Converter Conversion

[jbxx]

I hate to waste things , I was wondering what I could do with the old Parrallax converter. How about a stand alone charger?
Put a metal plate over the opening, add a 120VAC power cord, put a meter combination on it (removable), use powerpoles so I can use alligator clamps powerpoles or whatever I might need.
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...psfkobt7ny.jpg
http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/x...pszufy41ct.jpg

[jbxx]

Let's try this for pics
<a href="http://s737.photobucket.com/user/jbxx/media/DSCN0404_zpszufy41ct.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx13/jbxx/DSCN0404_zpszufy41ct.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSCN0404_zpszufy41ct.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s737.photobucket.com/user/jbxx/media/DSCN0405_zpsfkobt7ny.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx13/jbxx/DSCN0405_zpsfkobt7ny.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DSCN0405_zpsfkobt7ny.jpg"/></a>

[jbxx]

Nope, let's try this.

[AnnArborBob]

No matter how much lipstick you put on that thing, it's still going to be a POS!

[SteveSueMac]

Well that's encouraging, Bob 😳


Creative solution, jbxx! 😃

[jbxx]

Actually the chargers main fault (pun intended) is that it is single stage and overcharges.
As long as you don't leave it in circuit for a long time it's a pretty good charger.
Thinking about adding a 10A fuse on the 120 side and a resettable CB on the secondary side. I was considering 50A, what say the brethren?

[richinny]

i use mine as a charger but you did a nice job of making it pretty. nice job!

[TRIPPPIN]

Sell it on Craigs list or other site. Someone will find a good use for it.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by jbxx

Actually the chargers main fault (pun intended) is that it is single stage and overcharges.
As long as you don't leave it in circuit for a long time it's a pretty good charger.
Thinking about adding a 10A fuse on the 120 side and a resettable CB on the secondary side. I was considering 50A, what say the brethren?

Not really!

The main fault if you intend to use the POS (excuse me....the PARALLAX ) is that it will never produce the levels of DC voltage to properly charge a battery.........any battery!!

A liquid cell required a bulk/absorption charge of 14.4-14.8VDC and a float of 13.2-13.4 while an AGM like Lifeline needs a bulk/absorption charge of 14.2-14.4 and a float of 13.2-13.4VDC.

The continual 13.6VDC of the Parallax does NONE OF THESE and you will never attain a properly charged battery, regardless of any external devices that you add on to it and you will severely curtail the useful life of any battery that you connect it to.

As a power supply.....fine. As a battery charger.........A BOAT ANCHOR!!

***Nice aluminum box, though! Hope you have some ventilation on it for overheating.

[jbxx]

As you can see plenty of cooling. The case is all steel, in fact I didn't need to fabricate any of that as that all comes out when you remove the old converter, I just had to make a faceplate. As far as the charger goes it works fine for me as I am off grid and don't have house power on long enough to overcharge anything. How about some constructive answers about the fusing please?
J.B.

[lewster]

What wire size are you using? Circuit protection is based on wire size and the ampacity of said wire, not the device.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[Sav'h Steve]

Thanks Lew for your mention of a power supply.

I was thinking of a Pyramid 10-12 amp power supply for a 12 volt Ham Radio (car style Yaesu 857).

Perhaps the the POS Parallex out of the '90 Airstream 25 could do as well? Any idea of the amp output of the Parallex? It still works but as you say *WILL* cook batteries. My solution while I had it powered 24/7 was to have a timer on it.

How would the "POS" compare to a new Pyramid?
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PS12KX...+power+suppluy

[lewster]

The voltage output looks similar. I would save the expense of a new one and use the P/lax.

Maybe you have found a use for if after all.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[SeeMore]

My old unit makes a terrific power supply for 12v yard lights