Author Topic: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs  (Read 10486 times)

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juiced

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MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« on: November 07, 2004, 12:51:03 PM »
 First off, i think we need a storage section.


I have been sitting here, contemplating the use and techniqualities of my charge pack.


   From what i can gather, it must have a charge controller on it. The reason i say this, is because it has a> 'check' light (red, yellow and green) and a charging/charged light.


   You can charge it by plugging it into a 12v car-lighter or by extension cord into a wall socket.


    You can discharge it through a 12v or by the booster cables.


   So, what im wondering is... if i made a double-female extension, would it work off the "charging" port? Is there an inverter behind there?


   Also, could i just put two leads to the booster cables and plug into 12v appliances?


     I am currently charging it through the 12v with a PV. How high can i go in wattage ratings (PV) before requiring a charge controller? (does the pack have one built in to avoid surge while plugged into a 12v car adapter(alternater)).


  Basically, i think it must have something to avoid the acceleration surges. So can a big panel burn or kill it?


  I will try to contact motormaster this week and get data sheets.

« Last Edit: November 07, 2004, 12:51:03 PM by (unknown) »

ghurd

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2004, 08:56:33 AM »
Most (all?) of the ones I had apart just have a big resistor. Maybe a diode.

It slows down the current to the small battery from the big one or alternator.

The wall-wart is self limiting, to an extent.


Never seen one with a real controller.


G-

« Last Edit: November 08, 2004, 08:56:33 AM by (unknown) »
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juiced

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #2 on: November 08, 2004, 09:08:35 AM »
This one has two diodes to indicate charging/charged (one on top of another) and a 'test button' diode that goes from red/yellow/green. Thats why im wondering. I dont want to open it due to warrenty.. I should have some feedback from the co. today.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2004, 09:08:35 AM by (unknown) »

eformx

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #3 on: November 08, 2004, 07:17:42 PM »
Hi Juiced,

I'm in the Ottawa Valley and have a MotoMaster Elminator PowerBox ($199 cdn, a steal when you add up all the components).  It has the 60 Amp Hour AGM Battery (3 cells at 20 amp hour each), 1200 watt inverter, and the battery tester as you describe.  This unit has no protection from overcharging (according to the manual).  However, AGM batteries can handle extreme conditions (perfect for Canadian Winters) and can take overcharging.  This unit is built by Xantrex.  I currently have a 30 vdc tdm filling it (although slowly) with no protection.  I am about to put up a 100 vdc tdm.  This unit has the ability to accept a charge thru the 12vdc car cigarette lighter socket, it will also allow other AGM batteries (60 amp hour) recommended to be hooked up to the pos/neg terminals to expand your system.  For your solar panel I would buy the ICP charge controller at CDN tire for the just in case situations.


Hope this helps.  

« Last Edit: November 08, 2004, 07:17:42 PM by (unknown) »

eformx

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2004, 07:21:10 PM »
There is no inverter at the 12 vdc socket.  If you put a voltmeter, you read the AGM voltage.  If you plug a 12 vdc device in the socket it will supply power to it, however if you feed 12+ volts into the socket, you will charge it up (like with your pv panel).
« Last Edit: November 08, 2004, 07:21:10 PM by (unknown) »

juiced

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2004, 04:08:28 PM »
I picked up a 7A charge controller.


  I was curious how low i can bring this battery without worry. The inverter starts complaining @ 11.8 or somthing but since its a deep cycle, can it go lower?


  What is an acceptable range for deep cycle batteries? 14 - 6?

« Last Edit: November 14, 2004, 04:08:28 PM by (unknown) »

ghurd

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2004, 06:41:31 PM »
Most brands say they are dead at 11.9v.  Use below 11.0 will damage them.  use below 10.5 will ruin them.  I try to keep ours over 12.2v.


I regularly see batteries in use at under 10.0v.  I'm sure they are being ruined.  Some of these guys only charge 3 times a year.  Most batteries only last 3 years.

That is 9 cycles for the complete battery life.


G-

« Last Edit: November 14, 2004, 06:41:31 PM by (unknown) »
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juiced

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #7 on: November 14, 2004, 07:42:18 PM »
Just to clarify, you are saying for the particular use of boosting cars; they only charge them 3 times a year?


  What i am asking now is more related to daily use of the pack for lighting.


 :D I guess i should give my thanks in advance for saving me 89.99$ at crappy!

« Last Edit: November 14, 2004, 07:42:18 PM by (unknown) »

ghurd

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #8 on: November 14, 2004, 11:57:35 PM »
No cars at all.

Amish buggies.  Amish lights. Amish cell phones. Amish inverters powering drill battery chargers. 13" TVs and a PS2.

And many other very unusual items.


I don't get to see a very high percentage of 'normal' systems.

I don't see very many systems that work, even if they are crap.

I get called for crap that don't work.

Or crap that don't work, but they need it fixed so it won't fail. Sometimes if it fails somebody could die. Talk about stress. Long term stress. So far, so good, as far as system failures go.

(they send pre-me babies home with Amish, tell them to plug in some machine 24/7)

(they know better around here)


I try to do it bullet-proof. Always. Who knows what a fence charger will be running tommorow.


Should this have gone in 'rants'?

« Last Edit: November 14, 2004, 11:57:35 PM by (unknown) »
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juiced

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2004, 12:10:49 AM »
It would be neat to have a 'chat' of some sort.


  I like the idea of people like you around. Get it right is the right way.  Ive never been big on stuff that fails.


 

« Last Edit: November 15, 2004, 12:10:49 AM by (unknown) »

juiced

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Re: MotoMaster Eliminator Charge Packs
« Reply #10 on: November 15, 2004, 12:48:42 AM »
:D i just noticed the IRC


  i havent touched into IRC yet (since 92) ... i guess ill try to find time tomorrow night.

« Last Edit: November 15, 2004, 12:48:42 AM by (unknown) »