Re: [A/S] Re: Converters and inverters

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Susan,
 Joy Hansen gives very good advice. The simple voltmeter on the A/S
control panel is not accurate enough to be useful; a fully charged
12-volt battery will read 12.6 and will go to 12.2 or thereabouts when
it's 50% discharged. (all readings must be taken after at least 12 hours
of 'rest') You don't want to run it much below 50% discharged on a
routine basis if you want it to last.

The ammeter might not work because it probably depends on a shunt built
in to the UniVolt. Depending on how things were rewired, it might not be
connected properly or may even be burned out from mis-wiring. Only a
genuine AirStream UniVolt is likely to have that shunt, but it's of no
consequence anyway. (see below)

After replacing that obsolete UniVolt converter with an Inteli-Power and
Charge Wizard, get a Cruising Equipment 'E-Meter' or equivilant to
monitor your battery. These have a very accurate volt and ammeter, plus
actually track the Amp-Hour usage and charge on a continuous basis.
They're a bit pricy, at nearly $250.00, but are worth every penny if you
do much dry camping and depend on your battery. We get a big kick out of
watching the numbers increment during the evening and early morning,
then decrement as the solar panels recharge the batteries, the
entertainment value is worth quite a bit to us. <<grin>>

Joy also points out the pitfalls of simply adding another battery.
Although it can be done, you must take the weight and ventilation
factors into account. Placing one on the tounge behind the propane tanks
is not a bad option, but be sure to use heavy wire (at least #6 in size)
to connect it to the original battery.

Motor Home Magazine had an article on battery monitors a while back,
I'll look it up and post the URLs that they referenced.

                                      <<Jim>>