Batteries...where to start?

Stu Jackson · Sep 13, 2011

SC, while you're waiting for your books, try wading through the Electrical 101 topic, 'cuz reply #1 says what Brian just did.

The "incorrectly" wired alternator outputs to the C post of the 1-2-B switch is discussed in great detail in the alternator wiring link in the first post in that topic. Why? It was cheaper for builders to use one wire than two since the alternator and the starter were in the same place at most engines! The wire worked with current flowing two ways: first, one to start and then the other way to run the AO back through the switch to the batteries.

Take the AO off the switch to the house bank, add the relay to automatically charge your reserve bank, and you're done. Simple. There are also lots of wiring diagrams in that 101 topic.

Happy reading, and welcome again to our merry little world here.

Read the AGM story currently running in parallel with this one, too. You'll enjoy it.

Stu

Stu Jackson · Sep 13, 2011

Just to add: your charger doesn't sound like it's an inverter, too. Unless you have some really heavy duty wiring coming out of it for the DC to AC transformation, it's 99% just an old ferroresonant charger (from its age and your description) which is killing your batteries. I recommend you look into the recommended new replacements, and soon. Like before you buy new batteries. Don't hook your new batteries into that charger, or you'll shorten the life of them and lose a lot of your investment in lead.

wgkenney · Sep 13, 2011

I did a quick check online at sams and costco and did not see east penn batteries. Are they just carried locally in some stores?

galynd · Sep 13, 2011

ditto,
sam's 6 volt batt's and victron monitor. can't go wrong, can't beat prices.

Maine Sail · Sep 13, 2011

wgkenney said:
I did a quick check online at sams and costco and did not see east penn batteries. Are they just carried locally in some stores?

They are being sold under the Duracell brand name. For example the Duracell Deep Cycle Marine/RV model # 29-HM is the same as the Deka Marine Master DC-31 or also the West Marine Deep Cycle 105 group 31 battery.

flynfol · Sep 13, 2011

You can take this with a grain of salt.......my off grid cabin has been running on sam's club 6 volt batteries in series/ parallel (12 volt/660 a/h) for almost 10 years. They are kept charged with solar and are not cycled deeply very often. The xantrex inverter/ charger can charge at 120 amps when powered by a generator....read cloudy days. The real secret is keep them charged to prevent sulfation. I also made a desulfator pulser that has been on since the batteries were new.......seems to help.

Here is a good site for reading:

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/battery_comparison.htm

or this:

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm

Benny17441 · Sep 13, 2011

I would suggest you conduct a power survey as the current bank may have been tailored for the PO but not necessarily means it will be adequate for you. Once you size the bank according to your needs and type of sailing then you can start looking at the options available. No need for a daysaler to carry the type of bank a passage maker would. Batteries cost money, they take up space and they weigh so I would look for the smallest setup that would fulfill my needs for 90% of the time. For those extra long trips once or twice a year I would make other arrangements. Wether you end up buying group 27s or group 29s or 6V make sure you get batteries that have not been sitting on the shelf too long. A high volume retailer usually provides the best chance of getting fresh batteries.

rardiH36 · Sep 13, 2011

Not sure where/how I got this, but the following is a description and troubleshooting guide that I believe pertains to the Newpro 20 charger. My boat was manufactured in 1980 -- still on the boat. I've turned it on only once or twice. It makes a mind-numbing 60hz hum that resonates through the whole boat.

http://www.pmariner.com/troubleshooting_chargers.php

And from the site's QandA section:

What is the difference between the older Ferro-Resonant chargers and the newer 3-step chargers?
A. The older Ferro-resonant chargers were constant volt chargers that put out 13.8 volts. They did not charge at a high voltage and then step down the voltage for a maintenance mode. They are much bigger and heavier and most often louder.

mitiempo · Sep 13, 2011

And if left on for long periods of time they boiled batteries. Ok if used for a charge and then turned off but an expensive mistake if left on.

Stu Jackson · Sep 14, 2011

Brian's right. And a constant 13.8V will not properly charge your batteries. If you don't know already, the three stage charging regimens are well written out in almost all new charger or regulator installation manuals. Try reading one at, say, www.Balmar.net or the Xantrex website - just download a manual.