[C320-list] Battery charger selection

[Ronniew326 at aol.com]

Thanks Warren.
 
 
In a message dated 11/29/2010 4:57:35 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
wupdike at hotmail.com writes:

1)  Hodges: I don't know much about them other that I've seen their web site
on  several occasions over the past few years.  I just bought my Xantrex  
40A
charger from them and I can tell you that the process was clean, easy,  and
fast.  It shipped in a day and was here about 4 days later,  standard
shipping.  (I designated one of my credit cards for internet  use. I set the
credit limit at the lowest level the issuer allows. Some  cards will send 
you
an e-mail notice if a transaction is over a pre-set  amount that you
determine. This minimizes the risks associated with on-line  purchasing.)

2) Size: Depends on your needs. For our boats with 2-4D  batteries, and the
refer being the largest continuous load, a 20A is  probably minimum.  If 
find
yourself in situation where you need a fast  charge, then a larger output is
needed.  Nigel Calder has a side-bar  in his book on sizing a charger.  If
you're interested, send me an  e-mail off-list and I'll scan it and send it
to you.  This goes for  anyone else interested.

3) Installation: Basically, it's easy. If you  are replacing an existing
charger it's mostly a plug-and-play situation.  Both the remote display and
the temp probe cables are like cat-5 cable with  modular plugs on each end.
They just plug into the unit.  The included  cables are 25'; but, the max.
length cable of 50' can be purchased from an  Xantrex dealer (or made
yourself.) The temp probe merely connects to a  battery post like any of the
other cables.  There are some other  considerations such as ventilation; 
but,
the included instructions are very  clear and complete.  

Hope this helps,
Warren & Pattie  Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr de Mar"



-----Original  Message-----
From: Ronniew326 at aol.com [mailto:Ronniew326 at aol.com] 
Sent:  Monday, November 29, 2010 7:52 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject:  Re: [C320-list] Battery charger selection

This thread on battery  chargers is timely for me in as much as my original 
 
Pro Mariner (14  years old now) is starting to make odd noises and is 
likely 
on it's last  legs.  I researched the 40 amp Xantrex on line at several   
vendors last week and the Hodgesmarine price, especially with the remote  
and

battery temp device that comes with it, is a very good deal.
A  few questions however:  (1) Is Hodges a reputable dealer as far  as  we 
know (I hate putting my credit card info out on a site I'm not  familiar  
with)?  (2) Is it better to go with the 40 amp than  the 20? (I'm plugged
into 
shore power all the time except when out  sailing). and (3), how difficult  
should I expect it to be to install  the unit, the remote and the battery
temp.  
sensor?  Any  feedback on this subject will be greatly  appreciated.

Ronnie  Williams
C-320 # 326  


In a message dated 11/23/2010  1:12:55 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
kirk.mccullough at telus.net  writes:

Hey  Warren, you are going to love the Xantrex. I  installed the 20 Amp  
model
about 3 years ago and it's so much  better than the Newmar HDM 50. I  don't
think you'll get much for  yours, mine is sitting in my garage, I'll  
probably
recycle it  soon. 

You got a great price on that 40 Amp  Xantrex too, as I  recall I paid that
much for the 20  amp.

Kirk
Boomerang #124  Perkins

-----Original  Message-----
From:   c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com]   On Behalf Of Warren 
Updike
Sent: 21 November 2010 05:01
To:   C320-List at Catalina320.com
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"