12V Converter?

djb_rh · Post by **djb_rh** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:46 pm

Yes, I've searched the forums and dug and dug, but can't seem to find the answer to this for some reason.

I've found a couple sources for basic converters, but none that have charging circuitry for a 12V battery. But I could swear I've seen a few folks mention using converters that had that and installing a separate 12V battery that is the power source for the 12V accessories. The converter just charges it. Or am I mis-reading? If I'm not mis-reading, then does anyone have a pointer to such a converter?

--Donnie

Erik712m · Post by **Erik712m** » Fri Oct 10, 2008 10:56 pm

Your going to need some type of charge controller. http://www.autobarn.net/sunsei-icp-sola ... oller.html Welcome to the forum.

djb_rh · Post by **djb_rh** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 11:41 am

I get you, but wouldn't you also need a 24v-12v converter that had a 10A or less output for that?

--Donnie

ka · Post by ka » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:24 pm

here's a gr8 24v to 12v converter/battery eq:

http://www.solarconverters.com/equal1.htm

Erik712m · Post by **Erik712m** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:38 pm

If I read your first question right? Which I may have not, I had a few drinks last night:) But Jakes truck should already have a converter on it. And you were wanting a 12v charger? If so yes the charger needs to be rated higher on the amp draw than the converter. I was just giving you an example in my first post.

MASSIVE PINZ · Post by **MASSIVE PINZ** » Sat Oct 11, 2008 7:44 pm

Nope, I didn't need a convertor for the EFI system... The way it is wired does not require one.

I am not a fan of conversion devices and wanted to avoid them at all cost with the kit.. It has worked awesome for thousands of miles.

Jimm391730 · Post by **Jimm391730** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:10 pm

I have not yet seen a 24-12V converter with "real" battery charging circuitry; however, setting the output to 13.6 tp 13.8V will give a "float" style charge that can be connected to the 12V battery indefinately.

Most solar charge converters (like the one above) control the charge by shorting out the solar panel (which is fine for solar applications) but will attempt to short out the 24V truck system if used; this will create smoke and possibly flames! If you look at the specs, they have a maximum amps from the solar panels so they can safely short them. Don't use these with any power source except solar panels.

Best of luck,

Jim M.
712W (with solar panels) and 710M

Erik712m · Post by **Erik712m** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:42 pm

Jim, Hi from what I have read most solar chargers have a thermal resistor wired into an normally closed switch? This not correct? Isn't that why they want to match the resistor to the supplied solar panel output? Are you saying just hook the converter directly to the 12v battery? what happens when the battery is fully charged won't it boil?