Another LFP Converter Choice

Interesting. I purchased the 60 amp PD9160AL and it was not an exact replacement. I ended up installing a Progressive Industries surge suppresser in the electric box and the new charger under the refrigerator.

I can see it for a new installation, but for an existing LFP conversion I’ve found a viable alternative to a Lithium specific charger can be had (where formerly FWC in use) simply by a change in one’s charging routine…

All that’s really needed is, once the LFP is fully charged (as verified by SOC meter or voltage monitoring), simply shut down the converter charger and run strictly off the battery…What helps to make this practical is that there’s no need to float or equalize a LFP, along with the large available DOD (depth of discharge - e.g. accessible amp/hr capacity), and LFP’s near flat voltage curve…LFP’s are quite happy operating within a range of say, 90-10% SOC…As with my (2) solar controllers, the OEM Progressive Dynamics 9245 in boost mode (via charge Wizard dongle, 14.4v) in this way works perfectly when charging the LFP…Once wrapping one’s head around the LFP format (though often difficult for some! lol :) ) I seriously doubt one might perceive a genuine need for any kind of upgrade…It’s a whole lot easier to just adopt a new charging mindset that to throw money at a new fangled charger…JM Experienced Opinion…

3 tons

BFL13 wrote:
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fpowermaxconverters.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F11%2FPM3-LKL-Manual.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

or if no Word this and click on the link for the manual shown there.

https://powermaxconverters.com/product/pm3-lithium-series/

Seems they added a third "mode" to the LK calling it an LKL, and show three colours of lights to tell which mode it is in. Paras 8,9,10.

It does address the need to drop to Float with LFPs that has been discussed here before. You can still do that LKL LFP mode with an LK, but have to do it manually when it is time to drop to Float--they call that being LFP compatible.

Seems like "Sales" is noting the market out there needs to see "Lithium" on everything now, like everything now is advertised as being "Green" or "Organic". :)

I am not sure I like that one, it used 3 stage charging for LFP and you have to manualy adjust the volatage with a screwdriver and a pot.

Ill pay the extra 100 buks and stay with a proven one
PD9160ALV-L

Steve

No. It is automatic for LFP 2-stage mode and for 3-stage mode. You only adjust voltage (13-16.5 range) in single stage mode. See the manual.

BFL13 wrote:
No. It is automatic for LFP 2-stage mode and for 3-stage mode. You only adjust voltage (13-16.5 range) in single stage mode. See the manual.

you misunderstand, I did read it, you have to switch it to single stage then adjust the voltage to the level for the Li, then put it back into 3 stage. just makes it cheeper as there is no control digitly of the voltage just stepdowns for the different stagesthat are based of the initial you set. needless to say I wouls spend the extra 100 bucks for a much higher quality product.

Steve

It is confusing, but you only have to reset the 2-stage and 3-stage voltages to their proper values if you have been playing with the single stage voltage.

My reading is that the LKL mode switch has three positions. The LK's has two. (I have an LK and it is easy to operate, but hard to explain in writing.)

The problem with the LKL manual is para 10 says left and right, the same as the LK's. They should have said the middle for the 2-stage mode in its para.

I don't know where you got the idea the PD is of higher quality than the PowerMax. I have had PowerMax converters for ten years and can recommend them. I have not had a PD, but I assume a PD would keep on ticking too.

I much prefer to have manual adjustable voltage than the fixed voltages of the Charge Wizard for my applications, but for LFPs it appears the standard PD with CW would be OK, and there is no real need for their new "LFP" versions (which I take to be a "Sales" idea too as in the OP above.)

It is good there are options out there for all tastes and opinions.