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Topic: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power (Read 717 times) previous topic - next topic
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Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
I have the factory installed Parallax 7345 model converter in my 2008 LD. I have one factory solar panel installed with an HPV-22B Heliotrope (now out of business) solar controller and a Xantrex battery monitor. I think my converter is dying/malfunctioning as it doesn't charge the house batteries while on shore power. I have checked the 15amp breaker which powers the converter and checked the related fuses with a multimeter for continuity. I guess I don't understand some aspects of the converter so was hoping for clarification because my 120v power works in the RV when plugged into shore power but it will not charge batteries. Here are the facts...

-Batteries will charge off solar and monitor displays the charging operating properly

-Batteries will charge when engine is running and we are traveling

-Batteries will not charge when plugged in to shore power but I have all 120v operating normally in the RV (all outlets work, AC works, etc.)

-I have tightened the lugs connecting the wires

-checked fuses for continuity

-I've flipped breakers all the way off and back on

I am planning on upgrading the converter to a Progressive Dynamics PD4645V Inteli-Power 4600 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard - 45 Amp which is a factory plug and play replacement (hoping I can pull off this job on my own. I want to be sure this seems like it will be my issue and resolve the problem I am having. Appreciate any advice!

I took a quick video of my set up for reference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz03RKA6ZWQ
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #1 –
The PD 4600 was my choice a few years ago to replace the original Parallax in (what was) my 2003. Paired with the Blue Sky 3000i, the combo has worked without issues.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #2 –
Joe, I sent you a personal message about your project.
Mike C
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #3 –
Joe, there is an inline breaker in the 12V wire between the battery and the converter, is it possibly tripped? Our 94 mid bath is located under the dinette seat closest to the entry door. At any rate I did exactly what you are planning. The new 4 stage charger is easy on the batteries as it'll cycle down to a holding charge. I did not install the remote control as the new charger has all the functions built in. I did install the new fuse board and it wasn't bad to do just mark your wires. You'll want to cut some wire tie's as they were very stingy with extra wire. It's there you just need to look for it. Go with the model that has the jumper for Lithium batteries for future if you want.
Everything will fit like a glove.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #4 –
Per Jon's post
A circuit protection device is required within 18 inches of the battery.  keep looking.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #5 –
Joe,

If your converter is bad, and you do not wish to replace your entire power center, Parallax sells the converter alone:  8355RU Converter Replacement – Parallax Power Supply

I’m in the process of changing from AGM to LiFePO4 batteries.  I’ve learned that I’ll need to replace my Parallax charger/converter with a Progressive Dynamics unit.  So, if you determine that you need to replace your converter/charger, you may wish to consider going with a suitable PD unit that would enable the switch to Lithium Ion…

Good Luck!

Warren

Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #7 –
From Don Malpas:
"The location of the hidden breaker is detailed in The Companion.
The Lazy Daze Companion: The Hidden 12V Breaker"

I emailed Joe a detailed instructional with photos on changing out the original Parallax converter for a replacement Progressive Dynamics PD 4655 converter. Don has now included it in The Lazy Daze Companion.
Hope it will be helpful for others.
<The Lazy Daze Companion: Converter&gt;
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #8 –
Thanks very much for the help Mike! Converter arrived today and hoping to tackle this project in a couple weeks. Doesn't look like it is showing up on the link you provided to the Companion.

Also very good info about the hidden breaker!
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #9 –
Quick update.

I had a couple of great conversations with Mike Coachman and did the swap out to the new Progressive Dynamics 4655v converter. No issues at all except it seems I didn't have the factory converter but a WFCO 55amp converter so it must have already been swapped out at some point.

As per Mike's suggestion, so far I am not adding the charging wizard or installing the newer fuse panel but I may do so at some point. I always like to have the newest tech. After one day I'm noticing the battery charge is a constant 13.4-13.6 even after fully charged. Will it drop down at all to a trickle charger or would that be considered a trickle state?

