Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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Help - ConverterCharger or Plain Charger ??
I know there are more experienced Nomads than I..........
I've been told that the converter in mt camper is dead. Last trip, we used a solar panel and two batteries and did fine. We do not get enough battery
to run the heater fan for very long each day, though.When we could plug in, the Micro, A/C, and 110v outlets worked but the 12v stuff still ran off
the batteries.
I have a 12", 10ga extension cord end comng from my batteries to make connecting the solar panel easy. I could similarly wire the battery charger to
plug in here and plug the clamps back on for use elsewhere .
The question is should I replace the converter/charger with another or just get a large automatic charger ? And could I have both the solar panel and
charger connected at the same time ? I currently have a battery meter but no charge controller.
I'd appreciate any advise, thanks !
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Marinero
Nomad
Posts: 419
Registered: 11-4-2003
Location: Los Barriles, BCS
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Diver! Do you mean Converter/Charger or Inverter Charger? What is your A/C source to run the charger?
bill
Si estás buscando la person que cambiará su vida, échale una mirada en el espejo.
Fish logo from www.usafishing.com, used w/permission.
But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man
That he didn't, didn't already have..... |
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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The converter/charger is used when you plug into 110v house current.
It converts 110v into 12v so and at the same time charges the batteries while you?re ?plugged in?.
The solar panels should have a charge controller so you won?t overcharge the batteries.
It redirects power to the inverter or batteries as needed.
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
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If you do not have a solar charge controller, current is drained OUT of the batteries at night. Besides the overcharging problem, you will also not
charge the batteries efficiently - a controller varies the charge based on the state of the batteries to maximize the absorption of current. You NEED
a charge controller. Get a three-stage PWM controller.
Get a converter/controller like the Intelli-charge http://reserveamerica.campingworld.com/browse/products/index... Get the charge wizard that goes with it (http://reserveamerica.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm...). While a straight converter WILL charge the batteries, it will also cook them.
[Edited on 5-19-2006 by Roberto]
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
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Mood: Wondering what is next???
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I switched to an 85 amp Intelli-charge and found that the bulk charge time was greatly reduce saving gas in my gen-set. I think it is worth the extra
$. Mine is the mod# pd 9180 so had to add the plug in brain that does everything. $29.00 I think. hope this helps.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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