Often I Preach About The Trace 2500 SB Inverter's Charger

Mena: OK, that was my guess too.

Maybe I'm missing something, but the current Xantrex models charge the same way- as I'm sure Magnum do as well.

Snowman9000 wrote:
Other than being able to be set, it sounds just like all the newfangled chargers you don't like??

Constant current till desired voltage is hit
Taper amps while holding voltage
When amps fall to X, go into float

I have an idea what your objection is but I'm not 100% sure.

His problem with converters is they do the above but MUCH too soon and with no ability to change anything. They're way too conservative. I agree with this.

Other than being able to be set, it sounds just like all the newfangled chargers you don't like??

Constant current till desired voltage is hit
Taper amps while holding voltage
When amps fall to X, go into float

I have an idea what your objection is but I'm not 100% sure.

The Trace 2512 inverter was one of the inverters I was consideringfor my motorhome back in 1997. Then it was about $1per rated watt to buy a new sinewave inverter, so the list price was anything from $2250 to $2750.

I ended up buying a Trace M1512 inverter, rated at 1500 watts 12 volts, with a 70 amp charger and built in 30 amp120 volt transfer switch. Back in 97, it was over $700, I think close to $750.

Another nice thing about the SW series is you could stack them for 120/240 volts, or pair them for more amperage at 120 volts. Some even where used as grid tied inverters to sell back power.

However newer inverters have replaced those older models, and they are now much less expensive too.

I was reading about Outback inverters, and the guy who designed them also used to work at Trace. I am considering a 8,000 watt grid intertied and 48 volt battery Outback for a house I am working on the design, for a back up system to handle the customer's need to run a oxygen concentrator, CPAP, and other medical equipment. This would be connected to a 2 KW - 5 KW solar system, and possibly a 5 KW vertical axis wind machine if the county approves it.

Fred.

Mix chemistry with algorithms and it is a real wallet emptier. I'd buy one of these just for the 120 amp battery charger. Save the PSW for the touchy stuff.

I'll bet I've saved TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FUEL by manually recharging my batteries. Oh wait I forgot about the five hundred dollars and two months of my life lost to go get fuel for a "smart" charger to waste. My Trace 4024 is a POS so the charger takes a vacation, the inverter works good for a MSW.

Interesting that it stays in bulk until current tapers to a user programmed amount. Then it goes to float, also user programmable. Seems simple to set.