The NorthStar AGM Battery + Voltage Booster Upgrade

I wonder, for those of us with solar chargers, if some charger models would be programmable to run a cycle to boost the voltage up to 14.7v.

I have this inexpensive mppt for example. It’s sold under multiple brands but maybe I can track down the manufacturer and ask...

HQST 20A Positive Ground MPPT 12V/24V Battery Solar Charge Controller Multiple Load Control Modes with LCD Display

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B28DBX6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_u9ZfEbPG0X8C0

 

This morning at first startup. Outside temperature was 41°.

 

@crashnburn80

Got my 0.5v booster put in. Seems to have done the trick. Here are some pictures of the increased voltage. I hope everything seems to be in the appropriate range. I have 2 Odyssey group 35 (35-PC1400) batteries. I can’t see the cycle service on the top of the batteries so I hope it’s like the one in your OP.
Initial cold start up- 14.7v


Cruising on the highway- 14.8v


Idling in parking lot 20mins later- 14.5v

 

cant wait for mine to arrive.

 

Looks like they are out of stock on the micro blade style. They have the mini blade and it's cheaper. Anyone think of a downside to running the mini blade, other than it not sitting flush?

 

@Sna just posted about this in the What Have You Done To Your Tacoma Today thread.
Glad he did, cause I just ordered one off of fleabay for my dual battery set up.

 

Try them on eBay....that’s where I ordered mine from.

eBay ftw here.....took a while from down unda so be patient.

 

I liked those voltmeters, got a link where you got them from???

 

https://www.aironboard.com/online/dual-voltmeter-in-red.html

And in blue

https://www.aironboard.com/online/dual-voltmeter-in-blue.html

 

thanks, going to order that bad boy tonight!

 

What setting are you using?

 

As pictured in the first post (1, 2, & 3 Down, 4 & 5 Up).

 

Thanks, so that setting would increase charging by .6 volts?

 

The charging voltage would be the same regardless of the battery correct? I was thinking of putting the bluetooth monitor on my current battery so I could get the right booster ordered and install it with a new AGM.

 

I belive that's correct but, what I can say with certainty is voltage ranges from ~14.7V (on cold start) to ~13.6V (when warmed-up).

 

Nice

 

If you are looking for a more permanent mounting option with a very small foot print, consider this: (I got the idea from @VE7OSR, post #330 - on this tread)

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...gen-tacoma-today.6499/page-9731#post-22511067

NOCO GENM1 is very wallet friendly, extremely small footprint IMHO, and is an AGM friendly "smart charger". I really like this option - and again it can stay connected to 120 VAC indefinitely with out any problems to the battery.

I'm in a situation that because of deployments my truck would be in a garage and not driven or started sometimes anywhere for 6 to 9 months. So this is a very good solution for me.





About $70 in Amazon

NOCO Genius GENM1, 1-Bank, 4-Amp (4-Amp Per Bank) Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger, 12V Onboard Battery Charger and Battery Maintainer

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00CBTRN26/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

Rick.

 

That is correct. I'd likely opt for the 0.5v booster, the 0.6v is pushing it right to the edge.

 

So, I have a 2006 Tacoma TRD Sport. I have a 270 A HO alternator from DC Power Engineering and a Northstar 27F installed. I was a little doubtful not knowing which way to go, buy the "adjustable" or the 0.5v booster.
I did how ever ended up deciding going with the 0.5v (I understand that they come from Down Under via courier pigeon - so been waiting two weeks already, we'll see) but the more I read your posts in particular, the more glad I am I went wit the 0.5v one, it seem that anything else will get you either way to close to the edge for comfort or will get you over the edge - not good for the Northstar.

Hopefully the 0.5v will get me on that 14.6 -14.8 range that is the sweet spot. What happens if it is slightly below, let's say 14.4 - 14.6, or 14.2 - 14.4?? Just asking, because my Taco is way older than most on this tread, and I don't think I have EVER seen ANY numbers above 14.0v...

Once the courier pigeon lands in Florida, I will report my results.

Rick

 

It is possible an aftermarket alternator could have slightly different results depending on the voltage regulator. What are you using to measure your voltage? If you have never seen numbers above 14.0 on your current system, the 0.5v booster is only going to add 0.5v, which sounds like you'd max out at 14.5v, which is in the acceptable range of 14.4v-14.8v though on the lower end. If your results are too low, I'd trade you my adjustable version if you like.