Intelli-Power Converter/Charger Dead?

[Carpedmman]

Hello-
I have a 50a Intelli-Power Marine PD 2050 Charger and Converter on my 460 Sundancer. Yesterday, I went down to the boat and noticed all lights were off on the charger. Seeming rather odd, I checked the batteries and they are under 11.25v. I have done some checking on the charger and on my electrical breakers and there doesn't appear to be any blown fuse or breaker. It seems odd that this item would go out after 12 years. Anyone else replace theirs yet?

It looks like the newest model is the PD2150 for around $400.

TIA!

 

[onthejob]

Mine crapped out this summer, of course during a 10 day cruise. On the last day after being on the hook for three days my batteries were dead and I couldn't get either motor to fire up including the genny. There were several contributing factors but the root was the failed Intelli-Power charger/converter. It's an easy swap and worth every penny. I went with another Intelli-Power charger/converter that was the newer version, same size. I understand you can have them rebuilt but I was happy with a new one. It appears mine was the same vintage as yours.

 

[gerryb]

Mine didn't crap out, but I was never really happy with the way it performed. I replaced it with a new, more sophisticated pro-mariner unit when I upgraded the batteries to AGM. Sold the old PD2050 on ebay so the net outlay was minimal. One of the better upgrades I've made with true digital control and readouts vs the PD unit was using outdated technology anyway.

 

[Carpedmman]

I replaced my PD2050 with the PD2150 to better accommodate my AGM batteries. The old one still works, you can have it if you want it.

The PD2150 is a direct replacement by the way, all the mounting screws line up exactly, as it is the same dimensions.

Thank you so much for the offer of the Charger, Scott. I would prefer not to install a used one in there for a temporary solution. You did answer my unasked question of if this replacement is truly a plug and play model with all screw holes, too. Thanks for your help!

 

[HUMPH]

I replaced mine with a 60 amp Pronautic with a remote display. Charges fast but I had to upgrade all of my wiring to handle the extra power.

 

[Carpedmman]

I replaced mine with a 60 amp Pronautic with a remote display. Charges fast but I had to upgrade all of my wiring to handle the extra power.

I thought of upgrading the charger, but didn't want the added hassle of replacing the wiring, too. Really want an "easy swap."

 

[Bt Doctur]

Mine crapped out this summer, of course during a 10 day cruise. On the last day after being on the hook for three days my batteries were dead and I couldn't get either motor to fire up including the genny.

There it is again. Why do you have the ships battery connected to the engine batteries.
Engine starting batteries should be isolated form the general DC systems. They should be stand alone systems and if twins, isolated from each other.

 

[onthejob]

I thought the same thing but that's how it comes set up and I am no electrical engineer to be able to handle a project like that. It appears they try to divide up the 12v power consumption between the port and starboard banks, 4 batteries total for me.

Two starting batteries, one for each engine and a set of house batteries is how I'd love to see it set up. Three poles which my new or old Intellipower charger could handle.

Even if I could just get refrigeration, courtesy lights, sound system and 12v sockets on a house bank and the rest stay divided up between the port/star starting batteries. If the house batteries die over night on the hook at least I can get the system back on line in the morning.

The reason I had dead batteries after three days was a combination of three failures:
1. The old charger/inverter was not charging batteries during daily intermittent genny use
2. Three year old batteries were not holding a charge probably because of their age and not properly maintained by above failure
3. Old cockpit fridge went bad causing an excessive drain. It ran almost all of the time and the cooling element frosted over badly

All three have been replaced since which appears to have solved mys issues. I hope. The newer Intelli-power was a true plug and play replacement and appears to be a much better unit. When I go back in the water in the spring I'm gonna stay unplugged at the dock with everything running and see how long I can go.

Mine crapped out this summer, of course during a 10 day cruise. On the last day after being on the hook for three days my batteries were dead and I couldn't get either motor to fire up including the genny.

There it is again. Why do you have the ships battery connected to the engine batteries.
Engine starting batteries should be isolated form the general DC systems. They should be stand alone systems and if twins, isolated from each other.

 

[renaudgil]

Mine crapped out this summer, of course during a 10 day cruise. On the last day after being on the hook for three days my batteries were dead and I couldn't get either motor to fire up including the genny. There were several contributing factors but the root was the failed Intelli-Power charger/converter. It's an easy swap and worth every penny. I went with another Intelli-Power charger/converter that was the newer version, same size. I understand you can have them rebuilt but I was happy with a new one. It appears mine was the same vintage as yours.

Just ordered a 2150 to replace 2050. What is the installation process? Unplug shore power, disconnect batteries. Remove old one and replace with new one.
Anything I'm missing? Sorry not use to playing with electrical.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Another reason to have dedicated starting and generator batteries

 

[renaudgil]

Another reason to have dedicated starting and generator batteries

We changed that when we bought it. The change was easy..

 

[Blown284]

Just ordered a 2150 to replace 2050. What is the installation process? Unplug shore power, disconnect batteries. Remove old one and replace with new one.
Anything I'm missing? Sorry not use to playing with electrical.

Did you end up replacing the 2050 with the 2150? Simple swap?