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tuna_fisher's avatar
tuna_fisher
Explorer
Jan 15, 2018

Upgrading my converter ?

I have a 25 amp Magnetek converter in my TC I'm replacing with a new one from Best. My question is the only difference in the 35W and 45W is the input wattage 550W as apposed to 725W. What's the difference in more wattage input, what are the benefits of higher input wattage.

8 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    We do not normally talk about "Wattage" but AMnps out.. The Magnetik is not nmuch of a chargerm no regulaton to speek of (Well Ferroresonant) known as a battery killer.

    They make both "intergrated" units (Onverter is also power distribution) and "Stand Alone"

    IF you want to replace JUST the converter

    Progressive Dynamnics 44600 for intergrated 9200 for Stand Alone and go with the 45 amnp model

    The slight upgrade will likely work well, but going too big on the converter you need to upgrade the wiring as well between converter and battery.

    ALSO the converter should not be nmore than 1/3 the battery's C/20 rating A single Group 24 needs about 20 anps max charge and they sinmply do not come that small so if you have a single Group 24, consider a battery upgrade

    Like a pair of GC-2 in series.. They will last a long timne with a 45 amp converter Or a 60,, not so long with an 80 but you may not notice the difference.
  • If you had a 25A Magtek model 63XX, it only had about 3A of charge current for the battery.
    A new converter will have its full current rating available for charging the battery and will be a night and day difference from that clunker.
  • Magnetek is pretty much not more than a toaster anyway. A PD is a drop in replacement.
  • tuna fisher wrote:
    , what are the benefits of higher input wattage.
    Higher output wattage.
  • MrWizard wrote:
    Controller ? Magtec ?

    Do you mean "Converter" for charging batteries
    35 amp verus 45 amp ?

    Most people me included will tell you not to buy another Magtec
    But to buy a different replacement product that will drop right in
    Possibly one of the models from Progressive Dynamics
    corrected my wording, been a long day and yes that's what i'm doing going with a PD converter
  • tuna fisher wrote:
    I have a 25 amp Magnetek controler in my TC I'm replacing with a new one from Best. My question is the only difference in the 35W and 45W is the input wattage 550W as apposed to 725W. What's the difference in more wattage input, what are the benefits of higher input wattage.


    You mean 35a and 45a. You mean converter not controller (which is for solar) Higher input watts mean more is required from a generator. But the generator supplies VA not watts. Most converters have about 0.7 power factor, so that 725 is really 1036 VA, which means a "1000W" generator will not be enough. (Honda 1000 actually is rated at 900VA)

    The 35a converter at 550 would need 786 VA so that generator would run it ok.
  • Controller ? Magtec ?

    Do you mean "Converter" for charging batteries
    35 amp verus 45 amp ?

    Most people me included will tell you not to buy another Magtec
    But to buy a different replacement product that will drop right in
    Possibly one of the models from Progressive Dynamics

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