Battery charging Forums

keng

Hi Barry,

I am one of the majority, with a basic leisure battery set up, you mentioned earlier. I have a genuine interest in trying to follow basic advice on improving my system but having followed this particular thread I am tempted to use the phrase, "Here we go again". Confused

It has all become rather pointless. Why is it that electricity brings out the worst in people ? I noted with interest your reference to "useful information" Confused

Are you sure you spelt useful correctly Very Happy

Anyway, seeing as how I was very interested in a reply to your original post, would you PM me, if you ever get an answer. Something that a bog standard, thicko like me could understand. This would help me evaluate any suggestions made when I go along and ask an 'expert' for the actual equipment.

PS I don't have a clue about physics/electronics/electrical systems. I don't even have a degree Crying or Very sad

BillD

Hi Keng,
Can I refer you back this stream to my previous entry. I tried to reply in a down to earth way in non technical terms with a solution that I know will work.
I was trained as an electrical engineer so I can understand most of what is being said but as far as the basic question is concerned it mostly comes in the category of intellectual masturbation!
There are lots of ways of skinning this particular cat and it is not easy to give an answer that covers everyones requirements. If you have a more specific question try that.
BillD

keng

should have mentioned that I followed your post to the letter. It was most unfortunate that it was on page two in amongst the 'other stuff'. Anyhow, it was very well put and as you say it is difficult to cater for everyone as there are so many variables.

I don't have massive demands on the electrical front as we prefer to stay on hook ups with an occasional overnight 'in the wild', but it is nice to improve one's basic knowledge of something that we take for granted.

To cut a long story short, I really wanted to ask about using a small, Honda, EX650 generator (my father and I bought this for doing some work at a remote location and it is 'as new'). Can it simply be connected to the mains inlet on the side of the van and used in the same way as if on site ? I'm nearly afraid to ask this but I don't think any of them are around at present so I won't get intellectually anaesthetised if I do Rolling Eyes

Quite simply, (here goes Idea

) do I need an inverter as a safeguard ?

There won't be any great demand other than lighting and maybe TV. I have researched other info and the size/weight/power output/storage/noise etc won't be an issue as it will only be for an occasional 'wild night'. Basically, it's a case of can't see the point of buying a bigger leisure battery when I have this sitting in the garage.

Finally, I would genuinely appreciate your views and apologise for not making that clear in my previous post.

GeorgeTelford

"Can it simply be connected to the mains inlet on the side of the van and used in the same way as if on site ?"

Yes you can,

Only one thing to be aware of, when starting the generator do not have any sensative electrical equipment switched on.

Best is to allow genny to settle after starting then connect or switch on apliances after.

Also this is a low wattage genny you woould not be able to run much in the way of mains equipment ie dont try running water heating and a 240v space heater at the same time.

George

keng

Thanks for the info George. It is very much appreciated.

Cheers

Anonymous

We are recommending Victron purely on the basis of research, and not practical experience. We are not yet selling Victron products, precisely because we have not tried them. When we do start selling them, we will do so at a discount so any price comparisons at this stage are meaningless.

We strive to be totally upfront and honest about everything. We joined Motorhome Facts before we started VanGear to be part of the community, and NOT to advertise our since-started venture.

We construct our own reviews and opinions, based on our experience. Information about generators given earlier in this thread, and more, can be found here: http://www.justgenerators.co.uk/pages/FAQ.htm

We are not happy with the hostile tone of this thread, and will not be posting back until we've tried our Victron and have some simple, helpful news to share.

Anonymous

Keng

May I offer you a word of caution, Some of the older gennys (of which I think yours is one) are not suitable for direct coupling to the modern motorcaravan due to the electronic charging system, trust no one, ring the makers of your charging system, the name should be on the box of tricks.

A mistake could be very costly, and it's you who has to pay the bill.

Rdgs Ken

GeorgeTelford

Hi Keng,

The reason is upon start up the genny can produce spikes, this is due to the fact that geeny heads need to be run at a set speed to set the frequency, obviously on start up things may be slightly erratic, with older transformer based chargers not much problem, it could potentially cause a problem with newer chargers.

Hence the words of caution above Start genny allow to settle then connect up or switch on appliances.

George

Previous to finding out the above I used to do it all wrong start the genny connected with all the loads I wanted tp run (including my charger) switched on, fortunately it never caused a problem, but you never know.

keng

Thanks again guys, caution is my middle name. Smile