radio frequency interference

Started by carilchasens, May 21, 2016, 01:02:24 PM

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carilchasens

Would I getredio frequency interference from a Classic controller?

ClassicCrazy

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
system 1
Classic 150 , 5s3p  Kyocera 135watt , 12s Soneil 2v 540amp lead crystal 24v pack , Outback 3524 inverter
 5s 135w Kyocero , 3s3p 270w Kyocera   Classic 150 ,8s2p  Kyocera 225w to Hawkes Bay Jakiper 48v 20kwh  ,Gobel 16 kwh  lifepo4 Outback VFX 3648  8s2p 380w Rec pv EG4 6000XP

Resthome

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
John

10 x Kyocera KC140, Classic 150 w/WBJr, Link10 Battery Monitor, 850 AH @ 12v Solar One 2v cells, Xantrex PROwatt SW2000
Off Grid on Houseboat Lake Don Pedro, CA

Vic

#3
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
Off Grid - Sys 1: 2ea SW+ 5548, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH, 5.25 KW PV, Classic 150,WB, Beta Barcelona, Beta KID
Sys 2: SW+ 5548s, 4KS25s, 5.88 KW PV, 2 ea. Classic 150, WB, HB CC-needs remote Monitoring/Control, site=remote.
 MN Bkrs/Bxs/Combiners. Thanks MN for Great Products/Svc/Support&This Forum!!

carilchasens

Thank you very much for your helpful replies, folks.

CDN-VT

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
Canadian Solar 350W 37.6 VOC  30.6 VMP 8.22 ISC 7.87 IMP ,-15 c +30c max  4 strings in 2 in Series for 24v Classic 150 -1020 Ah  Freezers & fridges ~~~ Second Array same panels of 3sx3 parallel for 24 V Classic 150 -440 Ah Outback Barns & out blds.
48Vdc almost done,11Strings up of 3s11P same panels