New System question

[Thesilversurfer]

I am about to install:

Xantrex 120V 3000w (#3012) inverter/charger
Xantrex Xanbus Control Panel
Xantrext Conext Combox
Lifeline AGM 800amp house bank
Lifeline dedicated AGM starting battery

I was told by Xantrex that the #3012 inverter/charger will only charge the house bank and not the starting battery? I was told I need a separate charger for the starting battery?

Thoughts?

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Thesilversurfer

I am about to install:

Xantrex 120V 3000w (#3012) inverter/charger
Xantrex Xanbus Control Panel
Xantrext Conext Combox
Lifeline AGM 800amp house bank
Lifeline dedicated AGM starting battery

I was told by Xantrex that the #3012 inverter/charger will only charge the house bank and not the starting battery? I was told I need a separate charger for the starting battery?

Thoughts?

Send it back for refund if possible. Your old kit is probably okay and if note then buy something better. See the other thread you started.

[Sailing August]

In the last 6 month, I installed:
- KISAE TECH Abco 2000W - 100A Inverter/Charger
- 2 x AGM Mastervolt / 270 amp hour each batteries
- RENOGY Battery Monitor
Total investment was about $3500. I installed the system myself and everything works fine. 540 amp hours is more than adequate (3 people) to provide all of our 12V demand and our intermittent 120V galley demands. We even run 120V fans all night long. The Batteries have not gone below 70% after a day and a night. I may consider adding a third AGM Mastervolt 270 battery when we add a watermaker....for a total of 810 amp hours.
We charge with a combination of solar, wind generator and a small Honda Generator if necessary.
So far so good. Im very happy with this arragment.

[cr180]

Originally Posted by Thesilversurfer

I am about to install:

Xantrex 120V 3000w (#3012) inverter/charger
Xantrex Xanbus Control Panel
Xantrext Conext Combox
Lifeline AGM 800amp house bank
Lifeline dedicated AGM starting battery

I was told by Xantrex that the #3012 inverter/charger will only charge the house bank and not the starting battery? I was told I need a separate charger for the starting battery?

Thoughts?

Evidently new inverter does not charge two independent batteries. You really don’t want to charge your starting battery the same way as house bank. The house bank will need to be charged longer and if starting battery in parallel, will be over charged. You will have same issue when charging from engine alternator. Several options: 1. Second small charger for starting battery, but that doesn’t solve the alternator problem. 2. A Duo charge made by Balmar, or someting similar (not to be confused with a battery combiner). The duo charge is smart device that has the same programming as a battery charger, so won’t overcharge starting battery.

[Thesilversurfer]

Very interesting....The boat must have a secondary charger for the starting battery as the system has been working perfectly since I acquired the boat 4 years ago....All I did was upgrade the house bank to a bigger bank of AGM's and a new start battery....Things have been fine until the charger started malfunctioning....I will look at the start battery and follow the wiring to see if there is an additional charger for it...much to know! Thanks!

[leecea]

I found that my boat had an "echo charge" installed in an odd place. It is described as doing the following:

The Xantrex echo charge detects when the house battery bank is being charged and directs a portion of the charge current to auxiliary or starting batteries.

Perhaps you have something similar.

[Knotical]

Please read this in detail, and multiple times if you can.

https://marinehowto.com/installing-a...ttery-charger/

I have a Blue Sea ACR which takes care of my start battery, common practice is to direct all charging sources to the house bank.

I saw your other thread too, I am curious about your need for a huge bank if you are always connected to shore power.

[Thesilversurfer]

Well...I thought it made sense when I'm on the hook for 3-4 days...I don't have to run the motor at all.....all LED's, no parasitic drag from any systems. I try to leave the marina at least 2x weekly, once mid week and on weekends - longer when we cut out for 3-4 days...I am anxious to see what type of charger is in place for the starting battery...To be continued! Thank you again!