Hi Don!
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*** snipped extensively***
>From: "Donald W. Miller"
>Subject: Re: GMC: Todd 40 amp converters
>Don't know about Todd specifically, but a problem with converters, in
>general, is they tend to over charge your batteries resulting in shorter
>battery life.
>Someone once said, "Converters are properly named, they convert batteries
>into Dead Lead."
Yeppirs, I also have a incestuous genset/house battery parallel setup here...
>Now that my ugly feelings toward converters are public knowledge, consider
>an alternative.
Been using my portable charger at campgrounds... the old ferroresonant
converter just don't get it, even with fully charged house/genset batts.
>Multi stage micro chip controlled chargers are more expensive initially,
>but you save in the long run by not buying house batteries so frequently.
Agreed, but the previous owner's strategy is to replace the batts under
warranty, so he didn't care if they failed .... (?)
********** is this a viable strategy?? ***********
>This improved technology has been around for over 30 years. About 10 years
>ago, microprocessors made these devices more affordable, so they are slowly
>gaining acceptance.
>
>>An example is the Prevailer gel cell house batteries installed in our boat
>in 1991. When docked, they have always been charged by a 120 amp Trace
>inverter charger which uses this technology. They are heavily used, we
>stay aboard as much as we can. So far, zero maintenance or replacements
>needed. Almost eight years and still counting.
I agree, solid state devices & marine components are best, if one could
afford it.
>A 40 amp charger using this technology was endorsed in a recent article in
>the Cinnabar GMC News publication. I hav'nt read it, but it has been
>getting good reviews on this forum.
>Seems to be another situation where the old stuff may work but the new stuff
>works much better.
75 GlenBrook
>Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Hey, Don == I agree with you 120%. But, I am operating on a limited budget
(and income, sigh). My old ferroresonant converter just ain't getting it.
Hauling out my good charger in campsites & hooking it up is a PITA!! When
I have an opportunity to by a Todd 40 for under $100, I'm gonna grab it!
I really appreciate your post and your advice. All of the components you
mention are top quality. Unfortunately they are beyond my reach for the
near future, so I'll have to live with castaways for now.
As always, best regards.
~ Ritch & Betty Hwang ~ Clarkston, MI ~ mailto:rhwang
~ =^..^= Trinket ~ the shy Persian kitty ~
~ 76 GMC Birchaven ~ FMCA F249339 ~ RVClub 00930 ~ ICQ# 6408591~
(B}>
