EPEver ViewStar Solar Charge Controller Review - 12v Solar Shed

The latest products I've seen from EPSolar / EPEver have all been pretty good. When I noticed the new and improved ViewStar range with the same LCD as the Tracer A MPPT series I thought it was definitely worth a look.
This is the VS1024A model. A 10 amp 12 or 24 volt PWM solar charge controller good for up to about 200 watts of 12 volt panels.
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This controller was purchased from EBay: goo.gl/rHRCXU
TGRV - Transmit, Ground, Receive and Vcc presumably!

[@mattr0815]

Thanks for this - this controller was included with a new flexible folding panel I purchased and I was leery of whether it would damage my AGM battery. Feel much better after seeing this review.

[@Adventure_Bum]

Got one of these in my caravan. Thanks for the info. Had no idea how to use the display or why my batteries were running low

[@CaseyCS7]

Thanks a lot for such a precious investigation!

[@davidpedder9048]

i got the VS3024A controller with a kit. had no intention to use this controller ( i have MPPT controllers ), but after looking this unit over, i have to say, it seems to be well built and works well for a PWM unit. i may just use it to charge a smaller 35AH batterie i use for lights in my house

[@davegould4607]

Great Vid, thanks. I have just purchased a Epever VS-AU, 30 amp. Looks pretty much the same. Just wondering if all 3 "+ve " terminals are linked inside the controller, how does it measure 'Load' current? Is there a CT on the Controller + terminal, or does it measure current passing the 'Load -ve' terminal? If on the -ve, I guess I cant have any connection from Load Batt to caravan chassis ground and have some loads earthed to chassis for return to the batt via the chassis. I guess there has to be no connection from -ve of batt to the chassis and all -ve wires from loads bundled together and returned through the -ve LOAD term of the controller?

[@Chickey]

Got me considering an upgrade to my 10A controller now!! My current one is the typical 10a which most people start with and its naff and will happily run the battery down if it gets a chance.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Colin Hickey Most allow to discharge to lower voltages than I'd like. This one goes down to 10.8 or something. Not great. The LandStar range (with a cheap USB cable) can be adjusted to suit your needs though. What you need of cause is a Tracer :-)

[@Chickey]

Got a nice 30A one of those just need something for a small 10w 12v panel i have. Spotted the landstar 10A for £20 from a UK seller, rather tempting. Have the usb adaptor already. Where did you get your temp sensor from?

[@AdamWelchUK]

Ebay: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575189419&toolid=10001&campid=5337903455&customid=&icep_item=121927470593&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg Is there any where else? ;-p

[@Chickey]

Thanks ordered, i bow to your google/ebay fu :-) oh and ordered a landstar 10A too to tinker with :-)

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Colin Hickey Excellent. I hope they bring you lots of fun and watts!

[@KESDtv]

Thank you for the review. I am very curious about that potential communication port. To the best of your knowledge, do you think this has RS485 on those pins similar to other Epever products with the RJ45/RS485 interface?

[@kurtgebbert145]

Does this controller work with 100amp lithium-ion batteries? If so, which battery type should I select?

[@TheKos03]

what tension is between load terminals of charge controller, is the same as battery terminals?

[@greekbluealexandris]

which solar charger to choose, pwm or mppt for my 12 volt battery with 2 solar panels of 180w each?

[@M3rVsT4H]

Hi Adam, I know I'm digging up an old vid here, but I only recently found your channel and I've been going back through your catalogue of vids. I'm wondering what battery type one would select on this charger for an AGM battery?I'll take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts as well. Bloody great videos, probably the best on subject.

[@APVRulez]

I have the same question, you would think it's sealed. But if you look at the charging profile, charge voltages for sealed are 14,4-14,6. I have read AGM's need 14,6-14,8 charge voltage.

[@SokeadaKhiev]

Hi bro, my 50W solar panel seems not produce with high voltage likes yours, it’s around 13.4v to 14.4v, may I asked how long of the cable in this video? What’s the cable size from the panel in this video? Thanks.

[@TelmoMonteiro]

Those TGRV terminals could be the short for "Transmit, Ground, Receive, Vin". I suppose that it could be used to upgrade the software.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Telmo Monteiro Yeah. I came to this conclusion when editing the video - mentioned it in the description. Thanks for your comments though.

[@mikeyasay6853]

Is the TGRV pins, might also be the communication to the EPSolar software. Has anyone tried it? I got the VS3048AU (with the 2 USB port). By the way, I've tried to measure the voltages on this TGRV pins and it measures 3.3V, 0V, 3.3V, 3.3V. At Adam any change you can verify this port as well?

[@Sxyz_]

I wonder if this charge controller (and the newer VS1024AU) has an internal temperature sensor? It is advertised with "battery temperature compensation function" but the external sensor is not included it seems and without the sensor the display shows 25°C all the time. So no temperature compensation? What happens if I use this controller in a vehicle at higher temperatures, is it still safe? The reason I do not want to use an external sensor is that I want to plug it into a cigarette lighter socket and not connect it directly to the AGM battery.

