Parallel powermaxes outputs

I use PowerMax converters in parallel to add their amps, and it works just fine.

However, be aware that the 75 amper (which is not PF corrected BTW) maxes out a single Honda 2000 (1600VA) at sea level, very borderline to run it at all.

I have a Honda 3000, with 2800VA, and it does run the PowerMax 100 amper (PF corrected) and the 55 amper (non-PF corrected) and I have seen 156 amps going to my battery bank.

That is as many amps as you are looking for by paralleling two 75s and you can do it with a pair of Honda 2000s in parallel, or with a single 3000.

Also note the charging profile of the regular PowerMax converter is not best suited for fast charging from a generator, where you want it to stay at 14.x during the Absorption Stage. PMs do their Vabs at 13.6. To beat that, you want the PowerMax Adjustable Voltage model.

With that you can set say 14.8 and it will do the entire 50-90 at 14.8 for highest amps during the Absorption stage and so get you the fastest recharge and shortest gen running time. My 100 and 55 are both Adjustable version PMs. Just be sure to set both their voltages at the same level so they add their amps smoothly.

The Honda 2000 is rated for 1600 continuous watts. 150amps at 12v is 1800watts before considering losses.

At best the little Honda will be running flat out and won't be quiet. Assuming it doesn't cut out from overload, it will put a lot of wear and tear on the generator.

Also, what size is your battery bank? Unless it's pretty big, it won't be able to absorb 150amps.

Volts x amps = watts

A single Honda 2000 will not put 150 amps into a 12v battery.
Well into overload territory.

valhalla360 wrote:
The Honda 2000 is rated for 1600 continuous watts. 150amps at 12v is 1800watts before considering losses.

At best the little Honda will be running flat out and won't be quiet. Assuming it doesn't cut out from overload, it will put a lot of wear and tear on the generator.

Also, what size is your battery bank? Unless it's pretty big, it won't be able to absorb 150amps.

I have a PowerMax BPCM-75 PF corrected Adjustable model ,,,My Honda 2000i runs the PowerMax pumping 75 amps into two gc2 6 volters (12 volt bank) and the Honda barely comes out of Eco mode and runs pretty quiet and then when the amps start to drop gets really quiet .

I was thinking of adding two more gc2 batteries for a total of four and then run dual Powermaxes

The PM 75 ADJ is not PF corrected despite what the ad says. PM is going to correct that ad.

Measuring the 75 with the Kill-A-Watt you get 13.64 amps and 1693VA and PF is 0.73 while the output is 75 amps

You are fortunate that your Honda 2000 will do better than its rated 1600VA (at sea level)/ 13.3 amps, and produce the 1693VA at whatever height you are. You are right at its limits.

My 100 and 55 also go above the 3000 limit and it runs them, but it will not run the100 and 75. It can't run the 75 and 55 either, which are both non-PF corrected. So there is no way you can run two 75s with the 3000 either.

ISTR Yamaha has a 2400 that would suit a 75 amper much better, but I don't have one of those

PowerMax does tend to drop to float 20 minutes after reaching 14.6 volts (at converter) and battery about 75% charged. The more amps the lower the state of charge when PM drops to 13.6 volts. Makes for a very long absorption time to 90+%. A second PowerMax may even slow you down.

If you are spending money on a converter to get a quick charge I only recommend IOTA or Progressive Dynamics.

time2roll wrote:
PowerMax does tend to drop to float 20 minutes after reaching 14.6 volts (at converter) and battery about 75% charged. The more amps the lower the state of charge when PM drops to 13.6 volts. Makes for a very long absorption time to 90+%. A second PowerMax may even slow you down.

If you are spending money on a converter to get a quick charge I only recommend IOTA or Progressive Dynamics.

He has the adjustable voltage 75 amper, so that is not an issue.

IMO keep running that 75 with the Honda 2000 you have, and buy a PM 100 amper (ADJ) ( pulls 1910VA) and a Yamaha 2400 to run that along with your additional batteries.

You don't have to parallel the generators, just put both chargers (dialed to the same voltage) on the four batteries and now you can get 175 amps.

Missed that. I would still stick with the single 75A with a single Honda.

time2roll wrote:
PowerMax does tend to drop to float 20 minutes after reaching 14.6 volts (at converter) and battery about 75% charged. The more amps the lower the state of charge when PM drops to 13.6 volts. Makes for a very long absorption time to 90+%. A second PowerMax may even slow you down.

If you are spending money on a converter to get a quick charge I only recommend IOTA or Progressive Dynamics.

Mine used to drop down to 13.6 volts after 14 minutes , I was told by PowerMax to remove resister 1 and it would then hold the voltage at 14.8 volts if I set it there , it worked!!!