Do all charge controllers have temperature sensors and diodes

[Roadtripp]

Im thinking about buying some small charge controllers for starter battery maintenance on vehicles and generator. I’m used to the external battery temp sensor also called remote battery temp sensor, RTS, on my big 80 amp solar charge controller. The starter batteries are exposed to ambient outside temperature swings and so are the charge controllers. I’m wondering if internal temp sensors and leakage diodes are now standard on all small charge controllers?? Also, any suggestions for small charge controllers in the 4-10 amp range. Or any to avoid. Thanks

[sternwake]

I have one 18$ charge controller that has the clunkiest interface possible, and the screws which clamp on the wire were good for one tightening. There are a few clones of this controller but they look like this:



The model I have I wound up threading new screws to clamp the wires, mounting the whole thing and the wires to some plywood, and use anderson powerpole connectors. It is set to 14.7, and just seeks and holds that for as long as the panel is connected. I rarely use it.

The USB outlet worked for a while, and still does if the device cannot draw more than 0.6a at 5v.



I do not know which charge controllers do have either ambient temp sensors, which have none and which come with a remote BTS.

My Bluesky2512i, bought in 2007, does not, and it would be nice if I spent the extra 35$ at the time for the sb2512ix model which does have a BTS option. One of my biggest electrical purchase regrets.

Back when i had a dedicated house bank and starter bank, well the only parasitic draw possible on the starter battery was the engine computer, and I simply never discharged it with anything house related. To charge it via solar I could just rturn my blueseas 6007m switch to Both.

Since I now have that small 38$ 18Ah AGM for jump starting, I am going to basically mount it under my original battery tray, and to top it off when required, I will simply turn my switch to both, like I will if when I need to self jumpstart mywell aged and used Main battery.

There are So many ways to skin this particular cat, i would recommend simplicity in keeping the engine battery topped off by the house battery's solar system.

[tx2sturgis]

I've used 2 of these on various projects and they are suitable for (somewhat exposed) outdoor use and do have temp sensors.

They are reliable and simple. No frills, they just work. Will handle up to 4.5 amps, with some extra, so one 50 watt panel is about the limit.

They can be had for around $40 or less.

https://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/sunguard/

https://www.amazon.com/Morningstar-SG-4-SunGuard-Charge-Controller/dp/B000O3O0W2?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000O3O0W2

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Morningstar-SG4...:rk:1:pf:0

[justjim]

The Eco-Worthy MPPT 20a controller does not have it

[Trebor English]

I have a cheap blue PWM controller.  In winter I set it to 14.8 volts.  In summer I set it to 14.4.  When I'm going to be away from the van for a while I set it to 13.8 or 14.   I am the temperature sensor.

[Roadtripp]

I was gone for a few days. Thanks for the input. I see on the linked MorningStar Sunguard controller has temp compensation. Even on that tiny little thing, 4.5 amp, controller. Trebor has me wondering if seasonal adjustment is enough in some situations. I keep wanting to try new equipment. Which gets confusing.
Currently, I’ve got 4 battery banks from 60AH to 180 AH and they are all subject to outdoor ambient temperature swings. As the charge controllers are also at outdoor temps I thought this might work fine. It’s generally cool here in the Puget Sound region so lead acid batteries could have a long healthy but sluggish life.
On a side note, I’m scooting over to look at a Nova Kool fridge tomorrow. It’s on Craigslist and the price is great. Hopefully not to good to be true.