My new gadget/boy`s toy.

One of our solar panels the 240 watts is controlled by a Tracer 2215RN like the one pictured.
It doesn`t give a lot of info but just works away doing what it says on the tin-controlling the solar charge into the leisure batteries. Basically it tells you the panel is charging, the battery is not below a set voltage level and it has a temperature sensor. 

Panel voltage

It can be set to battery type being charged but all other functions are not really relevant to boats, they are timers for lighting or some other gadget you might want powered.
Now a useful extra is the remote MT5 meter that just plugs in. For perhaps almost two years I have just left the controller to do it`s thing but just recently while perusing E/Flea Bay I came across the MT5 priced at £16 ($25) from a Hong Kong supplier. The same thing here in the UK can be double the price. My thoughts and Jaq likes this Brit phrase."For 16 quid it`s worth a punt and if it all goes tits up it`s not the end of the world".

Battery voltage + amps from panels.

 The readings the remote displays are the volts the panels produce, the battery voltage, amps going into batteries and State Of Charge as a percentage although I have my doubts as to the accuracy of the latter. All other readings are not of little benefit to boaters.
Earlier today 13 amps were going in the batteries from the 240watts panel.

So all in all worth the punt. Jaq says if any more man toys are fitted by the back steps we might need side doors to exit the boat. I must point out that she soon found space for her new ceramic frying pan.
Both items can be purchased direct from Hong Kong at a discount on UK prices but you might have to pay import duties. Another thing to remember is the expense of returning faulty goods but my £16 punt was worth it and no duty was payable.