Converter question

[HMXDave]

Is a "55 Amp Electronic 12V Power Converter" (as stated in my rigs specs) just a cheap converter or is it a charger? I've been trying to absorb some info on solar, chargers, batteries, converters, generators, etc and I've come to the conclusion that at bare minimum, I should have a good charger (min 25A) with my on-board generator in order to keep my batteries up while boondocking. We mainly boondock and are used to a TT and a portable Yammy 2400i generator....but our power usages were pretty low. I'm sure that running the Yammy for "TV time/microwave time" in the old TT with a converter never topped the batteries. But with the extra goodies on the ClassA's we've become a little more power hungry, and I'd like to not have to run the genny more than a couple of hours a day.

[GaryKD]

Hi Dave,
Do you have the brand and model number for the converter?

[HMXDave]

I'll have to get it tonight....it's an 05 Safari Simba (Monaco) if that helps....

[HMXDave]

OK...it says on it: Inteli-Power 9100 Model PD9160A

[GaryKD]

Hi Dave,
Go to RV Power Converter/Chargers and read about the 9100 series units. Go to Intelli-Power PD9160A 60A Electronic RV Converter/Charger and read about your specific model. It says your converter is for both powering the 12 VDC circuits and recharging your batteries.

[HMXDave]

Excellent news! Thanks Gary! Looks like I don't need to buy a charger, but adding the "Charge Wizard" looks like a good idea....

[GMDavidson]

Seems like you need the option of their charge wizard to have effective chargeing, and limit overchargeing.

I've been using Xantex Inveters/Chargers in my lost two motor homes (since 1995) (http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/53/p/1/pt/7/product.asp) Mine charges 4 house batteries starting at a chargeing rate of 100 amps. While boondocking I run my gererator about an hour a day. I also run the generator for the Microwave and the wife's hair dryer. We make coffee in the morning with a coffee maker that draws 1,000 watts (100 amps at 12 VDC) without the generator. Don't know if this is the solution for you, but it works for me.

[RustyJC]

The PD9160 is an excellent converter - add the Charge Wizard and you're all set with boost, normal, float and desulfation modes.

Rusty

[HMXDave]

Charge Wizard ordered. For 25 bucks or so it seems like a no-brainer.

Thanks again all.

[RustyJC]

Originally Posted by HMXDave

Charge Wizard ordered. For 25 bucks or so it seems like a no-brainer.

Thanks again all.

Yep, PD built the Charge Wizard function into their next generation 92XX series converters.

Rusty

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by HMXDave

OK...it says on it: Inteli-Power 9100 Model PD9160A

Is it just a cheap converter or is it a good one.. Two answers

On the main box is a "Modular Jack" like a phone jack or a LAN jack. it has a plug in it.. Now there are two different plugs

If it is just a plug.. then it's just a cheap converter... But see note

but if it's a plug, with a cord, and a dongle, with a button and a light. THen it's one of the best converters made

Oh, The Note:

If it does not have teh dongle (Charge Wizard) you can add it. you remove a screw. remove the plug that's in it, plug in the wizard and replace the screw and suddenly your single stage converter becomes one of the best multi-stage converters on the market.

Takes almost as long to do as it did to type....

Oh, the wizard is not very expensive.

(The dongle is called a "Charge Wizard")
PD9105, PD9105G Charge Wizard

[HMXDave]

I have the Charge Wizard and an on-board battery desulfonator ordered.

Question: can I use the desulfonator with the "upgraded" IP9160 with Wizard? I'm assuming the Wizard isn't a desulfonator, but a 3 stage charger. (I can use the desulfonator on one of several other vehicles kicking around...so not a big deal if its not needed)

[RustyJC]

The Charge Wizard provides 4 charging modes for the PD91XX - boost, normal, float and desulfation. See HERE.

I'm still running the original batteries in our rig using the Charge Wizard with the original equipment PD9180, so I haven't found a need for anything more.

Just my 2 cents' worth. YMMV.

Rusty

[HMXDave]

Thanks Rusty. Seems that the Wizard uses a 15min high voltage blast every 21 hrs to desulfate.