DC to DC chargers, do you really need one?

[bagmaker]

Yes but they will let everything through, they will do up to 100 amps, so your alt must be able to stand it, or you must use the cable as a limit for current.
They will stay connect till liths have reached programmed voltage then disconnect, this can kill some alts I believe. Ours is a huge coach alt, 270 amps at 24 v so it is fine, but smaller ones may die, there is no tapering effect with this device.

really? I smell smoke......

[Busman]

Naw that is not the case, we are still talking about substantial cables, in our case 2 x 50mm squared, but I just put this warning in that this is a smart relay, but not a voltage reg, it is either on or off.

[bob r]

Thanks for the information Bill... the falcon has a 120 amp alternator ( I think ) don't know if it would be good enough.

Bob

[T1 Terry]

Thanks for the information Bill... the falcon has a 120 amp alternator ( I think ) don't know if it would be good enough.

Bob

I'd still go with the 40 amp DC to DC charger, limits the max load on the alternator yet boosts the voltage enough to guarantee a full charge. Still need to control the charger with the BMS that looks after the cell voltages if the unit is used with lithium batteries, but it is just an add on to the same unit that controls the solar.

T1 Terry

[bob r]

I am using the inverter to run a 25amp CTEK through A ssr and pl 20 at the moment, have to talk to you about that BMS to look after the cells.