pods8 said:
MarkBC, interesting on the ASU, is there an option to bypass it if needed?
pods8: Note that
my CR 130 is of mid-2011 vintage, and I don't know how later/current models are different, but I think they are.
I also should clarify what I said in the post above: The ASU doesn't make the compressor run
extra fast when there's surplus power, it just runs at full speed. It's special ability is that it runs the compressor
slower when pulling from a battery that isn't being charged. (like, maybe when it senses that the battery voltage is less than 13 volts..??...something like that).
Anyway...my 2011 model CR 130:
There is a 3-way toggle switch that, besides "Off", can select "Normal.Auto" -- meaning with ASU engaged, or "Man.Temp", meaning ASU is not working. Here's how the manual that came with mine describes it:
2.2 Temperature setting ASU
The Isotherm refrigerators with ASU can be operated
in two ways. When energy saving is needed, switch to
”NORMAL.AUTO” position.
Optimal refrigeration temperature is than automatically
maintained while consuming the lowest amount of
battery power possible. When there is no need of energy
saving, switch to “MAN.TEMP” position on the panel.
The automatic function is now partially blocked and
refrigeration temperature can be manually adjusted. In its
centre position, the unit is switched off....
The thing is, when in "Normal Auto" -- with the ASU in control --
you can't set the temperature: ASU knows best, apparently. It's only when in Manual Temp mode (thus, the name) that turning the temperature setpoint dial does anything.
Speaking of the manual temperature control: Unlike some other brands of compressor fridge that have a digital temperature setting, one that allows you to enter/select a specific numerical-temperature setpoint (e.g., 36°F), this CR130 with ASU doesn't have anything that sophisticated. All it has is a little knob with a symbolic image wrapped around it, like this:
(imagine it
curved, which I can't draw easily)
Here's the full manual if you/anyone is really interested in reading more about operation of this model, but again, I think current versions are at least somewhat different:
View attachment Isotherm_Cruise_42_130_Manual.pdf