Charger/Converter Opinions

[Kmmech]

Just looking for some opinions on which charger/converter to switch to in the 5er. Im getting away from the dumb factory charger and going to a smart charger. The factory one is in the very rear of the trailer and batteries are in the front with 8 gauge wire between them. The new one will be installed in the front near the batteries. Just ordered 4 new Trojan T-105 RE batteries (450ah), and have 500 watts solar with mppt cc. The 2 chargers Ive narrowed it down to are the Progressive Dynamics 70 amp with charge wizard, and the Iota 75 amp with IQ4. 

Trojan Recommends     Bulk          14.8
                                Absorption 14.1 - 14.7
                                  Float        13.5

PD 70 amp                  Bulk          14.8
                               Absorption   13.6
                                  Float         13.2

Iota 75 amp                Bulk          14.8
                              Absorption    14.2
                                 Float          13.6

I like the PD for the manual control option, but also like the Iota for the charge parameters that meet Trojan spec. Need some opinions. Thanks

 

[Hermes1]

Morninstar Trimetric are among the very best. They are highly configurable, so you can easily set it for the parameters your batteries call for and have many other programmable features.

 

[regis101]

I have this one in the box collecting dust. It was for a project that never happened.
As new condition. Used for two hours because I just had to touch it. I'd let it go fer cheep.
http://www.bestconverter.com/Iota-DLS-55-With-IQ4_p_337.html#.WZiHnq3MzXY

 

[Kmmech]

I have this one in the box collecting dust.  It was for a project that never happened.  
As new condition.  Used for two hours because I just had to touch it.  I'd let it go fer cheep.
http://www.bestconverter.com/Iota-DLS-55-With-IQ4_p_337.html#.WZiHnq3MzXY

As I do appreciate the offer, I refrain from buying any electronics 2nd hand. Maybe I rely on the warranty more than I should, but it just gives me peace of mind.

 

[regis101]

No worries. I'm of the same mind frame. Just threw it out there.

 

[John61CT]

You should be manually "equalize charging" monthly or so, I think Trojan requires close to 16V.

Ideal is one with customizable voltage setpoints, minimum absorption time setting etc.

Either of those let you do that?

I personally like like Sterling ProCharge Ultra, or ProMariner Pronautic P

 

[jonyjoe303]

The iota has a absorb setting closer to the bulk voltage that is required, if you can set it to 14.4 volts it would be even better. The batteries like to be absorb at the 14.4 volt region for hours at a time.

And when your connected to solar keep the float voltage also at 14.4 volts. Solar charge controllers never keep the absorb voltage long enough to fully charge the battery.  They shift to float voltage too quickly leaving you with a chronically undercharged battery. 14.4 volts won't damage your battery, but not fully charging your batteries will damage them. Thats why equalizing your batteries with higher voltage every once in a while will actually prolong there life.   

I had my kinitek agm floating at 14.3 volts for 3 years, it was quite happy at that voltage.

 

[John61CT]

Just note that all good solar controllers allow various custom settings for ending Absorption and going to Float, many of which guarantee not doing so until the bank is 100% full.

Setting Vfloat to Vabsorb is a workaround for substandard SCs.