The factory ferro-resonant charger is 50's technology and really cant be
made to charge without overcharging. A timer for winter storage might
help but the problem is that the charger is not "smart". It only has
one charge rate and doesn't know when to stop.(Like my 5 year old son.)
One of the units suggested to me by netters is the Statpower 40 or 40+.
The big difference is that the 40+ can charge three banks of batteries
independantly while the 40 only handles two. I got the 40 for $199.00
refurbished from Statpower's website (www.statpower.com though it might
have changed due to a recent merger). They may not list it on the
website "supercharged values", last I heard they had about 12 units left
and you might have to call. The 40+ is available locally and costs
about $400. These units have smart charging capability, can adjust for
ambient temperatures (even with an optional remote temperature senter),
have a 21 day cycle charge for storage and have three different charge
rates...quite sophisticated. I also got the remote display panel which
shows voltage in each bank, charging rate and other info. Plus it looks
cool. I was able to find the displays for $9.47 at West Marine with
their name brand on it. Statpower makes the old West line of
converter/inverters so they are identical except for the logo I was able
to get three and ship them off to happy GMCers for cost plus shipping.
Your local West may still have them.
The bonus to all of this was that I signed up for Statpower's mailing
list and won a 800W Inverter! It even came with a remote control panel
that matches the converter display. I will look really cool....when I
get around to installing it.
There are many who recommend the Todd charger/converter. I hear it is
also a nice, reliable unit...It just doesnt look as cool.
Others may be able to help you with more techical stuff....I make most
of my decisions based on what looks cool, not what is practical. That
is why I ended up with a GMC motorhome!
Wiring diagrams are in the maintenance manual which I got from
Cinnabar. Whole set including parts book was about $117 delivered. I
am sure a netter would be happy to make a copy if you want to "borrow"
it. (In case Cinnabar is watching)
Just my two cents.
Ron and Julie
73 Painted Desert
made to charge without overcharging. A timer for winter storage might
help but the problem is that the charger is not "smart". It only has
one charge rate and doesn't know when to stop.(Like my 5 year old son.)
One of the units suggested to me by netters is the Statpower 40 or 40+.
The big difference is that the 40+ can charge three banks of batteries
independantly while the 40 only handles two. I got the 40 for $199.00
refurbished from Statpower's website (www.statpower.com though it might
have changed due to a recent merger). They may not list it on the
website "supercharged values", last I heard they had about 12 units left
and you might have to call. The 40+ is available locally and costs
about $400. These units have smart charging capability, can adjust for
ambient temperatures (even with an optional remote temperature senter),
have a 21 day cycle charge for storage and have three different charge
rates...quite sophisticated. I also got the remote display panel which
shows voltage in each bank, charging rate and other info. Plus it looks
cool. I was able to find the displays for $9.47 at West Marine with
their name brand on it. Statpower makes the old West line of
converter/inverters so they are identical except for the logo I was able
to get three and ship them off to happy GMCers for cost plus shipping.
Your local West may still have them.
The bonus to all of this was that I signed up for Statpower's mailing
list and won a 800W Inverter! It even came with a remote control panel
that matches the converter display. I will look really cool....when I
get around to installing it.
There are many who recommend the Todd charger/converter. I hear it is
also a nice, reliable unit...It just doesnt look as cool.
Others may be able to help you with more techical stuff....I make most
of my decisions based on what looks cool, not what is practical. That
is why I ended up with a GMC motorhome!
Wiring diagrams are in the maintenance manual which I got from
Cinnabar. Whole set including parts book was about $117 delivered. I
am sure a netter would be happy to make a copy if you want to "borrow"
it. (In case Cinnabar is watching)
Just my two cents.
Ron and Julie
73 Painted Desert
