Echo Charger

[ontherocks83]

I have a xantrex echo charger I am installing to charge my bank 2 start/reserve battery.

In the instructions it says that both banks have to be the same type of battery i.e both FLA or both AGM etc.

Seeing that these are the specs and that there is no selector on the echo charger to differentiate what type of bank you are charging

Switch ON voltage (12 VDC mode) 13.0 VDC
Output amps 15.0 A (maximum)
Voltage limiting (12 VDC mode) 14.4 VDC ±1%

can anyone tell me why you can't have a FLA house bank being charged normally and the echo charger charging 1 12v AGM start/reserve battery?

[john61ct]

You can, **if** its output is in range of the target battery spec

Echo Charger is limited to a voltage **maximum** of 14.4-6V.

But will "follow" the actual source if lower, no independent regulation like a DCDC charger. With 0.4V drop.

One way only, all charge sources need to go to House bank including alternator.

Does not isolate until the house bank voltage drops below 13.0V

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electr...ge=1&_k=8z26nr

Compared to a combiner VSR/ACR, which has much less drop, not voltage cap limit, higher amps and usually two-way flow and sensing from both sides.

And isolate/combine V levels are often much higher, but this can be a plus for EC, won't overcharge AGM

[Stu Jackson]

It's not an issue, AGM anf fla battery charging regimens are very similar.


Try this, too:


Echo Charger Use Warning from Maine Sail: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/electr...rger-rant.html