Update fm March '17, CTEK d250s problem fixed

[WalkaboutTed]

On another post last month, I had left it at where, for some reason, the ctek unit solar input didn't seem to be functioning.  I forgot to update board with the resolution of the problem.  

With an email exchange initially complicated by language difficulties (my Swedish is non-existent, his English was only marginally better), I finally sent the unit back to CTEK USA.  Within 24 hours of having received it back from me, they confirmed that, yes, a resistor was non-functional.  The replacement unit went out the next day and I had the new one, in place and working properly 72 hours afterwards.

So now I have both CTEK d250s and Smartpass units for the alternator and the portable (100 watt) solar panel charging.  And I'm using the Blue Sky 3000i for the other 445 watts from the roof.  I like that the Blue Sky is programmable for the absorption and float voltages and absorption time.  I have the best of both worlds as far as I'm concerned, now.

Everything works perfectly now.  I even have ice, if only because the boys don't know that it's there. I've given up on making it in the house freezer as I find only empty ice cube trays, no matter how often I fill them. And we've figured out how to keep #4 son from drinking all the beer-we keep some hidden in the van fridge.

So yes, CTEK's warranty service is as good as it has been reported elsewhere. That definitely counts for something nowadays.

 

[SternWake]

Good to hear you and they got it sorted out and it continues to work well. A well depleted battery battery bank an a highway drive should test the new unit.

Also neat that you have two solar controllers. If I had/needed that option I would plug in a portable panel into the Ctek on sunny mornings to help achieve absorption voltage earlier in the day. When the batteries are low charging sources usually have no issues working together right up until it reaches the max voltage of one of the charging sources, which then will drop out, but at this point maximum available amps cannot be accepted by the batteries anyway, or if they could, not for much longer.


in 2013, I was considering CTek's 25 amp plug in charger as it had a battery temp sensor, to replace my 25 amp schumacher that needed to be monitored/babysat for excess voltage.

I went with a 40 amp adjustable voltage power supply instead.

Fairly recently, The schumacher's( sc2500a) nearly worthless display has failed, but it still will exceed 25 amps and 16 volts, unless restricted to AGM setting. Knowing the personality quirks of this particular charger, and always choosing the AGM setting. I have grown to respect its 2/12/25 amps, especially when used on a group 31 battery that owes me nothing anymore.

So I am glad I did not get a 200+$ 25 amp automatic charger to replace the quirky schumacher which was 64$ in 2007, but now have 40 amps for about $150 will all the modifications included( fans heatsinks, wattmeter, external 10 turn potentiometer) and no worry of over/undervoltage, as I choose that number.

Good to hear the truckfridge is working well too. I am impressed how quickly my fridge can make warm beer very cold.

 

[jimindenver]

Always good to hear someone stands behind their products.