Hi Day
On (30 Dec 97) Day Brown wrote to Jim Dunmyer...
 DB>  
 DB> seems like I could use a 20 amp relay powered by a paralel tap on 
 DB> the panel that would only draw (thru a 200 ohm coil) 60ma or less 
 DB> than one watt, and diddly for heat. 
If you run a relay tapped off the panel, then the reason for the diode in the
first place is overlooked. The purpose of the diode being to block the flow
of current out of the battery and into the panel, at night and when sun is
dull. Your relay 60mA becomes a 24 hrs 7days liability!
 DB> Or maybe one of these new IGBT gizmos, that says it has .05 volt 
 DB> across it, and diddly for the drive on the gate.  
But! duddly for the consequent loss of valued battery capacity......
The worst feature of the series diode, is that is wastes most, when ample sun
energy is available eg summer noon. When the battery is least needed.
The worst feature of your relay coil is that it depletes the battery most, at
the times when battery is most needed.
Cheers.....ALEC
... 
--- PPoint 1.92
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