DC charging

[ntsqd]

Looks like AC source charging has been covered fairly well recently. What about that same feature set in an alternator controller/regulator? I know that I've seen such a thing offered for marine use, has anyone looked into this for land vehicles?

 

[natjwest]

http://www.powerstream.com/dcdc.htm

 

[pods8]

http://www.powerstream.com/dcdc.htm


Actually this is the link you want: http://www.powerstream.com/DCC.htm for the 12V to 12V smart battery charger.

I've got one, it's nice but it is limited to 7.5amps which doesn't work for everyone. The nice part about it though is it does a proper stage charge for your battery, it boosts the voltage as needed during the bulk charge even if your alt doesn't put out a high enough voltage or you're dealing with voltage drop and then floats it when it's full.

Promariner makes a 40A one but it's quite a bit more expensive.

 

[ntsqd]

What I was thinking of are more like these:
http://www.balmar.net/
or more specifically something like this: http://www.balmar.net/PDF/regulator%20info%20s/ARS-5.pdf

Or: http://www.amplepower.com/products/sarv3/index.html

 

[pods8]

You starting battery doesn't want to be charged the same was an AGM battery many of us are using.

If you're thinking about spending that kind of money for a altenator control (that balmar looks to run about $270) for your camper battery charging maybe look at a 40amp DC to DC charger like this one: http://www.pmariner.com/productFeature.php?ProductNum=05504 $330 here is the best price I've seen in a quick look: http://www.blackbearsportinggoods.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ELLPROM05504&click=12

Then you're not messing with the way your system is setup to charge the starting battery and you shouldn't have any issues with not getting enough charge to your camper battery.

 

[Desert Rancher]

http://www.powerstream.com/dcdc.htm


Good easy to understand info on their Tech Resources page there.

Seems like everyone tends to "over-think" or make this a complicated subject.

 

[ntsqd]

You starting battery doesn't want to be charged the same was an AGM battery many of us are using.

If you're thinking about spending that kind of money for a altenator control (that balmar looks to run about $270) for your camper battery charging maybe look at a 40amp DC to DC charger like this one: http://www.pmariner.com/productFeature.php?ProductNum=05504 $330 here is the best price I've seen in a quick look: http://www.blackbearsportinggoods.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ELLPROM05504&click=12

Then you're not messing with the way your system is setup to charge the starting battery and you shouldn't have any issues with not getting enough charge to your camper battery.

In my case I'm looking at setting up the vehicle with two Odysseys. Depending on the bank selector switch either can be the starting battery and the other the 'house' battery. There may be very good reasons for not doing it this way, but Odysseys are the only battery that I've found, so far, that will fit in the space available.