Smart Charger

[Chip]

I have seen some discussions on this. How does this work? How do you hook it up?

Thanks,
Chip

[bsmeaton]

Nothing to it Chip, you just find a place to put it by your Iota converter, mount it, then plug in the cable into the converter and into the smart charger.



The smart charger changes you charging voltage to your battery (or batteries) into a 3 step conditioning voltage based on the status of the batteries. It is built in on the more expensive Iota converters.

I think the cost was about $30. I mounted mine so I could see the light flashing through the return air grill under the stairs. The light gives you a status of the charge by sequence of flashes.

[OntMont]

Brad is right, but that does assume that your rig came with an "Iota" brand converter. I think some of the more recent models have a different brand of converter with this feature built-in, and earlier models (about pre-2004), do not have Iota converters.

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by bsmeaton

Nothing to it Chip, you just find a place to put it by your Iota converter, mount it, then plug in the cable into the converter and into the smart charger.



The smart charger changes you charging voltage to your battery (or batteries) into a 3 step conditioning voltage based on the status of the batteries. It is built in on the more expensive Iota converters.

I think the cost was about $30. I mounted mine so I could see the light flashing through the return air grill under the stairs. The light gives you a status of the charge by sequence of flashes.

Here's the link: http://www.rvupgradestore.com/index....ROD&ProdID=413

[Bob & Lee]

Brad, other than the picture in the link looks diffrent than yours, did it come with a long cable to connect up over the wash/dry room where the inverter is or must you get another cable?
Bob

[bsmeaton]

Bob,

The one pictured in that link is for the older Iota I believe - this is mine here:

http://www.iotaengineering.com/iq.htm

In mid year 2007, Montana moved the coverter under the stairs. If you have the vent in the ceiling above your washer and dryer, your converter is still above the ceiling, behind the AC panel. For that, I would just mount the smartcharger on the wall up by the ceiling, the drill a hole for the cable. The cable is just a 4 conductor phone cable, but I'm not sure if length would impact it or not. The one that comes with the charger is only about 12" long.

[Bob & Lee]

Brad, we are full of changes and most are great, I think a hole in the celing of the W/D room and still be in the 12" range. I will still be able to see the unit.

Thanks

[ehmcfarl]

Brad, I have a 2008 3400RL. Does my unit already have the smart charger, or do I need to add this smart charger adapter to my charger? Thanks for the info.

[bsmeaton]

Buddy,
I couldn't give you an honest answer, as I haven't seen what the 2008's are using. It may not even be Iota anymore. If it's still under the bottom step, I would remove the return air grill and look at the model number, then look it up on that Iota link further up this thread. That should tell you if it has one.

Or perhaps somebody with a 2008 knows already?

[ehmcfarl]

Thanks Brad, I'll pull the grill this weekend.

[dsprik]

Brad, I have been stumped on this myself. I have an Iota converter with my 3400 build date of 7/20/06 (2007 model). Does mine have the Smart Charger built in???

[jretz]

Dave, My 2007 3400 (built Nov 2006) did not have the smart charger built in. I added one last year by mounting it by the ceiling in the utility closet and running the cord under the vent cover to the the converter.

To make sure which module to order I took the breaker panel, above the toilet, out and checked the converter model number. It is behind the breaker panel mounted on the top of the ceiling in the utility closet. You can see it once the breaker panel is removed.

[bsmeaton]

Dave, I suspect you don't have it, but can't be positive. I know build dates aren't the best indicator, but mine was 01/11/2007 and I did not have one. My first clue was the phone line wrapped up and taped to the top of the converter.

I thought the converter could call in and troubleshoot by itself! hahahahaha

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by bsmeaton

I thought the converter could call in and troubleshoot by itself! hahahahaha

Actually, one of these days...

Thanks, Brad and Jim. I did have a warranty replacement last year. Probably still don't have the smart charger, though. My battery is a class 24 Interstate and it has never needed a drop of water in over two years. So not sure I should change anything? When I get a new battery one of these days, I may spring for the $25. Accessing that converter and installing the Iota will be more challenging than the $$.

[Chip]

Brad

What is that phone line taped up on top of the converter for? I have that also.

Chip

[bsmeaton]

Chip, that plugs right into the smart charger and activates it, like shown on my picture.

[dsprik]

I have the "phone" plugin on mine, but I don't remember the line being included. Maybe it was though...