Overall a very simple swap out but dealing with electricity and something as important as the converter I was nervous to take it on. Thanks to the Lazy Daze Companion for making it an official repair post! Mike, hope to shake your hand in person one day!
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #10 –
Hi Joe;  That voltage should just be the float voltage and at night, with a little load on the batteries (water pump for a minute or so) should drop down to a lower voltage.  A fully charged lead acid battery is lead sulfide on the battery plates. Over time some of that exposed surface converts to lead sulfate, which is more resistant to change, and won't convert easily back to usable battery capacity.  A little bit of exercise routinely will keep that lead sulfide active, and prevent widespread sulfation. Equalization also stirs up the liquid contents to prevent stratification.  Bouncing the batteries around during transit helps that also.  AGM's can be ruined by routine equalization, but as Warren said, it can be done.  A very short period and infrequently I suspect.
  This is the warning in the R3000i manual:  "EQUALIZATION   WARNING: Not all batteries can be safely equalized. Equalization should be performed only on vented liquid electrolyte lead-acid batteries. Always follow battery manufacturers recommendations pertaining to equalization. Equalization applies a relatively high charge voltage producing significant battery gassing. Prior to performing equalization disconnect equipment that cannot tolerate the high equalization voltage which is temperature compensated as shown above.
Equalization is a controlled overcharge used to bring all battery cells up to the same specific gravity and state of charge. The 3000i may be configured to perform an automatic equalization on periodic basis, or a manual equalization. Since sealed batteries should not be equalized the factory default settings have Equalize Enable (EqE) set to OFF to disable automatic or manual equalization. "       RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #11 –
Our converter, which is the same as yours now, has the four states of charge. Initially I think you charge at 13.8 and gradually dropps to 13.2 for a maintainer charge. ( Could take several days ) Then it'll automatically jump to over 14.2 volts for a period to desulficate the plates. I watch ours and the whole process can take a while.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #12 –
Joe, I missed this when I answered before (Reply #10).  You wrote:  " I am not adding the charging wizard or installing the newer fuse panel ".     The Fuse board has the micro computer that controls the charging system.  There is a 4 wire cable about 10" long that connects the fuse board to the actual power supply below.  So you have to change both the power supply and the fuse board for both to work correctly.   The "Charge Wizard" is the micro-computer.  In most of our installations the remote panel is a waste of money, since our power distribution boxes containing the breakers, fuses and power supply are where they can be accessed.  The remote is intended for bigger class 'A''s where the controls are located in a central area. (i.e. Generator, monitor panel, slide out room, etc.)     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #13 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Joe, I missed this when I answered before (Reply #10).  You wrote:  " I am not adding the charging wizard or installing the newer fuse panel ".     The Fuse board has the micro computer that controls the charging system.  There is a 4 wire cable about 10" long that connects the fuse board to the actual power supply below.  So you have to change both the power supply and the fuse board for both to work correctly.   The "Charge Wizard" is the micro-computer.  In most of our installations the remote panel is a waste of money, since our power distribution boxes containing the breakers, fuses and power supply are where they can be accessed.  The remote is intended for bigger class 'A''s where the controls are located in a central area. (i.e. Generator, monitor panel, slide out room, etc.)     RonB

Hmm when speaking with Mike he said no need to replace the fuse panel. According to the manual the charging wizard is built into the converter and the 4 pin connector is simply the override to choose what voltage you want to operate between.

