[C320-list] Chargers...still!

[Chris Burti]

Just an added note on the transition. I did not need to add a board on # 687
as I was able to mount it on the existing board. To make the transition, I
crimped a large lug connector on the end of the cables and then crimped the
ends of the connector together fit the smaller Xantrex 20. This eliminated
the need for a buss and for protecting the buss and eliminated the
resistance created y smaller wire. Happy with the 20 as well.

On Wed, Apr 23, 2008 at 6:35 AM, Jon Vez <jonvez at comcast.net> wrote:

> Yes, the connections I'm referring to is for the charger only. Also, I
> understand Xantrex is coming out with a new model in May and that may be
> worth looking into--or the existing model may come down in price :)
>
> Regards,
>
> Jon Vez
> Solstice
> #582
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
>  crashley at gte.net
> Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:52 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Chargers...still!
>
> Brian,
>
> I'm confused by the talk about small battery connections on the Xantrex
> battery chargers. I have a Xantrex Freedom 20 inverter/charger and is has
> large 3/8 inch studs for the battery connections.Maybe the charger-only
> version has the smaller battery connections?
>
> CRA
> Rosebud #882
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Monte B." <mjbc60 at sbcglobal.net>
> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 6:55 PM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Chargers...still!
>
>
> > Brian,
> >
> > It's hard to knock free, but I have had and heard of too many Promariner
> > chargers failing to the full bore charge mode and frying the batteries.
> I
> > also went with the Xantrex 20+ charger and agree with Jon in that it is
> > not
> > a drop in but with a little planning can be accomplished in an alcohol
> > free
> > afternoon. Splicing the smaller wires for the Xantrex connections is a
> > matter of the proper butt connectors and waterproofing and the mount
> thing
> > is fairly straightforward. I got mine on E-bay at about 2/3 the list.
> Also
> > live in a slip with shore power and would thoroughly recommend this set
> up
> > unless you intend to add another battery bank of considerable capacity
> in
> > which case you might do the 40 amp.
> >
> > Monte
> > Laima #620
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> > [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
> > Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 7:00 PM
> > To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] Chargers...still!
> >
> > Brian,
> >
> > I have the 20 amp Xantrex. Many on the list have gone with the 40. I
> find
> > the 20 to be just fine as I am in a slip with shore power. The
> > installation
> > is not quite a drop in replacement. The footprint is different and you
> > will
> > have to install a board to accommodate it. The connecters are also
> > different
> > and you will have to either put a bus bar in to go from the bigger wire
> > coming from the boat to the smaller (I believe 8 gauge but could be 6)
> > needed to go into the charger.
> >
> > If you're interested, I would be happy to send you my Promariner for the
> > cost of shipping. Mine was working fine when I took it out of the boat,
> > but
> > when I went with the new AGM's I did not want to chance it going bad so
> I
> > swapped out the charger at that time. This may be an inexpensive short
> > term
> > option--if interested you're welcome to it...
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Jon Vez
> > Solstice #582
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> > [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Amirault
> > Family - S&B
> > Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 5:54 PM
> > To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> > Subject: [C320-list] Chargers...still!
> >
> > An administrative matter out of the way first. Bruce, thank you for the
> > details of the "Allan Treatment". I am not leaking at the moment, but
> this
> > appears to be a sound preventative procedure and I have always preferred
> > prevention to cure. It will be done this spring and going forward. You
> too
> > can come looking for libation when in town without fear of rejection.
> >
> >
> >
> > Bear came with the original charger and with modified wiring as the PO
> had
> > installed a separate starting battery under the port settee. On delivery
> > the
> > batteries were not completely connected and I did this function as
> seemed
> > appropriate while on the hard pre-launch. At that time I connected the
> > shore
> > power cable and with the charger switched on, the panel meter
> immediately
> > went to hard-right full charge. This struck me as not normal so I turned
> > off
> > the charger and disconnected it from the battery terminal. I charged the
> > batteries using a smart charger connected to the boat's AC supply.
> Through
> > this process I discovered that the two house 4Ds were not holding charge
> > and
> > I replaced them with four 6V AGMs.
> >
> >
> >
> > It is now a year later and I will shortly have the local boat
> electrician
> > look at the system to determine whether I have a mere connection issue
> > with
> > the charger or if the charger is toast.  I have been charging batteries
> > from
> > the alternator the past year, and the batteries really got very little
> use
> > as we never had an opportunity at overnighting  in the way we did with
> our
> > previous boat. For the next five years I will be docked at a sail club
> > which
> > has shore power available only at the short-stay service dock.  The boat
> > will motor out and back to the races Thursday nights and spend
> one-to-two
> > night overnights every week or two in the brief Canadian summer with a
> one
> > week trip thrown in I intend to continue to use the original alternator
> > for
> > the next three years or unto death; whichever comes first.  I intend to
> > supplement the alternator with a small portable generator which will be
> > connected to the shore power plug at the boat's stern and power the
> boat's
> > internal charger through this.
> >
> >
> >
> > The question for you all is, in the event that a new charger is in
> order,
> > and as xantrex seems to get the majority of the positive responses here,
> > what size/model charger is required given the constraints above? Is
> > charger
> > replacement a straight swap, or are there other considerations or items
> to
> > be purchased. The upgrades budget this year was exhausted with a new
> head
> > sail and Kiwi prop.
> >
> >
> >
> > Regards;
> >
> >
> >
> > Brian Amirault
> >
> > 797 Waltzing Bear, too
> >
> >
>
>
>


-- 
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC