[C320-list] Battery charger selection

[Robert E. Sloat]

Warren-I have a Xantrex TrueCharge 20A a few years older than the recent 
model and am so much happier with its performance that the OEM ProMariner 
which failed after 3 years and a ProMariner replacement at a discounted 
price from ProMariner which also failed after 2 years.

My Xantrex required a little creativity and a lot of perseverance to get the 
OEM battery leads necked down to fit in the Xantrex output posts which have 
fairly small openings.  A previous poster this year who purchased the latest 
Xantrex TrueCharge model said that there was no problem inserting the OEM 
battery leads into the newer TrueCharge so it looks like a much easier job 
now.

I have a remote panel that gives battery condition and amperages. For the 
newer model Xantrex TruCharge units they also have a remote control panel 
which allows you to do a number of things from the remote panel rather than 
having to put down a drink, crawl into the port locker and push the 
equalizer button for instance.  The remote control panel was not available 
for my older model.  You may want to consider it if you have not already 
done so.

Bob Sloat
Savannah #894
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2010 7:01 AM
Subject: [C320-list] Battery charger selection


> I've finally done it.  I chose a new charger.  My choice was for the 
> Xantrex
> TrueCharge 2 40A which I bought from Hodgesmarine.com for $285, delivered.
> This is a promotion package running through Dec 10, that includes a remote
> panel and temp probe.  Such a deal.
>
>
>
> My first choice would have been the Newmar PT charger that was highly 
> rated
> by PS.  At more than twice the price of the Xantrex, it is out of my range
> especially since I have to get also two new batteries.
>
>
>
> The other charger I considered is the IOTA Engineering DLS series.  At 
> $161
> (ebay) it is a serious contender.  Specs are strong when compared with the
> TrueCharge 2.  Drawbacks are: not UL Marine Rated (but is sealed and
> protected from moisture;) doesn't offer an external temp probe (my 
> batteries
> are in a compartment separate from the batteries;) and, it doesn't offer
> separate settings for wet/get/agm batteries (I hope my next set will be
> AGM.)  IOTA was quick to respond to my inquiry and impressed me as a 
> company
> with good engineering and support.
>
>
>
> So, now I have a Newmar HDM-50 for sale.  This is a ferro-resonant, 50A
> charger (see manual (www.newmarpower.com/pdf/Manual-HDM.pdf)  It is not a
> three-stage "Smart" charger; but provides bulk and absorption stages. 
> There
> is nothing wrong with it.  It works well.  Probably not the best unit for 
> a
> live-aboard or if you leave a refer on all the time.  However, for a fast
> recharge at the dock, it is a great unit.  I'd like to get $100 for it; 
> but,
> for this list a best offer will do it.
>
>
>
> Warren & Pattie Updike
>
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"
>
>
>
>