Connecting a Sterling charger

[Trevethan]

OK, more dumb questions. recently I acquired a used 50 amp sterling charger/power pack that will allow me to keep 12 volt lights on lots, the bilge pump connected without worrying about battery going flat etc etc.

Instyalled a shore power circuit with RCD's etc couple of weeeks back. The 240v earth is not bonded to 12 volt earth - based on forum posts!

I am plan to fit it tomorrow. Before I blow it and myself up, I have a couple of questions.

First regards cabling between the charger and batteries. What sort should I use, Presumeably large, but how large??

Second looking at the terminals on side of the charger there are three posts close together. I assume each of these should lead to the postive terminal of each battery/bank, it being able to charge three banks.

Next to them is what looks like another terminal. Is this the -ve? If so does that mean I should use a -ve bus bar to bring the three battery -ves together and link to the charger there?

Also there are a couple of smaller terminal with a bit of sheathing on them. Are these connections for thrmal sensors?

Basically want to know what to do!

All help as usual is gratefully received!

Thanks

Nick

 

[Col]

Got a set of insructions in front of me. Pm me with fax no: if you want to have a copy. It is a bit involved as it requires you to set unit up via dip switches.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[Trevethan]

Thanks Col, opm fax number.

I can see no sign of dip switches or panels to hide them. Instructions greatlt appreciated!

See, you're not a Jonah!


Regards,

Nick

 

[Trevethan]

ha ha! "temperature connectors" are in fact dip switches.. !

 

[Col]

Fax duly sent, any probs- PM me.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>

 

[Trevethan]

Then again, maybe they aren't.

Thanks for the fax Col. Am at home now. Might p;ug the thing in and poke it with a multi metre and see what it does. Can't be bothered to go back to work for the fax so may install next week instead!

rgds

Nick

 

[Guest]

if you do decide to have a play, do not switch on the charger without having each of the three pos outputs and the neg output connected to one or more batteries ie the instructions warm against open circuits.

 

[Trevethan]

Thanks for the advice. Wired it up to a spare battery, drilled a length of copper strip to join the three terminals and it proceded to kick out 14.6 volts quite happily.

I am using some 1 cm square cable probably over the top, but its lying around not doing anything.

Next week I will link it to the starter cum domestic bank (2 x 200 amp) and to the bilge pump and heater battery.

At some point I am going to re organise the batteries so I have a dedicated starter battery, dedicated domestics and one to power the heater, but that presumeably will involve messing/replacing with the alternator, which I will probably do next spring = the engine and I have a difficult relationship at the best of times!)

BTW, any0ne see Captain Ron on Channel 5 yesterday? Lousy movie, but that boat was a thing of beauty - SWMBO is once again keen to cross the Atlantic once we get Gayle Louise sorted out after seeing those islands.. the "Perfect Storm" dampened her enthusiasm for a long time!

thanks so much for help!

Questions on fitting Webasto heater likely soon!

Regards,

Nick