solar monitor reading?

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I think this makes sense: ensure a suitable starting condition, confirm that nothing will drain them down, and walk away.

Yup, some seem to stew too much about this (although I don't live in Edmonton either). I've lost very little charge over a period of 23 weeks of no attention to the batteries whatsoever in covered storage during the winter.

[ivanputski]

Ok so here is an update. A few days ago I checked and the readings were 11.9v and 48% on the go power monitor. I decided to run the extension cords(250 ft) and plug in for some shore power to charge the batteries. The battery disconnect switch is in the "off" position. Today I unplug the electric and check the readings. They are the same, 11.9v and 48%. No improvement? I check the extension cord and there is power there. I plugged it back in and moved the battery disconnect switch to the "on" position, like we are camping. I will check tomorrow to see if we get any improvement. So a basic question.. when you are trying to charge the batteries where do you set the disconnect switch "on" or "off" position?

[cpaharley2008]

You need to turn the battery switch "On" for the electric to get to the battery.

[ivanputski]

Thank you. That is how I have it set up now. Hopefully they will hold the charge.

[Bill and Earline]

Originally Posted by ivanputski

Thank you. That is how I have it set up now. Hopefully they will hold the charge.

Now beware of excessive voltage drop over 250' of cord if it is the typical light duty cord.
I learned about that last summer.

Maybe others can advise how much the converter will draw in terms of amps, watts, etc.

Bill

[ivanputski]

Batteries are now reading 13.1v and 100%. I think we are good for now. Thank you for all your assistance

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Bill and Earline

Now beware of excessive voltage drop over 250' of cord if it is the typical light duty cord.
I learned about that last summer.

Maybe others can advise how much the converter will draw in terms of amps, watts, etc.

The converter can only put out 55 amps at less than 15 volts (at the end of the charge), and the batteries won't likely get that much, so the output power is less than 825 watts and the input power isn't much more than the output. That's 7 amps: I wouldn't expect that to be a big deal for reasonable extension cords.

[float5]

Originally Posted by ivanputski

Batteries are now reading 13.1v and 100%. I think we are good for now. Thank you for all your assistance

Good reading now! You know you need to turn the battery switch off most of the time to keep the batteries from being drained by detectors or such. I would charge again when the batteries are at about 12.4. Others might wait a little more but you do not want 11.9 again. It is definitely worth running the cord out there.

[padlin]

I'd let it finish charging then disconnect one of the cables.