WANDERER LCD

PWM Solar Charge Controller

10A | 12V/24V Version 1.2

 Important Safety Instructions
Please save these instructions.

This manual contains important safety, installation, and

operating instructions for the charge controller. The following
symbols are used throughout the manual:

WARNING Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use

extreme caution when performing this task.

CAUTION Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper

operation of the controller

NOTE Indicates a procedure or function that is important

to the safe and proper operation of the controller.

General Safety Information

Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before
beginning the installation.
There are no serviceable parts for this controller. Do NOT
disassemble or attempt to repair the controller.
Make sure all connections going into and from the controller
are tight. There may be sparks when making connections,
therefore, make sure there are not flammable materials or
gases near installation.

Charge Controller Safety

NEVER connect the solar panel array to the controller
without a battery. Battery must be connected first. This may
cause a dangerous occurrence where the controller would
experience a high open circuit voltage at the terminals.

Ensure input voltage does not exceed 50 VDC to prevent

permanent damage. Use the Open Circuit (Voc) to make
sure the voltage does not exceed this value when connecting
panels together in series.

01
The charge controller should be installed indoors in a
well-ventilated, cool, and dry environment.
Do NOT allow water to enter the controller.

Battery Safety

Do NOT let the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the
battery touch each other.

Use only sealed lead-acid, flooded, gel or lithium batteries

which must be deep cycle.

Explosive battery gases may be present while charging. Be

certain there is enough ventilation to release the gases.

Be careful when working with large lead acid batteries. Wear

eye protection and have fresh water available in case there is
contact with the battery acid.

Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage

the battery plates and activate material shedding on them.
Too high of an equalizing charge or too long of one may
cause damage. Please carefully review the specific
requirements of the battery used in the system.

Equalization is carried out only for non-sealed / vented /

flooded / wet cell lead acid batteries.

Do NOT equalize VRLA type AGM / GEL / LITHIUM batteries

UNLESS permitted by battery manufacturer.

02
 Table of Contents

General Information 04

Product Overview 05

Identification of Parts 05

Dimensions 06

Optional Components 06

Installation 07

Mounting Recommendations 07

Wiring and Fusing 08

Operation 14

Auto Recognition 14

Main Display 14

LCD Overview 15

MPPT Technology 16

Settings 18

Set the Battery type 18

Load Terminal 20

Troubleshooting 22

Error Codes 22

Maintenance 24

Technical Specifications 25

03
 General Information

The Wanderer is an advanced charge controller for off-grid

solar applications. Integrating highly efficient PWM charging,
this controller increases battery life and improves system
performance. It can be used for 12V/24V battery banks. The
controller is embedded with self-diagnostics and electronic
protection functions that prevent damages from installation
mistakes or system faults.

Key Features
Automatic Voltage Detection for 12V/24V Non-Lithium
Systems and Lithium Battery Activation

Preset for Deep Cycle Sealed, Gel, Flooded Batteries and

Lithium-iron Phosphate Batteries

4-Stage PWM Charging: Bulk, Boost, Float, and Equalization

Back-lit LCD for displaying system operation, diverse load

control, and error codes if any

Integrated 5V, up to 2.1Amp USB for mobile or portable

device charging

Protection Against: overcharging, over-current, short circuit,

reverse polarity

Bluetooth Monitoring Ready port with addition of BT-1

Module and Renogy DC Home App

04
 Product Overview

Identification of Parts

① ③②

⑧ ⑦ ⑥ ⑤ ④

Key Parts
① LCD Screen
② Select Button
③ Enter Button
④ USB Ports
⑤ Load Terminals
⑥ Battery Terminals
⑦ PV Terminals
⑧ RS232 Communication Port

05
 Dimensions

[0.531in]
13.50mm

61.50mm
[2.421in]

[2.953in]
75mm
[0.063in]
R1.60mm

[4.685in]
119mm

[1.083in]
27.50mm

NOTE The dimensions have a ±0.5mm tolerance

Optional Components

Renogy BT-1 Bluetooth Module (Model: RCM-BT1)

The RCM-BT1 is a great addition to Renogy
charge controllers with an RS232 port. Pair the
controller using the BT-1 Module and the
Renogy DC Home App to monitor your system
using a smart phone or tablet. Read or set
parameters to monitor your system in real time!

