Solar controller

[850owner]

I’m a newbie at solar, but here is/was my issue.
My 2014 850 EC had a Zamp controller.  I found it
on accident while cleaning after a trip.  I notice the
controllers display screen was out, but the solar power
light was on.  I figured it was bad so I swapped it 
out with another.  The new controller also did not
display anything.  Using a multi meter I found there
was no power from the batteries, but the solar panel 
was putting out 19 volts at the time.  
I search every wire loom and could not find wires that
match the wires leaving the controller once they entered 
the closet wall.  Nothing under the sink or battery box.
So I ran a new set of wires from the batteries to the controller 
Adding a 10amp fuse in between.
Is it possible that EC may have not connected the control 
to the batteries?  Where else could the wires have gone if not
directly to the batteries.
Also is it as simple as running wires from the batteries to the
controller to make this solar system work?  Seems too simple.
Thanks for any input.

[admin-rich]

Is it possible that EC may have not connected the control 
to the batteries?  Where else could the wires have gone if not
directly to the batteries.
Also is it as simple as running wires from the batteries to the
controller to make this solar system work?

 It's possible.

The Zamp solar controller connects directly to the batteries (on my factory Arctic Fox 1150)
Yes, its as simple as running wires from the solar controller to the battery.

For the record, I installed a Renogy Wanderer in my old (now thankfully long-gone) Lance.  
Renogy instructions state to have the controller as close to the batteries as possible.
And the wires run straight to the battery (with an in-line fuse).  I used 8 guage wires.
And, proper connection is to connect the battery first and then the solar panel(s).

Eagle Cap apparently does the same as Artic Fox ie; provide a small solar panel & controller to keep a trickle charge on the batteries.
It's not enough charge to really depend on it when the 12 volt system is getting heavy use.
It looks like you've got a newer Wanderer controller and could add more solar panels to give you some additional battery charge capacity.

(Nice looking camper bye the way!)

[850owner]

Thank you for the reply.  
I used 14 gauge wire.  I matched 
what was there.  Should I use a heavier 
gauge?  I think it’s a 100 watt panel.

[admin-rich]

Lance and Artic Fox manufacturers use a ten guage wire for a solar panel.
I prefer at least an 8 guage if possible.

[3 tons]

I’m a newbie at solar, but here is/was my issue.
My 2014 850 EC had a Zamp controller.  I found it
on accident while cleaning after a trip.  I notice the
controllers display screen was out, but the solar power
light was on.  I figured it was bad so I swapped it 
out with another.  The new controller also did not
display anything.  Using a multi meter I found there
was no power from the batteries, but the solar panel 
was putting out 19 volts at the time.  
I search every wire loom and could not find wires that
match the wires leaving the controller once they entered 
the closet wall.  Nothing under the sink or battery box.
So I ran a new set of wires from the batteries to the controller 
Adding a 10amp fuse in between.
Is it possible that EC may have not connected the control 
to the batteries?  Where else could the wires have gone if not
directly to the batteries.
Also is it as simple as running wires from the batteries to the
controller to make this solar system work?  Seems too simple.
Thanks for any input.

I’m not familiar with Zamp, but advised that some controllers need to first be connected to the battery (e.g. the battery is a functional part of the controller) before being energized by solar, else they will be damaged…Just saying…

[admin-rich]

That's right - connect battery to controller before connecting solar panel.
Recheck the connections.  The Zamp controller screen will light up when solar panel is connected and go dim when solar is disconnected (that's how it works on my model zamp controller).