Smart Battery Charger?

[Tam_Hazan]

I have trouble with repairs to my TruCharge 40: after a deal of money and time, I decided that it was no use throwing good money after bad.

A replacement charger is needed. The Sterling name crops up in many adverts: does anyone have experience of this manufacturer?

Alternatively, what other makes would you recommend?

Thanks,
Tam

Batteries: Domestic 440Ahrs + Engine 85Ahrs.

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[philip_stevens]

I've had a Driftgate 2000 X-Alt Skipper model for 5 years on my Konsort with no problems whatsoever.

Go to http://www.dg2k.co.uk/XALT.htm

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Philip

 

[john_morris_uk]

I've had a Sterling for the last couple of years, and its done exactly what it said on the box... Can't comment on others as the one I bought has done fine. Why change a winning formula?

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[redhot]

I looked into the Sterling 50A charger, but in the end I decided to go for the one that Moore Power stock.
It is a 50A multi step charger / power supply and I think now it costs £220.
It has been on my boat, which I live on, for 18 months now and has not missed a beat.

The service I got from Tony there was second to none, I was realy pleased with them.

Take a look at their website http://www.moore-power.co.uk for more details.

Thanks
Mike

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[Chris_Robb]

agreed - does what it says on the box

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[coco]

Try this http://www.mastervolt.com/chargers/index.asp

Very good and reliable products. Work well down to a 100 Volts input. A bit on the pricey side though.

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[dickh]

Also look at Adverc <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.adverc.com>http://www.adverc.com</A> - good service from them, wait till the LBS and you'll probably get a good deal.


<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[dulcibella]

Adverc did a VAT-off deal at the SBS, so probably the same at LBS

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[StephenW]

I had a Balmar battery charger and split diodes fitted last year. Has worked reliably. A benefit of the Balmar is that it is set in a cast clear resin blcok so no corrosion. Any adjustments are made by using a special, strongly magnetised screwdriver

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[AvanLoon]

http://www/tecsup.fr builds the chargers for Plastimo. Here you can find adresses where to buy. They're cheaper than Plastimo, and have a white colour.
For €450.-. I bought the type Integral myself, a three-channel charger for all kinds of batteries, complete with 2 220V automatic fused circuits and a safety RCD, which switches off in case of an elictrical leak.
Installed in my boat since 2 seasons, it watches and charges my batteries 24H ad day. Very pleased with it.
Kind regards

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[PeterGibbs]

I can corroborate Stephen's account with Balmar - my batteries this season have clearly been operating at a higher state of charge since fitting the Balmar. I also have a shore powered charger built in and the Balmar appears to be no less effective than the shore charger - both are multi phased. I have built in battery voltage readers and can watch closely how they are doing on either regime.

Balmar will set you back just over £200 if you shop around - try the Boat Show, as I did. Fitting is a possible DIY job, but the modification sometimes required to the alternator might be best done professionally - this is what I did. I reckon if I get another 2-3 seasons out of my 130 x 2 AH service batteries it will have been more than worthwhile, and kept the frig going all summer long without clonking the batteries lower than the 10.4 v cutoff point.

I considered Sterling and Adverc but concluded these were a previous generation of technology vs Balmar, which is also a substantial USA operation.

PWG

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