Do I have a converter problem?

[kenandterry]

We have a Sunseeker 2430S with a Progressive Dynamics Inc. Power Converter System PDK4060K. (See photo)

We are presently plugged into shore power at the campground and according to my digital meter, we’re getting 122 VDC. We’ve been plugged in for several hours. All our AC powered items are working fine. All our DC powered items are working fine.

My concern is that the Forest River Convenience Center digital meter is only showing 12.2 VDC. I do not hear/see the converter fan running. I have turned OFF the converter breaker, and turned it back ON. No changes.

Can someone advise what to test or try next in the morning?

 

[Twinboat]

Do you have the battery disconnect switch set to ON ?

The cover of the power center covers the converters output wires and reverse polarity fuses. You can check for 13+ volts there.

Just be carefull of the 120 volt wiring near the circuit breakers.

 

[Aussieguy]

fan might only work when converter is actually doing something... charging or powering a heavy load

turn on a heavy load on the 12v system or discharge the battery for several hours
then as it is getting re-charged watch the fan


have you got solar? .. if yes do the following at night
disconnect starter battery so you are 100% sure all test are just on house battery

disconnect shorepower.... does any lights or 12v stuff work
If no.... look for a battery disconnect or a blown 12v Breaker

if yes... GOOD your 12v system is getting power from battery
-------------------------------------------------------------
Next... Disconnect house battery
Connect shorepower 120v turn ON converter breaker.

Do any house lights or other 12v stuff work (water pump)

If yes ... Converter is working

if No...
measure voltage at converter INPUT 120v
if no input test breaker .. cycle it ON/OFF all the way ensure it clicks
replace if faulty

measure voltage at converter OUTPUT..... should be around 13.6 or MORE
check the TWO 12v fuses labeled reverse

ensure the thick 12v wires from converter to fuse panel are .... tight

EDIT... Forgot
If you still don't see the fan turning and you are sure converter is running
AND you are powering a heavy load
fan should be tested ... look to see if you can measure voltage on the little wires to the fan... if it reads voltage but not turning fan maybe able to be replaced
worse case senerio converter may need replacing but you can buy just the converter section ... and leave all the power center wiring alone

only order/replace the converter

 

[kenandterry]

Newest update 12 hours later…….

Conditions did not change as went to bed by 11pm.
All AC outlets and appliances were still working…..display showed 122 VAC.
All DC lights and accessories were still working……display showed 12.2 VDC.

Woke this morning….

All AC outlets and appliances still working….display shows 122 VAC.
All DC lights and accessories still working…..but display shows 13.7 VDC.

This is the higher 12 volt reading I’m used to seeing anytime we’re camping. Nothing was changed as far as battery cut off switch or any camping circuitry.

I’ll continue to monitor again tonight, but as I’ve said before…….how can I fix that which doesn’t appear to be broken?

 

[darrellr]

We are presently plugged into shore power at the campground and according to my digital meter, we’re getting 122 VDC. We’ve been plugged in for several hours. All our AC powered items are working fine. All our DC powered items are working fine.

My concern is that the Forest River Convenience Center digital meter is only showing 12.2 VDC. I do not hear/see the converter fan running. I have turned OFF the converter breaker, and turned it back ON. No changes.

Can someone advise what to test or try next in the morning?

I assume you must mean you are getting 122VAC not VDC, right?

 

[5picker]

We have a Sunseeker 2430S with a Progressive Dynamics Inc. Power Converter System PDK4060K. (See photo)

We are presently plugged into shore power at the campground and according to my digital meter, we’re getting 122 VDC. We’ve been plugged in for several hours. All our AC powered items are working fine. All our DC powered items are working fine.

My concern is that the Forest River Convenience Center digital meter is only showing 12.2 VDC. I do not hear/see the converter fan running. I have turned OFF the converter breaker, and turned it back ON. No changes.

Can someone advise what to test or try next in the morning?

If it happens again, use your trusty digital meter to measure voltage at the battery.
Maybe the FR Convenience Center meter is reading incorrectly?

And I'm assuming you mean 122v AC?

 

[Aussieguy]

.but display shows 13.7 VDC.

12.2v dc is battery battery at 60% charge
13.7 is 100% charge
nothing wrong there

Fan may only come on if converter is getting HOT ?
It is charging so keep an eye on it

while on shore power now that it is fully charged it will probably stay there as long as the converter is turned ON and it has power

report back if anything changes

 

[kenandterry]

It’s night number two and my readings are:

122 VAC……for all my plug in accessories and appliances.
13.6 VDC…..for all my battery powered needs and accessories.

My first post last night must’ve been due to a defective readout from the Convenience Center.

Sorry for the confusion where I typed 122VDC in my first post, it clearly was a typo I failed to recheck.

 

[tomkatb]

I have 0 faith in any readings you have thus far!

Those meters on devices come with tons of complications.

Wet cell batteries are 0-12.6 volts. Higher readings are meaningless except to tell you something is charging them.

To read accurate numbers you need to be unplugged from shore power one hour after dark in case you have solar. Then read your battery terminals. 0-12.6 volts.

Then turn the shore power on. Depending on the battery readings the battery will read a higher number. Likely 13-14 volts if it is working. They charge at often four rates. Mine has never been below 13 volts unless we are NOT on shore power.

We own a $30 voltmeter installed in the fuse panel that displays voltage and keeps graphic history. We use it as a battery monitor. Bluetooth.

Highly educational.

I bet you’re fine. Just confused by goofy readings from a bunch of devices.

 

[kenandterry]

I started this thread, so I’ll wrap it up.

I only had the weird DC voltage reading that one time during our two week adventure where I connected to shore power several times.

Guess it was a fluke.

Carry on everyone and thanks for your input.