Replacing PD 9145A

[BigWapiti]

I need to replace my power converter (PD 9145A).

Since I'm needing to replace it - should I replace it with the same make/model unit or are there better options that I should go with instead?

[camperdave]

BigWapiti wrote:

Turns out my 9145 didn't go bad as I thought - but I was reading about the charge wizard. I don't think mine has one assuming it would be wired or plugged in somewhere? If so, I see nothing external to the device itself.

Is this something worth buying separate if I do end up keeping the 9145 converter? Seems it was an option with this device, yes?

Absolutely worth adding the dongle. It will charge much faster in bulk mode, and will not fry your battery when in float mode. It's the key to the PD series being a good charger.

[BigWapiti]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Remember AGM SCREAMS 14.4 volts for a long time not a predetermined guesswork length of time.

I'm admittedly vague on all this stuff, can you explain what you mean by this? Thanks!

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Remember AGM SCREAMS 14.4 volts for a long time not a predetermined guesswork length of time.

[theoldwizard1]

If you have plans for an inverter in the near future now would be a good time to install an inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch.

[otrfun]

BigWapiti wrote:
Turns out my 9145 didn't go bad as I thought - but I was reading about the charge wizard. I don't think mine has one assuming it would be wired or plugged in somewhere? If so, I see nothing external to the device itself.

Is this something worth buying separate if I do end up keeping the 9145 converter? Seems it was an option with this device, yes?

Older PD4145's don't have a Charge Wizard connector. Newer PD4145's (last 2-3 years??) have a brown, Charge Wizard connector located near the large toroidal coil.

[time2roll]

BigWapiti wrote:
Thanks everyone! Apprecaite the feedback and advice!

I started wondering - do these things accommodate AGM batteries, are AGM not recommended in RVs, and/or do I need a specific converter for AGM?

I just know that AGM batteries can be finicky when it comes to charging - I had to get a specific AGM compatible charger for my boat. I'm stupid when it comes to electronics however so....

The PD92xx matches Lifeline AGM charging specs about perfect. But get the 80 amp with AGM.

[DrewE]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

time2roll wrote:
+1 for PD9245

http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-Series-Deck-Mount_c_84.html

This is a great choice but they have a better one that I bought from Best converter it is a 9200 PD9245 modified to put out 14.8 Volts of boost instead of the 13.6.

The standard 9200 (and 9100 + wizard) boost voltage is 14.4 volts, not 13.6 volts. 13.6V is the non-boosted, non-float voltage.

[enblethen]

you can get a Charge Wizard
It plugs into a PD 9100 series using an RJ-45 connector. It looks like a ethernet plug.

[BFL13]

Your AGM and any flooded too needs to see 14.x volts to be charged up properly. Your converter without the Charge Wizard only does 13.6v, so your battery will die an early death.

[BigWapiti]

wa8yxm wrote:
If your 9145 has the optional charge wizard like my 9180 Replace with same model as there is none better than a PD-wizard controlled converter for standard batteries.

If it does not then the 9200 series is the same unit WITH the Wizard built in.

If you call Progressive Dynamics you may snag a Factory Rebuilt . bit cheaper and if your unit is less than 10 years old they may have an even better deal.

or if you are Near Marshall Michigan (dead center about 35 miles north of Indiana) Do Drop In the factory.. I did.

Turns out my 9145 didn't go bad as I thought - but I was reading about the charge wizard. I don't think mine has one assuming it would be wired or plugged in somewhere? If so, I see nothing external to the device itself.

Is this something worth buying separate if I do end up keeping the 9145 converter? Seems it was an option with this device, yes?

[BigWapiti]

Thanks everyone! Apprecaite the feedback and advice!

I started wondering - do these things accommodate AGM batteries, are AGM not recommended in RVs, and/or do I need a specific converter for AGM?

I just know that AGM batteries can be finicky when it comes to charging - I had to get a specific AGM compatible charger for my boat. I'm stupid when it comes to electronics however so....

[IAMICHABOD]

time2roll wrote:
+1 for PD9245

http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-Series-Deck-Mount_c_84.html

This is a great choice but they have a better one that I bought from Best converter it is a 9200 PD9245 modified to put out 14.8 Volts of boost instead of the 13.6. I can't find it on the website but if you call and ask Randy, he may still have them in stock. 888-828-1893

[time2roll]

+1 for PD9245

http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-Series-Deck-Mount_c_84.html

[wa8yxm]

If your 9145 has the optional charge wizard like my 9180 Replace with same model as there is none better than a PD-wizard controlled converter for standard batteries.

If it does not then the 9200 series is the same unit WITH the Wizard built in.

If you call Progressive Dynamics you may snag a Factory Rebuilt . bit cheaper and if your unit is less than 10 years old they may have an even better deal.

or if you are Near Marshall Michigan (dead center about 35 miles north of Indiana) Do Drop In the factory.. I did.