Powermax PM3 vs PM4 decision
Looking to replace the main board assembly on my WFCO8955 converter that is less than speedy at recharging a pair of new group 24 deep cycle batteries. Interested in the Powermax, and I see that they...
Forum Discussion
My older PM3 (but newer than an original PM) has the three stages, not four, but has the same thing as a WFCO for going into boost, which is that the batteries must be low, around 50% or less. Otherwise it stays at 13.6.
Some time or other, they changed this to be more like an Iota so it goes into boost every time no matter what the battery SOC and stays there for 15 minutes, then if the batteries are already near full it will drop to 13.6 or else if not near full stay at 14.4 until battery voltage reaches 14.4 and then it will drop to 13.6
I never found out if that was "later" PM3s or only the newer PM4s, but for sure the PM4 is the new way, not like a WFCO.
A curious feature is that Randy at bestconverters.com has his own version of a PM4, which he calls a Boondocker, that goes to 14.6 instead of 14.4 but is otherwise a PM4.
To be sure to get the four stages, the 14.6, and the Iota boost start way, go with a Boondocker. Ask Randy pointed questions about all these things. He knows.
I can't figure out what those "PM3s" are that boatandrv sells, that they call PM3s but claim to be four stage like a PM4. You would have to ask them if it does the WFCO thing or the Iota thing. They might not even know about that, no idea.
Some time or other, they changed this to be more like an Iota so it goes into boost every time no matter what the battery SOC and stays there for 15 minutes, then if the batteries are already near full it will drop to 13.6 or else if not near full stay at 14.4 until battery voltage reaches 14.4 and then it will drop to 13.6
I never found out if that was "later" PM3s or only the newer PM4s, but for sure the PM4 is the new way, not like a WFCO.
A curious feature is that Randy at bestconverters.com has his own version of a PM4, which he calls a Boondocker, that goes to 14.6 instead of 14.4 but is otherwise a PM4.
To be sure to get the four stages, the 14.6, and the Iota boost start way, go with a Boondocker. Ask Randy pointed questions about all these things. He knows.
I can't figure out what those "PM3s" are that boatandrv sells, that they call PM3s but claim to be four stage like a PM4. You would have to ask them if it does the WFCO thing or the Iota thing. They might not even know about that, no idea.
