UPDATE --- Converter/charger issue?
I'm camping in a remote campground in the Canadian Rockies. I have an Iota45 with the smart charge dongle connected that is supposed to turn it into a 4 stage smart charger. I have a small voltage ga...
Forum Discussion
wa8yxm wrote:
Sounds like the converter has converted itself to not working to me. but I'd need further testing.
The IOTA is a good unit.. I favor Progressive Dynamics but to be honest it's part political (PD is a Michigan based company.. I am a retired State of Mi employee so they pay for my lifestyle or help to) and frankly that is just about the only reason I prefer them.
The IOTA with IQ4 is .. Well. if there is a difference I don't know what it is.
The Charge Wizard lets you pick one of the three voltages when you want, but the IQ4 does not. The IQ4 simply gives the Iota three instead of one "stage". You have no control over the charging profile with the IQ4. This might not matter, but it could.
Of course, one voltage "stage" will do two "stages" to the battery: Bulk and Absorption. Also Float if you leave it on after the battery gets full. Terminology problem caused by "Sales" disregarding "Engineering" I suppose.
OP--no need to remove the converter to bench test it. Use the DMM at the output wires where they go onto the DC fuse panel. It does not need to be connected to a battery to test it.
Not sure where the reverse polarity fuses are with an Iota. Can't tell from a picture of one. Might be on the DC fuse panel.
BTW if we are going to mention brands of converters, I like PowerMax with its adjustable voltage for no extra cost and good performance. Adjustable voltage from 13 to 16.5 lets you do anything, including equalizing a Trojan at its spec of 16.2 for that job. The older "three stage" converters are "so yesterday" and they can cost more besides.