06
 Installation
WARNING

Connect the battery to the charge controller BEFORE

connecting the solar panel(s) unless you have the solar
suitcase with controller exception. The controller needs a stable
power source to operate.

CAUTION

Do not over-torque or over tighten the screw terminals. This

could potentially break the piece that holds the wire to the
charge controller.

Refer to the technical specifications for max wire sizes on the

controller and for the maximum amperage going through wires.

Mounting Recommendations

WARNING

Never install the controller in a sealed enclosure with flooded

batteries. Gas can accumulate and there is a risk of explosion.
1. Choose Mounting Location—place the controller on a
vertical surface protected from direct sunlight, high tempera-
tures, and water. Make sure there is good ventilation.
2. Check for Clearance—verify that there is sufficient room to run
wires, as well as clearance above and below the controller for
ventilation. The clearance should be at least 6 inches (150mm).
3. Mark Holes
4. Drill Holes
5. Secure the charge controller.

07
 6 inches
(150mm) warm air

6 inches
(150mm) cool air

Wiring and Fusing

NOTE The wire terminals are closed by default.

Use bare wiring when connecting to the Wanderer’s terminal

blocks. Due to default positioning, you must ensure that the
terminal hatch is completely open before the first-time use.
1.Make sure to rotate the hatch counterclockwise (CCW) into
the open position to expose the wire hatch
2.Insert bare wire into the terminal for the respective connection
3.Rotate clockwise (CW) to until the hatch has closed and
clamped onto the wire

08
 Open Terminal Block Closed Terminal Block

Depending on the PV Array wiring and battery size, the

recommended fuse and cable gauge will depend on the actual
amps flowing through the cable. The following chart accounts for
less than 3% voltage drop and may not account for all configura-
tions.

Battery Battery Cable Max

Voltage PV Watts Recommended Terminal Size

12V 130W
12 AWG 12 AWG
24V 260W

Battery PV Input 0 ~ 10ft / 11 ~ 20ft / 21 ~ 30ft /

Voltage Amps 0 ~ 3m 3m ~ 6m 6m ~ 9m

12V 100W ~ 5A 16 AWG 16 ~ 14AWG 14 ~ 12AWG

24V 2x100W~5A* 16 AWG 16 ~ 14AWG 14 ~ 12AWG

*Panel connection assumes series to meet 24V system

minimum setup.

Larger wire sizes generally improve performance, whereas

smaller wire sizes may reduce performance, especially if
undersized. When considering wiring, fusing, and connection
options, think big and short as possible as heavier components
and shorter wire length offer less resistance and voltage drop.
Terminal Size Limitations may apply.

09
Fusing is a recommendation in PV systems to provide a safety
measure for connections going from panel to controller and
controller to battery. Remember to always use the
recommended wire gauge size based on the PV system and
the controller.

NEC Maximum Current for different Copper Wire Sizes

AWG 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
Max. 10A 15A 20A 30A 55A 75A 95A 130A 170A
Current

Fuse from Controller to Battery

Controller to Battery Fuse =
Current Rating of Charge Controller
Ex. Wanderer 10 = 10A fuse from Controller to Battery

Fuse from Solar Panel(s) to Controller

Ex. 200W; 2 X 100 W panels

Parallel
Total Amperage = Isc1 + Isc2 = (5.75A + 5.75A) * 1.2
Fuse = minimum of 11.5 * 1.2 = 14.38= 15A fuse

10
 Battery Wiring

WARNING

Connect the battery to the charge controller BEFORE

connecting the solar panel(s) unless you have the solar suitcase
with controller exception. The controller needs a stable power
source to operate.

1 2
counterclockwise clockwise

3 4
counterclockwise clockwise

11
 PV Wiring

1 2
counterclockwise clockwise

3 4
counterclockwise clockwise

12
 Load Wiring (Optional)

1 2
counterclockwise clockwise

3 4
counterclockwise clockwise

Communication Wiring (Optional)

1 2

13
 Operation
After connecting the battery to the charge controller, the
controller will turn on automatically. Assuming normal
operation, the charge controller will cycle through different
displays. The user can adjust some parameters based on the
display screen. The user can manually cycle through the
display screens by using the “SELECT” and “ENTER” buttons.

