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Old 17-04-2012, 11:21   #16
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

The Magnum looks interesting and has more flexibility as well - adjustable voltage for example.
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Old 17-04-2012, 11:39   #17
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

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I think it is a defective Echo Charge. I own one and have installed many - never had any issues like this.

Echo's are current limited to 15 amps. I think only an internal fault or an external short would cause the fuse to blow.
I don't see how it could be anything else. Even if the starter battery was on its last legs, the echo charger would still limit the current to 15 amps, and you wouldn't be able to blow the fuse.
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Old 17-04-2012, 11:52   #18
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

Does the echo charger use a mechanical relay that should drop out when the starter is engaged? i.e. a relay with a 12v coil that would open when the coil voltage dropped to 10.5? If so, it could just be the relay points have aged and arced closed, and are not releasing at all.

Possibly a call to them to find out when/how it is supposed to let go, followed by a look to see if it is or isn't.
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Old 17-04-2012, 12:27   #19
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

No there are not any moving parts in an Echo - just electronic circuitry.
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Old 17-04-2012, 14:21   #20
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

Never seen this fault in mine or in any I've installed. I'd bet it's a fault in the EchoCharger, though, and possibly one which was caused externally -- water or foreign body entering the enclosure.

The Magnum ME-SBC is a very cute little device with some nice features. However, it's NOT the same thing at all as an EchoCharge which is a voltage follower device. Rather, it's a combiner with permits two-way flow of current....set points and all.

I'd open up the EchoCharge and, if you see nothing evident, replace it with another. Be sure to install it in a protected location.

FWIW,

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Old 17-04-2012, 17:18   #21
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

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The Magnum ME-SBC is a very cute little device with some nice features. However, it's NOT the same thing at all as an EchoCharge which is a voltage follower device. Rather, it's a combiner with permits two-way flow of current....set points and all.
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No it isn't the same thing but it's a pretty neat device. I can see a few uses for one. Very adjustable, bi-directional, current limited - or not with an added solenoid.
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Old 17-04-2012, 21:56   #22
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How about the Balmar Duo charge?? That one goes up to 30 amps.
My echo charge died and replaced it with a the duo charge that a friend took out of his boat. He used it to charge the dedicated bow thruster battery from the house bank, and after a few seconds powering it up, the fuse blows and wire melted. He replaced it with a blue seas automatic charging relay and problem solved.
Funny that he took it out because it kept blowing fuses, and now it is working great on my boat.....
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Old 17-04-2012, 22:13   #23
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

I have installed the DuoCharge. Good unit with twice the Echo's output.

Sounds like it was wired wrong somehow in your friend's boat.

If it is being used to charge a dedicated start battery though the extra output really isn't needed. An engine start only consumes half an AH or so.
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Old 19-04-2012, 02:25   #24
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Re: Xantrex Echo Charger fuse blows when cranking

I installed an Echo Charge and it works fine (so far as I know!).

I just had a reread of the Owners' Manual and it looks very simple. I would suggest double checking that all wires go where they should.

I'm with those that think that the starter battery is on it's last legs and is somehow drawing power from the house bank. Have you tried starting with the house bank disconnected?
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