[C320-list] Battery charger selection

[Robert Seastream]

I'd go 2X the expected demand (space permitting) when selecting  
batteries and/or chargers.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906

On Nov 30, 2010, at 8:16 AM, Ronniew326 at aol.com wrote:

> 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"
>
>
>
>
>
>
>