Converter in new Micro Minnies

[BK1]

Ah man... Just doing some Googling... Turns out I'm measuring amperage incorrectly. I didn't know the meter needed to be connected in series. But of course- makes total sense.
Will report back when I get a chance to hook up and recheck. ⚡��

[Fred 2106DS]

Originally Posted by BK1

OK, that's somewhat reassuring.
I'm curious though: earlier you mentioned that you had the charger configured to output 14.4V. But you're reading 13.66 at the output?

That's due to the charger actively charging the lithium batteries. The batteries started at a 40% state of charge or 13.1 volts. The charger was outputting 13.66V @ 19.3A. If I disconnected the lithium batteries, the output voltage of the charger would be 14.47 volts @ 0 amps, see this previous post. The charger's output voltage will continue to increase as the batteries state of charge increases until the batteries reach 14.4 volts = 100% charged. At this point your amperage output to the lithium batteries will be zero.

[Fred 2106DS]

Originally Posted by BK1

Ah man... Just doing some Googling... Turns out I'm measuring amperage incorrectly. I didn't know the meter needed to be connected in series. But of course- makes total sense.
Will report back when I get a chance to hook up and recheck. ⚡��

What meter are you using? If it is a meter that measures DC amps through the test leads, they are typically only rated for 10 amps DC.

[BK1]

It's not high end. Has a clamp that will only read AC, so yes, DC amps through the leads. Given their tiny size, you're likely right and would probably be a bad idea to put 40A through them.
I'll just focus on voltage for now and see if I can borrow an appropriate amp meter. Thanks again Fred.

[BK1]

Originally Posted by Fred 2106DS

What meter are you using? If it is a meter that measures DC amps through the test leads, they are typically only rated for 10 amps DC.

Ok just in from testing.
I think it's functioning properly, though still unable to check current.
With the truck engine running, but the charger off, I read the same volts at the starter battery, the Anderson connector and the charger input (14.3V). I believe this indicates no voltage drop due to wire size and length. The trailer house batteries sit at 13.06 (approx 50%).

When I then turn on the charger (via marker lights), I get the same reading at the starter battery and the Anderson (14.3 V), but at the charger input I read 13.3V. The charger output reads 13.58 V and the house batt's 13.38V.
Dip switches are configured to 14V output.
After a few minutes, the starter battery read 13.46V (same at Anderson), 12.58 at charger input, 13.58V at output.

So even though voltage dropped at starter battery (smart alternator?) and charger input, it stayed constant at the output.
The spec sheet for the charger states an input operating range of 8-16V.
So I think it's designed to deal with fluctuations due to smart alternators while maintaining appropriate output voltage.
I welcome any comments.
Thanks.
Brent

[Fred 2106DS]

Originally Posted by BK1

Ok just in from testing.
I think it's functioning properly, though still unable to check current.
With the truck engine running, but the charger off, I read the same volts at the starter battery, the Anderson connector and the charger input (14.3V). I believe this indicates no voltage drop due to wire size and length. The trailer house batteries sit at 13.06 (approx 50%).

When I then turn on the charger (via marker lights), I get the same reading at the starter battery and the Anderson (14.3 V), but at the charger input I read 13.3V. The charger output reads 13.58 V and the house batt's 13.38V.
Dip switches are configured to 14V output.
After a few minutes, the starter battery read 13.46V (same at Anderson), 12.58 at charger input, 13.58V at output.

So even though voltage dropped at starter battery (smart alternator?) and charger input, it stayed constant at the output.
The spec sheet for the charger states an input operating range of 8-16V.
So I think it's designed to deal with fluctuations due to smart alternators while maintaining appropriate output voltage.
I welcome any comments.
Thanks.
Brent

Brent,

I agree, based on your voltages, it appears the charger is working as expected.

Congratulations!

Fred

[BK1]

Originally Posted by Fred 2106DS

Brent,

I agree, based on your voltages, it appears the charger is working as expected.

Congratulations!

Fred

Awesome! In the end, really not that difficult. But I wouldn't have taken it on if I hadn't had your post for guidance.
So once again, thank you. 🙏