[C320-list] FW: Re: ProMariner Problem

[Jeff Church]

Thanks Karl,

I ordered the 40+. In addition to the 40 amp rate, the fact that it is fan 
cooled might be a plus considering how hot the cockpit locker must get.

Jeff

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karl Mielenhausen _/) " <kmielen at iwon.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 3:10 PM
Subject: [C320-list] FW: Re: ProMariner Problem


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