[C320-list] FW: Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?

Mon Jan 19 15:36:41 PST 2009

You are so right about that, Chris.  Thanks for picking up on that.  As part
of my project I also installed a high-output alternator and external
regulator.  With that, I ran a new cable from the alt. output to (in my case
I took the easy route too,) to the batt. Switch.  That was put on the switch
post with the house bank (red) cable.  By doing that, the alt. charging
current bypasses the switch insuring no possibility of an open circuit when
running.  What I can't seem to remember is what I did with the pos. cable
that went from the old alt. to the starter.  I don't remember removing it
(???)  That's what happens when you are over 60: CRS (Can't remember sh&*.)

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: crashley at gte.net [mailto:crashley at gte.net] 
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 1:22 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] FW: Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?

Warren,

I guess I understand, but it depends on which e-series switch you get. Some
of them operate just like the Perko one I decribed. Also, in order to have
the starter battery connect only to the starter and the alternator connect
only to the house battery, additional wiring is required as the standard
configuration for the C320 has a single 0-gauge wire from the battery
selector switch to the starter and alternator, which are connected together.
If you have a high output alternator you would need to run a fairly large
gauge wire back to the house battery. I went the easy route and my "starter"
battery is bascally just a spare battery in case the house gets discharged
to far.

Chris Ashley
Rosebud #882     

  _____  

From: "warren updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
Date: January 17, 2009 1:57:29 PM PST
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?
Reply-To:  <mailto:C320-List at Catalina320.com> C320-List at Catalina320.com

All depends on how the switch is wired and how your banks are connected.
With the stock setup, either #1 is the power source or #2 is. There is no
way to have both on without interconnecting them.

Assume the situation with a single house bank (2-4Ds in parallel, and
separate starting bank.) If 1 is house and 2 is starting, and without a
charging relay between them you would have to select 2 for starting, then 1
for running. Both is not a good idea as that would equalize the charge in
both banks - not a good idea as the starting bank is usually well charged
while the house bank might be relatively depleted at any point. That would
drain the charge from the starting bank into the house bank. Starting
batteries are not designed for deep discharge.  Also, when set at 1, no
charge is going to the starting bank.  

The difference is that with a dual switch like the e-series, the house and
bank are switched on or off together yet they are never interconnected. The
key is that the starting bank is connected only to the engine starter and
the house bank only to the 12V distribution.  Nothing to think about - just
on when you are there, and off when not.  In this setup the charging current
(alternator or shore charger,) is usually routed to the house bank and a
charging relay keeps the starting bank charged. The "Both" position is
really just for emergencies.

I hope that makes some sense. There is a difference

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: crashley at gte.net [mailto:crashley at gte.net] 
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 12:13 PM
To:  <mailto:C320-List at Catalina320.com> C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?

Warren,

The original Perko battery switch on my C320 does just what you said the
Blue Sea E series does. That is, 1 connected, both connected, 2 connected,
or off. Why would Brian want to change the battery switch? Am I missing
something?

CRA
Rosebub #882

-----Original Message-----
From:  <mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com>
c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
Orlando.Duran at AveryDennison.com
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 5:38 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?

Warren,

Nice write up in practical sailor this month...
----------------------------------
Regards,
OD

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message -----
From: "warren updike" [wupdike at hotmail.com]
Sent: 01/16/2009 08:03 PM EST
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?

Brian, since you are planning all this work, consider changing the main
switch to a Blue Sea "e" series switch. It is a dual switch in that it
switches two banks at the same time. It has On/Off/Combine positions. This
works very well when paralleling the 2-4D batteries and adding a starting
bank. In this way, your two banks will either be on or off with the option
of combining them if needed. I'm very happy with this arrangement. Oh yes, I
do use the BSS ACR combiner to keep the starting bank charged.  No problems,
no worries, no hassle: On or Off.  I can manage that.

Also, if you want some pictures of my installation including the mounting
board, alternator, and regulator, send me a note off-list with your mailing
address.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Amirault Family - S&B [mailto:amiraults at sympatico.ca]
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 4:50 PM
To:  <mailto:c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Magnum Charger/Inverters..any comments?

CR Ashley:

Thank you for the response. The current plan is to order the MS2012, the
controller, and the battery monitor module which connects to the controller
to yield monitor functions from the controller's readout. This upgrade will
be done in conjunction with a new Balmar 100A alternator and external
voltage regulator.

I do have a question. The MS2012 will only has a single battery output and
as a result I can directly connect it to a single battery bank. Your project
shows the installation of an additional starting battery under the port
settee which was already installed when I got Bear in 2007. How do you
control/monitor the charging of the start battery using your new charger?
Does your charger charge the start battery?

I am currently looking at some form of echo charger to tap power from the
charging of the hose bank to charge the start battery. I did contact Magnum
and they replied that by May they will have available a "Smart Battery
Combiner" that will perform this function but that if in a hurry the Xantrex
echo charger would work fine.

Brian Amirault

797 Waltzing Bear, too  

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