Hi! I have the Newmar HDM-30 12v charger/converter. This unit was used by someone who used to live aboard this (new to me) sailboat and required a continuous high output 12v power. Now, I don’t need the continuous 12v draw for the appliances and I understand that this unit does not have true three stage charging capability and is not able to “float” the batteries, to prevent them from overcharging. Is there some kind of a microprocessor- controller that will monitor the battery charge and switch on and off when required, especially when hooked up to the shorepower? Any help/suggestions will be appreciated Thank you
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Timer
The only thing you could use would be a timer, but then you'd still be killing your batteries with that charger. It most likely also only puts out 13.8V constantly, which is the battery killer. I'll say it again, to repeat WMP and others: The $$ you spend on a good 3 stage charger (Statpower, Xantrex 10, 20 or 40A) or an inverter/charger (Heart, Trace) will immediately provide you with a $$ payback, because you will save that $$ in batteries. It's very simple. Keep killing batteries with an old dumb charger and continue to replace the batteries, or buy a good 3 or 4 stag charger and keep your batteries for at least twice as long. Stu
The only thing you could use would be a timer, but then you'd still be killing your batteries with that charger. It most likely also only puts out 13.8V constantly, which is the battery killer. I'll say it again, to repeat WMP and others: The $$ you spend on a good 3 stage charger (Statpower, Xantrex 10, 20 or 40A) or an inverter/charger (Heart, Trace) will immediately provide you with a $$ payback, because you will save that $$ in batteries. It's very simple. Keep killing batteries with an old dumb charger and continue to replace the batteries, or buy a good 3 or 4 stag charger and keep your batteries for at least twice as long. Stu
My Xantrex 20 specs state:
Charge 13.8 - 14.8 VDC Float 13.1 - 14.2 VDC I have a group 27 Trojan on float at the moment and the output voltage is 13.45V So is the .7V difference in voltage the killer? Just curious
Charge 13.8 - 14.8 VDC Float 13.1 - 14.2 VDC I have a group 27 Trojan on float at the moment and the output voltage is 13.45V So is the .7V difference in voltage the killer? Just curious
More Links
In addition to Ted's link, go to www.amplepower.com and download their Ample Power Primer. The difference between a full and empty battery is 1.0 volts. 0.7 does make a difference, and, as you'll read in books and references, the WAY the battery is charged and the VOLTAGE being sent to the battery in each of the charging phases, is CRITICAL to the life of the battery.
In addition to Ted's link, go to www.amplepower.com and download their Ample Power Primer. The difference between a full and empty battery is 1.0 volts. 0.7 does make a difference, and, as you'll read in books and references, the WAY the battery is charged and the VOLTAGE being sent to the battery in each of the charging phases, is CRITICAL to the life of the battery.
Float Voltage
The range of float voltages covers the different type of batteries that can be used with that charger (flooded, sealed or AGM). Each type uses a slightly different voltage to be most efficient. Gord - Jump in here if you're around. Ellis
The range of float voltages covers the different type of batteries that can be used with that charger (flooded, sealed or AGM). Each type uses a slightly different voltage to be most efficient. Gord - Jump in here if you're around. Ellis
so the answer is
buy a good 3 stage charger (Statpower, Xantrex 10, 20 or 40A) or an inverter/charger (Heart, Trace)
buy a good 3 stage charger (Statpower, Xantrex 10, 20 or 40A) or an inverter/charger (Heart, Trace)
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