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05-02-2008
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Sea Slacker
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Charger question
I just installed Xantrex Truecharge 40 on my boat. On the upside, it went right up to charge my batteries (whereas the old ferromagnetic charger appeared to think they are full) - so I hope it might bring them back to life a bit. Also got to lighten my boat by about 40lbs 
On the downside - the darn thing is NOISY. It has a comptuer-style fan and fan runs constantly (I hoped that it would only turn on when it reaches certain temperature, but no such luck - its always on). I wish they mentioned that in installation guide or product specs. Anyone has experience with other modern "smart" chargers (40 amp or so) - are there quieter models?
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05-02-2008
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Wandering Aimlessly
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I have the 20 amp Truecharge, but don't experience the noise problem. Might want to check with the dealer or Xantrex about the situation. Or mount it in a place where it's less of a problem.
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John
Ontario 32 - Aria
Free, is the heart, that lives not, in fear.
Full, is the spirit, that thinks not, of falling.
True, is the soul, that hesitates not, to give.
Alive, is the one, that believes, in love. JCP
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05-02-2008
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I am guessing your charger has a fan? Does the fan work while the batteries are charged? Is there any sound at all when it works?
In my case the noise is not too loud - more like a persistant hum. It turns off occasionally, as if the charger is measuring something - and then turns back on. In a boat, particularly at night it echoes quite a bit. I installed the charger inside a locker, can't move it any further than that. Being a center cockpit, locker is pretty close to at least one cabin.
It also looks like there is quite a bit of gas being produced by batteries - i opened one and it looks like soda pop. Hope it ain't cooking them. I wonder.
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05-02-2008
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Sounds like you may have more of an issue than noise, that is causing the charger to run hotter than it should. That's just a guess though from what you've said.
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John
Ontario 32 - Aria
Free, is the heart, that lives not, in fear.
Full, is the spirit, that thinks not, of falling.
True, is the soul, that hesitates not, to give.
Alive, is the one, that believes, in love. JCP
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05-02-2008
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Well, it is 70F outside right now and the charger feels barely warmer than the ambient temp (if at all). And the fan is still running. I looked about and quite a few Truecharge 40 owners complain about the noise, so it may be a model difference. I should have gone for 20 instead, I guess.
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05-02-2008
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Wandering Aimlessly
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The 20 works alright when hooked up to shorepower, but when I'm running the generator, I wish I had a bigger one.
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John
Ontario 32 - Aria
Free, is the heart, that lives not, in fear.
Full, is the spirit, that thinks not, of falling.
True, is the soul, that hesitates not, to give.
Alive, is the one, that believes, in love. JCP
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05-02-2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brak
On the downside - the darn thing is NOISY. It has a comptuer-style fan and fan runs constantly (I hoped that it would only turn on when it reaches certain temperature, but no such luck - its always on). I wish they mentioned that in installation guide or product specs. Anyone has experience with other modern "smart" chargers (40 amp or so) - are there quieter models?
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I have the same model - its mounted vertically - never a issue with fan noise... In your case it could be off center somehow? You can reduce the reverberated noise though by placing rubber washers on both sides the screws of where you secure the unit.
If it is obnoxious - like a bad PC fan the Xantrex folks have great Tech support...
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05-03-2008
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I think this may be an issue of noise threshold - the fan sounds like a PC fan, and I am guessing that I just don't like computer noise at night It's not too bad during a day with ambient noise and all.
I contacted Xantrex too, we'll see what they say. I'd rather not replace it again - it did a great job charging my batteries. I thought of replacing them, but it looks now like they take a charge really well.
Anyone wants an old ferromagnetic charger? Pick up only, its about 40lbs.
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05-03-2008
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I just installed a 40 amp Pro Tech. The fan comes on after about five minutes and keeps running until about five minutes after I shut down. It's a bit intrusive, but not overpowering. I looked at the Xantrex, but some of the user comments on the West Marine web site were not encouraging.
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05-03-2008
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Sea Slacker
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ok, so fan situation is relatively similar then. on Xantrex, fan was on until it went into float mode. Once in float mode - it is quiet, except when it tries to charge a bit more (it does that occasionally or when new electrical loads appear). I guess I'll just try to keep batteries charged during the day.
If I reinstall refrigerator, this will become an issue, since fridge will likely be running at night and making charger turn on accordingly.
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