ExpertPower PWM Solar Charge Controller - A Review 12v / 24v for Lead Acid or Lithium Batteries

Today on HamRadioComms I talk about The ExpertPower PWM 12/24v Intelligent charge controller. This one is the 20 Amp version, but it comes in 10 Amp and 30 Amp versions that are identical in features except for the power rating.
Models are:
10A is model HC2410
20A is model HC2420
30A is model HC2430

[@matthewmolnar2230]

Did you ever make the video explaining all the different settings?

[@eddugo3717]

I am just starting to learn about solar charging and your videos have been a great help - thank you. One thing I haven't been able to find though regarding output amperage. i use lifePO4 and lead acid batteries. One of my lifePO4 batteries is charged at 2 amps and the other 4 amps. Does the HC2420 or HC2430 have variable output so I can use the same set up to charge at 2 amps and at 4 amps for the lithium and whatever the maximum output amperage is for the lead acid? I tried to find the manual for thhese controllers online with no luck.

[@staticGenerator4You]

Thanks for the review! Looking at the 20A model. Don’t understand the difference between these two settings: (C2A) - the load will work for 2 hours a day, stop for 15 minutes, and keecpycling. (C2d) - the load will work for 2 hours during the day, stop for 15 minutes, and keep cycling. How is the cycle stop/start time different between them?

[@hamradiocomms]

It is confusing, the different timed on and off load modes, the manual doesn’t explain them well. If I had to guess the c2A is for 24 hrs, and the C2D shuts the load down during the night when the solar panel isn’t bringing in power.

[@michelletaylor1170]

I have this controller powering pool lights, and I want them to turn on automatically when the sun goes down. I thought that by choosing the LC1 option, and setting the timer to 00H, this would happen, but i have to manually turn them on by pushing the red button everytime... any tips?

[@michelletaylor1170]

I have a 12V 21Ah gel battery, so my chemical setting is b02.

[@t3angling575]

I am building some DIY Solar Power Boxes for my family. My question is I am using a LifePO4 battery (or two in parallel) 12 v 12ah, how do I know which controller I need. e.g., 10A, 20A, or 30A? I have one of these, they cost a little more but work extremely well. I have the 30A, but I think that is too much for what I use my power boxes for. Any help is greatly appreciated. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@hamradiocomms]

Thanks! The of the controller is chosen depending on how many watts solar panels you want. A 10a controller can handle up to about 130w or less, 20a can handle 260W and 30A up to 400W. For 2x 12Ah batteries a 100w panel will bring in about 5a per hour max at direct summer sun ave is about 25a - 30a per day so about 1 day will charge the portable box. I have a 50W portable panel I use to charge my portable power boxes with a 10a charge controller built in and it works great but will take twice as long as the 100w panel. Hope this helps.

[@t3angling575]

@@hamradiocomms, thank you. I have a 25w panel and it charges the boxes. I am usually fishing while they are charging so time doesn't present an issue for me. I have a better understanding now. Thank you again.

[@einardalsb5464]

Hows the radio interference from the chargers, is your radio usable when the sun is up?

[@hamradiocomms]

No interference or noise from my charge controllers... the expert solar one in the video isn't being used at the moment, my solar equipment upgrade video shows in service a Rich Solar 20A & Renegy Rover 30A ... these and the expert solar have never given my any noise on my radios while charging all day, and they are all in my shack 8 ft from my radios. I checked vhf/uhf and all the HF bands.

[@AminulIslam-qv2zz]

Where the high cut settings?