Maybe I’ll install the fuse board to be safe. Kind of looks like a pain with the shortness of the wires but hopefully it’s not too bad.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #14 –
Hi Joe;  No really. I've been an electronics technician for over 60 years. I earned a good living doing it.  I've done two of these converter upgrades just in the last 2-3 years.  Mikes converter is what, a 2019. So maybe he didn't need to change the fuse board.  I can go out and take a picture of my board tomorrow.  I did find this in the instructions: 
    "14. Making sure new DC feed wires remain behind DC board, secure DC board to power center using (2) screws
removed in step #5.
15. Connect 4-pin header on DC board to 4-pin header on converter assembly using 4-wire harness
(included).   [ this is the control 4 wire connection between the control board upper which is exposed by opening the fuse/breaker cover so you don't have to remove the bottom cover just to see what is going on ]
16. Replace power center cover  "      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #15 –
Late to the party, but Mike's text and photos of converter installation are in fact on The Companion. Mike just mis-keyed the link. It's the first thing on The Companion.

Mike is smarter than me, but I think replacing the fuse board and charge wizard are worthwhile. After a LONG talk with their techs last year I came away understanding that the wizard was required for auto equalization. I use lead acid and that is important to me. AGM's not so.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #16 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Joe;  No really. I've been an electronics technician for over 60 years. I earned a good living doing it.  I've done two of these converter upgrades just in the last 2-3 years.  Mikes converter is what, a 2019. So maybe he didn't need to change the fuse board.  I can go out and take a picture of my board tomorrow.  I did find this in the instructions: 
    "14. Making sure new DC feed wires remain behind DC board, secure DC board to power center using (2) screws
removed in step #5.
15. Connect 4-pin header on DC board to 4-pin header on converter assembly using 4-wire harness
(included).   [ this is the control 4 wire connection between the control board upper which is exposed by opening the fuse/breaker cover so you don't have to remove the bottom cover just to see what is going on ]
16. Replace power center cover  "      RonB

Ok thanks a ton! Looks like I’m popping in a new fuse board this weekend. May have a question about where to pop in the positive for the solar. There are two lugs. One says converter and there’s another one(it’s not in front of me).
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #17 –
Don Malpas wrote:
 "but I think replacing the fuse board and charge
wizard is worthwhile. After a LONG talk with their techs last year I came
away understanding that the wizard was required for auto equalization. I
use lead acid and that is important to me."

Don is right about the 'Charge Wizard' that it regulates the topping off and float charging for lead/acid batteries including an occasional equalization.  Since I have lithium batteries the 'Charge Wizard' is unnecessary since when the lithiums reach full charge they disconnect from the charging current. I incorrectly advised not connecting the Wizard since the new PD DC fuse board is part of the Wizard electronics. Because of the short 6 gauge + & - wiring from the battery bank to the fuse board and  lack of space around the board it is very difficult to complete their attachment. The DC wiring on the output side of the fuses is relatively easy to disconnect and reconnect. One just has to be very careful to mark each wire's fuse location.

2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #18 –
Could someone advice as to where exactly the connections for the solar and other white/black wires should go just to be doubly sure. It seems the negative lugs are soldered together on the backside so that’s fairly straightforward. Just want to be sure I have my positives properly installed. Not sure how they are gonna be able to reach from the backside!

 I assume I can choose whichever fuse slot I want so long as I am sure to label it properly and install the proper fuse
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #19 –

Hi Joe;  When I did my conversion I had the fuse board loose. I brought the two white wires (ground) up behind the board, entering the lugs from the top downward.  The same with the black converter positive (output from the converter power supply).  I would have preferred that wire to be red.  The two red wires are more of a problem. The LD supplied red wire is very stiff and un friendly, and the solar wire is too short and complicated by that fuse.  I would get a 'splice'  and a short  piece of red welding cable (very flexible, many small wires). You could just buy a two foot piece of #6 wire. It will be ok just for the distance from the splice to the fuse board. I put in a settable and resettable circuit breaker   for my solar because I added panels for 450 W.  I would splice that small red wire and the stiff red wire externally from the power center, to the welding cable.  Use this splice: Amazon.com: Gardner Bender HSB-28 Cable Splice Kit, 8-2 AWG, Black :...  I make sure the screws are really tight, then wrap with red vinyl tape, then heat shrink with red heat shrink. Position next to the box and run the wire in the back of the cabinet. I believe there is an entry hole near the back of that battery positive lug. Use a proper rubber grommet to protect that wire.  It comes over the top and enters the lug from the top downward.  Then fold the board down into place, and fasten with screws.  Then connect the wires at the bottom. I didn't have good access to spots #1 and #2.  So those have no wires there. Fuses plugged in are spares.  You will still have one more unused fuse location on the far right for future expansion.    RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #20 –