[@BBier-um7rv]

All set and done but, everything including the fridge works. But the USB ports don’t work. Anyone know what could be the problem? Thanks

[@villeketola3345]

I installed this today and some reason it doesnt show charging amper. Only shows solarpanels volts. Can you say what could be problem?

[@ceyhunpapa8522]

possible any modify for monitoring this device ?

[@stevewhitehurst2214]

Excellent video....

[@mvshaik]

can we use this without batteries ? that is from DC solar to run a submersible motor ?

[@mikeyasay6853]

Hi Adam, I just wanted to inform you that the VS3048AU unit (Similar to the unit you have on this video) I have got a successful communication with the EPsolar PC Tools Software using the T(Tx), G(Gnd), R (Rx) using a USB to TTL (3.3V signal level) adapter only. Next move is to add serial-to-wifi bridge (+Colin Hickey). Thanks :)

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Mike Yasay That's excellent. I never pursued this but I'm grateful you did! :-)

[@mikeyasay6853]

Just an update, doesn't seem's to work on new EPever Solar monitoring Software :( .It just work on the old SW that I have (Simplified EPSolar V1.0). I'll keep trying will let you know.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Mike Yasay Thanks for the update. Is the viewsonic using modbus still?

[@mikeyasay6853]

You mean Viewstar right? No, its using TTL UART communication, with 9600 baud rate. I guess the new SW does not support TTL UART comm anymore.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Mike Yasay Yes sorry. That was what I was wondering. All the latest use modbus. Still very useful. I'll have to have a play at some point. Cheers

[@hebertnorvelus6057]

My mppt 60 amp/hour shows -0,0 amps on the LCD, what is the meaning, plz

[@andrewgardner7104]

Hope you are well Adam, we miss your videos.

[@joanbernal3444]

Porque no están los manuales en ESPAÑOL ??

[@jamalAli34]

Informative video as usual, thanks Have question please, I'm confused about grounding positive grounding charge controllers, like Tracer A series and other devices, also some devices have negative grounding, is ok to use same grounding system for both types of devices? Thank you so much!

[@AdamWelchUK]

Let’s forget the grounding word for a moment and just compare common positive and common negative charge controllers. A common positive charge controller means the solar, battery and load positive connections are connected together permanently. The switch is on the negative side of the circuit. A common negative charge controller is the other way around... the load and solar panels are switched on the positive side. Now if you ground your system (usually done from the battery negative terminal to ground or to a vehicle chassis) that’s fine on either system, you just need to think about your wiring - you need to ensure that you don’t create any shorts and bypass the switches (mosfets). Does that help?

[@sotheamam1244]

What happen if plug solar first

[@bub1683]

I have ordered one of these controlers or the newest one with two usb contcts in front. Will there be any experiment from you about 18650 li ion battery charging with this ?

[@AdamWelchUK]

From what I have seen the new AU range is exactly the same as this viewstar except for the USB ports. I can't imagine they've redesigned much on the solar side on most models. I see they've got one that does 12/24/48 volt battery systems now, so presumably that has a few internal component changes to cope with the higher voltages. Difficult for me to test that though without some major reconfiguration both on the solar side and the battery bank. Besides, I'm getting no sun at the moment so it wouldn't be a fair test. Blooming British weather! Thanks anyway.

[@gentildegentileza]

Hi Adam, Do u now how is controled the currenty to battery? And Who supply the load, the battery or source? Dont care abou may bad english.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Carlos Gentil This is a PWM solar charge controller. Solar charge controllers will limit current going into the battery after the bulk stage is finished. The load power is supplied from solar generally when it's sunny and supplemented by the battery. Although that might be an over simplification!

[@gamingSlasher]

Is common positive normal for PWM regulators? I am only used to common negative electronic systems. What is the reason for having a common positive?

[@AdamWelchUK]

+gamingSlasher It's very common (pun not intended). Julian Ilett talked about it in one of his videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4qQZ3qBbZxmqtU That's probably a better explanation than I can give. Thanks for your comment.

[@brianofireland148]

i had the 30a one was all fine on a 12 volt system But I changed my system over to a 24v one. The result was it went on fire

[@AdamWelchUK]

That's odd - I've been running mine on a 24v 7s lithium pack for a year now without any issues.

[@brianofireland148]

Seems I ran to many volts through it Won't be doing that again

[@eskisful]

Hello! I think you should look into a new version of this charger - vs1024au. It has usb ports and claims to have user changeable voltages. If it's true it would be very suitable for li-ion charging.

[@AdamWelchUK]

+eskisful According to the official page ( www.epsolarpv.com/en/index.php/Product/pro_content/id/771/am_id/136 ) there are only three settings - flooded, sealed and gel. No User setting for adjusting the parameters like on the LandStar range.

