Guru
Joined: 21/06/2018
Location: AustraliaPosts: 1322
| Posted: 02:08pm 30 Jul 2026 |
Hello Andy, welcome to the forum and sorry for the slow response - I have been crook with the Lurgy for a couple of weeks but slowly coming out the other side now.
There are now two types of MPPT which are similar except for how they are configured.
The first unit was based on Nicks design, I re-designed a new PCB layout for the main MPPT. This also requires a separate Poida/Nano controller PCB and an LCD PCB and mounting them all becomes a bit of a task, as the main MPPT PCB quantities increase the ancilliary PCBs increase at a faster rate.
The second MPPT design was done by RogerDW, he used my new layout but grew the top of the main PCB so it could hold 2 nanos one for the Poida controller and the other converts and formats from the MPPT data to an I2C format that can drive an LCD display panel that accepts I2C. I believe there is also an option for using a simple 20x4 LCD with a little third party I2C data converter module that can drive the 20x4 LCD.
I need to be honest, whilst I revised the current MPPT Power PCB layout I have not made programmed or used an MPPT controller so my ability to assist much beyond providing you with PCBs is limited. Let me know whichever MPPT option you would like to choose. To differentiate them lets refer to them as the MPPT or the RogerMPPT. The PCB manufacturer only supplies PCBs in multiples of 5 so its either 5 or 10 units.
If you PM me your email (and physical) address I can send you a quotation direct from the supplier (JLCPCB) for 5 or 10 delivered to your door. I only ask for my out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed I make nothing out of helping you get the PCBs. This is the cheapest method for you to get the PCBs they do the customs forms and there is only the one freight charge.
It is possible I have a few original MPPT circuit boards from last time a batch was made I will check my workshop tomorrow - this would only be useful if you decide to not use the RogerMPPT.
Edited 2026-07-31 00:10 by wiseguy