GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.
Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Any experience with WFCO Power Center
Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:13 Go to next message
Loffen is currently offline  Loffen   Norway
Messages: 1087
Registered: August 2013
Location: Norway
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I am thinking of replacong the hum box with a WFCO 8900 series 65 Amp RV Trailer Power Center Converter Charger.

Do anyone have any experience with it or any other recommandations ?

http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/UI/Power-Centers-WF-8965AN.aspx?ptype=3&pid=8

1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green, And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel in Norway

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228664 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve is currently offline  Steve   United States
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
Senior Member
No experience with this particular one. My observation is that this one is well beyond a converter in that it also provides power distribution, AC circuit breakers and DC fuses. Likely a more involved than the Power Dynamics units that seem popular with the GMC's on this site.

1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228665 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve is currently offline  Steve   United States
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Meant to say a more involved install than just a converter/charger

1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228666 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
RF_Burns is currently offline  RF_Burns   Canada
Messages: 2277
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
Karma: 3
Senior Member
I have no experience with that model.. however since you are in Europe you may want to find a unit that accepts both 50 & 60hz and has a wide input voltage range (100 to 260V or so)

Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228669 is a reply to message #228664] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Loffen is currently offline  Loffen   Norway
Messages: 1087
Registered: August 2013
Location: Norway
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Yes Steve, that was what I was thinking to, would be a nice way to clean up the electrics, I have the cabinet out and will make a new rear wall for it, would anyways be nice to have everyting in one unit.

And 65 amps at the 12 volt should be enough I think, I will only add a 3 way fridge and a TV to the original 12v setup

1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green, And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel in Norway

[Updated on: Wed, 06 November 2013 14:53]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228670 is a reply to message #228666] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Loffen is currently offline  Loffen   Norway
Messages: 1087
Registered: August 2013
Location: Norway
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I have a step down transformer that I will use, it will not do anything to the Hz but it should not matter much.

And everything inside the GMC is still 110 volt/12 volt

rf_burns wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 21:45

I have no experience with that model.. however since you are in Europe you may want to find a unit that accepts both 50 & 60hz and has a wide input voltage range (100 to 260V or so)

1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green, And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel in Norway

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228671 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 14:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
Those seem like what is common in a lot of campers around here.

One thing I just do not like, is it is so "all in one" I would think it much better to keep 12 volt, and AC items separate, so when or if the converter goes bad, or other item give you trouble, you do not have to tear apart so many wires.

I know I had to work on a similar unit trying to find a issue with the camper popping GFI circuit. and it was tough to isolate things without really ripping that "all in one" unit apart.

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228673 is a reply to message #228671] Wed, 06 November 2013 15:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Loffen is currently offline  Loffen   Norway
Messages: 1087
Registered: August 2013
Location: Norway
Karma: 1
Senior Member
This one is not so bad, you have the 110 volt section on the left side and the 12 volts on the right and at the bottom you have the converter as a stand alone unit.

Pretty basic setup in a combined housing.

http://americanrvcompany.com/assets/images/wf8900.pdf


lqqkatjon wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 21:53

Those seem like what is common in a lot of campers around here.

One thing I just do not like, is it is so "all in one" I would think it much better to keep 12 volt, and AC items separate, so when or if the converter goes bad, or other item give you trouble, you do not have to tear apart so many wires.

I know I had to work on a similar unit trying to find a issue with the camper popping GFI circuit. and it was tough to isolate things without really ripping that "all in one" unit apart.

1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green, And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel in Norway

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228676 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 15:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
Senior Member
are you doing a complete rebuild of everything in your coach?

I guess I do not understand why you would need this?

I would just install a progressive dynamics converter/charger for 12 volt systems:

http://www.progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9200.html

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Dynamics-PD9245CV-Inteli-Power-Converter/dp/B000GANZZ6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383773097&sr=8-3&keywords =progressive+dynamics+power+converter

and install a normal house panel for your A/C side. or keep what was in the coach. Mine is a 1975 original, and I have no problem with what is there.

I have no idea about how the A/C systems are there across the pond, but that wf8900, seems not to be any more compatible with European voltage supplies, then the progressive dynamics.

I just know the combo unit, I think could of been that model, has a nice outside look to it, but takes a bit to get inside. I had to deal with one that had an issue with the GFI popping. never did fix that. and the other one this summer, we used a 110v 14-2 wire that was run for an A/C unit, and moved it to the 12volt side to run a fantastic fan.

I just did not like the serviceability of that.

Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228679 is a reply to message #228676] Wed, 06 November 2013 16:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Loffen is currently offline  Loffen   Norway
Messages: 1087
Registered: August 2013
Location: Norway
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Yes I am doing a complete restauration.

Need.., well I guess I for sure could use some of the old compoments, but they are 40 years old and it would be nice to clean up a little.

I will have to change my 12 volt fuse panel due to bad connections and some of the electrical wires are really bad and beond safe.

And the WFCO unit would fit great in front of the "land line" plastic box.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l610/Espen_Heitmann/1973%20Sequoia/IMG_0776_1_zps469750ed.jpg

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l610/Espen_Heitmann/1973%20Sequoia/IMG_0778_zpse4655e70.jpg



lqqkatjon wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 22:36

are you doing a complete rebuild of everything in your coach?

I guess I do not understand why you would need this?

I would just install a progressive dynamics converter/charger for 12 volt systems:

http://www.progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9200.html

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Dynamics-PD9245CV-Inteli-Power-Converter/dp/B000GANZZ6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1383773097&sr=8-3&keywords =progressive+dynamics+power+converter

and install a normal house panel for your A/C side. or keep what was in the coach. Mine is a 1975 original, and I have no problem with what is there.

