Switch to have the generator charge the batteries??

[barling]

The generator has been properly serviced on our 2014 R31. My primary purpose for the generator is to charge the batteries while we are anchoring out. While running the generator there are switches to have it electrify the microwave and the stovetop, but I don't see any specific switch to make sure the generator is charging the batteries. How may I insure the batteries are being charged while running the generator? Thanks.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

An easy way to see if your batteries are being charged is to look at the battery voltmeter that should be near your DC power panel. If the voltage of the batteries is higher than 12.7, they are getting charge current from somewhere.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

On our R29S we have a Kisae invertor/charger gauge. When we turn the generator on this gauge has a status light that says “bulk charge, absorbing charge, etc” , this is how I know my batteries are being charged while on generator or shore power. If your boat does not have this gauge you should check your invertor/charger manual for guidance. Let us know what you find out.

Jim F

 

[barling]

Thanks Jim. We have a Promariner /charger which does not have a gauge that I am aware of. It would seem I should warm up the generator first before putting under load, but I don't know how to place it under load by connecting on the charger.

 

[bill46]

Promariner has control panel by Air Conditioner and solar controls. Top is Charge, Mid is Off, Bottom is inverter.
There are lights on unit, but easier to look at voltmeter. If over 13 it is charging. A minute is enough warmup for generator to handle charger.

 

[barling]

I don't know if he wants this exposure, but Reed Yacht Sales in Grand Haven, Michigan was very generous with his time, to explain how to use the generator to charge your batteries: (this is my memory of what he told me)
(1) When leaving the dock you should turn the rotary switch at the bottom of AC panel to off.
(2)When you choose to start the generator the rotary switch should be set at off.
(3)Start the generator and warm it up where the rotary switch is set at off.
(4)Be sure you do not add too my amps when you add or start AC panel uses, understanding that your total AC amp uses over 40 amps will trip the white switch at the top of the generator, so you will have no benefit uses of the generator, until you reduce your amp uses and reset the white switch.
(5)To enact the generator to charge the batteries, set the Promariner Remote switch to ShorePower/Charger to charge the batteries, the same as you would do if you were on Shore Power.

I would like to know the amount of amps used to charge the batteries and whether it is a three stage charger. My only meter to measure the batteries is the manual meter. I would much prefer to have a digital meter.
Thanks to Reed Yacht Sales in Grand Haven.

 

[ALICE J]

Barling, I too have an interest in power management because of the small size capacity of my Mase generator. It is a 2.7 kw, but rated at 1900 watts. So I am very interested in knowing if I am approaching max output, which then shuts down the system. In my case if running the watermaker, an unintended shutdown can damage the membrane with a sudden drop in pressure. A solution that I will install shortly is a BlueSeas 1838 which is an AC monitoring meter with setable alarms on two legs, which allows me to monitor the shore power or the generator power and warn me of approaching shutdown because of drawing too power. For me this approach should work according to BlueSeas techs :roll: