Date:         Thu, 22 Apr 2010 09:06:33 -0700
Reply-To:     "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\"" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Mike \"Rocket J Squirrel\"" <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Temperature compensated battery charger
Comments: To: Phil Zimmerman <philzimm1@SHAW.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <999f0d7cc75e623d31c523decc4365a8@shaw.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Phil Zimmerman wrote:
> Date:    Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:15:29 +0000
> From:    Tabe Johnson <greentabe-vanagon@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: Temperature compensated battery charger
>
> Temp compensated chargers are readily available in the green energy
> field and don't cost $400 either:
> Link chosen at random:
> http://www.affordable-solar.com/xantrex.c35.charge.controller.htm
> (fine, only 35A...)
> There are lots of other models available too.
> tabe johnson/91MV
> -----------------------------------------
>
> tabe,
>
> Believe that random link is to a Charge Controller made for PV  (solar
> panel) systems.
> Nice looking unit at a reasonable cost.
>
> If this Controller were hooked-up to a stock Vanagon Alternator output,
> the results
> would be disappointing. Zap, then smoke I assert.... 8>(
> Stock Alternators have a bad habit of outputting voltage spikes in the
> range of a 100 or so volts.
> Not continuously but enough to smoke an unprotected charge controller.
>
> DC to DC Chargers are available. Shoot a p-mail to Mr Squirrel for the
> details....
>

I had all the details of the DC > DC charger on the now-gone wiki. I'd
need to open up the secret compartment on the van to see what I have.
Its maximum charge current is limited to 15A, which is plenty for my use
as a usually drive several hours at a time, so the charger always tops
off the 130Ah deep charge battery. The newer version of that same
charger has the 7.5A/15A switch removed and jumper wires on the board
permanently setting it to the lower current setting. Unsure why.

It does not have temperature compensation. However, my solar charge
controller does.

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Westrailia: (Ladybug Trailer company, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Bend, OR
KG6RCR