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From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Sat Sep 22 2007 - 13:56:06 EDT
I cannot speak highly enough of the PSW inverter/chargers from Outback
Power. They are a spinoff from the old Trace company which was bought by
Xantrex (along with Heart and Prosine). I don't much like Xantrex and I
definitely don't like Heart, but that is personal.
One of the things I particularly like about Outback Power is they stand
behind their products, even beyond the warranty period, and they do sell
an extended warranty if you want it. When you phone them, you get an
ENGINEER on the phone. The units are simple and for the most part
user-repairable. The FX2012T, which I have, is a 12V SEALED
inverter-charger that delivers 2500W if I need it.
But the Outbacks are either 110/60hz or 230/50hz. One unit will not do
both. So when you get overseas you will need a different charger.
I just purchased a Protech1240i which is only a 40A unit, but has a
universal input (60/50hz, 110/230VAC). It was the most economical unit
that would deliver the 3-stage charging required by AGMs. I will use that
for charging overseas and draw my 110V/60hz onboard power from the FX2012.
The chargers get really expensive as the amps go up. Since my plans are
to leave the USA probably for good it would have been better for me to
outfit the boat with the version of the inverter/charger that works
overseas, and use the smaller Protech while in the USA. So it goes.
But the best idea may be a combination of an inverter-only unit (e.g. from
Mastervolt) and a dedicated universal charger (Protech, Mastervolt,
Charles River, etc).
Since you are using AGMs, a note of caution. I have AGMs. I like AGMs.
But they need (as do all batteries, actually) to be FULLY CHARGED on a
regular basis. I have solar power for that top-up charge, and a DC
generator for the bulk and absorption charging. I "go quiet" after
running the generator in the morning and let the solar panels add back all
the amp-hours used. An e-meter (Link 10) or similar charge monitor is
essential for keeping track of battery state and making sure that all the
amp-hours drawn out are put back in.
Best regards
Jeff Stander
s/v Beatrix (KP44 #276 1980)
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