SELECT Tap—Cycles Forward through the LCD screens

Tap—Cycle Backward through the LCD Screens

ENTER Tap—Turns on Load Circuit in Manual Load Mode
Long Press—Hold to enter Setting Mode

Auto Recognition
The Wanderer controller will be able to automatically detect the
battery voltage for Non-Lithium 12V or 24V batteries. Lithium
batteries need to be manually programzmed and can be found
in Settings.

Main Display
Main Screen Solar Panel Voltage Charging Current

Error Code Battery Voltage

Load Mode Load Current

14
 LCD Overview

Parameter Value
Port Battery type Amps/Volts

System
Voltage

Solar Panel Battery Load

Icon or Value State Description

Solar Panels Charging
Steady on
Battery
3 Bars Flashing Battery Voltage (16.1V+)
Battery Voltage
3 Bars
(12.9V- 16.0V)
2 Bars Battery Voltage (12.5-12.8V)
1 Bar Battery Voltage (11.6-12.4V)
Battery Voltage
No Bars
(11.5V and below)
No Bars Battery Voltage
Flashing (10.9V and below)
Steady on Load is On

15
 PMM Technology

PWM Technology
The Wanderer utilizes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
technology for battery charging. Battery charging is a current
based process so controlling the current will control the battery
voltage. For the most accurate return of capacity, and for the
prevention of excessive gassing pressure, the battery is
required to be controlled by specified voltage regulation set
points for Absorption, Float, and Equalization charging stages.
The charge controller uses automatic duty cycle conversion,
creating pulses of current to charge the battery.

The duty cycle is proportional to the difference between the

sensed battery voltage and the specified voltage regulation set
point. Once the battery reached the specified voltage range,
pulse current charging mode allows the battery to react and
allows for an acceptable rate of charge for the battery level.

Four Charging Stages

The Wanderer has a 4-stage battery charging algorithm for a
rapid, efficient, and safe battery charging. They include: Bulk
Charge, Boost Charge, Float Charge, and Equalization.

EQUALIZE
VOLTAGE

BULK BOOST FLOAT

NIGHT CHARGE NIGHT

TIME

16
 Bulk Charge: This algorithm is used for day to day charging. It
uses 100% of available solar power to recharge the battery and
is equivalent to constant current.

Boost Charge: When the battery has charged to the Boost

voltage set-point, it undergoes an absorption stage which is
equivalent to constant voltage regulation to prevent heating and
excessive gassing in the battery. The Boost time is 120
minutes.
Float Charge: After Boost Charge, the controller will reduce
the battery voltage to a float voltage set point. Once the battery
is fully charged, there will be no more chemical reactions and all
the charge current would turn into heat or gas.Because of this,
the charge controller will reduce the voltage charge to smaller
quantity, while lightly charging the battery. The purpose for this
is to offset the power consumption while maintaining a full
battery storage capacity.
In the event that a load drawn from the battery exceeds the
charge current, the controller will no longer be able to maintain
the battery to a Float set point and the controller will end the float
charge stage and refer back to bulk charging.

Equalization: Is carried out every 28 days of the month. It is

intentional overcharging of the battery for a controlled period.
Certain types of batteries benefit from periodic equalizing
charge, which can stir the electrolyte, balance battery voltage
and complete chemical reaction. Equalizing charge increases
the battery voltage, higher than the standard complement
voltage, which gasifies the battery electrolyte.

WARNING

Once equalization is active in the battery charging, it will not exit

this stage unless there is adequate charging current from the
solar panel. There should be NO load on the batteries when in
equalization charging stage.

17
Over-charging and excessive gas precipitation may damage the
battery plates and activate material shedding on them. Too high
of equalizing charge or for too long may cause damage. Please
carefully review the specific requirements of the battery used in
the system.

