DW and I pigged out on amp hours on our last trip to the beach a week ago. According to the Victron, we used 364 Ah in 3 days. Oddly, the Iota did not go right to 14.8V like it did when I first connected it. It did do the full 55 amps right off the bat though. When I checked it a few hours later (not sure how long), it was at 14V even. I'm going to put in an on/off switch on the output of the converter to make sure it's off completely. I'll be honest, I'm not liking this converter so far. I used the BD1093 to top off the batteries this time. Only needed to run the EQ on it twice (checking SG after each run) then a connected the Iota for 8 hrs. Checked the SG again and it was right at 1.285 in all cells (58F/14C).For those interested, here's some pics of the CG.

Eliminate the need to worry about amp/hr usagePlenty of room for 500 watts or more of solarLooking forward to receiving the converter

I am not sure what the complaint is on the IOTA?It will take some time at 55 amps to see 14.5+ volts.

I really think too many people get confused by not seeing the 14.4+ volts right off the bat.What maters is the amp output. If 55 amps is the output for your charger, and you were getting that from your 1/2 discharged batteries everything is fine at that time.The voltage reading is usually taken across the battery-terminals. That means at start of charge the voltage would have been about 12.1 volts and climbing to around 13.2 to 13.6 volts. If your are seeing about 55 amps during this period, there is no need for the charger to up the voltage to 14.4+ volts to "force feed" the battery-bank.If your current output dropped back to the 15 amp range, without the charger going into "bulk" charging (14.4+) volts then you could have a problem.As long as the amps are near full rated output (55 amps) on the way to around 80%soc, the charging system is working as advertised. After that voltage of 14.4+ and tapering amps for "absorption" charging, or "equalization" at about 95%soc.If your batteries get charged to "full", per your charger, in the expected number of hours for your battery-back capacity, nothing to get excited about.Mark B.

A generic definition of a three stage charger reads like this:1. Bulk - all available Amps are supplied to the bank while the charger slightly LEADS the bank Voltage as needed until the absorption setpoint is reached.2. Absorption - The Voltage is held STEADY at a 14.4V setpoint while the battery dictates the acceptance current. Absorption stops when the current DROPS to a certain value(depending on your charger settings).3. Float - the volts DROP again and then the charger regulates a low current to hold the bank at the float voltage.Some converters have tweaks and timers and that is what leads to endless discussions of which converter is best.For example, my WFCO 8735 holds 13.6V in absorption for 48hrs before dropping to 13.2V in float.

Thanks all. I was under the impression that the Iota went right to 14.8V. Didn't know it was like other converters that ramp to that voltage. That would explain the behavior. Although I do wonder why it went to 14.8 when I first connected it. About solar, it's on my list.

First time to 50% SOC | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

MNtundraRet
Navigator
Apr 17, 2013
I really think too many people get confused by not seeing the 14.4+ volts right off the bat.

What maters is the amp output. If 55 amps is the output for your charger, and you were getting that from your 1/2 discharged batteries everything is fine at that time.

The voltage reading is usually taken across the battery-terminals. That means at start of charge the voltage would have been about 12.1 volts and climbing to around 13.2 to 13.6 volts. If your are seeing about 55 amps during this period, there is no need for the charger to up the voltage to 14.4+ volts to "force feed" the battery-bank.

If your current output dropped back to the 15 amp range, without the charger going into "bulk" charging (14.4+) volts then you could have a problem.

As long as the amps are near full rated output (55 amps) on the way to around 80%soc, the charging system is working as advertised. After that voltage of 14.4+ and tapering amps for "absorption" charging, or "equalization" at about 95%soc.

If your batteries get charged to "full", per your charger, in the expected number of hours for your battery-back capacity, nothing to get excited about.

Mark B.
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 17, 2013
I am not sure what the complaint is on the IOTA?
It will take some time at 55 amps to see 14.5+ volts.
KJINTF
Explorer
Apr 17, 2013
Eliminate the need to worry about amp/hr usage
Plenty of room for 500 watts or more of solar

Looking forward to receiving the converter

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First time to 50% SOC

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