Olivia
Lifetime VIP Member
What's a good portable leisure battery that can be powered by my two solar panels and can give power to Alpicool C45 to stop it cutting out with F1 error?
Please and thank you.
Please and thank you.
Can anyone recommend a solar powered leisure battery to power my Alpicool CF45; I have two solar panels from Roger Donoghue
SanderR72
VIP Member
Given the following (technical) read, I’m not sure whether investing in probably a bulky and expensive portable power unit will solve your F1 error issue.
https://www.betilife.com/blogs/faqs/what-does-f1-mean-on-alpicool
When I read it, it seems to me that the power cord that comes with the Alpicool might be the source of the issue, being not heavy enough and any slight drop in voltage from its power source causes the error.
Now I understand you may not want to cut the cord and replace it with a heavier cable but maybe there is an electrician handyman in your neighbourhood that can help.
But maybe I misunderstood part of your question and you want to carry the box actually around. Any “portable” battery (EcoFlow, Jackery etc.) that can give long enough power is hardly portable and heavy but also relatively expensive.
If you are willing to invest in that, I would suggest to replace the fridge instead with one that has a built-in battery (or optionally available) like the EcoFlow Glacier.
https://www.betilife.com/blogs/faqs/what-does-f1-mean-on-alpicool
When I read it, it seems to me that the power cord that comes with the Alpicool might be the source of the issue, being not heavy enough and any slight drop in voltage from its power source causes the error.
Now I understand you may not want to cut the cord and replace it with a heavier cable but maybe there is an electrician handyman in your neighbourhood that can help.
But maybe I misunderstood part of your question and you want to carry the box actually around. Any “portable” battery (EcoFlow, Jackery etc.) that can give long enough power is hardly portable and heavy but also relatively expensive.
If you are willing to invest in that, I would suggest to replace the fridge instead with one that has a built-in battery (or optionally available) like the EcoFlow Glacier.
Alied
Lifetime VIP Member
What do you have your fridge set at for the battery voltage cut-off? I had the same problem on my Domectic fridge which was set to high . Changing this to medium cured my problem. I believe that the Alpicool is set to high as a default setting so have you tried the medium setting?
Last edited:
BeachBound
Lifetime VIP Member
In addition to Alied's suggestions, have you tried the Battery Protection Mode, pictured?
I've just bought the same fridge myself so I hope you get it to work. Haven't had a chance to try it in the van yet.
I've just bought the same fridge myself so I hope you get it to work. Haven't had a chance to try it in the van yet.
WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
I presume you are using one of your vehicles 12v sockets.
This problem has been mentioned before on the Forum. VW uses thin gauge wiring for the sockets and as a result there can be a voltage drop which triggers the fridge software to switch off to protect the Leisure Battery.
1. Check the Low Voltage cut out on the Fridge is at its lowest setting.
2. Wire an extra socket direct to a leisure battery using thicker gauge wire and as short a length as convenient for your use.
jaydisc
So, I have a similar solar setup as to the one Roger installs (I have the Califaktur). Of course, it's connected to the factory leisure battery (I have a Beach, so only one battery under the driver seat).
I also have an EcoFlow Delta power station which sits in the boot, and is connected to the same leisure battery via the EcoFlow Alternator Charger. This Charger enables the charging of the power station (fast!) when it detects extra voltage on the leisure battery (meaning the car is running).
But here's the best part, when the car is NOT running, and the solar IS working, the same thing happens… the excess voltage from the solar chargers the EcoFlow power station. This means that the same solar panels charge both my factory leisure system AND the EcoFlow power station. It's a brilliant setup that I'm very happy with.
But yes, I think your first goal should be as others said, to adjust the cut off of your fridge. But, if you are looking for expansion, the above setup I've described will work excellently with one of Roger's, or anyone else's solar-to-leisure installations.
I also have an EcoFlow Delta power station which sits in the boot, and is connected to the same leisure battery via the EcoFlow Alternator Charger. This Charger enables the charging of the power station (fast!) when it detects extra voltage on the leisure battery (meaning the car is running).
But here's the best part, when the car is NOT running, and the solar IS working, the same thing happens… the excess voltage from the solar chargers the EcoFlow power station. This means that the same solar panels charge both my factory leisure system AND the EcoFlow power station. It's a brilliant setup that I'm very happy with.
But yes, I think your first goal should be as others said, to adjust the cut off of your fridge. But, if you are looking for expansion, the above setup I've described will work excellently with one of Roger's, or anyone else's solar-to-leisure installations.
sticky1
Lifetime VIP Member
What MPPT do you have?
If you are using the Victron you can use the ‘supply’ to wire in a fused cigarette style socket.
The challenge is trying to figure out what capacity battery.
Having had a quick look at the fridge consumption I think I’d estimate it runs at about 2 amps per hour as a worst case.
As you have solar panels you are really looking at what capacity you need to see you through the dark hours or a dull day.
I think you could get away with a 500 watt capacity power bank using the supply output from your mppt. Loads of choice at that capacity.
If you are using the Victron you can use the ‘supply’ to wire in a fused cigarette style socket.
The challenge is trying to figure out what capacity battery.
Having had a quick look at the fridge consumption I think I’d estimate it runs at about 2 amps per hour as a worst case.
As you have solar panels you are really looking at what capacity you need to see you through the dark hours or a dull day.
I think you could get away with a 500 watt capacity power bank using the supply output from your mppt. Loads of choice at that capacity.
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