That Gardner-Bender butt splice relies on two tiny setscrews to make contact with the wire--not the most reliable way to make a connection, especially where it's subject to vibration, such as a vehicle. (The kit states that it's intended for underground--meaning non-moving--splices.) Moreover, once you apply the included heat-shrink tubing, there's no way to check or retighten the setscrews.

A better way to connect AWG 6 wires is a crimped butt splice. You will need an appropriate crimping tool, but that's something anybody doing electrical work should have. And you'll have to supply your own heat-shrink tubing. For each wire I crimp, rotate 90°, and then crimp again. (On larger wire, I'll repeat this a little further along the barrel, so that I end up with two double crimps.)

It'll cost a little more up front if you don't already have a crimper and shrink tubing, but you'll get a much better electrical connection, and one that can never physically loosen.

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: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #21 –
Ok I think I’m closing out this repair. The new PD fuse board has been successfully installed with some assistance from my wife and father in law who is an experienced electrician. We pulled the metal frame out to see how much wire we had to work with before we start using butt connectors and crimpers. Turns out if you cut a couple of the wire ties on the backside holding the cabling together, you can gain a couple of inches. In addition, there is an upper knockout on the backside of the metal housing that was perfect to run the positive battery cables up and over the back along with the positive cable for the solar. Be sure to put in a rubber insulator in the knockout hole. The negative lines were run in the front as shown in the photos but it was the best solution to ensure there wasn’t too much strain. Happy with the turnout. Still have access to the “charge wizard” button but don’t anticipate really using it to manually override the charge rate. I think the LD Companion could be updated to include installing the fuse panel since it currently says you can skip that step.
This job is doable but dang it’s a small space to work in and those 6awg cables are STIFF. Huge thanks to Mike Coachman for the few phone calls of advice as I prepared for this repair! Thanks all for the great advice on here as well!
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #22 –
Looks good Joe, job well done! You never know what one can find hidden in the back catacombs of the cabinets.
One thing you might consider that since the new board has some extra unused fuse slots you could separate the two wires (zip tied together) on fuse #4 and fuse #7 and move one to an unused fuse position and placing the same value fuse in the new slots. That would help spread out the load a little and get more copper strands in the screw down fuse socket. It will be easy to determine what each wire powers. Just pull the fuse and see what doesn't work. 
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #23 –
I think the LD Companion could be updated to include installing the fuse panel since it currently says you can skip that step.

Mike did write that and I posted it as written. I then added that I considered it worthwhile and doable. It always helps the read all of the article. I did not add your pictures to the article as they don't seem to improve on Mike's.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
 
Re: Parallax 7345 Converter - house batteries not charging on shore power
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
I think the LD Companion could be updated to include installing the fuse panel since it currently says you can skip that step.

Mike did write that and I posted it as written. I then added that I considered it worthwhile and doable. It always helps the read all of the article. I did not add your pictures to the article as they don't seem to improve on Mike's.


I don’t see the need for sarcasm and putting down another member. Obviously I read the whole article and actually I’m the reason Mike felt it worthwhile to have added to the Companion. There’s no need to insult the next line of LD owners just because I am younger and trying to put in the time to learn and teach myself how to maintain my rig. I didn’t ask to have my photos added but if I was the one looking for a guide seeing the photos of the newly installed fuse panel with wiring position would certainly seem beneficial. None the less I am glad this article was added as many LDs are starting to have failed Parallax converters as I did.  Thanks again Mike for your hospitality and coaching me through (no pun intended).
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.