Xantrex Link 2000 acceptance volts tweak?

[Bleemus]

have a Link 2000 controlling a Freedom 20 inverter/charger. After reading the manual it seems the default acceptance and float levels are set to 14.4 and 13.5 based on what you set ambient temp defaults. There does not appear to be a way to set the custom level of 14.8 and 13.5 required by my Trojans.

Did I miss something?

Go easy on me. New boat and I have never had a Link 2000.

[Paul L]

This older unit is not very programmable. You are limited to selecting levels based on battery type.

[Bleemus]

Originally Posted by Paul L

This older unit is not very programmable. You are limited to selecting levels based on battery type.

Thanks Paul. You are confirming what I am learning.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Paul L

This older unit is not very programmable. You are limited to selecting levels based on battery type.

Not quite, or only in a way...

You are limited to selecting the levels of the charger's values, and you can't change them.

This may depend on the year of your I/C. My 1998 Freedom 15 is set at 14.4 and 13.5.

The Link CANNOT change those values that are built into the charger.


You should also read this:


For everyone installing a battery monitor: The "Gotcha Algorithm" thread, a "MUST READ"

Link-series Charging Algorithms -- The "Gotcha" Factor!

DEFAULTS are factory settings that are made to be modified to suit your setup.

Also read this one:

Programming a Battery Monitor (by Maine Sail)

Keeping Your Battery Monitor More Accurate Photo Gallery by Compass Marine How To at pbase.com

and his newer 'site

https://marinehowto.com/programming-a-battery-monitor/

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Not quite, or only in a way...

You are limited to selecting the levels of the charger's values, and you can't change them.

......

Thats what I thought I said - tough language😀

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Thats what I thought I said - tough language😀

Paul, understood and appreciated. I just tried to clarify that the charger was the controlling factor, not the Link.


I think thanks to both of our replies the OP will "get it."

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Paul, understood and appreciated. I just tried to clarify that the charger was the controlling factor, not the Link.


I think thanks to both of our replies the OP will "get it."

When I first got my boat with a Xantrex Freedom 20 I spent a bunch of time trying get the acceptance voltage as high as I wanted them, or should I saw my batteries wanted them. Since I am usually in hot tropical weather, I figured out that I could get the voltage up by disabling the battery temperature sensor. This way the charger uses the default 70*(or so) vs the batts 90*F.

[Bleemus]

Thanks gents. That gotcha article confirmed what I suspected but couldn't wrap my head around cause I am a little thick.

So, it is now official I hate the Link 2000.
Do I need it is my next question and can I get it off the boat? Can I simply use the Freedom 20 as an dumb inverter when without shore power and install a Sterling charger that will do what I want?
So much to do so little time.

[Paul L]

Bleemus
Sure if you have the space

[smac999]

Originally Posted by Bleemus

Thanks gents. That gotcha article confirmed what I suspected but couldn't wrap my head around cause I am a little thick.

So, it is now official I hate the Link 2000.
Do I need it is my next question and can I get it off the boat? Can I simply use the Freedom 20 as an dumb inverter when without shore power and install a Sterling charger that will do what I want?
So much to do so little time.

A link 2000 is just a display. They are cool and nicer and easier to read and use then all newer battery monitors. Your problem is with the charger. Not the display.

Even if you get rid of the freedom. I would still keep the link 2000.

But yes. You can add another charger. And use both together. Or only the new one.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Bleemus

So, it is now official I hate the Link 2000.
Do I need it is my next question and can I get it off the boat? Can I simply use the Freedom 20 as an dumb inverter when without shore power and install a Sterling charger that will do what I want?

In that case, why not keep it? It is a good battery monitor and a remote I/O for the charger.
In any event, why do you hate the Link? Because it doesn't do what you thought it would? That seems a strange reason.


You can use the Link to set the temperature with F03 (Function 03). You can get the manual online from Xantrex discontinued section on their website.


Sure, get a separate charger, but learn how to make sure they (the I and the new C) are never on together.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

You can use the Link to set the temperature with F03 (Function 03). You can get the manual online from Xantrex discontinued section on their website.

Later edit: You can use the Link to set the charging voltages based on the temperature table in the Link 2000 manual with F03.


A very good reason to keep the Link. You're too soon to "hate" something without reading the manual.

[Bleemus]

I stated I had read the manual and did play with setting ambient temp to 50F to get 14.8 and that is what I am doing now and shutting down the charger when it gets to float.

All my reading online seems to point to the Link 2000 as very very dated tech and for a few hundred bucks could get the latest, greatest set and forget tech.

For now I will use it and see if solar upgrades can cover the need for swapping it out.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

...
Sure, get a separate charger, but learn how to make sure they (the I and the new C) are never on together.

Why? Using two chargers together with a generator is a good way to increase the charge current during bulk charging, thus reducing charge time. Assuming the genset is larger enough to handle both chargers and the battery bank is larger enough and the state of charge low enough to want the higher bulk charge rate all is good.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Why? Using two chargers together with a generator is a good way to increase the charge current during bulk charging, thus reducing charge time. Assuming the genset is larger enough to handle both chargers and the battery bank is larger enough and the state of charge low enough to want the higher bulk charge rate all is good.

I should have been more clear. Don't run the inverter when running a separate charger. No problem running two chargers together.