[C320-list] Xantrex DC Controller - functions?

[Scott Lagerquist]

David,

I have been struggling with a start battery issue for the past two seasons.  Voltage read well and all indicators pointed towards a good battery.  The start battery would not start the engine.  I checked wiring at each contact point all the way to the starter and voltage dropped dramatically when engaging the glow plugs or starter.  The house batteries had no issue starting the engine.  I replaced the start battery and it easily starts the engine.  I believe the old battery would charge up in voltage but could not handle a load.  I did do a load test and the battery was below the normal range but wasn’t completely shot.  Maybe you have a similar problem?  

Good luck.

Scott Lagerquist
1994 C-320, #39 “Sea Esta”
San Diego CA
Silver Gate Yacht Club

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 18, 2020, at 1:55 AM, David Hayes <davidhayes1 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> I have a Xantrex "C-Series Multifunction DC Controller" in the aft starboard locker.  I've recently installed a separate starter battery and had the 2 x 230 AH batteries paralleled, so we turn the battery selector to No. 1 to use the starter battery and then turn to No. 2 to run the house.  Plus we have a VSR installed to isolate the started battery to ensure we should always have power there.
> Since the addition of the extra starter battery, the Xantrex DC Controller seems to think the batteries (it is connected to the house bank) are in need of charging, despite several hours of motoring on our recent trip.  I have tested the batteries and all are currently showing about 13.1 volts so I'm not sure why the Xantrex thinks otherwise.  The Xantrex is showing 1 green blink which indicates the batteries are well below what they should be (it blinks between 1-5 times depending on charge levels and then ultimately is on full green when the batteries are fully charged.
> I understand there's a reset button on the Xantrex that is probably worth pushing so it can refresh since the house bank is now double the capacity it was previously, but I'd appreciate any help from the group to clarify what functions this unit performs...such as:
> 
>  1.  We have 2 x solar panels - I presume the Xantrex plays a role in bringing that charge into the batteries?
>  2.  When we are motoring does the Xantrex regulate the charge going into the batteries?
>  3.  We also have a Xantrex (Link Lite I think?) battery monitor in the saloon which reads the (correct!) charge for both the starter and house batteries, and shows the net charge coming into, or being drawn from, the batteries....is this connected to the DC Controller at all or just a source of info re charge status?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any feedback.
> 2006 Harlequin.
> 
> __________________
> David Hayes
> Mobile: 0478 956 056
> 20 Cooks Outlet Road
> Loch Vic 3945
> Australia