Another Charger/Converter question...

[GREENReactor]

I've got a "just fits" dual 6V battery box on the way and a Costco trip planned to pick up a pair of their GC batteries. Before I do this "conversion", though, I want to replace my WFCO converter/charger.

I've done a deep dive into forums here and other sites regarding setting up ideal charging configurations, and within that I've seen mention that the best "boost" charge voltage for 6V flooded GC batteries is 14.8 volts, rather than the more common 14.4 for other types.

I like everything I hear about the Progressive Dynamics 9200 but nowhere have seen that they provide for a different "mode" for boost charging the 6 volt GC at any different voltage than their normal 14.4 volts.

Is it just wishful thinking to contemplate finding a converter/charger that will do the 14.8 volt boost? If so I'll just order me a PD9260 and get on with it...

By the way, THIS appears to be the best price I can see for it -- should I grab it?

[GREENReactor]

Thanx to everyone for the input. Though it's $30+ extra to get that "14.8" boost version of the PD9260C (from Best Converter), in the long-run I believe that's money well spent. Order placed.

[DrewE]

lawrosa wrote:

You dont need the pendant dongle. Thats only for convienance. There is a button inside the door. You can accomplish the same thing.

The 92xx series are deck mount converters, and have neither a door nor a button. There is no way to force a mode change (or see any blinking light) without the dongle.

I suspect you're thinking of the 46xx series (I think that's the number) which are pretty much the same thing electrically but packaged for chassis mounting in an electrical center, rather than separate deck mounting. Those, I think, do have the button and light, if not on the converter proper than on the associated DC fuse panel.

[time2roll]

14.8 is fine for all flooded 12 volt deep cycle batteries especially GC2.

[lawrosa]

Looks like 14.7 bulk

14.7 absorption ( No charger other then solar will do that , that im aware of)

13.2 float.

http://www.batteries-faq.com/activekb/questions.php?questionid=1

The PD controller will absorb @ 13.6 volts.

[GREENReactor]

Not really sure what GC batteries Costco is selling these days because they don't mention them on their website. (I suppose I could call them.) They do Interstate for auto/truck, but the Costco landing page on Interstate's site doesn't let you look at 6V's.

I don't understand Battery/Charger issues well enough to know what the effect of putting a constant 14.8 V bulk/boost on a "recommended" 14.7 V (or some other, depending on the battery) bulk/boost battery will be....

[lawrosa]

GREENReactor wrote:
You guys answer so fast you've answered some of my follow-ups before I posted them. E.g., why the -14.8 ones aren't mentioned on the PD site.

Somebody mentioned that any with a "C" on them will do 14.8 -- but that's NOT true. It requires the "-14.8" that "Randy" adds on. The regular 92xxC models don't do 14.8 themselves.

My only remaining question is: will the fact that these "-14.8" chargers boost/bulk charge at 14.8 volts okay for ANY of the 6V GC batteries? The way the disclaimer is worded, it sounds like it might not be recommended except on a few brands...

What batteries are they? Interstate?

[lawrosa]

You definatly want 14.8 volts but let me ask what type of camping do you do?

If your an occasional weekend boon dock guy then what you have is fine. Save your $$$.

Mine is 14,4 volts but I have 280 watts solar that charges at what I want ( Volts) and a 2.8 k generator .

My duracells from sams club are deca batts and that manufactures recommends 14.7 with a 13.7 float..

[GREENReactor]

You guys answer so fast you've answered some of my follow-ups before I posted them. E.g., why the -14.8 ones aren't mentioned on the PD site.

Somebody mentioned that any with a "C" on them will do 14.8 -- but that's NOT true. It requires the "-14.8" that "Randy" adds on. The regular 92xxC models don't do 14.8 themselves.

My only remaining question is: will the fact that these "-14.8" chargers boost/bulk charge at 14.8 volts okay for ANY of the 6V GC batteries? The way the disclaimer is worded, it sounds like it might not be recommended except on a few brands...

[GREENReactor]

time2roll wrote:
9260-14.8:

http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-148-Volt-Deck-Mount

Doubt you need the dongle.

Yeah, that site definitely breaks out the regular PD9200 line and the -14.8 version separately (and at a higher price for the later). The extra $32 for the -14.8 version is probably worth it to optimize the charge rate, I suppose.

(Aside: any 9260 model comes with the dongle normally. That other site I mentioned apparently comes without the box or dongle -- which apparently is a red flag according to PD site.)

It's strange that PD doesn't mention the -14.8 version on their site. I'd like to read more about it. I wonder if using it with SOME batteries will have a problem with the 14.8 volts? All that the "Best Converters" site says is:

"Some battery manufactures such as Trojan and others recommend a higher (14.8 VDC) boost or bulk voltage These converter/chargers will deliver 14.8 volts during the boost phase of charging only. All other charge modes (13.6 VDC Normal, and 13.2 VDC Float/Storage remain the same. "

I guess I need to dig into this further before making the call....

[lawrosa]

Looking at vids on line for the C model it looks like they dont quite reach 14.8 volts. You may be good with what you have and maybe spend some money on solar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kgF_RlZyR4&t=594s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfsEcRpP4Y0

[time2roll]

I believe the 14.8 is custom made for Randy or Randy modifies them with PD approval.
Warranty is good either way.

[lawrosa]

GREENReactor wrote:
I've heard too many bad things about the WFCOs to contemplate upgrading to another one, definitely prefer going with a PD. The PD9260C is their latest, it has built-in "charge wizard". That company I linked does NOT include the "dongle", but I can get that for $10 elsewhere.

I assumed (from all references I can find) that the PD will only deliver 14.4 volts. I supposed the little extra that a 14.8 volt charger can squeeze in probably isn't worth the trouble trying to get accomplished (probably would need to find some higher-priced charger somewhere).

Any other input before I press the button on ordering this thing is welcome...

The one with the C delivers 14.8 v. Looks like they only make two. 45 amp and 60 amp model.

You dont need the pendant dongle. Thats only for convienance. There is a button inside the door. You can accomplish the same thing.

Yes 14.8 volts is a big deal over 14.4. Its definatly worth the upgrade .. But IMO thats if your an avid boondocker. Off generator you can charge 90% in a few hours.

[RoyB]

For sure Randy at BESTCONVERTERS can provide you a special PD converter that produces 14.8VDC for boost charging. I don't know if you can order one of those from Progressive Dynamics directly or not...

Get in touch with Randy at BESTCONVERTERS for info on their PD 9200-14.8 Volt Deck Mount...

Roy Ken

[GREENReactor]

lawrosa wrote:
Just reading specs the part you want needs a "C" after the #.. These units have the 14.8 v chargings in bulk..

http://www.bestconverter.com/PD-9260C-148-60-Amp-RV-ConverterCharger-_p_618.html#.WPJoitLyuUk

Hmmmm, they don't mention the 14.8 on the PD site, even on the "C" model (PD9260C). I think maybe I'd need to look for a "C-14.8" model (like the one you linked). Nice to know that one exists...