2022 Solar connection

MyTabEllie

I went to buy a solar panel  to hook into the SAE.  I'm very confused.   Is this a zamp connection? Is polarity reversed.  Almost bought a Dokio but someone said I would have issues because of Zamp?? The more I research the more confused I am.  Anyone know about solar hookup on the 2022 cs-s? 

Grumpy_G

The SAE ports were a really bad choice by the solar industry because which pin is positive and which one is negative depends on which end of a connection you look at. Best is to use a voltmeter to determine the polarity, on a typical Zamp connection *at the trailer* the exposed pin is positive. Then check the solar panel, if it also shows positive on the exposed pin you can use a cheap polarity adapter and it will work. 

MyTabEllie

Thank you.  Now to learn how to use a voltmeter:)

pthomas745

The SAE ports are a bit confusing, but once you focus on what exactly plugs into what, they can be very easy.  Adapters are available to sort out that last one inch between the solar controller and the port.

If you can find an SAE cable that is "correct", you can find one with the "positive in the plastic".

Ignore all Amazon reviews that mention "reverse polarity."  Your Dokio can be made to work just fine with the port.

The last comment or two in this thread discusses the Dokio. https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/12876/need-advice-on-solar-suitcase-for-t-b-320s/p2

Bayliss

@MyTabEllie, it can be confusing, but hopefully these discussions (in particular, the first one) may be helpful for you in understanding the whole "Zamp" and "Reversed Polarity" confusion. 

Basically, you just need to make sure the positive (+) and negative (-) cables from your solar panel/solar suitcase are properly aligned/connected to your solar (Zamp) port at the trailer.  Often, that requires an adapter between the two so that the connections match (i.e., same polarity, or "+" to "+" and "-" to "-".)

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6230/zamp-solar-connections-explained

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/2973/please-help-renogy-solar-panel-wiring/p1

WayneW

It also helps to look at the color of the wire on all SAE cables I’ve seen. Red is positive, black is negative. So make sure red goes to red, black to black. Some connectors have (+) and (-) marked if you look VERY closely. The font size is very small.