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Message |
mark (65.40.225.193)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2003 - 11:13 pm: | |
I read with much interrest an earlier post "electric question opposite of normal". I plan on bulding an all DC bus myself. I guess it's what I'm used to.
That being said, does anyone have any knowledge of a power converter that is as good of quality as the inverters that you guys are using? (Trace?)
Actually, the real reason for my request has to do with the batttery charging system that is so common to converters. It seem that they have a reputation for boiling the batteries if left plugged in.
Does Trace build a converter?
Thanks!!
Mark
75 gillig 636D |
Geoff (Geoff) (66.238.120.64)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 8:04 am: | |
You can use a three-stage charger instead of a converter:
http://www.store4power.com:80/factory-outlet/factory-outlet-truecharge.asp? |
mark (65.40.225.193)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 6:03 pm: | |
Geoff,
With that type of set-up, you mean to say that I wouldn't even need a converter at all?
Is that a better way to go?
What about when I'm hooked up to a power post? Does all my voltage come directly from the batteries (while they are simultaneously being recharged)?
I've never heard of anyone doing this, although I realize that most everyone else here is using an inverter.
Please give me some more details!!
Thanks alot!!
Mark |
Pete RTS/Daytona (209.165.4.42)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 7:36 pm: | |
Most "smart converters" "smart chargers" or "Inverters with smart chargers features" look at (voltage - voltage change over time and time) and even while the batteries are suppling the electrical demands of the coach they function thru there charing program) via
Bulk Charge - maintanence charge - float charge
By doing this they minimize over charging / plate sulfation(sp?) / boil-off /etc thus extending the life & performance of the batteries |
Gary Carter (68.24.198.55)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2003 - 11:37 pm: | |
I ran only a charger on our 4106 for 12 years and the current owner is still doing the same.
Walmart is now selling a nice 3 stage charger for a really good price. |
mark (65.40.225.193)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 12:03 am: | |
Gary-
What did you use as a 'load center' or some way of having several fused circuits?
Admittedly, I'm a little confused!
Of what benefit is a 'converter'? Basically, isn't a battery charger a converter too? (turning 120 volts into 12 volts?)
Thanks for your thoughts
mark |
mark (65.40.225.193)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 20, 2003 - 11:10 pm: | |
Well, I haven't found one of those converters with a 'smart' charger yet! But this thread has been entertaining!
Don, Pete, Geoff, & Richard - Thanks for the input on power converters!
Don, your post was helpful, and I appreciated your reply!
mark
75 gillig 636D |
Scott Whitney (66.82.9.31)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 12:24 am: | |
Mark, I think what was suggested above was to toss the concept of using a converter and instead get a good three-stage charger. You power your loads directly from the battery (bank) and let the charger keep the battery charged simultaneously.
Basically gives the same end result as having a converter, but you get a better charger and you use the battery as a buffer. Cleaner DC output for sensitive electronics too. What you don't get by going this route, is a built-in load center. But you can buy DC load centers (I won't mention where to buy them or the specific product details) that, when combined with a good charger, provide all the features of a converter, i.e. a row of fuse holders and a terminal block . . . Or go one better and get a DC load center with resettable breakers.
The other nice thing is you are not limited to the number of circuits that the converter manufacturer had in mind for an average stick and staple jobbie. By installing your own DC load center(s) You can add as many circuits as you wish and add more later with ease.
You can run one heavy, hi-amp fused, cable from the battery to the load center and then put in standard autmotive ATC fuses of your choice for all the individual circuits.
E-mail my privately if you want my recommendation on where to get a good deal, and heaps of detailed on-line parts descriptions, on DC load centers, fuse holders, breakers, wire, cables and other DC wiring goodies.
scott at dusytfoot dot com |
Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (65.74.64.127)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 03, 2003 - 10:40 pm: | |
I realize that you said that you were going to build a DC bus, but here are a couple of items that might be food for thought.
If you use an inverter as a charger and use a Link 1000 or 2000 to control it, the system will produce the DC needed to properly charge the batteries without looking at the DC load on the system.
This means that you will get accurate control of the charge, which may not happen if you just use the inverter's charger to figure out the charge rate. The Link will be able to ignore the loads and report how much is going to the batteries or coming out of them.
If you use a Trace inverter, you can have the ability to make up for shore power shortages and not trip the breaker because the inverter can sync up with the line waveform and just take needed power from the batteries when the loads are the heaviest.
Each of the above features can add a lot of convenience if you want to be able to use much power. The funny part of it is that you will never have good control of your house batteries without a battery monitor even if you have a DC only system, so you may want to factor that into your decision.
We have found transit fluorescent lighting to be a real aid because it is tolerant and efficient.
For what it's worth.
Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576
Suncatcher |