Inteli-Power PD4645 Converter/Charger with Built-in Charge Wizard

[gus]

Before I spend $250 on one of these things does anyone have experience with it??

[bevans6]

In my opinion a high quality device.  the one you are looking at seems to be a model designed to upgrade an existing converter, Bestconverter.com has it for $214.  I bought the 45 amp 4000 model, before they had the Chargewizard upgrade.  It is firmly limited to 13.6 volts in all charging modes, uses current limiting to get up to 45 amps of charging at that voltage, apparently.  It charged my 230 AH bank perfectly in all conditions, I had no complaints.  The model I had also had the DC distribution fusebox and the AC distribution breaker box for 2 circuits and I used it as the main load center for my conversion at that point.  I've since upgraded to a 24 volt house battery system so I no longer use the charger section, but I still use the load center for distribution.  I have the charger section available, let me know if you'd be interested in in at a lot less than $214.

Brian

[boogiethecat]

As far as I'm concerned it's one of the best out there. It took EXCELLENT care of my T-105's , lasting 7-8 years. They finally started leaking at the posts due to old age, but their capacity was never an issue.  In the end I changed over to solar and AGM batteries, but I still use the Inteli-power with the charge wizard removed, because the solar controller now controls the charging.  The intelipower stays at 13.6 volts now and through a diode, only kicks in if I have a few cloudy days.
You will not be disappointed if you get one...

[gus]

Thanks guys.

It sounds like maybe you have the 7345RU  from the way you describe the constant 13.6v. The PD4645 Converter/Charger is relatively new from what I can tell from the internet.

Here is the description for it;

BOOST Mode 14.4 Volts - Rapidly brings RV battery up to 90% of full charge. NORMAL Mode 13.6 Volts - Safely completes the charge. STORAGE Mode 13.2 Volts - Maintains charge with minimal gassing or water loss. DESULFATION Mode 14.4 Volts every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes to prevent battery stratification.

My plan is to install it into my ancient Magnatek 6345 Converter/Charger case which is now my main load center. It is a direct conversion fit and uses the old box and distribution sections.

I'm hoping someone has purchased on of these recently. Converters as battery chargers seem to have a constant problem for many years and just now catching up on modern charging technology.

[bevans6]

With this family of converters, the addition of the Charge Wizard, which is an add-on module for some, is what allows it to have the multi-level charging, which is arguably better for the batteries and might cause problems for other things connected to the electrical system.  The idea of the constant voltage is that it suits the batteries fine, just doesn't necessarily optimize charge times, and delivers a constant voltage to the house systems like TV's, lights, etc.  Regardless, they are good choices.  I have this one:  http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4045-45-Amp-Inteli-Power-Mighty-Mini-Power-Center_p_353.html

I just bought it before the Charge Wizard feature was added.  the bit I took out looks like this:  http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4045-45-Amp-Replacement-Board_p_435.html  I'll probably either put it in a box and use it as a stand alone charger, or get another one and stack them to get a 24 volt charger.  Haven't thought that through yet, to be honest.

Brian

[gus]

Brian,

Thanks for all the info.

The 4045 appears to be electrically the same as the 4645 except the 4645 seems to be designed especially to be a direct fit for the older Magnatek 6300 Series of converters.