Charging batteries

One comment on the PDI 9180 (I have one) it came both WIth and Without a 20 amp power cord and plug. Mine is "WITH" and it failed the weekend before halloween last (over 12 years old) the new one (I got on Halloween AM) works great

Mine has the Wizard plugged in

I got the replacement (Factory Refurb) ... At the Factory (OK So I know where it is).

Almot wrote:
A little dirty secret of generator charging - ....

Ridiculous assertion.

The converter/charger doesn't know or care where it's input voltage comes from.......and the overall charging performance should be roughly the same regardless of the input source.

NOW.....if the generator is also running two air conditioners and the voltage is down....say around 105 volts....then the battery charging might be a bit slower but not much.

First I'd upgarade those two parallel MARINE batts to a pair of GC-2's in series.

Now.. You ask if the INVERTER is responsible for charging YES. if it's an "Inverter/Charger" NO, if it's just an inverter like the one I just ordered.

IF you have a CONVERTER than that is its job.

And yes, low voltage can affect the operation of the generator

NOW; on the Generator there should be TWO circuit breakers, these are 2 position type (OFF/tripped and ON) make sure BOTH are ON because that might just be the tribble.

You want to know first if the converter works. You need 120v input for sure, then see if there is any DC output.

The 9180 will have a plug-in for its 120 to a receptacle nearby. (that should be a 20a receptacle for the 20a plug on the 9180 or a 20/15)

Since there might be a problem getting generator or shore power to that receptacle, you could unplug the 9180 and plug it into a known good 120 receptacle (20/15 ok) via extension cord, with the battery bank disconnected. If there is 120v in, there should be 13.6 out.

Say that works. Now why didn't it get 120v in the rig?
A. Converter's breaker is popped (should be a 20a breaker not a 15)
B. Receptacle converter is plugged into is on a GFCI circuit that is popped
C. Generator/shore power transfer switch busted, so no 120 from Gen (but do the other 120v things work from gen just not the converter?)

Do you get 120v in the rig from shore power but not from gen?

50a rig? One of those "which leg is the converter on?" deals?

Disconnection means there is no possible path for electricity to enter or leave the battery. Disconnection of the negative post is safest.

Of course the generator and shore power BOTH would be shut off before disconnecting the negative cable.

Almot, when you say measure disconnected or connected do you mean while generator running and/or on shore power. I found my converter and it is a Inteli Power 9100 P09180. Thanks

A little dirty secret of generator charging - it takes forever to charge them full. In 6 hours they probably won't be 100% charged yet, shore power or solar is what people use for that finishing stage.

Another thing: when you stopped charging and batteries are 12.38, let them sit overnight and measure again - then you will see the real voltage.

Also, measure voltage of converter. You don't have to look for converter, measure voltage on the charging cables on the battery - with battery connected and disconnected.

I charged 2 hours to see what the increase in voltage would be. Your right about 6 more hours of charge. Thanks

Stude55Dog wrote:
I then put batteries on battery charger for two hours, 10 amp charger and they came up to 12.38 volts.

Another 6 hours and they'll probably be charged up.

I ran the generator for two hours and then measured with volt meter after shutting off generator. They both were 11.87 volts. I then put batteries on battery charger for two hours, 10 amp charger and they came up to 12.38 volts. Did not measure for voltage while generator was running. I have got to find the convertor as it must be buried behind the fuse panel inside. Will take batteries done for load testing while I have them charged and out of 5th wheel. Thanks