Would I getredio frequency interference from a Classic controller?
What frequencies ?
Ryan and Bob from Midnite are both ham radio guys so it is always something that is tried to be minimized in design.
But of course with these types of electronics there is going to be some depending on how far away from the Classic your radio is and if you use good practices with the wires going in and out by twisting them and ferrite beads if needed.
And depends too on your radio and type of antenna and proximity to everything else. The Classic is Certified FCC Class B
"Class B digital device: A Class "B" digital device is a digital device that is marketed for use in a residential environment. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, calculators, and similar electronic devices that are marketed for use by the general public. Class B equipment, intended for use in a residential environment where the likelihood of RFI is greater, must meet much stricter RF emission limits than the Class A devices."
Larry
Quote from: carilchasens on May 21, 2016, 01:02:24 PM
Would I getredio frequency interference from a Classic controller?
As Larry says depends. Since I am on a boat and my VHF radios are all power but the same battery bank I definitely see RFI on marine channel 68, channel 72 as well as 16 are clear. 68 is so bad that I have to back off the squelch. Especially noticeable when Classic is in Bulk charge
Quote from: carilchasens on May 21, 2016, 01:02:24 PM
Would I getredio frequency interference from a Classic controller?
Hi carlchasens, Welcome to the Forum,
MPPT Charge Controllers (CCs) are switching devices. As such, they can cause RF Interference.
The Classics are FCC Class B compliant, as was noted. For devices that are NOT connected to AC power conductors (like CCs), FCC B compliance testing begins at 30.0 MHZ, and continues into the UHF frequency ranges. For these devices, the testing is only for Radiated Emissions (IIRC).
If your radio interests are in the HF frequency range, you will probably want to isolate antennas used for reception as far away as possible, from the PV array, cables from the array, and AC power conductors as well, as Inverters often have their own RF Emissions.
Keeping all above-ground cables in tight metal pipe (like EMT), and using Common-Mode chokes on all conductors that connect to the CC and inverters should help a great deal.
We have two off-grid HF communication facilities, each with two Classics, and with the noted suppression/containment techniques (along with having the Power Rooms being sea-going Cargo containers), the emissions are very, very low.
I do not believe that the MidNite MPPT CCs have emissions that any, or very much greater than any other CC on the market.
FWIW, Vic
Thank you very much for your helpful replies, folks.
RF NOISE is huge beside them , move 20 feet away , better , 40 feet , 12M its quite and out of range .
I wear a radio headset daily for phone , tunes & intercom to the ranch .
Even elly with a KID screws up my tunes .
Thats what I have noticed.
VT