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electrical:converter [2017/10/01 11:23]
frater_secessus [Converters] 		electrical:converter [2019/01/03 16:24]
frater_secessus [Converters]
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 ====== Converters ====== ====== Converters ======
  
- +[[https://amzn.to/2RuAVjw|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UEjIRC+3L._AC_US218_.jpg}}]] 
-A converter has handles power and charging needs when connected to [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]]:+A converter handles power and charging needs when connected to [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]]:
   - charge the [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|house battery]]   - charge the [[electrical:12v:deep_cycle_battery|house battery]]
   - provide 12v to power house loads   - provide 12v to power house loads
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 ===== charging the house battery ===== ===== charging the house battery =====
-OEM converters are notoriously cheap and dumb (lacking [[electrical:12v:charging|smart charging]] functions).  They either undercharge or overcharge, and both cases can damage lead-acid batteries ([[electrical:batterycide|batterycide]]).+OEM converters are notoriously cheap and dumb (lacking [[electrical:12v:charging|smart charging]] functions).  Since they are stuck at one voltage the manufacturer picks a compromise setpoint.  If this is set too high or too low //for your usage patterns// it can damage lead-acid batteries ([[electrical:batterycide|batterycide]]). 
 + 
 +This compromise setpoint should coincide with standard float voltages for your battery bank.  Typically this would be 13.2v - 13.4v for converters that are always on the grid, and 13.8v for batteries that are cycled but get put back on grid charging regularly. 
  
 ===== aftermarket converters ===== ===== aftermarket converters =====
 +
 +Aftermarket converters tend to be higher quality than OEM, but some are still "dumb" single-stage chargers.  Higher-end aftermarket converters often have multistage charging built in, or available as an upgrade.((See the PD w/Charge Wizard below))
  
 Three converter makers are generally respected on the CRVL forum.  In alphabetical order: Three converter makers are generally respected on the CRVL forum.  In alphabetical order:
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 ===== DIY "converters" ===== ===== DIY "converters" =====
  
-It is possible to build a [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/poor-mans-converter/|DIY converter from a power supply and MPPT charge controller]].  The benefits are lower cost and greater configurability.+It is possible to build a [[https://boondockplan.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/poor-mans-converter/|DIY converter from a power supply and MPPT charge controller]].   
 + 
 +Benefits include: 
 +  * lower cost than a comparable commercial product 
 +  * greater configurability 
 +  * secondary use of charge controller as a spare if needed
  
 If you do not need smart charging an adjustable voltage power supply could do the trick.  Since by definition the batteries aren't cycling when on shore power you could adjust it to something like 13.2v and let it "float" charge over time.  If you do not need smart charging an adjustable voltage power supply could do the trick.  Since by definition the batteries aren't cycling when on shore power you could adjust it to something like 13.2v and let it "float" charge over time. 
electrical/converter.txt · Last modified: 2024/06/25 12:07 by frater_secessus

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