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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Astro on December 02, 2016, 11:07:20 PM

Title: Looks Like my Inverter/Charger is acting up
Post by: Astro on December 02, 2016, 11:07:20 PM
I am a few weeks into a long trip and tonight as I returned to the mother ship, I noticed my battery monitor indicating batteries were low. I checked both the remote and the main unit and even with adequate shore power, I have no charge indicator. Model is Heart EMS-2800. I know its an older unit, not sure if parts or service is available near Tucson to El Paso area.  I am headed east.  Suggestions or options anyone or is replacement in my future?
Title: Re: Looks Like my Inverter/Charger is acting up
Post by: ol713 on December 03, 2016, 09:19:55 AM

   Hi;
     I would start by checking the batteries.  Also check the water level
     and then suspect a inverter problem.  In order to stay on your trip, 
     you might consider buying a battery charger from Wal-Mart to
     keep your batteries charged.  If you have a 24v system, just charge
     them in pairs.
                                                Good luck,  Merle.
Title: Re: Looks Like my Inverter/Charger is acting up
Post by: Astro on December 03, 2016, 04:34:02 PM
Batteries are fine. I charged them up with alternator and separate charger. The charge light on inverter is not working and I just verified the inverter is not working either. Talked with Gusdorf Electronics tech in Santa Fe. Although he is unable to assist due to health, he helped guide me in diagnosing problem. It is not looking good. Replacement might be in order. Not sure who is best to help along I-10 corridor between El Paso and San Antonio yet. Recommendations would be welcome.
Title: Re: Looks Like my Inverter/Charger is acting up
Post by: Oonrahnjay on December 03, 2016, 08:57:36 PM
Quote from: AstroLiner on December 03, 2016, 04:34:02 PM... Recommendations would be welcome.

       Can't help with service but I would say that I have an Outback 12V inverter.  It's not "load sharing" so it's all of nothing -- if you don't have enough power coming in shore or generator to run your loads, it pulls *all* from the batteries.  It could/probably would run the batteries down really quickly.  It has a lot of things good about it - low efficiency losses, lots of programming options, low noise, low heat (if you have a confined space for it) but the no-load-sharing thing is a problem.