Gotta respectfully disagree, Scott.? Try empirical testing (ie: real life measurements) and you¡¯ll see that line loss is always a factor ¨C the longer the line, higher the gauge and lower the voltage, the more loss.? The only way to minimize line loss (not to mention connector losses) is to mount the controller near the battery.? Also, a controller with battery temperature monitoring can only provide that function if it is mounted near the battery.
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Zamp assumes that folks will buy their simplified arrays even if they are inefficient as described above, just because they are easier to implement.? That reality doesn¡¯t justify disregarding or denying the ever presence of line loss and its considerable impact on charging efficiency.? Besides, it can be argued that Zamp in particular really doesn¡¯t care about customers, since they have deliberately reverse wired their brand name connectors to fit their brand only.?
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Dave
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The voltage drop in the wiring isn't really a problem. During the constant-current (bulk) part of the charge cycle, it doesn't matter at all, unless the drop is so large the panel can't supply the required current. In both that and the constant-voltage (absorption) part, the voltage drop just means the charging will take a little longer, but will not prevent fully charging the battery.
The usual Zamp plug on Aliners is connected directly to the battery, which assumes the charge controller will be external.