I have no idea about how the A/C systems are there across the pond, but that wf8900, seems not to be any more compatible with European voltage supplies, then the progressive dynamics.

I just know the combo unit, I think could of been that model, has a nice outside look to it, but takes a bit to get inside. I had to deal with one that had an issue with the GFI popping. never did fix that. and the other one this summer, we used a 110v 14-2 wire that was run for an A/C unit, and moved it to the 12volt side to run a fantastic fan.

I just did not like the serviceability of that.

1973 23' # 1848 Sky Blue Glacier called Baby Blue and a 1973 26'-3 # 1460 Parrot green Seqouia Known as the Big Green, And sold my 1973 26'-2 # 581 White Canyon lands under the name Dobbelt trøbbel in Norway

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228680 is a reply to message #228679] Wed, 06 November 2013 17:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
Yes, I would call that a "complete" restoration.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228691 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 18:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
noi is currently offline  noi   United States
Messages: 293
Registered: October 2010
Location: South of Fremont
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Greetings:

To paraphrase "Crocodile" Dundee"....


That's not a "complete" restoration.... Very Happy

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showfull.php?photo=51459

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/stuff/p51459-restoration.html

THAT'S a "complete" restoration.... Shocked

Laughing

Carl P.
76 Birchaven
South of Fremont

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228695 is a reply to message #228691] Wed, 06 November 2013 18:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
Senior Member
noi wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 18:48

Greetings:

To paraphrase "Crocodile" Dundee"....


That's not a "complete" restoration.... Very Happy

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showfull.php?photo=51459

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/stuff/p51459-restoration.html

THAT'S a "complete" restoration.... Shocked

Laughing

Carl P.
76 Birchaven
South of Fremont
If you are going to use the IMG tags, you need to use a link to a picture. That means it has to end in .jpg, .gif, .tif, etc. .html doesn't cut it.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/5988/medium/Restoration.JPG

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228697 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 18:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
noi is currently offline  noi   United States
Messages: 293
Registered: October 2010
Location: South of Fremont
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Thanks - I just used "insert image" and thought that was it!

Carl P.

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228700 is a reply to message #228691] Wed, 06 November 2013 19:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Carl,

Wow, that is impressive, you're in the same league as this guy:

http://www.cathy-ron.com/GMC%20MAIN.html

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of noi
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 6:49 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Any experience with WFCO Power Center



Greetings:

To paraphrase "Crocodile" Dundee"....


That's not a "complete" restoration.... :d



http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/stuff/p51459-restoration.html

THAT'S a "complete" restoration.... 8o

:lol:

Carl P.
76 Birchaven
South of Fremont


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228701 is a reply to message #228697] Wed, 06 November 2013 19:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
Senior Member
noi wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 18:59

Thanks - I just used "insert image" and thought that was it!

Carl P.
When you just link to a page on the photo site the link will be .html. To use a picture from the photo site, you can click on the photo and highlight and copy the url from the window that opens.

Then you have the link to the photo itself in the clipboard and can use the "insert image" key as you have been.

Folks normally practice in the sandbox until they work out a process that works for them.

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228702 is a reply to message #228695] Wed, 06 November 2013 19:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
A,

I'm confused! When I clicked on Carl's link it took me to a picture of Carl's coach on the Photosite.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of A.
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 6:57 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Any experience with WFCO Power Center
f you are going to use the IMG tags, you need to use a link to a picture. That means it has to end in .jpg, .gif, .tif, etc. .html
doesn't cut it.



_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

Report message to a moderator

Re: Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228707 is a reply to message #228662] Wed, 06 November 2013 19:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
noi is currently offline  noi   United States
Messages: 293
Registered: October 2010
Location: South of Fremont
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Rob,

Yes, the "link" works, but....

When I created my posting, I thought just "linking" a picture with the "insert image" was enough to get that picture to show up on the forum (like Loffen)- As I see now, and verified in the "sandbox", it was not.

Just an attempt at some "humor" Wink

Lesson on how to post "pictures" duly noted and understood!

Carl P.

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228709 is a reply to message #228700] Wed, 06 November 2013 19:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
noi is currently offline  noi   United States
Messages: 293
Registered: October 2010
Location: South of Fremont
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 17:11


Wow, that is impressive, you're in the same league as this guy:

http://www.cathy-ron.com/GMC%20MAIN.html


Rob,

I have looked over/seen his web site before - Some VERY impressive work - Especially those "wet hubs"!

Same league... Nope

Bush League... Yup

Very Happy

Carl P.

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Any experience with WFCO Power Center [message #228710 is a reply to message #228702] Wed, 06 November 2013 20:01 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 06 November 2013 19:15

A,

I'm confused! When I clicked on Carl's link it took me to a picture of Carl's coach on the Photosite.

Regards,
Rob M.
Carl placed two links in his forum post. The first was intended to be an image and the second was supposed to be a url of a photo. They both ended in .html.

You are a mail list subscriber. You see the url that was not bracketed by the IMG tags.

The mail list server strips off the IMG link so you never see the broken link.

Forum users see a broken link in the block that should be the picture because the url ends in .html instead of an image extension.

Clear as mud?

Report message to a moderator

Previous Topic: [GMCnet] Posting Photos (Was: Any experience with WFCO Power Center)
Next Topic: Chasing a transmission leak
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Fri Oct 04 09:27:09 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.05983 seconds
.:: Contact :: Home ::.

Powered by: FUDforum 3.1.1.
Copyright ©2001-2021 FUDforum Bulletin Board Software