2007 Power Converter

[Bill]

Walt and Rob -

Thanks for the info and the pointers. In the past year or so, I've received a few off-line queries about this converter, and was not able to answer them. I'm still digesting the info you made available, but I should be (or at least sound) a little smarter now.

By the way, Walt, the description of the microcontroller function is almost exactly what I would expect a good three-stage charger to do. I've got a little quibble with the definition of "bulk charge", but it is small. But the important thing is that it seems to be a true three-stage charger.

Bill

Originally Posted by Bill

By the way, Walt, the description of the microcontroller function is almost exactly what I would expect a good three-stage charger to do. I've got a little quibble with the definition of "bulk charge", but it is small. But the important thing is that it seems to be a true three-stage charger.

Bill

The description should sound familiar. It was your write up that started me researching battery chargers. I wanted to find a battery charger that fits your description. As it turned out, when I purchased the TM, it had the 8955 which as far as I can tell, fits your description. It is not an exact fit, but I think it is a basically the same.

Thanks

Walt

[rickst29]

... and I cussed (quietly) that TM had saved a mere $10, using the model with the smallest power handling capability. Right now, it's folded down (so I can't double-check.) I f they've subsequently changed to using the "bigger" 8955 for the smaller TM models 2619 and 2720xx, I approve of the switch.

AFAIK, the systems which TM used to use (Parallax 7300, IIRC) didn't have the fancy 3-stage charge capability of the new WFCO systems. If I'm right about this, then the charging system of the WFCO is a big upgrade, although it's not quite state-of-the-art: The WFCO charge system doesn't include a short-duration, high-voltage "anti-sulfation" cycle like the Progressive Dynamics "Charge Wizard" power converters do.

I have no idea how fan noise or reliability compare with the old systems.

My TM-provided manuals (blue 3-ring binder) DID include a WFCO "installation/operations manual". I don't know if your missing manual was an accident:

If I was offered a choice between getting the bigger 8955 (without manual) or the 8935 (WITH manual), I would definitely have chosen the 8955.

I serviced the batteries, and placed the TM in my garage last September. I kept it plugged in all winter. I pulled it out this last week to install the kitchen drawers I made, and to check the status of the batteries. All of the cells were only down about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch.