Magnetek Charger/Converter Voltage Question

[56Nomad]

I've purchased a used 1999 Lance model 1130 and I'm trying to figure out the electrical system. I pulled out the 12 volt deep cycle battery and have been checking out the voltages put out by the Magnetek Converter/ Charger.

With the battery removed and using my volt meter, I'm seeing that the voltages will fluctuate back and forth ( changes about every second) from 13.69 volts to 14.84 volts on the buss bar circuits (7,8, 9 and C). However, the voltage remains at 13.12 volts at buss bar circuits (1,2,3,4,5 and C ). Those 12V circuits are listed on the DC Distribution Panel diagram.

Running the voltage meter between C(+) and D(-) also shows the fluctuation from 13.69 volts to 14.84 volts. An since these charge the battery I'm concerned that voltages as high as 14.84, might be too high. Also, why does the voltage fluctuate on some circuits and not others?

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

[56Nomad]

I've purchased a used 1999 Lance model 1130 and I'm trying to figure out the electrical system. I pulled out the 12 volt deep cycle battery and have been checking out the voltages put out by the Magnetek Converter/ Charger.

With the battery removed and using my volt meter, I'm seeing that the voltages will fluctuate back and forth ( changes about every second) from 13.69 volts to 14.84 volts on the buss bar circuits (7,8, 9 and C). However, the voltage remains at 13.12 volts at buss bar circuits (1,2,3,4,5 and C ). Those 12V circuits are listed on the DC Distribution Panel diagram.

Running the voltage meter between C(+) and D(-) also shows the fluctuation from 13.69 volts to 14.84 volts. An since these charge the battery I'm concerned that voltages as high as 14.84, might be too high. Also, why does the voltage fluctuate on some circuits and not others?

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

[RV Wizard]

THere are filtered and non filtered circuits on the charging section of the converter. With the Battery in the circuit the voltage should come down some. It is true there are better charging systems out today. If you are going to leave the unit plugged in for a long period of time and not using it you may want to put it on a timer to only charge a few hours a day. Keep the water level up and you should be ok.

[JC2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 56Nomad:
I've purchased a used 1999 Lance model 1130 and I'm trying to figure out the electrical system. I pulled out the 12 volt deep cycle battery and have been checking out the voltages put out by the Magnetek Converter/ Charger.

With the battery removed and using my volt meter, I'm seeing that the voltages will fluctuate back and forth ( changes about every second) from 13.69 volts to 14.84 volts on the buss bar circuits (7,8, 9 and C). However, the voltage remains at 13.12 volts at buss bar circuits (1,2,3,4,5 and C ). Those 12V circuits are listed on the DC Distribution Panel diagram.

Running the voltage meter between C(+) and D(-) also shows the fluctuation from 13.69 volts to 14.84 volts. An since these charge the battery I'm concerned that voltages as high as 14.84, might be too high. Also, why does the voltage fluctuate on some circuits and not others?

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
We had the same type of converter in our 5ver and had to replace it last year. The voltage was also jumping around and would have a tendacy to boil the batteries dry. There have been other past posts on this forum about the unreliability of these converters in past years. These people were very helpful, the prices were reasonable, and the shipping was prompt and free at the time. It's also a DIY job and took us about 1 1/2hrs to swap out.
http://www.bestconverter.com/

[alvinc]

JC2 made a good suggestion, and I would also encourage you to add a battery system monitor, like the Trimetric (from the same web site; bestconverter.com). It will help you monitor and maintain your battery system. Well worth it.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The Magnetek is (rather crudely) trying to adjust the charge rate to the battery state, so without a battery it is merely confused and continuosly sampling an open circuit. With the 7345 and similar technology Magneteks you would see a similar voltage pulse every few seconds even with a battery, but it should be more even.

Definitely put a timer on the power source if you leave it plugged for extended periods of low/no use, cause the 7330/7345 Magneteks will overcharge and boil the battery(s), guaranteed!

If you are considering spending money to improve the system, I would suggest replacing it rather than adding on. However, Magnetek (now Parallax Power) made a bolt in replacement upgrade kit for these integrated power & converters for awhile and it is a considerable improvement. If you can still find one at a reasonable price, it is probably worth it.