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Topic: Heart Inverter Issue (Read 327 times) previous topic - next topic

Heart Inverter Issue

Hello all. Sorry to post about something that has surely been covered, but I have not found a relevant post on here to discuss exactly what I'm seeing.

I have a 1996 U320 with a Freedom 25 Heart inverter. Has the remote panel. It has worked fine for the few years I have had my coach, but is now suddenly acting up. I have always had the unit power switch OFF and the remote panel switch ON, as the manual says. However, I noticed after a trip last week that the batteries were very low charge even though I had changed nothing about the inverter or switches. Once I noticed this I then noticed that the remote panel was no longer on. After some investigating I could not find an obvious issue, so I opted to turn the remote panel OFF and the main unit ON. This caused the charger to then turn on and begin charging the batteries. I also modified the dip switches for wet cell hot temp, as I replaced the AGM batteries a few years ago with 8D MHD1400CCA batteries and I was not aware of the dip switch settings until yesterday.

When I disconnect shore power it does click over and begin running on battery as it should. But ONLY when the main unit is turned ON and the remote panel is turned ON. If the main unit it turned OFF as it should be while the remote panel is turned ON the inverter does not click over when shore power is disconnected. Only when the remote panel is also turned ON. What happened here that the main unit must now also be turned ON? Could there be an issue with the switch on the panel and/or the phone cable that goes from remote to main unit? Maybe something has gone wrong in the circuit board for the remote panel? I removed it and opened it. Nothing obviously wrong. Unplugged the phone cable from this and the main unit and then reseated them both. Have done a hard reset as described in other posts. Even did the seemingly dangerous literal punch to the main unit, as some have suggested this resets something inside. Still no change. I disconnected battery cables, things seem clean and fine, and I don't really know how to tell if the big fuse is bad, but it appears visibly fine and since the inverter seems to be powering on and charging I assume the fuse is fine.

If anyone can help diagnose this it would be most appreciated.


Thank you

Re: Heart Inverter Issue

Reply #1 –
Could be your remote or the charger/inverter has the problem.  Based on how old the charger is, might be a good time to get a new one.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Heart Inverter Issue

Reply #2 –
Heart 20 or 25 inverter/chargers have a history of failing at the most inopportune time.  This is one item that should be considered on top of the list of things to replace before they fail.

Many replace with Magnum models MS2012 or MS2812 that fit pretty well in the same bay hanger and reuse the monitor data cable between bay and kitchen's monitor panel.  Always better to buy the ME-ARC remote panel model for full control.  This upgrade will also convert coach inverter from modified to true sine wave which can improve the life of some 120-volt devices.

Magnum has integrated accessory items to display important 12 volt amps and manage automatic generator start that can be added later.

Be aware that the original coach battery cable can be fully used again by taking the Heart apart and unbolting the ends buried in the box by damaging circuit boards to access the cable's bolt & nuts.  Never a reason to cut battery cable.

Re: Heart Inverter Issue

Reply #3 –
I replaced mine with a Zantrex 3000 and very happy. slight modification to the Heart bracket and bolted and wired right up. much better unit because of technology improvements. Also the new panel fit in the old hole inside the coach and used the existing modular cord to talk to the unit
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Heart Inverter Issue

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Heart 20 or 25 inverter/chargers have a history of failing at the most inopportune time.  This is one item that should be considered on top of the list of things to replace before they fail.

Many replace with Magnum models MS2012 or MS2812

Magnum, which is now known by the parent company name Sensata, has ceased production of and support for RV inverters.  Sensata sold the Magnum and Dimensions brand lines to DMX Power, but that was just 2 months ago.

https://www.sensata.com/products/inverters-chargers-and-converters

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/magnum-systems-discontinued-665729.html

DMX Power Aquires New Product Lines | Magnum Dimensions

Note that the last link shows nothing more than the announcement of the acquisition.  They have the old product links, but those are for the old Magnum-produced products.

The two primary options these days are Xantrex and Victron.

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: Heart Inverter Issue

Reply #5 –
Thanks, Michelle, for letting me and everyone else that Magnum is not an option.  We stand corrected. . .

Re: Heart Inverter Issue

Reply #6 –
The heart units had contactor wear issues and had dust and wiring coming loose over time.  Think ignition points. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4