[@eskisful]

Adam Welch I guess you're right. But a lot of listings in ebay and aliexpress say User: 9-17V in the specs sheet lines of Boost, float, eq voltages.

[@Manuel-zu5lw]

do you recommend this charge controller to charge AGM battery and Gel battery?

[@AdamWelchUK]

+Manuel Maldonado Yes this has a 'gel' mode and works pretty well.

[@soundmaster1987]

Sorry for my bad English. which mode do I have to adjust if I have agm batteries? Thank you :)

[@AdamWelchUK]

I’d set it to Gel if I were you.

[@soundmaster1987]

@@AdamWelchUK thank You :)

[@APVRulez]

@@AdamWelchUK Could you explain why? Isn't the charge voltage of 14,2V too low for an AGM battery?

[@ottoswinebar]

Hi Adam, Firstly want to that you for your video's. I have just built my first folding solar kit for outback prospecting in Australia after watching your videos. My wife is getting annoyed at your voice constantly on the TV via KZbin late at night while I take notes.....haha. Does this controller add up the total amps produced over time? As I'm trying to keep things simple, I don't want to add a watt meter for my portable system. I have one on my Waeco fridge to see the total usage for the day. Currently using a blue controller similar to the Ansef one you did a review on (CY1220), but want something a bit better without buying an MPPT, as the locals over here like to borrow your equipment if you leave it out in the sun unattended....permanently. Thanks Again for an awesome channel,

[@AdamWelchUK]

+ottoswinebar Hello - thank you for your comments and please do pass my apologise to your wife. Mine too gets fed up with the sound of my voice occasionally. This charge controller does tally up the kilowatt hours generated on the PV side and the kWh used on the load side, but it doesn't show Amp hours. But then you know the nominal voltage of your system and a bit of maths should give you a good guide. Hope that answers your question and you will remember to send me my cut when you find something big right? ;-) Cheers

[@ottoswinebar]

I'll Message you some pictures. send you a link to some poorly made videos of us detecting. Thanks Again for your videos. Looking at an MPPT controller now, something simple that can handle desert/dusty conditions. Not keen on those cheaper ones you reviewed as I have expensive AGM's.

[@AdamWelchUK]

Cheers I'd like to see that. Nearly everything on my channel is on the cheaper end of the market - hopefully helping people decide if they can get away with them rather than spending more so I'm pleased my videos have helped you decide those products aren't for you. Have a look at the Midnite Solar Kid range - they do a marine version which is pretty much sealed I think.

[@ottoswinebar]

Adam Welch Just emailed you.

[@symphonicmetal1878]

Hi, can the circulation of the automatic parameters of the screen be stopped? I am sorry for my bad english :(

[@AdamWelchUK]

No I’m sorry it can’t. These details will continue to rotate after a short time out.

[@symphonicmetal1878]

@@AdamWelchUK Thx.

[@MrPants1970]

Great video, ours buzzes every minute for a little few seconds, is this normal?

[@AdamWelchUK]

Thanks. No, buzzing or sounding isn't on the features list. Not sure what is causing that I'm afraid.

[@MrPants1970]

@@AdamWelchUK thanks for the quick reply, I will call the seller tomorrow, I uploaded a vid here kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3XcqIV4m9GJn7M the video does exaggerate it some what , I can just here it and my dad had to put in his hearing aid to hear it, but more annoyingly it very slightly makes the lights flicker in the motorhome which is annoying

[@Lee-Fiz]

Hi want is the 2 n after the battery load?

[@AdamWelchUK]

2n means timer two is disabled. Timer two controls the load before sunrise, timer one controls the load after sunset.

[@Lee-Fiz]

@@AdamWelchUK hi thanks for your reply, if you could do a video on timer one and timer two it would be so helpfull. I just bought this solar charge controller and the timer is confusing 😁 Another thing is when the battery is fully charge why the indicator still showing hlf full after disconnecting the solar panel.

[@Tore_Lund]

"Transmit, Ground, Receive, Volt" = J-tag for micro programming.

[@alfguimaraes]

Hi Tore, Do you think I can use this terminals to monitor? Thx

[@Tore_Lund]

@@alfguimaraes Depends on the code running on the micro controller. Start by looking up the datasheet for the processor, verifying that the pins goes to an uart on the chip and if it is 3.3v or 5v data lines and what baud rates it is supposed to run at. Then hook up a 5v or 3v usb serial port , tx rx and gnd and and boot the solar controller and look for boot messages. That should tell you something. If you are lucky, it provides live data (V, A Ah W battery status), which you can log on a PC for nice graphs, most likely it is just the bootloader sending POST messages and possible a way to flash firmware.

[@davidcromapix9083]

You are wrong it is not mppt regulator, it is a pwm regulator, see the user manual and technical description.

[@AdamWelchUK]

I haven’t claimed the view star range is mppt.

[@merajalozay5490]

pikchar cantrlar

[@merajalozay5490]

sgr