if the panel surface isn’t kept clean you will be missing some percentage of its potential, maybe that’s all you are missing.
I have tested an old 6v panel I have and I don’t remember it putting out excessive voltage, even at zero current (not hooked to anything).
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Post by 4ward on Oct 3, 2023 18:11:39 GMT -5
“Wildgame” produces REALLY crappy stuff.
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Post by osprey11 on Oct 4, 2023 11:56:22 GMT -5
“Wildgame” produces REALLY crappy stuff. And the Buspice's are crappy too! |
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tater
Junior Member
Posts: 44
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Post by tater on Oct 4, 2023 14:29:32 GMT -5
Just use a gravity feeder and get rid of all your problems
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