Generator charging question ranger 29 2016

[RMG001]

New boat owner fiddling with the generator and charging rates. Started up the generator and ran it for approximately 45 minutes. It did not appear to affect the needle on the voltage meter next to the thruster switches. Switching the little toggle under the switch I got these readings which didn’t really change prior to running the generator and after.
#1 12.2
#2 12.8
#3 12.6

After running the generator I checked the solar remote panel it says
#1 13.8
#2 13.0

It would appear as though that is a big difference from the two read outs

Next I started the main engine. Let it run at about 900 RPM
Voltage meter readings
#1 13.0
#2 13.2
#3 12.9
Solar gauge
#1 13.35
#2 13.15

During the attempt to charge the batteries the first time with the generator it felt like it was not charging so to verify output I turned on the AC and it powered the unit as it should.

Am I expecting too much out of the generator? I thought the charging capacity of the generator was much greater than the alternator.
The batteries are one year old and have been on charged via shore power almost exclusively.
Thanks ahead of time for any input. Rob

 

[Nwdiver]

Did you have the inverter/charger on? The generator feeds 120v AC, the inverter/charger is what actually charges the batteries

 

[RMG001]

Yes the inverter was on.

 

[Nwdiver]

Then I have no clue

 

[RMG001]

You and me both! Wish I was better at this stuff

 

[Nwdiver]

Saw this in the manual , around page 26

A/C Main 1 must on in order for batteries to charge.

Have no idea what that actually means, my boat won’t have a generator, as well as I don’t get it until next year

 

[Scuba Too]

I have a 2017 R29 CB so may be able to help. The gen should have no trouble recharging the batteries for the time run. So two questions:

1) Did you have the rotary AC source switch set to Gen? Have to ask lol.

2) Was there a green indicator light for Gen on the rotary switch? If not you'll need to reset the breaker on the gen itself. I had this happen once - the gen ran just fine but didn't put out any power. Andrew Custis helped me with this on a New Year's Eve a few years ago - fortunately I had already familiarized myself with pulling off the sound proof cowling in the daylight...

Eric

 

[BB marine]

There is more questions that I see need to be asked and answered.

During the attempt to charge the batteries the first time with the generator it felt like it was not charging so to verify output I turned on the AC and it powered the unit as it should.

The AC is on shore power #2 breaker. With the generator on you must have both breakers on. Shore power breaker #1 will transfer the inverter to charging (mode) when 120V is present. My question is do you get a good charge to the batteries when you are on shore power? If YES then the charger/inverter is functioning properly if NO you may have a problem with the Inverter/Charger. Does the inverter operate when operating the boat and have no shore power? If Yes the battery switch is on and all electrical connections are good. If No check to make sure the battery switch is on if the battery switch is on it is time to troubleshoot the inverter/charger.
This is the wiring 120 volt this may help you understand the electrical configuration.
download/file.php?id=731

Am I expecting too much out of the generator? I thought the charging capacity of the generator was much greater than the alternator.
The batteries are one year old and have been on charged via shore power almost exclusively.

What you should expect from charging from the generator is the same has what you get when you are plugged into shore power. The same charger is doing the charging. The generator's alternator is charging the thruster bank and minimal charge to the other banks when the ACR close. Using the generator to charge the batteries is using the 120V on board battery charger the same charger that charges the batteries when you are plugged into shore power. The main engine alternator will charge the batteries at a much higher rate compared to the battery charger/inverter. Do not expect the Generator to come close the the charging rate of the engine alternator.

 

[Alpina]

Saw this in the manual , around page 26

A/C Main 1 must on in order for batteries to charge.

Have no idea what that actually means, my boat won’t have a generator, as well as I don’t get it until next year

The breaker for the A/C Main panel must be in the on position for the inverter/charger to function. At least on shore power, batteries won’t charge when the breaker is turned off. I would think the same holds true with the generator since it’s supplying 120V power similar to shore power.


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[CruisingElvinRay]

Keep in mind that, unless your batteries are below 80%, the battery charger won’t be in bulk charge mode. Getting from 80 to 100% takes a lot longer than getting from 60 to 80% SoC.


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