Samlex Convertors

lindenengineering · Post by **lindenengineering** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:11 pm

Hey you guys I am looking for some feedback on Samlex convertors

I have two (Samlex) in my Pinz one for dedicated use for the air to air heater. Recently I had an "electrical event" that took out the alternator. The overcharge jolt blew the Samlex box out before the fuse could save it from failure.

I know these units are prone to failures of this type and we got sick of changing them under warranty a few years ago. Nowadays we use an Astron unit but I am interested to find out how many of you have had unfavourable service from these convertors.
Seasons Greetings
Dennis @ Linden Engineering Inc

russ · Post by **russ** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:04 am

I've had my Samlex converter for about 5 years and it has never had a problem. I was worried a few years ago when people said they were having problems but have apparently weathered the storm.

lindenengineering · Post by **lindenengineering** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:58 am

Russ
Thanks for the input, I have had a few PM's on them you are the first to give me a positive. Question?
Where did you buy it?
Dennis

rla001 · Post by **rla001** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:59 pm

Hi Dennis,

You installed the samlex converter 6 yeas ago when I got my Pinz and the only trouble I have with it is if anything 12v thing is on when you turn the battery key on it pops the fuse. I keep several fuses onboard for when I forget.

Rich A.

lindenengineering · Post by **lindenengineering** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:02 pm

Rich
That's one of the symptoms I have observed, amonst other things!
Thanks for the input
Dennis

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:51 pm

I've had mine for just shy of 4 years. No problems what so ever. I use it to run a laptop, dome light & CB. I bought it from CWR.
Scott

russ · Post by **russ** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:40 pm

I believe I bought mine at CWR. It was a while ago and don't have my Pinz records handy. I run CB, FRS, sometimes a peltier effect cooler, fluorescent lights inside, and my tachometer off of it. It is wired into the electrical box on the firewall in the passenger compartment right side of my 710K.

Jimm391730 · Post by **Jimm391730** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 1:14 am

I bought a "reconditioned" unit direct from Samlex. Worked about a year, then would not start if it was cold; gradually quit altogether.

Replaced it with a unit from Astrodyne, it's worked flawlessly for three years.

Jim M.
712W and 710M

wacky · Post by **wacky** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:26 am

I went through 2 samlex units when I owned my Pinz. I think they're crap. I kept the power way below their max continuous output and they both fried. I would never buy another. One was replaced under warranty by Dennis back in the CWR days (sometime around summer of '01) , and the other was replaced 1 month beyond the warranty by me at home (summer of '02?).
I ended up buying one from a ham/mobile radio shop on the north side of I-70 near Peoria (for you Denver folk). It worked great the rest of the time I owned the Pinz. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I had to....I just can't remember the name of the company I bought it from or the model #.

It might have been an astron...that name sounds more familiar than the others mentioned. I remember the unit was made in the US though.

lindenengineering · Post by **lindenengineering** » Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:52 pm

So far taking PM's into account the recon Samlex units appear to be the culprits. There is a small label place on the carcass of the unit reading, "reconditioned"

Whacky

The company you mentioned is probably Electrocom on Paris St, just a block east of Peoria.
Yes they sell the Astron unit, we exclusively install this unit these days, and its "maddey in ussa-moi bien" (made in USA) as the Vens would say!
Dennis