Converter

Get the pendant for sure. The PDs don't always start up in bulk mode.
The pendant tells you what mode its in, and allows you to shift to any mode.

Excellent choice. Shop around, mine came with the pendent included. I use about 1/4 to 1/3 the water for the batteries.

Less than a minute when using a PD.

smkettner wrote:

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
6 cells of discharged GC-220's will eat 80-amps charge rate so fast, It's make your head swim.

For how long? Full hour? Assuming 14.4 volts.

You have to pick a time you are happy to run the generator each day while camping. Then you can pick a charger and battery set-up that will meet that time.

You might not have the choice of times. Some state and provincial parks have limited "generator hours" so that sets the time. Outside of those times you must have an inverter to run any 120v items you want like microwave, toaster, kettle, TV/DVD, etc. You can do a 50-90 on two 6s in about two hours with a 70 amp charger.

So let's say you have two 6s, which can take about 80amps charging at 50% SOC, and you have a 2000w generator. It turns out you will need a power-factor corrected 75 amper or above to run on the 2000w (1600VA) gen, so that means a 60 amp non- PF or a 75 PF converter.

Everybody makes a 60 amp non- PF so wide open there. A 75 or above means a PowerMax. However the time it takes to do a "50-90", which is all you do while off grid (the 90-100 takes too long to dom on generator), is only 10 or 15 minutes longer using a 60 amper instead of an 80 amper on two 6s.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
6 cells of discharged GC-220's will eat 80-amps charge rate so fast, It's make your head swim.

For how long? Full hour? Assuming 14.4 volts.

6 cells of discharged GC-220's will eat 80-amps charge rate so fast, It's make your head swim.

Rather than a whole converter case and all like the 9200 series Progressive Dynamics makes a line of converters designed to replace the electronics in your WFCO integrated converter/distribution panel. A few dollars cheaper and they work the same as the 9200. I highly recommend.

Google Randy best converters.

Haven't checked prices. How much more expensive is a 75-ap converter than a 45 amp? My formula goes like this...

How much more in gallons of generator gasoline is a 75 amp converter?

Does the 8835 not go into boost mode (14.4v)? Or what are you looking to improve?

9245 is fine even with the 2x GC2. No need for the pendent unless you must have a blinky thing to fiddle with. Can be added later as needed.

If you get a 9260+ you should also plan on pulling #4 wire to the battery.

moved from technology