Community Forums

loggers wife · 05-25-2016, 12:59 PM

Hi, we have a 2006 34' Alpine coach. The original Xantex battery temperature sensor is faulty. We have received new replacement. The small grey connection line appears to run through an inaccessible electronic chase. We want to "Pull" the new sensor line from the battery bank to the Xantex about 7 feet away...existing line will not pull. Hope I have drawn a clear picture.
What is suggested?

Best to all

Sky_Boss · 05-25-2016, 03:04 PM

Yes, I know what you mean about not being able to pull the new line with the old line. Been there...

You have a couple options here.

1. Re-route the cable. Not knowing your configuration I can't be more specific. Recently I had to run a data cable from my inverter to my battery bah. I used some wire fishing tools and ran through one of my chassis rails. It might not be that hard if you can get your hands on some wire fishing poles. I have these and have used them several times over the last couple years for some projects. One of the best tools I have gotten.

2. Unless there has been a change, the line to the BTS is nothing but a 4 wire, phone line. You can get a fairly inexpensive tool, connectors and barrel connector to do this. Just make sure that you use a good, self sealing tape to protect the "splice". I actually did this when I ran into the same problem right after I bought the coach and it works fine.

Phone Crimper
http://www.amazon.com/kenable-Teleph...NX52H55GA6GFBZ
Phone Connector

Ray,IN · 05-26-2016, 08:18 PM

I'd give you my temp sensor if you wanted it. I have a Xantrex RS2000, which is obsolete, and the temp sensor causes the battery charger to over-charge the batteries. With the temp sensor plugged-in, the float charge is 13.8- 14.2V, which boils away the water in the cells. With the temp sensor unplugged the float charge is 13.2V = normal.
This was suggested to me by a tech at Xantrex during a phone call in which I was inquiring how to adjust the charger (there is none-it's not adjustable) because it had already ruined 6 batteries that were less than a year old.

TQ60 · 05-28-2016, 09:28 AM

Confirm with above.

Temp sensor does 2 things.

When cold battery voltage may need to be higher and if overheat charge voltage less.

Our commercial ones attached to one post to closely monitor the temperature and given we had controlled environments they were no use and mainly just got in the way.

On your device check to see if it will roll back on temperature rise or if it only increases voltage when cold.

If no protection from overheat then confirm voltage is correct and leave it off.

Regardless keep an eye on batteries

Sky_Boss · 05-28-2016, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQ60

....

On your device check to see if it will roll back on temperature rise or if it only increases voltage when cold. ...

Perhaps even easier just look at what your remote says for temp. In the case of Magnum Energy remotes & inverters, lack of a functioning BTS defaults to read 77* all the time.

I don't know what model Xantrex inverter/charger you have but as an example, the Freedom 458 Series defaults to 70* if no BTS.

Of course, if your remote doesn't read out BTS temps, you would need to monitor charging current at various temps. The Xantrex Link 1000 & 2000 remotes give temp read out and you can also input an ambient temp manually if not BTS attached.

Unless you have a functioning BTS or manually input ambient temps, you won't see any changes in charge current.

Ray,IN · 05-29-2016, 07:39 PM

P.S. I forgot to mention the temperature sensor must be mounted underneath all cable ends, right against the battery case top to better obtain an accurate reading of battery temperature.
That is if you use one that works__.

loggers wife · 06-03-2016, 11:08 AM

Don & Sandee
Ray
Tony & Lori thank you ever so much for all details you provided to our question. My husband has read each and is following your suggestions (will leave disconnected and "watch" temp closely) You have given of your time and expertise , again thank you each.

Best to all
Colleen as Logger's Wife

Golden Gopher · 06-03-2016, 12:16 PM

I have the same issue.

I have purchased a new BTS.

Why can't I drill a hole horizontally from the battery bank to the
Inverter bay, pass through the rj45 connector and connect to the inverter,and mount the actual sensor to the battery bank.

If you leave enough slack, the battery tray should roll out and the connection would not be disturbed!

Any errors in my view?

Sky_Boss · 06-03-2016, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golden Gopher

I have the same issue.

I have purchased a new BTS.

Why can't I drill a hole horizontally from the battery bank to the
Inverter bay, pass through the rj45 connector and connect to the inverter,and mount the actual sensor to the battery bank.

If you leave enough slack, the battery tray should roll out and the connection would not be disturbed!

Any errors in my view?

None at all that I know of. In my case I have tag and drive axle wheel wells in the way so I couldn't do the "easy" thing. I sometimes forget that in some cases it can be VERY EASY!