Installing the PD Wildkat converter

Mike Lewis · 02-13-2021, 09:10 AM

I received the Progressive Dynamics Wildkat converter assembly and have a question about installing it. The Wildkat came already attached to its plastic mounting base. I removed the WFCO converter and slid the Wildkat into place. It is held in the back by the grooves in the mounting cavity, but in the front there is no way to screw it to the bottom of the cavity. Is it intended to be held into place by the front cover of the assembly, or am I missing something?

Also, I have the Wildcat oriented so that its large heatsink is at the rear. If this is not correct please let me know. Thanks.

rubicon327 · 02-13-2021, 10:20 AM

Mike: Maybe the pictures of my install will help. The heat sink definitely goes to the rear. I don't remember securing the front of the unit.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post237217

On edit after reviewing the manual it appears there is an adapter bracket installed that the new main board snaps into. The bracket is installed using the two screws that were removed to uninstall the old unit. Sorry it has been awhile since I installed mine.
http://www.bestconverter.com/assets/...55TVmanual.pdf

Mike Lewis · 02-13-2021, 10:28 AM

Okay, thanks-- you did what I did, so I guess that's it. The photos reminded me that I haven't even looked at that remote doodad yet. Guess I need to install it as well.

rubicon327 · 02-13-2021, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Okay, thanks-- you did what I did, so I guess that's it. The photos reminded me that I haven't even looked at that remote doodad yet. Guess I need to install it as well.

That last photo is of a battery monitor I since removed. You will have a much smaller charge wizard remote to mount somewhere.

Greg A · 02-13-2021, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon327

That last photo is of a battery monitor I since removed. You will have a much smaller charge wizard remote to mount somewhere.

You're fortunate to have your's Mike. I ordered mine over a week ago and they haven't shipped it. They're out and waiting on more to arrive.

Dave, do you even need to hookup the remote pendant with the Lithium jumper profile, or could it be left off?

Mike Lewis · 02-13-2021, 05:15 PM

I found the adapter bracket in the small bag with the remote. Before I thought they meant the base plate when they said "adapter bracket". I'll go back and put the bracket in. Thanks again.

I'd also like to know if the remote is necessary. There is a jumper on the circuit board that I set to "lithium" and I don't see needing to change anything after the converter is installed.

rubicon327 · 02-13-2021, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg A

Dave, do you even need to hookup the remote pendant with the Lithium jumper profile, or could it be left off?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I'd also like to know if the remote is necessary. There is a jumper on the circuit board that I set to "lithium" and I don't see needing to change anything after the converter is installed.

Great question guys. I’m not sure as we have dual flooded lead acid right now. Might be a question best asked to Randy at BestConverters. Please report back what you find. Lithium is in my future.

Mike Lewis · 02-13-2021, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Great question guys. I’m not sure as we have dual flooded lead acid right now. Might be a question best asked to Randy at BestConverters. Please report back what you find. Lithium is in my future.

I did call Randy to ask him about the jumper. There is a small white three-prong jumper "socket" (I don't know the proper term) near the front of the converter's circuit board. Randy said to set the jumper to the left two pins as seen from the front. That pair of pins is labeled "LI" or something similar. I didn't ask him about the remote.

BTW-- Best Converter is located in Enterprise, Alabama, which is not that far from my home. Google "Boll Weevil Monument" to see what Enterprise is famous for. Yes, it's a statue honoring a bug.

Mike Lewis · 02-13-2021, 06:29 PM

Clarification-- that "LI" jumper setting is for lithium batteries, if that wasn't clear.

rubicon327 · 02-14-2021, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I did call Randy to ask him about the jumper. There is a small white three-prong jumper "socket" (I don't know the proper term) near the front of the converter's circuit board. Randy said to set the jumper to the left two pins as seen from the front. That pair of pins is labeled "LI" or something similar. I didn't ask him about the remote.

