battery charger Iota ?

[LDH]

I have been shopping for a battery charger in the 40+ range and that will handle gel cells. The Iota charger is lot cheaper than Xantrex or Charles.
Is the Iota any good or do you get what you pay for?

[Gord-May]

You get what you pay for.
When comparing prices (Iota vs Xantrex), you have to add the Iota IQ Controller* Option to your total cost.
* allows the DLS Charger to operate as an automatic 3-stage "smart charger".

[mitiempo]

Whatever charger you purchase make sure it has a Gel setting. The Iota and Powermax do not.

See post #9 here http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electr...p-charger.html

[fcsob]

I purchased a DLS-45 a year ago for $167.00 with the IQ controller. I would call Iota about your gell cells and get the facts. It has worked great on my flood batteries.

[mitiempo]

I don't doubt that Iota makes a good charger, as does Powermax. But they do not have settings for gel, both according to their manual and btrayfors who is a marine electrician and owns 2 Iotas. His post was the one I linked to above.

Gel batteries need a lower bulk/absorption voltage and a higher float voltage than either flooded or agm batteries, as shown below from a Xantrex manual. I certainly wouldn't risk the life of expensive gel batteries to save a few dollars on a charger. Best to buy a marine rated 3 stage charger with a gel setting.

Or buy batteries to suit the charger.

[T37SOLARE]

Powerguy, thanks for digging up a 6 year old thread....

Seeing how you have a commercial interests here, you should disclose it.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Powerguy

I know I say this a lot but check out [edit]. They work just like the iota but are less expensive. I have owned both and the Powermax is better in my opinion

More of the same. I mentioned a few days ago you might want to disclose your commercial interest. Now ALL 10 of your posts are marketing for PowerM** and you've gone so far as to now dig up a 6 year old thread.

[mitiempo]

Which I stupidly did not notice.