Converter/Charger

Question

A few months ago I checked the charger output at the batteries and it was down low like between 2&amp;3 volts. So I ordered a new one. Went to put it in yesterday and tested the output of the old Magne Tek 950 one last time right at the charger. 14.22 vdc. Hooked it back up went to the batteries and checked it. 11.77 volts. Left it running about 10 minutes with 2 interior lights on. Checked at the batteries again and they were at 11.59 volts. Disconnected the charger again and checked the output again. 13.28volts. Can any give me a good idea of what is wrong here. I did not install the new charger at that point as I wanted to be sure that is what it needs and this is not the result of a different problem. The old one is 14 years old. The MH is 14 years old and the charger is located about 32-34 feet from the batteries.

artum_snowbird · Answer

Been there, done that too. My converter seemed to be putting out great, but at the batteries.. nope.

So.. to troubleshoot this problem, take your jumper cables from your battery, and run to the 12 volt panel. Take short leads off your jumper cables, first to the positive and then to the negative..

Most times, just doing this will determine what is wrong with your system, and then you can determine what is really wrong. Changing out a converter usually results in renewing those positive and negative leads.. so in many cases, that is what you are told you really need, but usually it's just a bad connection somewhere.

wa8yxm · Answer

Magnetek converter/chargers are, at least in some cases, two devices in one box. ONE is a non-regulated converter that puts out not very good DC (Rectified AC) at about 12 volt average (18 volt peak) not recommended for electronics but great for lights, pumps and the like.

The other side is a very low current battery charger. Sometimes in the single digit.

IF the batteries are very very low, it will show very very low voltage, If you have no battery, the type of meter you use will make a big difference in the reading (Since the meter thinks it is AC it will show low on a good DC meter).

Replacement with say a Progressive Dynamics 9200.. highly recommended.

mena661 · Answer

Sounds like you have a blown fuse or circuit breaker between the batteries and the converter. The fuse or CB should be somewhere close to the battery. It might look something like this:

jackwmssr · Answer

I will do some more checking and try to narrow it down some more. I will get back and let you know what I find but it will be a few days as it is about 15 miles away in storage.Thanks guys.

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