Good pictures on the website of the jumper positions that I included here for reference. Unfortunately the website and manual are incomplete regarding the exact lithium charging profile and whether the use of the charge wizard pendent has any value. I trust the Progressive Dynamics products it’s just a matter of finding the information. Please let me know if you find out more.

Vermilye · 02-14-2021, 10:01 AM

I replaced the LI jumper with a single pole switch. While I don't usually do long stays with hookups, the PD converter seems to stay at 14.6V, and after the battery is full, I switch from LI to wet bateries. I don't like leaving the batteries at 14.6V after they are full & balanced.

I did install the pendant even though it is not needed (and doesn't do anything if the jumper is in lithium) since I can use it to switch to float when I have the LI/Wet switch in wet.

Centex · 02-14-2021, 11:32 AM

^That^ sounds like a very versatile set of control options to cover any contingency, between what the the charger offers and your added switch

Mike Lewis · 02-14-2021, 12:09 PM

Fortunately the wiring for the new converter is long enough that I was able to pull it out without disconnecting anything. I put the missing bracket in and reinstalled the converter, snapping it into place in the front. I did not install the remote control at this time. Thanks for your help.

Mike Lewis · 02-15-2021, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I don't like leaving the batteries at 14.6V after they are full & balanced.

Jon, would you mind elaborating on this? What is your concern?

Greg A · 02-15-2021, 10:50 PM

Yes, I’m with Mike on hearing more, Jon. The information on the Wildkat lithium profile is non-existent on Best Converter. Does it not drop down to 13.6 at some point in the charge profile?

rubicon327 · 02-16-2021, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg A

Yes, I’m with Mike on hearing more, Jon. The information on the Wildkat lithium profile is non-existent on Best Converter. Does it not drop down to 13.6 at some point in the charge profile?

I have an email in to Randy at Best Converter. Hopefully I get some useful information that I will then share.

Vermilye · 02-16-2021, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg A

Yes, I’m with Mike on hearing more, Jon. The information on the Wildkat lithium profile is non-existent on Best Converter. Does it not drop down to 13.6 at some point in the charge profile?

It might, but so far, mine (a Progressive Dynamics PD 4635LIV, not Wildcat) did not drop down to 13.6 after being hooked to a pedestal for 18 hours. The current drops to under an amp once the batteries are full & balanced, but the voltage stays at 14.6V.

The Wildcat version may be different.

rubicon327 · 02-16-2021, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermilye

It might, but so far, mine (a Progressive Dynamics PD 4635LIV, not Wildcat) did not drop down to 13.6 after being hooked to a pedestal for 18 hours. The current drops to under an amp once the batteries are full & balanced, but the voltage stays at 14.6V.

The Wildcat version may be different.

Sounds the same for the PD4655L WildKat unit. Randy just emailed me back and indicated:

"Once you move the jumper it goes into a fixed setting to maintain the lithium batteries. You will not need the pendant with lithium. Fixed is 14.6V."

rubicon327 · 02-16-2021, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I replaced the LI jumper with a single pole switch. While I don't usually do long stays with hookups, the PD converter seems to stay at 14.6V, and after the battery is full, I switch from LI to wet batteries. I don't like leaving the batteries at 14.6V after they are full & balanced.

Jon: This appears to be a great idea given that BattleBorn Lithium specs state:
-Charging voltage: 14.2 – 14.6
-Float voltage: 13.6 V or lower

Can you elaborate on how you wired this switch. I'm confused on how you integrated with the 3 pins on the circuit board. Is there some kind of adapter?

Vermilye · 02-16-2021, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Jon: This appears to be a great idea given that BattleBorn Lithium specs state:
-Charging voltage: 14.2 – 14.6
-Float voltage: 13.6 V or lower

Can you elaborate on how you wired this switch. I'm confused on how you integrated with the 3 pins on the circuit board. Is there some kind of adapter?

Not sure if this is the correct size, but I had a circuit board 2 pin connector like this that fit. Wired it to a single pole single throw switch that I mounted in the face of the WFCO internal cover. I'd do a photo, but the trailer is under a bunch of snow...

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