Re: [A/S] SOLAR Charge Controller/regulator

[Jerry Flanders <jeflanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

You will probably find a lot of RFI from it unless you take precautions 
during installation. I get a lot of RFI from my stock AS converter (a 
switcher) in my '91 trailer. I have it so bad that I switch over to a 
conventional battery charger from Wal-Mart to supply the trailer batteries 
if I am doing serious HF work.

The type of controller you are considering is probably one of those that 
utilizes the full wattage available from the panels rather than simply 
passing on the regular charging current in the usual way. It would be nice 
to have the additional 15-20% power, but the noise may not make it worth 
it. If I were you, I would probably save myself the RFI elimination work by 
getting the a more conventional controller.  BUT - if you can provide a way 
of shutting off the switcher function when operating HF, it may not be 
necessary.

The RFI should respond to the usual RFI elimination techniques found in the 
ham radio literature, if you decide to try it. I wouldn't worry too much 
about the transmitter upsetting the controller - it couldn't do  much harm, 
and you could watch it to see any effects.

Jerry Flanders W4UK