Lithium Battery Activation

The Wanderer PWM charge controller has a reactivation feature
to awaken a sleeping lithium battery. The protection circuit of
Li-ion battery will typically turn the battery off and make it
unusable if over-discharged. This can happen when storing a
Li-ion pack in a discharged state for any length of time as
self-discharge would gradually deplete the remaining charge.
Without the wake-up feature to activate and charge batteries,
these batteries would become unserviceable and the packs
would be discarded. The Wanderer will apply a small charge
current to activate the protection circuit and if a correct cell
voltage can be reached, it starts a normal charge.

Settings
At minimum you should set the battery type and voltage to
ensure your system’s livelihood.

Set the Battery type

Non-Lithium
Set the battery type by maneuvering to the Battery Voltage
Screen where it should demonstrate the battery icon and voltage.
1.Highlight Battery Voltage Screen
2.Hold ENTER for approximately 3s until the battery type starts
to flash
3.Tap SELECT to highlight your desired battery
4.To confirm, hold ENTER for 3s to select the battery

18
 Battery Type

Lithium
Press SELECT until you highlight the Battery Voltage Screen
where it should demonstrate the battery icon and voltage.

1.Highlight Battery Voltage Screen

2.Hold ENTER for approximately 3s until the battery type starts

to flash
3.Tap SELECT to highlight Lithium battery, Tap ENTER to
confirm Lithium
4.Tap SELECT to highlight nominal battery voltage as 12V or
24V, Tap Enter to confirm

5.Tap Select to choose your charging voltage setpoint, voltages

are in 0.2V increments
6.To confirm, hold ENTER for 3s to confirm Lithium, Battery
Voltage, and Charge Voltage

19
 Battery Type

System Voltage

Load Terminal

WARNING
Make sure the load is compatible with the battery type
of the system. 12V loads damaged in 24V battery
systems will not be covered in warranty.

The Load Terminal allows you to connect DC devices directly to

the controller with timer functions as optional features. The Load
Terminal is an extension of your battery charging circuit so the
voltages on your battery will be present in the Load terminal
since it is powered by the battery. This means that when
charging a 12V bank, those charging voltages will also be seen
in the Load Terminal. The terminal limits are set by the controller,
so no more than 10Amps. In addition, when connecting to a 24V
battery bank, you will also have a 24V DC Load Terminal that you
can also utilize. Stick with simple electronics such as lights, fans,
that have no issues turning on/off at any time.

Programming the Load Terminal

20
 Press SELECT until you highlight the Load Mode Screen where
it should demonstrate a numerical load mode. The following chart
indicates numbers representing hours ON that the load terminal

Setting Mode Description

The load will turn on at night when the
Automatic solar panel is no longer producing
0 any power after a short time delay.
(On/Off)
The load will turn off when the panel
starts producing power.
When the panel is no longer
Time producing power, the load will be ON
1-14 control for 1-14 hours or until the panel starts
producing power.
In this mode, the user can turn the
15 Manual Load On/Off by pressing the Enter
button at any time.
Used to troubleshoot load terminal
(No Time Delay). When voltage is
16 Test detected load will be off and when no
voltage is detected load will be on.
17 24Hr The load will be on for 24 hours a day.

1.Highlight Load Mode Screen

2.Hold ENTER for approximately 3s until the Load Mode starts to flash
3.Tap SELECT to highlight your desired Load Mode
4.To confirm, hold ENTER for 3s to select your Load Mode
Programs 0, 1-14, 16, and 17 are automatic processes that
operate from the PV detection circuit as soon as they are set.
No other action is necessary. Program 15 requires manual user
toggling so users will need to press ENTER on the Main Screen
or Load Mode Screen to observe the Light Bulb Brightness icon
being activated to confirm Load also being activated.

