Converter replacement May 19, 2022, 09:46:20 pm I would like to replace my current noisy converter, a Parallax 8300, model 8375, with the Progressive Dynamics PD4655. Included with the new converter is a new fuse block. Is it necessary to replace the fuse block, or just swap out the converters?
Re: Converter replacement Reply #1 – May 20, 2022, 07:12:38 am Why not replace it? Not a big deal. The new one has LED lights that show if a fuse is blown.
Re: Converter replacement Reply #2 – May 20, 2022, 07:51:48 am I too replaced the original converter with the PD 4655 last year. I tried to replace the DC fuse block but found it to be virtually impossible due to the shortness of the +/- six gauge cables going to the coach batteries. There is no easy way to lengthen those wires safely. Also look at the different mounting position of the terminal clamps on the circuit board for those two wires which adds to the problem. It i is better to use the original DC fuse board currently in place. There are only four wires on the new converter that need to be easily connected. The incoming AC circuit pair (thinner) and the outgoing DC pair (thicker) to the DC fuse board, then you are done! 1 Likes
Re: Converter replacement Reply #3 – May 20, 2022, 10:50:07 am I also did the same, the new fuse board has some jumpers to control the charge rate and it also has a plug for a remote read out and a push button to let you manually change from one charge mode to the other three modes. If at all possible, change out the board to the newer style. The wiring was somewhat difficult but doable, you may have to cut a few wire ties at the back of the converter. I had to route the wires differently from the original wiring but it wasn't a big deal. Make sure to disconnect all power sources.Jon 2 Likes
Re: Converter replacement Reply #4 – May 20, 2022, 11:14:33 am Jon is correct. That new 12V board had a jumper cable necessary to take advantage of improved rates of charging. And there’s a bit more available wire behind the board by the water pump on a MB. It’s necessary to cut a few zip ties to get that extra lengths of wire. Also remember to disable solar power in addition to other electricity sources. Hope this helps. 1 Likes
Re: Converter replacement Reply #5 – May 20, 2022, 09:25:44 pm Yes, the board must be changed, the Charge Wizard button is mounted on the board. The Charge Wizard controls the converter.Larry
Re: Converter replacement Reply #6 – May 20, 2022, 10:57:37 pm I did this last winter while we were traveling in AZ. The results were functional but embarrassing so I just finished redoing them. I beefed up the bottom of the under sink cabinet, added two posts, put one inch hole through the top of the cabinet with wire grommets and brought jumpers from the board to the posts. I attached the battery cables to the posts and moved the solar pleads to the posts. It should make replacement of the converter much easier if needed in the future.Ken and Pat Warner