Crazy Battery Chargers

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

Sorry folks but I have reviewed every thread and talked to all in the "know" and am still at a loss for a good solution. Shellani has a Protech 4 12 volt charger (for 3 8 d's) and a Protech 4 32v for the standard 2X32 banks. The inverter is a standalone Heart, All of these devices are quirky! The Protechs don't put out properly for absorption and the Heart is...well old. What is the best solution out there now?

Thanx
Craig

 

[fissioneng]

Sorry folks but I have reviewed every thread and talked to all in the "know" and am still at a loss for a good solution. Shellani has a Protech 4 12 volt charger (for 3 8 d's) and a Protech 4 32v for the standard 2X32 banks. The inverter is a standalone Heart, All of these devices are quirky! The Protechs don't put out properly for absorption and the Heart is...well old. What is the best solution out there now?

I can't speak as to which 32 volt charger/inverter to recommend (others will), but I need a new 12 volt charger and have narrowed it down to:

- Charles IMC (brand new)
- ProMariner ProNautic P (brand new)
- Victron Phoenix
- Mastervolt Chargemaster (Hatteras uses these now)

FWIW, I am replacing a failed Xantrex XC, one month out of warranty.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Best bet for the 32v is the Outback inverter/charger. Unfortunately, it sounds like you only need a 32v charger and not an inverter. I assume the 12v bank is the inverter bank.

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

Sounds like you're having similar frustrations. I just don't understand how they can charge such high prices for these things and they seem to only have a life expectancy of 2-3 years. Looking forwardto hearing about good product.

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

Actually the 32volt banks run the inverter as the 12 is only for electronics, 2 heads and the Hurricaine heater. I want to get rid of the whole lot and go to a newer inverter/charger for the 32 banks a new 12 volt charger.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Well, then the Outback is the way to go. I've had mine for about 4 years with no problems at all. The inverter works great as does the charger. I programmed the charger with the setpoints that Rolls Battery suggested and it charges quickly with almost no water needed in the batteries.

If you order one, get the Mate control panel. It's worth the extra couple hundred for the ability to control all of the setpoints.


I have the Outback charging the house bank and an Analytic unit on the start bank. The Analytic has been troublesome, but I see that they have made some changes by adding extra cooling fans that may help.

 

[TopHattandTails]

I know I'm in a minority here, but I love the old ferro LeMarche chargers. 32v, and rebuildable. Mine is 31 years old and still kicking strong. I still add water about twice a summer and once a winter (in storage), and have put about $300 in parts and labor into it about 3 years ago. I use the 819 batt's and flop them out on a 5 year schedule. No, not the best, but it works and its rebuildable. When the whole thing goes, I'll go to Sky's system and Rolls, but until then...

 

[GJH]

I'd add the NewMars to your 12 volt list. American made and great customer service. NewMar makes a very expensive and well made 32V inverter, I think the Outback may be a better value. Newmar shows a 32v charger in their catalog, But I think it is a made-to-order unit.

Sentry still makes 32v chargers as well. Steve Pooler (SPcoolin on here) is an expert and evangelist for those; I have had issues with mine which seem to have got better with a new control board. Nice thing about them is they are field serviceable and getting parts for my old unit was easy. Most (if not all) authorized Cruiseair techs are also trained in Sentry. I decided to go with a separate 24v bank for my inverter set up and highly recommend Magnum for 12 or 24v inverters.

 

[Canuck Dennis]

I have a Le Marche 32 V charger (1974)..excellent, a 32 V analytic charger..and a 32v dc to 240 ac analytic inverter.
Only problem was a warranty rebuild of the analytic charger,seems stable now after 9 mos.
12 V I have the pro mariner been good for 5 yrs so far...

also, a Newmar 32 v x12 v 15 amp converter

 

[fissioneng]

Sounds like you're having similar frustrations. I just don't understand how they can charge such high prices for these things and they seem to only have a life expectancy of 2-3 years. Looking forwardto hearing about good product.

I hear you, $500 poorer now.

Charles has a great reputation on the HOF. The IMC model is something new, so there is no track record, although they are known to provide excellent customer service and long warranties.

The ProMariner ProNautic P is new, I think an import from Europe. Again, no track record.

As far as Victron and Mastervolt, I have heard no pros/cons which is why I haven't bought anything yet.

 

[Angela]

I want a new charger, too. Something to replace the old LaMarche. I want something to charge 3 banks, 32v, and something that is intelligent enough to know that one bank gets used a lot (house), and the other that is seldom used by comparison (starting for starboard engine), and is smart enough not to cook my starboard bank while topping off the house. The Sentry FR3230/3X looks interesting.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

That Sentry is still a Ferro-resonant charger. The smart chargers do a much better job.

 

[Nonchalant1]

I'd definitely go for the Outback Inverter/charger for the 32V bank, which I did years ago. It's excellent and works perfectly, switching from inverting to charging and back as the power supply changes. As Sky said, get the "Mate" too so you can adjust the maximum draw when charging based on your powerr requirements and power supply. It can also run an equalizing charge seasonally to keep your batteries from getting sulphated up and losing power.

Doug

 

[Angela]

Can you hook up three banks to the Outback? Remember...elementary explanations...electricity is not my forte, especially DC stuff. And no, I will not attempt to install this. I do know my limitations most of the time, and I am certain that I will not even think about installing this myself.

This is why I've not yet done anything about this...my eyes just glaze over with all the choices and options. I've asked Ed to "pick something!"

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

I'm getting real interested in the Outback solution, but like Angela, I'll need to find an installer. I know just enough to mess this up real bad. problem though, where do I get this product on Vancouver Island?

 

[GJH]

Outback is based in Washington State right across the water from you. Give 'em a call.

http://www.outbackpower.com/contact/

I believe their biggest market is solar and wind power off grid and back up applications. They should have distribution where you are. Any good marine electrician can do the install. For me the biggest hassle was breaking out the circuits and creating a new breaker panel for the inverter-serviced circuits.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Can you hook up three banks to the Outback? Remember...elementary explanations...electricity is not my forte, especially DC stuff. And no, I will not attempt to install this. I do know my limitations most of the time, and I am certain that I will not even think about installing this myself.

This is why I've not yet done anything about this...my eyes just glaze over with all the choices and options. I've asked Ed to "pick something!"

Not the one I have. It only charges one bank. You might call Outback and ask if they have a solution to fit your needs.

I bought mine online from wmj marine.

 

[Angela]

Then what do you use to charge your starboard/starting bank of batteries? A separate charger?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Then what do you use to charge your starboard/starting bank of batteries? A separate charger?

Yes, I have an Analytic charger on the start bank.

 

[aquacraig@shaw.ca]

Is it possible to charge two banks with the Outback system? My Protech is "supposed" to handle both.