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Revlac

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Joined: 31/12/2016
Location: Australia
Posts: 1288

Posted: 12:51am 18 May 2026

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While it is doable, the Charge controller has copper plate on top and bottom of the PCB so more unnecessary work leaving the NC legs on, personal preference perhaps.

Cheers Aaron
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nickskethisniks
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Joined: 17/10/2017
Location: Belgium
Posts: 481

Posted: 08:44am 18 May 2026

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You could make a daughterboard "capacitor pcb" that fits the original holes. Or a redesign of the pcb, I could do that for the first version if you want. Wiseguy designed the last version that I can't modify. But you might have the boards allready?
It's a robust design made for long life so better do it first time right.

GleamBright
Regular Member

Joined: 21/04/2025
Location: Australia
Posts: 41

Posted: 06:49am 20 May 2026

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I think I'll have a go at drilling the PCB with a template. My PCBs will be a part of a bulk order, so can't be individualised. Likely will solder the NC connectors as well for support, since these are 90mm high. Also I will only need 6 if I'm correct.

My haul of choke candidates: Two small and one big, from an Aerosharp. Three small of comparable size to the small Aerosharp ones, one from a scrapyard of comparable dimensions to the large Aerosharp, and two from the Aurora of dimensions 106x52mm outside, width 45mm, centre hole 73x20mm.

Are the Aurora ones candidates, being substantially bigger than those sourced from Aerosharp? Any suggestions for installation?

Revlac

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Joined: 31/12/2016
Location: Australia
Posts: 1288

Posted: 07:12am 20 May 2026

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The 5Kw Aurura choke, leave that one together it is practically good to go for the Charge controller, the 2 coils can be joined but the polarity needs to be checked with the an LCR Meter, forgot what the numbers are, you can find that out later.

Cheers Aaron
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dizzypanic
Newbie

Joined: 01/08/2025
Location: France
Posts: 2

Posted: 12:34pm 29 Jul 2026

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Chaps,

I've been following this for a while, it really is an outstanding piece of work! Now I'm in a position to start installing some solar here is there any way to get PCBs posted to France? Alternately is there a set of Gerbers available (or a KiCAD file) that I can get manufactured?

Cheers all,

Andy

wiseguy

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Joined: 21/06/2018
Location: Australia
Posts: 1298

Posted: 02:08pm 30 Jul 2026

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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

If at first you dont succeed, I suggest you avoid sky diving....
Cheers Mike

GleamBright
Regular Member

Joined: 21/04/2025
Location: Australia
Posts: 41

Posted: 11:16pm 30 Jul 2026

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Hi Andy, we have recently been through all this and are in the middle of procuring components and PCBs for Rogers' mppt design, for a group of Australians building various combinations of inverters and controllers.

I recommend purchasing the PCBs directly, preferably together with people in your area. A list of components has been posted to the bottom of p4 of thread 'Wiseguy (WG) Inverter Build Discussions Australia'. The list is as complete and correct as can be, having been developed by direct consultation with the designers.

dizzypanic
Newbie

Joined: 01/08/2025
Location: France
Posts: 2

Posted: 03:09pm 31 Jul 2026

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Mike,

No problem, glad you're feeling better. I like the look of RogerDWs layout as you say it simplifies mounting and the enclosure. I'll PM you with details!

GleamBright,

Agreed, I think I'll get a run of boards made. I'm following the Australian build thread as well.

If there is anyone in Europe who wants a board/s please get in touch, I will see what the quote looks like and place an order probably in 2-3 weeks.

Thanks all, if there's any interest I will make a thread or add to this one when I get around to building and installing!

Andy

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