| Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #169836] |
Wed, 16 May 2012 06:47  |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Same scenario, but combining rear genset starting battery which is a deep cycle. I chose a deep cycle because the genset is a Kohler without an associated battery charger, meaning I have to periodically recharge the genset battery which is used for both starting and powering the ignition.
Because it's a deep cycle, I don't want a continuous charging feed off the alternator. Ideally I would like something that allowed the voltage to go down to 11.5 or so then kick on and recharge, but I don't know of any such device nor do I want to have to remember to periodically switch on the genset charger.
So if I connect a combiner off the Power Converter can I allow it to recharge itself and then cut off the charge when it's fully charged? Or does it have such a high cut-in voltage that in essence it's being charged just like an alternator would?
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #169837 is a reply to message #169836] |
Wed, 16 May 2012 07:03  |
PettyVTX
Messages: 363
Registered: April 2011
Location: Winder Ga.
Karma: 1
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Randy
I have a float charger on mine (marine Battery)and it seems to work pretty good but i would like to do what you are planning to do also. The battery drains during cranking but trickle charges untill full charge then on and off as it drains.Only downside is when drycamping. Maybe someone else can chime in on a way to do it.
Ted
Ex Avion now looking for a 23'
Jeep Wrangler Towd
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| Re: Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #169845 is a reply to message #169836] |
Wed, 16 May 2012 08:05 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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| Luvn737s wrote on Wed, 16 May 2012 05:47 |
Same scenario, but combining rear genset starting battery which is a deep cycle. I chose a deep cycle because the genset is a Kohler without an associated battery charger, meaning I have to periodically recharge the genset battery which is used for both starting and powering the ignition.
Because it's a deep cycle, I don't want a continuous charging feed off the alternator. Ideally I would like something that allowed the voltage to go down to 11.5 or so then kick on and recharge, but I don't know of any such device nor do I want to have to remember to periodically switch on the genset charger.
So if I connect a combiner off the Power Converter can I allow it to recharge itself and then cut off the charge when it's fully charged? Or does it have such a high cut-in voltage that in essence it's being charged just like an alternator would?
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Randy--you don't want that battery to go below 12.2 V on a regular basis or it's life will be seriously reduced.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #169854 is a reply to message #169845] |
Wed, 16 May 2012 09:00 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Trickle charger is cheapest way to accomplish this mission. Harbor Freight for less than $10, most of the time. Otherwise, by a small motorcycle battery charger (Wal-Mart, and others) and wire it in. You could pick up the 110 from the running generator, or when plugging the GMC. The small motorcycle type might be better, because you could get one that steps down, as the battery is charged. A Trickle charger will only maintain the charge, and will not be very capable of re-charging the battery pack.
I have no opinion on using a combiner to charge the battery pack in back with the engine running, but this should work. My Avion has a battery in the butt, with a large gauge cable running to the back to keep it fully charged. Charge current is coming off the isolater. On my other late lamented Avion, I used the same system, with a combiner across the isolater (Thanks, Gene) to accomplish the same goal.
Tom Phipps,
three batteries, 2 in front (engine and isolated accessory battery) and 1 in the rear (house battery).
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #169877 is a reply to message #169836] |
Wed, 16 May 2012 14:46 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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I always understood the deep cycle batteries prefer to be discharged and recharged (as in sailboat operations) rather than continuously recharged. I've used a deep cycle before and they died pretty quickly. I tried the garden tractor battery, but without a recharge capability it died pretty quickly too ( died as in non-rechargeable)
I was hoping that the PD unit would accomplish the same thing as the trickle charger and the combiner would allow each battery to be charged independently off the PD unit.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #169897 is a reply to message #169836] |
Wed, 16 May 2012 18:16 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Yes.... still lead acid. Like to be slowly charged to full and not discharged deeply. Not sure on the TENDER, but on the MINDER which is the wallwart type with green and red LEDs and desufonating feature which has allowed me to keep a 1996 Delco with the eye still happy, you can't leave it across the battery and NOT plugged in to AC, as it will DRAIN the battery. It will charge a flat battery, but it takes up to a few days to do so and enter desulfonate float mode. Then again if a battery has been deeply and slowly discharged, that's the way you want to bring it back is slowly, if you can wait.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Converter to Combiner Part 2 [message #170126 is a reply to message #170108] |
Fri, 18 May 2012 17:34 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Randy, I am doing this exact same thing. Had the combiner on it for a couple of years now. Got the idea from Gene Fisher. Also using a garden tractor battery like Rick mentions. I was using a small motorcycle battery but it did not last long, for some reason. This is the second summer on my old garden tactor battery. Stick one on and forget it.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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