IC DC-converters

[SM1]

Regarding the WFCO dc converters installed in the ice castle fish houses: Does anyone know how fast or what the charging rate is for the 12v batteries? I know they have a three stage charging system built in but am wondering if I will be needing to add in a separate on board charger? This will be going in my '10 ice castle that didn't have one in it. I run a Honda 2000 generator but like the idea of not having to run it constantly. I would like the system to be automatic so all I have to do is plug in the power from the outside without swapping cables over or switching things up daily in the battery box.

Appreciate any assistance.

[outkast7222]

I couldn't tell you exact rate but I run my generator for about 8 hours at a crack and the battery always seems to be charged up after that.

[SM1]

For those who run a generator for the fish house, would you rather have dc converter or on board charger to power such things as a forced air furness? I keep going between which to go with.

[thefarmer]

4 amps on high

[outkast7222]

For those who run a generator for the fish house, would you rather have dc converter or on board charger to power such things as a forced air furness? I keep going between which to go with.

The converter is nice since it will charge the battery independent of running lights and other things while the generator is running.

[BLACKJACK]

This is what I did (copy/pasted) from the other Ice Castle thread:

My 2010 Ice Castle was set up with two sets of alligator clamps, one for the lights and one for the furnace, I bought the two biggest 12 volts I could find and a 3 bank Minnkota charger, mounted them all in the storage compartment under the bunk, when I get home I plug the house in with the outside plug, the lights on the charger go from red to yellow to green, tells me when they are completely charged. Had room so I added a third 12 volt battery as a spare, hooked to the charger also.

This setup gives me enough battery power for one night trips on the ice, haven't done any two night trips yet but when I do I'll run my generator for a few hours during the day to give them a little charge up.

Very convenient and worth the money for the onboard charger, just plug in the house when I get home and the batteries get topped off.

[SM1]

Blackjack which minnkota charger did you go with? The 315 or 330? I have a 315 in my boat that has been great. What I think of is that my boat usually sits for 10 hours or more between going out so my batts are always topped off. I don't necessarily want to always run the generator so was thinking about the 330 because that should charge within 4-6 hours as compared to 10-12 hrs w the 315. Of course it's an extra $100 or so for the 330 over the 315.

[BLACKJACK]

sm1, I have the 315, it DOES take a quite awhile when I get home, 24 hours sometimes. Hopefully that won't bite me on the ice. I'm still thinking that a 3-4 hour generator run would give enough recharge to get thru a second night. And I do have the spare battery in case I have to use it on the furnace.

To be honest I didn't realize the 330 would charge faster, over the long term, the extra money might be worth it.

[outkast7222]

I emailed WFCO about charge rates. There response was that the 8935 in my new Castle would put out a total of 35 amps in bulk mode. So if I was running no 12 volt acc. and the battery was run down it could do up to 35 amps charging. When in top off mode less than 50% battery discharge it would start at about 10 amps and tapper to a trickle as it nears 95%.

[SM1]

I will have to call and see what this would cost to be installed. Mounting would be easy, just getting it wired correctly is the part I do not understand.