I bought one of these chargers
http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.small-charge-controllers.sunguard.html
as part of a larger PIC controlled solar lighting project.
The PIC monitors both the solar panel and battery voltages.
What I found strange is that when I have everything connected, the input to the charger attains the same voltage as the charging battery.
The charger is supposed to have a blocking diode and appears to be working and the panel voltage towards zero as the sun goes down while the battery maintains it's charged voltage.
Why would the input on the charging seek the same level as the battery? I would expect to see the actual voltage.
How can I read the actual panel voltage? Can I place another blocking diode between the panel and the charger then read the voltage from the panel?
http://www.solarpanelstore.com/solar-power.small-charge-controllers.sunguard.html
as part of a larger PIC controlled solar lighting project.
The PIC monitors both the solar panel and battery voltages.
What I found strange is that when I have everything connected, the input to the charger attains the same voltage as the charging battery.
The charger is supposed to have a blocking diode and appears to be working and the panel voltage towards zero as the sun goes down while the battery maintains it's charged voltage.
Why would the input on the charging seek the same level as the battery? I would expect to see the actual voltage.
How can I read the actual panel voltage? Can I place another blocking diode between the panel and the charger then read the voltage from the panel?