new power max converter, problems
Replaced wfco 8955 converter with power max pm4b-55-mba converter. I put the new PM in today and followed the testing directions. Step 1. With only shore power hooked up and all DC fuses pulled ...
Forum Discussion
RJsfishin wrote:
Sure seems to me, a PD w/ pendant (manual control)would have been a much better choice, especially in this excessive voltage drop situation. Holding 14.4 for 4 hrs would charge a lot faster.
But then, I can't believe any dry camper would buy a converter w/o manual control over the charging stages. In reality, hard to believe any MFG would build one, much less that Randy would sell one !
Yes, the PD with Charge Wizard helps when your converter is too far from the batts by letting you keep the 14.4 going. That does not cure the PD's lame amps though.
That is why I use a modified PowerMax (adjustable voltage) to get the best of both worlds--good amps and as long at 14.x as I want. Plus it can do 15.5v if I want for that job. Plus at 35F out, 14.8 is now 15.2 so I can set 15.2 and still get my "14.8"
It has been shown on here that a PD can do the amps much better if mounted very close to the batts with fat wire, but it still only has the three voltage choices with 14.4 the highest.
The PowerMax guy said they make them "gentle" with that 13.6 drop because that is what their market wants. They will provide a "custom built" adjustable version like I use for people who want that in particular, but at more cost of course. Randy sells those too.
When we got our new fiver in 2003, I had no clue about anything. I just figured it was good to go for camping on or off grid as long as we had a generator along to power the battery charger. I just thought that since people have been RVing in these things since WW1, the new ones would have all the problems solved by 2003. Nope.
