Converter

[lkpills]

So far we have gone on 2 trips and everything is working fine. The only funny thing is the noises the converter makes when we turn lights on when plugged in to shore power. It squeals when we turn lights on and changes pitch when we turn different lights on and off. I can almost do Row Your Boat.
Has anybody else have this issue, and is it just a matter of replacing the converter or is there something that can be fixed.

Thanks for your help!

Lance

[moosetags]

That's definitely not a noise that you should be hearing from the converter. The only noise that you should hear from the converter is its cooling fan blowing.

You might try tightening the screws that mount the converter. Beyond that, I would take it to the dealer and have it checked.

Brian

[mikenicholso]

I had the same problem. It was driving the wife and kids crazy. I replaced my converter with an upgrade and solved the problem and improved performance.

I chose the PD4655 55 Amp Converter Upgrade. BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

[halimer]

I had a similar problem with the fan noise plus the OEM Paralex converter was drawing .5 amp. I replaced it with an Intel Power 9200 60 amp, an excellent product.
Intelli-Power PD9260C 60A Electronic RV Converter/Charger

[lkpills]

Here is an update. After talking with Randy at BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics I bought the Magnetek-63007300-Upgrade-Kit going with the 55amp version.

Thanks to Randy and everybody here at the forums for the help. Wonderful resource of people.

[dkottum]

We had that noise when the converter was failing. More lights, more noise. It also would not provide enough power to keep the batteries charged. New one replaced under warranty and it is working fine.

[Phoenix]

The noises you hear are probably from transformers and coils in the converter; also, less likely, but sometimes poorly staked or loose large capacitors. The transformer and coil windings may be humming because of poor vacuum impregnation (a.k.a., varnish or potting), which prevents vibration of the wires from pulsating magnetic fields.

If it's a loose capacitor, you might try using hot melt glue to hold it firmly against the printed circuit board. For a transformer, check any hardware that might be used to mount the part to the printed circuit board or heat sink. If the sound is coming from inside the magnetic device, the only thing you can do is replace it.

These noises, while annoying, do not necessarily indicate a failed or failing part. However, over time, it may hasten electrical and/or internal mechanical failure.

Be careful if you are troubleshooting the converter with the power on, as there is enough voltage and power in the converter to give you a serious (read fatal) shock.

They just don't make magnetics like they used to...

[lkpills]

Got the new converter installed. Everything is working great. Everything is quiet including the fan. That was a big improvement.
One thing Randy at BestConverter.com lied about. It took me 45 minutes, not 30.