Which Smart Charger?
Submitted: Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 at 21:39
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Tony
Hi,
We have a 105A/H Thumper which will run our Waeco CF40 fridge and lights. When we are camped for a while we are planning to top up the battery via our generator.
We have a Robin R650 generator which is not pure sine wave.
Can anyone advise if this set up would be ok to charge the battery and which smart charger to look at using to charge the battery up quickly so not using the generator for too long.
We are interested in the Ctek 25000 and the ABR Sidewinder 20amp Smart Charger, do you think these would be suitable or any advice on other chargers.
Thanks
Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 at 22:00
Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 at 22:00
Im sure Derek will give you honest advice if you ask him.
AnswerID:
386658
Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 at 22:49
Sunday, Oct 11, 2009 at 22:49
Hi Tony
Both chargers are suited to the 105A Thumper. They are a multi battery design and will absorb the 25A or 20A easily.
I think the R650 is a 2.2A generator. (550W)
Ctek may require up to 450W at full load so it should work but you can first start the charger on its lower setting or power supply setting and then flick it over to charge mode once the load eases off a bit. $350.00
ABR 20A chargers require 365W at full load so no problem. $175.00
Your Ctek advantage would be it is weather proof in a horizontal position if you plan to use it as a portable outdoor unit. The ABR unit is better if mounted or kept indoors. Prices are EO prices. Ebay is always a good source of Ctek chargers if you don't go for any of the above. Repco also stock them now via Ingram-Ashdown if you have a trade account with them.
We also have the new electronic field control RAPS petrol driven chargers in production for November 2009 built right here in
Brisbane.
Regards
Derek from ABR
AnswerID:
386662
Reply By: RV Powerstream P/L - Monday, Oct 12, 2009 at 08:21
Monday, Oct 12, 2009 at 08:21
Due to a special deal the ProTechi 25A pro Mariner Charger is available for $355 and it is fully certified for Australia for electrical safety and EMC.
The unit is a three outlet charger which means you can charge three seperate batteries or use one outlet for power supply and the other two to charge batteries.
Cables are not supplied which means you are not restricted to location and fit the unit and size the cables to suit your length and capacity.
It is a top quality charger used normally in Marine applications.
Use of any charger with a generator should be that the generator is started and run to warm up and settle before connecting a charger .
Ian
AnswerID:
386673
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 at 07:17
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 at 07:17
"Use of any charger with a generator should be that the generator is started and run to warm up and settle before connecting a charger ."
A good tip - also disconnect the charger before switching off the generator.
FollowupID:
654401
Reply By: Member - Anthony G (ACT) - Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 at 08:54
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009 at 08:54
I have used two smart chargers over the past couple of years. The Ctek 2500 and the Electro 30 amp charger. They are hooked up to 2 110 amp AGM battries in the camper and the aux battery in the vehicle when running off a 1kva Honda,
The Electro takes just on 4 hrs to go to Float mode while the Ctek takes around 6 hrs.
I think the 30 amp charger is the better way to go I my case.
AnswerID:
386836