[C320-list] FW: Re: ProMariner Problem

Mon Jul 10 13:10:50 PDT 2006

Jeff,

The Xantrex Truecharge 20+ has the capability to charge 3 banks (although Catalina just runs the wires for 2 legs). Total output is 20 amps. All 3 banks must be the same battery type (chemistry) because

the 3 outputs are NOT independently VOLTAGE regulated. There is diode protection on each leg however, but the rated charging current (20A) is divided among the 3 banks based upon their level of discharge (I assume meaning their voltage in the bulk stage and then based upon the amp draw when in the constant-voltage, absorption stage). Of interest, the final or float stage can be turned off in case the battery manufacturer recommends against it or you are concerned about longterm, unattended charging. In that case, the charger monitors battery voltage and kicks back on at a sustained reading under 12.5vDC or after 21 days (whichever comes first).

I once read a suggestion that any unused charger leg be wired in parallel with a used leg rather than be left open. The Xantrex manual does not seem to call for that, however.

Karl Mielenhausen

2000 C320 Hull#690 "Silver Lining"

New Bern, NC

http://members.cox.net/mielen/

From: Jeff Church [mailto: jjemail at comcast.net]

To: C320-List at catalina320.com

Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:32:11 -0500

Subject: Re: [C320-list] ProMariner Problem

I spoke to ProMariner today. They told me that the unit should be replaced. They offered a discount of 50% off retail for the same unit, which comes to $254. I'll pass on that (bad) deal and look at a Xantrex charger. Probably either the Truecharge 20+ or the newer XC3012. It appears that the XC3012 will monitor and charge 3 battery banks completely independently, so if I add a group 24 starter it won't be overcharged. While I'm at it, I'll also install a Link 20 monitor. Thanks for the info. Jeff ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles Greenwell" <CGreenwell at sparusa.com> To: <C320-List at catalina320.com> Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 8:39 AM Subject: [C320-list] ProMariner Problem I replaced the ProMariner after it went bad and fried my second set of batteries. The symptoms were similar to what you described. I installed a Freedom Marine 20. It was a little over kill but I was 
 thinking about future growth. I shopped around and found it on sale at Hamilton Marine. I took their sale ad into Boat US/West Marine and they matched the price. This saved me $50 in shipping cost. The only issue I had was that the ProMariner was a 2 bank charger and the Freedom Marine is a single bank charger. The positive wires for charging run directly to the batteries, bypassing the battery switch. While at first this seemed to be OK, what I discovered is that you could no longer isolate battery one from two since both charging lines were connected to the same terminal on the Freedom Marine. So, I had to decide if I wanted to add a starting battery and forget about the need to isolate my batteries or move the charging wires from the batteries to the battery switch. The Freedom Marine 20 has a 15A echo charger for the dedicated starting battery. I decided to move the cables to the switch since I did not 
see a need for the dedicated starting battery as others have. However, this was not a simple task since one of the wires was too short. Anyway it is done and I am happy with it. It is nice to have a little AC when out to run my PC and other small devices, like fans. Randy Le Bijou - #719 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.9/382 - Release Date: 7/4/2006

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