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From: George Hechtman (no email)
Date: Wed Jan 02 2008 - 09:55:41 EST
I installed one of their MS4024 units a few months ago after much
research and dithering. I was attracted to the ability to feed both
legs of a 50amp line into it, and then have two 30amp legs coming
out. This allowed some nice flexibility and made the process of
rewiring the AC panels pretty easy. I also like the "whole system"
approach including battery monitor and automatic generator start
capability. The unit comes with a battery temperature sensor, by the
way. I have not installed the latter two yet, but will in the next
week or so once the generator is put back together.
I note the problem another poster had with the RMA process; maybe
because less dollars were involved, they offered to switch out the
remote (to give me a software upgrade for the Battery Monitor Kit) no
charge and no need to send the other unit back until the new one was
installed. I ended up doing that through the dealer, Jack Rabbit
Marine, if only to make them work a bit after sending me an old
software version remote to begin with.
The remote is really slick, the most user friendly I have come across
in my research; better yet, it has the best user manual I have seen
for an electronic item (and I come from the consumer electronics
industry) maybe ever.
Performance wise, the most notable cool thing is the virtually
instant transfer time when you switch off shore or generator power.
While most of my electronic stuff is also UPS protected (I like the
little Tripp-Lite sold at Costco), you usually cannot tell that any
switch over has taken place (which the UPS would certainly signal pre-
inverter and on other inverter equipped boats we have been on). It
does put out a lovely sine wave too. I should note per another
poster's concern that it will emit a mild buzz while operating, only
noticeable to me if I am down next to it below. Lastly I should note
that tech support is wonderful and very responsive. I too had ruled
out Xantrex after a truly awful experience trying to get help with
one of their high end chargers that came with the boat.
Other brands heavily considered were Victron (not chosen because of
the two leg feature noted above and no generator start capability,
and somewhat because I liked the "Made in USA" aspect of Magnum),
NewMar ( a little pricey), Mastervolt (see Victron and NewMar) ,
Outback ( close second, actually), and Charles.
Magnum seems to have focussed on the RV and off grid markets,
probably because that is where the volume is; the various manuals
often refer to your "coach". The MS series is fully marinized and
certified, however.
Once I have the other components installed , I will report back. So
far, very satisfied.
George
"Incentive" Hatteras 56MY
currently docked in chilly Aventura, FL
PS: 88lb Delta with WASI Powerball 3/8 BBB chain and Ideal windlass,
and so far happy with those too, in a variety of conditions.
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