Strobl-Solar OS 2H control

[Roy Bourgeois]

This control was installed by the factory in my ASG-29 between the solar panels and the batteries. Does anyone have a source for a replacement unit? Mine has failed.

ROY

[Moshe Braner]

Hi Roy.  If it's a standard voltage (12V) there are plenty of other brands, you don't need to stick to that original brand.  If you are using lithium batteries be sure to get a charge controller designed for that chemistry.  What's not clear from what it says on your old controller is whether it is a voltage-reducing type.  The cheap controllers just limit the current to keep the battery from overcharging.  If the solar panels are designed for "12V" they would have something like 20V output open-circuit in sun - you can measure that.  Then any cheap controller will be fine.  But if the panels output a higher voltage, e.g., 30 or 40 or more, you need a controller that can handle that, and ideally it should be converting the voltage down efficiently (fewer volts, more amps) - it's like a gear box.  Those controllers would be labeled "MPPT".

[John Johnson]

Roy,

   A lot of folks are using the Genasun controller.  I switched to it last year on my -31 and it is working great.  Mine is for LiFePo but they make versions for other battery types.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9BP7VL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Genasun GV-5-Li-14.2V, 5 A MPPT Solar Charge Controller for Lithium (4S LiFePo4) battery and 5 A Load Output with Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD)

JJ

[Tim Bromhead]

I charge 9Ah and 12Ah lithium glider size batteries often with a 10W panel and a Victron MPPT controller. The smallest one they make works great i.e. MPPT 75/10. Haven't tried with a glider and built in panels,  but as long as the panels output 5v over the battery voltage it should work fine. Can be switched between lead acid or lithium. Also can get it with or without bluetooth, handy to give data to your phone. https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers/smartsolar-mppt-75-10-75-15-100-15-100-20
I'm going to use one this summer to charge my nose battery with an external panel while on the ground.

[Roy Bourgeois]

Today I installed the unit that JJ recommended and my solar charger is back to working.  Very easy install with the existing Strobl-Solar wires. Thanks all.

ROY