We recently bought a 2011 SMB Sprinter RB110S and I'm still trying to figure out how the solar controller and inverter systems operate. Just replaced the two ancient house batteries with two high-end Duracell Ultra Platinum 105 Ah AGM RV/Marine batteries.
I see that the new model of the Zamp 30amp controller lets you manually select the battery type, but don't know how (or if it is possible) to do that on the older model. Looked online for manuals and videos but only found info for the new product.
Can't find any info on the older Tripp-Lite control panel / switch, so I'm not really sure what the distinction is between AUTO / INVERT and LINE / CHARGE ONLY.
Assumption 1: The LINE / CHARGE ONLY option is for using on shore power, where the inverter conditions the power it feeds to the 110 wall plugs as well as what it uses to charge the house batteries (and possibly the starter battery).
Assumption 2: The AUTO / INVERT option is for using battery power (and direct solar??) to run both the built-in 12v power as well as the 110 wall plugs and anything else wired directly to the inverter like the fridge, electric stovetop, hot water heater, etc.
Question A: What the heck is "boost voltage" on the Zamp controller? I found this page that says to use the 14.4 setting for Gel and AGM batteries and the 14.7 for standard lead acid - anyone know why?
https://janeandjohn.org/pages/Zamp-5.html
Question B: When the batteries are not fully charged and hooked to shore power why does the Zamp controller show 14.1 v when (as far as I know) AGM batteries in good condition aren't supposed to be charged at more than 14.0v? And with the new battery bank now showing as "full" in the battery condition list, why is it still charging at 13.8 on shore power per the Zamp screen when AGMs are supposed to have a float charge of not over 13.38?
https://deepcyclebatterystore.com/ho...ain-batteries/
Question C: I've wired a digital clock / thermometer / voltmeter into the 12v system, and it shows a higher voltage than the Zamp controller -- up to 14.5 when on shore power. Is that normal? In other words does the Zamp controller always display a lower voltage than something wired into the vehicle's 12v system?