Converter

[picaro]

We have a new 2012 Baystar (29 foot) -- this may be a dumb question but ..... on our previous Winnebago motorhome we always heard the converter come on at various intervals and now we have been plugged in to a full hook up site for 4 days and have never heard anything come on -- is it just quiet now with the new model or should we be hearing it come on? I also noticed tonight when I had all the lights on in the unit and I checked the battery level and it was down to l/3 which surprised me as we were on full hook up. When I turned most of the lights off, it came back up to 2/3 full. It is definitely on AC power and the inverter indicates it is receiving AC. ??

[wa8yxm]

Well With the old converter I'm not sure what you heard, Many older converters used big iron transformers and when you put a load on 'em some of them can get downright noisy,,, More modern ones are often switching units, not nearly as loud, so the only thing you hear is the fan, and whisper fans (Computer type fans) are.. Well not noisy either.

A volt meter is your friend,. one thign I am fairly sure of is the panel indicator,... IS WRONG if you have stuff turned on

[GaryKD]

Hi picaro,
Check the breaker that powers the converter. For an unknown reason the breaker, powering the converter, on my coach will pop. It happens rarely, but it does happen. It gives the coach batteries a good workout before I notice the power is down.

Lastly, make sure the converter is plugged in. I know this sounds dumb, but the plug for my converter is in the electric bay sticking out and in the way of the shore power cord.

[Rodneykrantz]

He might be talking about the inverter not the converter

["007"]

Most Newmar converters are in the electric cord bay with also the transfer switch, its quiet and does have a whisper fan for cooling as Gary has said, you will not hear in coach or even in power bay, its that quiet.
You can measure 12V off the converter to see if its got power leaving it.

[RetiredBob]

In my 2011 Canyon Star, the converter is in the forward passenger side compartment, not back in the power bay. Might be the same location in the Bay Star. But I never hear the converter.

["007"]

In that front basement passenger compartment I have my 400W inverter with GFI outlet for the front TV and tape player and one 110 power outlet.
Thats not to say Newmar may have change things around since 2003.

[picaro]

Thanks for all the help and advice -- first night of the trip we watched the lights get dimmer and dimmer so took it to a Newmar service shop outside of Eugene Oregon yesterday. Yes, converter is in front compartment by passenger side and it seems it was connected but not tightly. Pushed it in a big tighter and problem seems to be fixed. And yes, you have to listen very very carefully with your ear almost up to the converter to hear it. Otherwise everything is working well and we are really enjoying our new Baystar!

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodneykrantz He might be talking about the inverter not the converter

No it is the converter that charges the 12volt batteries,, Though I do admit some converters are bundled with inverters such as in my Prosine.

Trouble shooting sequence.. Easiest if the converter is a plug in type.

Check assorted outlets in motor home for power (Test lamp is better than 3 light tester or volt meter,,, plug in a lamp or a fan or a heater ON LOW and see if it works.. If only SOME outlets work you have a 120v Problem.


check breakers Physically cycle them, some do not always clearly indicate TRIPPED so turn them off and back on.

If converter is a plug in type, unpug and plug in that heater on low and see if you get heat (Ultimate 120V side test)

Voltmeter to the output of the converter,, Anything less than 13.6 is bad. (14.6 is good)

If you have 14v at converter .. look for problems in the 12v system.

IF you find something with the sequence above, post findings for more suggestions.