Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Replace Parallax 7345 (Read 24 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Replace Parallax 7345
Yahoo Message Number: 152637
I am planning to replace the original converter in my 2005FL with a PD4600 series from Progressive Dynamics.  My question is whether to buy the 45A or 55A version. I currently have 2 lead-acid house batteries and one 100W solar panel. I expect to add at least one more solar panel.  I saw in an old Larry Wade post in which he said that he normally installs the 55A version.
 Two years ago i had to replace my house batteries that sulfated from water loss after being hooked up to my 30A service at home. I have since flipped micro-switch #2 on the HPV-22, and kept the batteries charged with solar only.  My water loss has been minimal, but I also plan to replace the HPV-22 with a 3 stage controller to eliminate switch flipping.

Dale

Mini
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152638
"I am planning to replace the original converter in my 2005FL with a PD4600 series from Progressive Dynamics.  My question is whether to buy the 45A or 55A version."

Dale

With stock wiring, the biggest converter you can use is the 55-amp model. It will charge faster than the stock converter, while still protecting the battery.
A higher output converter would require wiring and fusing upgrades, between the converter and the coach battery.
With upgrades, you can use the PD9280 80-amp converter for high speed charging, good for boondockers who must use their generators in the winter to keep the battery charged.
This is the biggest converter that I have found that will fit in the stock location.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152639
Thanks, Larry.  Does that mean there is an advantage to the 55A with my current configuration?  I don't boondock in the winter any more -- getting a bit too old for that, but I do do three-season.  That is mostly at higher elevations here in Colorado.  I usually will use the generator to run the microwave for short periods in the morning, or add battery charge when needed.  That latter is one of the reasons the Parallax doesn't cut it.

The price differential between 45A and 55A is minimal, so that is not a deciding factor.

Dale
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152640
I would go with the 55A, even though recharge times won't be that much faster. Don't forget the current gets split between recharging batteries and powering all the 12V appliances, lights, etc. If you are plugged in for the night and using 25A to run everything, that leaves either 20A or 30A left over to recharge - more significant.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152645
One thing I will point out is, there is a 50-amp circuit breaker between the power converter and the house battery.  In my MB, it is located under the fridge, accessible by removing the drawer under the fridge.  The 55A unit will pop that breaker, especially if you have low resistance AGM batteries on board. I would suggest replacing that breaker with something larger, like an 80 or 100 amp breaker.

Otherwise the 6 gauge cabling is adequate for the 55 (or larger) converter.

-Dave '06 MB, Indianapolis
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152648
Do you or anyone else have any suggestions were to look for the circuit breaker in a 23.5 FL?  I can certainly look at all of the accessible locations between the two points. I don't use AGM batteries, although that's possible in the future.

Thanks for the info.

Dale
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152649
"Do you or anyone else have any suggestions were to look for the circuit breaker in a 23.5 FL?"

Dale

Pull out the rear barrel chair. At the bottom of the wall, there is an angle board, covering a wire chase.
Remove the cover, it is held with 2 or 3 screws. Inside, you will find the circuit breaker.

The circuit breakers are prone to problems and often have resistance, which causes voltage drop. Many times they appear to be burned.
I have replaced our LD's breaker with a 80-amp Maxi fuse.
I use marine grade fuse holders, the last batch from Blue Sea. I have found the common Maxi fuse holder, the type sold at Pep Boys or JC Whiteny to make poorer connections, once again leading to voltage drop.
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-MAXI-Block/dp/B000THTBZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431042382&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+sea+maxi+fuse

FYI- Voltage drop in the charge wires, going from the converter or solar to the battery greatly effects the efficiency of the charging. Spending your money on marine-grade large cable, lugs and low-resistance fuses can have provide high returns in faster charging times and less energy loss. This is especially true when investing in bigger converters and/or larger solar panel arrays.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152655
Larry,
 Found the cover, which is carpeted. I've located three hex-head screws, buried in the carpet.  I have my MPV-22 pulled now, so will wait for daylight to remove the panel. I'm going to parallel the micro-switch #2 with a toggle switch reachable without removing the MPV. I still plan to eventually upgrade to the 3000i.
 I have zero voltage drop from the batteries to the converter.  But there is a drop from the MPV's battery out to the converters terminals. The positive lead has the in-line fuse that i suspect is the problem. I'll test that tomorrow also.
 I'll order your recommended parts to replace the hidden breaker, once I've verified its presence.

Thanks again, Larry.

Dale
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152656
"I would suggest replacing that breaker with something larger, like an 80 or 100 amp breaker."

That factory-installed breaker is a super-cheap automotive grade item. I'd suggest replacing it with a better quality one while you're at it.

Andy Baird
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152657
Great thread.  Wish I hadn't installed my PD 4645 until I read it.   Nevertheless I'll look for that breaker and order a huskier replacement as linked in the thread.  Not a fan of voltage drop.
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152659
Dale:  I'd greatly appreciate it (and perhaps others would as well) if you could post a "step-by-step-for-dummies" description in the Files section on how you parallel the # 2 dip switch to a remote switch.  I posted the original entry on using the dip switch in the HPV-22 after speaking with AM Solar some years back, and ever since then I have been taking the box off the wall, flipping the switch, and re-installing each time I change from long periods of shore power to extended periods of boondocking.  I'd sure like to be able to just flip an external switch, like the 22B's have.  Thanks, Jon  ('06TK "Albatross")
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152660
Jon, you can hook up any single-pole, single-throw (spst) switch across the dipswitch for that function. The dipswitch contacts are the pair of contacts in line with that switch. When you've soldered the new switch wires on to the board, just leave that switch 'open'. If the switches have one position labeled as 'on', it would be the other direction.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Replace Parallax 7345
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152663
I have question..for the people who eventually replaced your Heliotrope controller with Blue Sky 3000i controller how did you do the trim for the job (make it look good)?  The dimensions are a bit different.