[C320-list] Alternator upgrade

[Scott Thompson]

I believe the newer Victron solar controllers have Bluetooth built in. Was not so when I purchased mine a few years ago. 

> On Aug 27, 2020, at 9:31 AM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Victron and Renogy both make very good MPPT controllers. I would stay away from any no-name solar products on Amazon as well as all PWM controllers, which are cheap but not nearly as efficient. 
> 
> Victron is regarded as a top-notch maker of electronics (I have an inverter). The MPPT solar controller is a little pricey compared to competitors, mostly because you have to buy a dongle that connects to your cell phone to give you data.
> 
> The Renogy (I have the MPPT and a Renogy panel) is also regarded as very good. It works fine for me. It is a little big, but has an LCD display that gives you plenty of settings and the opportunity to fine tune them.
> 
> A final observation is that I found the rigid panels to be more durable and efficient that the semi-flexible ones that are popular. My semi-flexible Renogy went bad after about 18 months, mostly due to weather-related abuse, and put out fewer amps than the rigid Renogy I now have.
> 
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
> From: P.F. Ross
> Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2020 12:05 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator upgrade
> 
> Neil, you and I are in a similar boat!
> 
> As the next step in my multi-year electrical system upgrade, I was going to
> attack the alternator (with smart controller) next.  Now, like you, I am
> thinking I will do solar first.
> 
> I thank the recent posters for their input here as well.  There are also a
> couple of good "solar" threads from the last couple of years on this list
> plus some good info on marinehowto.com.  At least this is where I have
> started.
> 
> Frank Ross
> Beta Wave #206
> Naples, FL
> 
>