Dimensions Standby Power System

[scottma]

I am getting ready to replace coach batteries with a single 8D gel battery. In reading the Dimensions manual (page 9) I see it says that a "temperature compensation sensor is supposed to be connected to the negative terminal on the battery bank.

In looking at my current batteries 3ea 12 volts , I can't see the wire. Does anyone have any ideas? The coach was previously owned and I am wondering if they replace batteries and did not hook up sensor.

Any thoughts, It might be connected to the back battery but I don't recall seeing it. I am going to look closely tomorrow morning.

[bill jones]

Mine was attached to the back battery ground term. They may have just left it in the wire loom behind the battery tray. You really do need the temp. probe for correct charging.

[scottma]

Thank you. I am going to make sure it is connected in the AM.

[scottma]

I installed the battery today. I ran the generator and the Dimensions charger quickly moved from bulk charge to acceptance charge and was at 14.1 volts 20 amps when I turned it off and put the coach away. So........I did not let it charge long enough to go into float mode. Is that a problem or will it just pick up where it left off next time I plug in our run the generator? Do the house batteries get charged from the alternator also?

[bill jones]

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottma I installed the battery today. I ran the generator and the Dimensions charger quickly moved from bulk charge to acceptance charge and was at 14.1 volts 20 amps when I turned it off and put the coach away. So........I did not let it charge long enough to go into float mode. Is that a problem or will it just pick up where it left off next time I plug in our run the generator? Do the house batteries get charged from the alternator also?

No and yes. You should let the battery go up to float, give or take (according to temp) +14.4 VDC. the alternator should charge both batteries while the engine is running. I don't know what the total Amp Hours (AH) rating on that house battery is but if it's over 400 amp hours, the dimensions charger will have to be reset to the higher AH. That's a smal switch located on the right side of the charger/inverter. I think the switch positions are 1:AGM under 400AH 2:AGM over 400AH, 3:wet cell under 400AH and 4:wet cell over 400AH. I'm not sure about these, you had better check your operating instructions for the details.
The charger/inverter will start over on a new cycle when you run the generator again. No big deal, it'll go thru the whole cycle and do nothing damaging.
I just reread your OP. I don't know what to do about a Gel Cell battery. You should check with the manufacturer of the charger/inverter. I would guess (just a guess) you should treat that puppy like an AGM. That would be charging it at a lower max voltage. Someone out there will be posting here and set us straight.

[scottma]

I set the charger on sealed under 400 AH. It is a 265 amp hour battery. I am glad to know the alternator will charge the chassis and house batteries. Thank you