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Topic: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers (Read 727 times) previous topic - next topic

1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

I have a question for the group. I am familiarizing myself with every system in the coach. I'm one of those guys that just needs to know how everything works. I have the factory Heart Interface Freedom 25 inverter charger that works as it should with a remote panel inside the coach. But I also have a IOTA DLS55 inverter charger that is hooked up to the plastic covered panel in the storage bay. I assume it is set up to charge the chassis batteries while on shore power. But I do not know for sure. I attached a couple pictures and can take more if someone can help me verify the function of the IOTA.
Brad & Laurie

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #1 –
Looking at some previous discussions, it appears it is could be for battery charging:

FT AC & DC Power distribution.

Battery/inverter/charger upgrade
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #2 –
Boy I have a lot to learn.. lol. I'm even more confused now. :-[
Brad & Laurie

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #3 –
Brad,

Pull the white cover off and lets see where the Iota is hooked up at. The PO could be using it to power part of the coach with that PSW Iota rather than the MSW that the Freedom puta out. See we are running our residential fridge off the same Iota when we are on solar.

Mike

If you pull that cover off you will find all kinds of breakers and wiring that you need to know about.
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Brad & Laurie - 1996 U295C –
. But I also have a IOTA DLS55 inverter charger that is hooked up to the plastic covered panel in the storage bay. I assume it is set up to charge the chassis batteries while on shore power.
Spec sheet on the IOTA DLS 55: https://img.acuitybrands.com/public-assets/catalog/1185687/iota--dls-55a-battery-charger-power-converter-55-amps.pdf?abl_version=02%2f19%2f2024+07%3a36%3a37&DOC_Type=SPEC_SHEET

It is a "stupid" converter only.  Way more amps than needed to maintain chassis battery charge.  If this is its only function (instead of being a backup charger for your inverter/"smart" charger, may be OK.

For maintaining chassis battery, a small (like 10 amp max) smart charger that goes into float voltage is a much better choice.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #5 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
It is a "stupid" converter only..

That would depend on which charge controller it is using. We use the controller for Lifepo4 but other options are available depending on battery chemistry.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #6 –
Definitely not an inverter. It is only a charger. You need to see where it is hooked up to and also the reason it is there is because the Freedom might not be charging. Use a volt meter to check what is going on.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
That would depend on which charge controller it is using. We use the controller for Lifepo4 but other options are available depending on battery chemistry.

Mike

Good point, IF a charge controller such as the IQ4 is used to control the converter.  Is the converter stand alone or do you have a controller attached?

Said another way, the charger by itself doesn't make a very good "battery maintainer".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #8 –
I do not have any control boards for the IOTA DLS55. I will take some pictures tomorrow and report back, How does one go about testing the Freedom 25 inverter to see if its operating? Appears as though its hooked up from the factory.
Brad & Laurie

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #9 –
Brad, your coach is 29 years old. As you familiarize yourself with the equipment that your coach currently has, batteries, inverters, chargers, etc., I suggest you consider what is available today, especially in the battery and battery charging departments.
LifePO4 batteries and solar panels are so inexpensive now that adding and upgrading will probably make a lot of sense.
Obviously what you plan to do in your coach is a major consideration but I think those of us who have upgraded to LifePO4 batteries would never go back.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #10 –
Brad,

To add to what Red and Slim has said, That freedom 25 is an inverter/converter combination. Going out on a limb here as I don't have the coach, a meter and myself at the same spot to check but here is a possible reason what you have. If the converter side of the Freedom died the PO took the simple way out and wired in a Iota to run the 12VDC system. On your 295 the inverter may only run the microwave and icemaker and they (PO) never used either off the batteries system. When my Freedom died it was the converter side so I replaced it with a stand alone  converter (the DSL55) rigged up like you have till I could get the whole system upgraded to the lifepo4 system. My system now has a stand alone inverter and converter so you can replace one or the other.

Once I see some more pics I will comment more on what I see but one thing you need to do first is go over on the Iota site and order you a controller that matches your battery type and plug it in so the DSL will have a brain and not kill the battery system you have. If in the future you decide to change to the lifepo4 batteries all you have to do is change out the controller and that converter will work.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #11 –
Thanks guys, I did some more digging and here are the results.
Unplugged the coach from shore power - House batteries (12.54) and chassis batteries (12.74) Same readings on the three main 12-volt (not sure what they are called) top three round hubs with large wires going to them and from them. Pictures below.
IOTA DLS 55 just has two (red and black) wires with red going on the central round thing and the black to the main ground lug.. Both battery switches are on for all this testing.

Went inside and checked outlets and had 120 volts AC power.

Plugged the coach back in and checked all three round things on the 12-volt panel in the pictures below. From left to right voltage readings are 12.60, 13.54 and 13.54. So, i have charging going on. Checked the house battery voltage and got 13.52 volts. Felt the Iota and it was ever so slightly warm and felt a very slight hum for lack of better term. The chassis batteries are still only reading 12.74. Ok went inside and turned the boost switch on and the chassis batteries were still reading 12.74 volts.

I could not see any way to test the Freedom 25 inverter charger. I would have to open it up to get at the wire ends. I can if that's what I need to do to verify its function. It does have a slight buzz when the coach is plugged in. I forgot to check it with the coach unplugged. I have a picture of the Freedom remote panel below. when the coach is plugged in.

Ok that's a lot to digest but my main goal is to maintain (charge) the chassis batteries while plugged in. and It would be nice to have the boost switch functioning. I did go back and plugged in my cigarette USB adapter that has a volt reading on it.. With no boost switch 12.77 with boost switch on 12.77. No change.

Thank you for all the input, I hope to contribute for years to come. As I learn the systems and know what I'm talking about. I had a 38' twin engine trawler so the systems are very similar but I only had one battery bank for main engines, generator and house loads.
Brad & Laurie

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #12 –
Hoping you all can shed some light on what I have..
Brad & Laurie

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #13 –
What happens if you unplug the Iota, with the coach plugged in. Do the batteries show that they are charging and does the remote panel for the Heart show that it is charging? The chassis batteries are not charged from the house battery system. You have to install a battery maintainer or some type of trickle charger. Check the boost solenoid to see if one of the small terminal posts is getting 12 volts with the boost switch on. If it does and you don't see any increase in chassis voltage then the solenoid is bad. In the picture the round black things with the large wires are circuit breakers. Hope this helps. If I was there I could probably figure out what you have in a relatively short time.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 1996 U295 - Two Inverter/Chargers

Reply #14 –
Thats what I need. I'll check that out tonight and get back to you all.
Brad & Laurie