Posted 2012-02-20 2:45 PM (#141254 - in reply to #141252) Subject: RE: Charge Wizard
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Posts: 504
Actually, I do want to know what this does. It sounds like it recharges batteries safely and quickly. Now, a regular battery charger can charge batteries this fast, I think, and I'm wondering if the difference is the deterioration of the battery in the normal quick charges and that this does the fast charging without that battery damage.
So, if it really takes hours to return batteries to 90 percent charge, and this thing returns those same batteries to 90 percent then I think it is something I'd want to have. I like the idea of plugging in the generator (EU 2000) and recharging a couple of batteries in 3 hours.
Posted 2012-02-20 4:57 PM (#141261 - in reply to #141252) Subject: RE: Charge Wizard
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Posts: 406
Location: Minneapolis, MN
I have it on my Progressive Dynamics converter, the pendant...does a great job of charging the two 6volt batteries (Trojan 105's). I can leave the trailer plugged in for weeks at a time without fearing a boil dry. (overcharge)
It's not going to make the batteries take less time to charge however. The only thing that can make that happen is more amperage from the charger.
Posted 2012-02-21 3:42 PM (#141297 - in reply to #141252) Subject: RE: Charge Wizard
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Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
I don't know what type of trailer you have, IE: DR or LQ. If it's a DR with a simple DC wiring, a maintenance/charger is in order. If it's a LQ or a well wired DR, a power center/converter will not only power the various AC and DC systems, but will also provide a step charging/maintenance to your batteries.
You may find the differences in pricing of the two units to be nominal.
Posted 2012-02-22 9:55 AM (#141310 - in reply to #141297) Subject: RE: Charge Wizard
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Posts: 504
Originally written by gard on 2012-02-21 3:42 PM
...If it's a LQ or a well wired DR, a power center/converter will not only power the various AC and DC systems, but will also provide a step charging/maintenance to your batteries...
Thanks Gard. This seems like what I need. I wasn't sure if that Charge Wizard thing provided something more. Thanks for the link!
It's a 4' short wall, but I need 30 amp, AC and DC service that will run off of my Honda 2000EU generator or shore power and that is stable/clean enough for electronics including a computer.
I want the system to be sufficient to handle a small ceiling mount air conditioner if I decide I need one (at present, I think that I do not, but that could change). I am going to try the 110 refrigerator for this summer (tested at 50 watt range when it's running, so we'll see. I can replace that refrigerator with a DC or propane one if this doesn't work out but most of my use it at high altitude). I have a small microwave (AC), water pump (AC or DC), super-efficient LED lights(DC), plug ins for computer (AC/DC), small tv (AC/DC), dvd player (AC) dish receiver sometimes (AC) , music (charges from computer). If I am going somewhere that I know I'll be connecting to shore power, I may use an electric stove top instead of propane, or may use an electric over instead of the propane one. It sounds like more energy than I think it is:).
Posted 2012-02-22 11:00 AM (#141313 - in reply to #141252) Subject: RE: Charge Wizard
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Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
With all those appliances, you'll need a 200 amp residential service entrance. Do you have any idea how much the miles of wiring will cost, to keep up with your travels?
Posted 2012-02-22 11:47 AM (#141320 - in reply to #141252) Subject: RE: Charge Wizard
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Posts: 504
LOL, I could be making a big mistake, but I thought since nothing except the refrigerator will run more than a few minutes per day, and the refrigerator is a test to see how long it stays on at the 50 watts, I'd be OK. At home it's cycled off mostly and doesn't use much energy in 24 hours. Oh well, it may not work out, but if worse comes to worse, I'll just use my backpacking equipment outside under the awning :) and the area is very comfortable so it'll still be good enough.