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Actually, a rebuilt "MagneTek" is available, I talked to them (Laurie) two days ago and they have about 50 of them but they don't sell them direct like Progressive Dynamics (maker of Inteli-Power).
Parallax Power Components, LLC bought MagneTek last year and the name on a new MagneTek will say Parallax unless it's old stock. You can buy rebuilds from BR wholesale, according to them. They just don't advertize them on their website like Progressive Dynamics does.
As for reliability, both companies claim their return under warranty is less then 1/2 of one percent with Progressive Dynamics advertizing "The most reliable in the industry" on their literature. I would think that would be challenged if far from the truth.
The choice comes down to comparing price and features. Parallax uses 13.8 volts nominal no load output to the battery, with an optional T1 timer that reduces the output after 13 hours of shore power, only to be boosted back to 13.8 with any interruption of AC input.
PD has chosen 13.6 because of the Charge Wizard, assuming users want to have more control over the charging of the battery. Normal mode is 13.6 and will go into the 13.2 storage mode automatically with a deslufation quick boost cycle of 14.4 volts for 15 minutes every 21 hours. Manual boost mode is 14.4 for four hours and then it goes back to normal 13.6. All outputs are based on no load on the converter.
When I spoke to the Parallax lab several months ago, they claimed that PD's Charge Wizard is not as smart as they (PD) say because it treats any drop in voltage as an excuse to go into the boost mode of 14.4 volts, leading to overcharging. I asked PD about it and they denied it, saying in part, that it senses the battery state just like all of the others do and reduces the output accordingly.
They both do the same thing BUT, neither has the ability to remind you to check the water in the battery. They all agree on that!
Randy
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