| Author |
Message |
Lee Brady (Leeb11) (216.128.137.99)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 2:00 pm: | |
Hi All
I have got a B-W Converter/Charger that was in my bus at the time i bought it.
The thing is i dont know anything about it and have no mannual.
It is a 40 amp,series 3500, model 3540ul.
I want to hook it into my house system but not sure how to do it and if its proper to do so.
Can anyone help?
or does anyone have a mannual?
Thanks Lee Brady 66 01 |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.102)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 29, 2002 - 6:50 pm: | |
If you are going to use a modern high powered inverter, you probably will not want to use the converter because the inverter should give you a better charging solution.
Carefully consider just what you are going to do with the converter before you wire it in. Many converters give you two outputs; one to carry your 12 volt loads while on shore power and one to charge your batteries.
Your inverter will need to be hooked directly to your house batteries, so it cannot be run off the converter.
We are using all liquid lead-acid batteries and have found that we like to leave all of them connected together for most purposes. Each bank has its own battery switch so we can separate them if we want to.
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 |
Lee Brady (Leeb11) (216.128.134.199)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 29, 2002 - 9:04 pm: | |
Tom
Thanks for the insight.
I am using 2 4D gel cells for house batteries.
The only conections i see on the converter/charger is the 12 volt charger scorce,
it was previosly hooked to the main batteries
at that time where running evrything.
I am not running a converter just straight 12 volt
system(old school).
Need to know if this thing will hurt the gel cells if i use it to charge them?
I had planned on using it but cant find any infromation about the unit,or where to look up the manufacture.Did the internet thing and no luck.
Might just have to chuck it and get something newer.
Thanks again Lee 66 01 |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.229)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 1:10 am: | |
Lee, you can find out the correct charging voltages for your gel cells. There are a number of sources for charging information on gel cells such as the following site:
http://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/gel-cell.htm
Since few people use gel cells for starting batteries, I want to remind you that there may not be a charger that can properly charge both your starting bank and your house bank.
To do that, different voltages are needed. Be sure to study this subject, as even the modern inverter chargers may be limited to charging your house bank.
Generally, you can select the correct type of battery the inverter is going to work with and many inverters have temperature compensation, as well.
A monitor that can accurately inform you of your battery state of charge does an awful lot to take the mystery out of the use of your batteries.
The voltage that the converter puts out can be tested to see if it is safe for your batteries; be sure to use a digital voltmeter for accuracy.
The unfortunate thing about batteries and chargers is that it is possible to have the same charger put out too high of a voltage and too low of a voltage, depending on the circumstances.
You will need to understand this subject if you are to get to the point that you are not dogged by power problems. This is not at all like keeping your car battery up, because it was never intended to be used in this way.
I hope this helps!
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 |
Lee Brady (Leeb11) (216.128.129.250)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 3:42 pm: | |
Tom
Thanks again
Im using the gel cells only for house power.
The main starting battries are of course
independant and will be charged by the altenator.
I wanted 2 seperate systems.
The people at the excide warehouse were the battries where bought sugested at least 10 amps
to charge.
Just need to find the converter specs.
It works but may go in the trash if i cant find any info about it.
Thanks Lee 66 01 |
Bradd B. Smith (Bbsrtbusproject) (208.26.165.217)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2002 - 11:20 pm: | |
Hi Lee, F.F. posted a real fine explanation about charging gel cell's not to long ago. Not to mention deep cycle etc. As always, worth reading. Do a key word search. FWIW, Bradd |