catadjuster wrote:
grandpaswagon wrote:
I thought this was a CPE 2000 thread but I seem to be mistaken.
I agree. This thread is getting to the point of being useless if you are looking for CPE 2000 advise. I think we need a new one based on actual reviews of the unit itself and keep this for all the 'Techies'. I am looking for people with real experiences using it as a generator. It is too hard to find those related posts in this thread.
Actually, the foray into batteries and chargers was related to CPE2000i advice. Granted, it got into more depth than needed, but it was on topic.
As Hybirdhunter has noted on several occasions his experience with the 2000i and switching battery chargers has been disappointing compared to his synchronous 1200 - thou I am at a loss to understand why since my experience has not been nearly as severe. But, that said, I believe him and the problem should be respectfully noted since most off-grid campers use their small inverter generators specifically to recharge their battery bank.
Regarding the in-depth battery information posted by =dhw= and Glenlivet - there was nothing written that I would disagree with. But, if it is remembered by those reading, the discussion began by my comment that a "brute force" battery charger
could be used to fast charge a RV battery bank using a generator without many of the problems associated with switching chargers, low % power factor and inverter generators. This was tempered with great caution regarding human monitoring so as to not overheat or overcharge a battery.
Battery science has significantly advanced beyond that of even a decade ago - so are the chargers used and the battery information available. IMPO, the information now available exceeds the "need to know" level for most of us and has caused a lot of unnecessary anxiety and expense on the part of overly cautious RV owners. The extra benefit gained by a few weeks of extended battery lifespan and minutes of available power simply are not worth the expense and effort expended by the "science" approach
if the basic rules of monitoring battery temperature, electrolyte level and charging voltage/current are followed by the owner. You can do this with your eyes, touching the battery case and a cheap voltmeter. You absolutely do not have to invest in a "smart"
auxiliary battery charger for generator use if you are willing to follow a few "smart" rules.