21
 Troubleshooting
Error Codes
If the Rover is not functioning correctly, it may be undergoing an
internal electronic protection and sharing an error message.
The error messages stop normal operation and clear when
resolved. This is not indicative of a defective controller but may
require some troubleshooting to resume normal operation.
Error
Meaning Troubleshoot
Code

E0 No Error System behaving normally, no action

needed. You will not see this error code.
Use a multi-meter to get a reading of the
battery voltage in volts DC to validate
Over- error code. Battery is very low.
E01 discharged Disconnect any loads to the battery and
battery let the solar system charge the battery
backup. If the battery voltage is low it
may be in open battery protection mode,
which is a Wanderer Protection.
Use a multi-meter to get a reading of the
battery voltage in volts DC to validate
Battery error code. Battery is charging very high
E02 Over- and approached 16VDC. Disconnect any
charging external chargers and isolate which
charger is overcharging battery. Eliminate
from system.
The load terminals have made contact or
there is an internal short affecting the
circuitry. Disconnect any loads and use a
Load Short multi-meter to measure the voltage to at
E04
Circuit the load terminal to make sure it matches
the battery voltage. Double check the
load mode. Disconnect the controller from
the battery and restart.

22
 Error
Meaning Troubleshoot
Code
Load has exceeded 10Amps DC. Connect
simple electronics to the load terminal and
do not connect devices such as inverters,
Load battery chargers, or other high amp
E05 Overloaded devices. Disconnect your load, double
check the rating, and double check the
correct Load Mode is on. Disconnect the
controller from the battery and restart.

Make sure controller is in ventilated area

Controller and that the appropriate wire sizes are
internals used to connect to and from the controller.
E06 over This may be creating heating issues inside
temperature the controller. The controller will resume
normal operation upon cooling down.

PV Input Double check your connections and make

E08 Overcurrent sure the short circuit current of your
panels do not exceed 10amps.

The controller has a maximum dc voltage

input of 50VDC. If connecting your panels
in series, make sure the reading does not
PV Over- go over this limit. Check with a multi-meter
E10
voltage before connecting to the controller to
ensure you’re within this specification.
This might require using less panels.

The solar panel wires are connected in

PV reverse polarity. Verify using a multi-meter
E13 reverse- to make sure your voltage reading has the
polarity correct polarity with a positive number in
volts DC.

23
 Error
Meaning Troubleshoot
Code
The battery cables are reversed. Use a
multi-meter to make sure your voltage
Battery reading has the correct polarity (Red to
E14 reverse positive and Black to negative) with a
polarity positive number in volts DC. If the
number is negative, switch the positive
and negative battery cables in the battery
terminal of the Wanderer.

Maintenance

WARNING

Risk of Electric Shock! Make sure that all power is turned off
before touching the terminals on the charge controller.
For best controller performance, it is recommended that these
tasks be performed from time to time.

Check that controller is mounted in a clean, dry, and

ventilated area.
Check wiring going into the charge controller and make sure
there is no wire damage or wear.
Tighten all terminals and inspect any loose, broken, or burnt
up connections.
Check to make sure none of the terminals have any
corrosion, insulation damage, high temperature, or any
burnt/discoloration marks.

24
 Technical Specifications

Description Parameter
Nominal Voltage 12V/24V Auto Recognition
Rated Charge Current 10A
Max. PV Input Voltage 55 VDC
USB Output 5V, 2A max
Self-consumption ≤10mA
Operating Temperature -25℃ to +45℃ | -31℉ to 113℉
Storage Temperature -35℃ to +80℃ | -31℉ to 176℉
Enclosure IP20
Terminals Up to #12 AWG
Weight 0.27 lbs.
Dimensions 4.68 x 2.95 x 1.08 inches
Communication RS232
Battery Type Sealed (AGM), Gel, Flooded
and Lithium

25
Battery Charging Parameters
All the coefficient is referred to 25℃

Battery GEL SLD/AGM FLOODED LI (LFP)

High Voltage
16 V 16 V 16 V 16 V
Disconnect

Over-voltage
Reconnect 15 V 15 V 15 V 15 V

Equalization
----- ----- 14.6 V -----
Voltage

14.2 V
Boost Voltage 14.2 V 14.6 V 14.6 V （USER:
12V-16V）

Float Voltage 13.8 V 13.8 V 13.8 V -----

Boost Return
Voltage 13.2 V 13.2 V 13.2 V 13.2 V

Low Voltage
Reconnect 12.6 V 12.6 V 12.6 V 12.6 V

Discharging
Limit Voltage 10.8 V 10.8 V 10.8 V 10.8 V

Equalization
----- ----- 2 hours -----
Duration

Boost Duration 2 hours 2 hours 2 hours -----

26
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