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Old 02-26-2016, 12:30 AM   #1
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Snap, crackle, hot smell. I got 99 problems..

.. and a b!tch ain't one. I have had some intermittent 12v issues for a while. I think each one has been a clue to a bigger issue.

Today was the coup de grase- my WifiRanger (wired into the 12v system) sketched out on me twice. At the same time, my mobile hotspot spazzed our (plugged into a 12v car charger).

This evening, the lights in the camper dimmed a couple of times. While it was happening, my wife was in the kitchen and said that they heard popping noises and we started to smell hit electrical smell.

It all seemed to originate from the converter. I shut everything down right away and started moving the breaker/distribution panel so that I could see what was going on.

I have a WFCO WF-68100A converter. The LED status light was showing amber at first and then it turned to flashing amber. According to the owner's manual, that indicates that it was off (it was, I flipped the breaker) and that my battery is showing low voltage (which it shouldn't as I'm always connected to shore power and it should keep my battery minty and fresh).

I haven't done any more troubleshooting as my volt meter sucks. But, I do plan on following the notes in another thread.

I also assume I'm just going to buy a Progressive Dynamics converter and install that. My nads are feeling big these days and I might take a stab at the install (it helps that it plugs in and my father-in-law will be here on Tuesday).

Any thoughts or points of wisdom?
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Old 02-26-2016, 12:33 AM   #2
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Doug, grab a charger and at least get your battery charged so you have lights etc. I would go buy a volt meter and test the voltage out if the convertor or just replace it on sept.
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Old 02-26-2016, 12:35 AM   #3
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Doug, grab a charger and at least get your battery charged so you have lights etc. I would go buy a volt meter and test the voltage out if the convertor or just replace it on sept.

Crap, I didn't mention that. That's exactly my plan- I'm going to keep the inverter off and will pickup a cheap battery tender tomorrow from an auto parts store to keep it topped up. I don't want another snap, crackle, pop event while we are sleeping.

I keep wanting to hit a Sears to get my voltmeter replaced, but never remember until I need the stupid thing.

And I'm thinking of just replacing the converter regardless.
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Old 02-26-2016, 12:54 AM   #4
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I'm thinking that I want a PD 9200 series converter, but don't know which one I should pick.
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Old 02-26-2016, 05:39 AM   #5
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I'm thinking that I want a PD 9200 series converter, but don't know which one I should pick.

You don't boondock, nor do you have a huge battery bank.

I would think, 60A would be more than enough.


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Old 02-26-2016, 06:47 AM   #6
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You should Give Randy a call at best converter.com and explain your situation. He is the Obi Wan Kenobi of converters. For full timing like you do personally I would go large on the size. A lot of the benefit from that would depend on how they wired the rig and broke up the loads into circuits. It would however run cooler and cooler is always better with electronics. Call or email Randy.
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Old 02-26-2016, 07:16 AM   #7
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You have a 100amp converter?


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Old 02-26-2016, 09:27 AM   #8
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You don't boondock, nor do you have a huge battery bank.

I would think, 60A would be more than enough.
I wasn't sure those amp numbers indicated.



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You should Give Randy a call at best converter.com and explain your situation. He is the Obi Wan Kenobi of converters. For full timing like you do personally I would go large on the size. A lot of the benefit from that would depend on how they wired the rig and broke up the loads into circuits. It would however run cooler and cooler is always better with electronics. Call or email Randy.

I emailed him last night (as well as Progressive Dynamics directly).

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You have a 100amp converter?

It appears that way.

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Old 02-26-2016, 09:43 AM   #9
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Yep indeed you do!
I'd stick with the 100amp



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Old 02-26-2016, 09:43 AM   #10
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Yep indeed you do!
I'd stick with the 100amp

I didn't see a PD 100amp converter. Seemed like it went to 80 or so.
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Old 02-26-2016, 09:47 AM   #11
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I think the 9280 would also be adequate


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Old 02-26-2016, 09:48 AM   #12
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I think the 9280 would also be adequate

Thanks. That's the one I was looking at.
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Old 02-26-2016, 09:57 AM   #13
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Thanks. That's the one I was looking at.
Never heard of a 100 amp converter, but I guess WFCO does make one. I agree with Turbs, the 9280 should do everything that you need.
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Old 02-26-2016, 10:28 AM   #14
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I've got the same 100 amp converter sitting in my shop


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Old 02-26-2016, 12:41 PM   #15
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FWIW. I installed mine(with perfect instructions). I tried to do without replacing the DC fuse panel... I ended up doing it anyway... So that's how I would start.
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Old 02-26-2016, 12:45 PM   #16
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I've got the same 100 amp converter sitting in my shop


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How many converters do you have sitting in your shop?
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Old 02-26-2016, 12:47 PM   #17
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Old 02-26-2016, 01:38 PM   #18
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Cheap battery tender will probably not charge enough. Need at least a 5 amp charger.
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Old 02-26-2016, 01:39 PM   #19
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FWIW. I installed mine(with perfect instructions). I tried to do without replacing the DC fuse panel... I ended up doing it anyway... So that's how I would start.
I do think that I'm going to tackle the install myself... once I get it here.
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Old 02-26-2016, 01:45 PM   #20
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I do think that I'm going to tackle the install myself... once I get it here.

You'll be fine 15 minute install.


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