Converter

[Chip]

The converter has a jack that says it is for a quick charger. What is this used for if anything?

Thanks,
Drew

[Steve and Brenda]

Charge controller?

[Ozz]

Yes, Chip, here is some info on that:
Converter (Battery charger and 12 volt power supply)

Your converter is a 55 amp. (Medium size) 15 amps to 90 amps; with a rapid charge capability.
It comes with a male plastic phone type jack taped to the unit that, when inserted, will provide a temporary rapid charge for your 12 volt storage system. (single, or multiple 12 volt batteries, or an even number of Golf Cart batteries . Normal 13.6, to 14.2 fast charge.
This is a temporary mode of operation, as it would boil, or overcharge if left in. Useful for a quick charge need.
It’s maximum amp draw is 15 amps. (A/C)
If you blow fuses, look for reverse polarity, these fuses are designed for that.
Your converter has built in protection from:
Voltage spikes
Low line voltage (power from the main, coming in to the RV) Sometimes referred to as ‘Brown out’
Your converter can be used with, OR without a battery connected with no adverse effects.
All and all a pretty sophisticated piece of equipment.
Read up on the IQ Smart charger option;
http://www.iotaengineering.com/iq.htm
Ozz

[nkwist]

My DLS 55 has been blowing the 30A fuse (top one of the two) on a regular basis for a month. It never did that in the previous 3 years, so it can't be reverse polarity. In the 2004 3400RL it's very difficult to get to and I'm getting tired of replacing it. I'm now trying to determine if happens when I hook up to power (yes, I check the polarity before I hook up) or when I unhook. It may be coincidence, but it seems to happen when we change campsites.

It came with 30A fuses, so I have to assume that's the correct size (Iotaengeneering on the www doesn't say). The battery appears to be OK, all cells are full of water and have never been run dry. The battery has been drained very low a couple of times, tho, when I didn't know the converter wasn't supplying DC voltage. I'm considering replacing the fuse with a "slow blow" or self resetting one.

Any Ideas?

[Ozz]

Check the breaker wiring supplying the power to the converter at the breaker, and at the converter, and see if it and the neutral wires are tight, loose wires will cause heat related breaker trip, not amperage trip.
You might get an amp meter and check the actual amp draw as well. Sounds like it could be the high draw when you hook up.
Also, contact Iota and run the problem by their guys. (I wouldn't alter the fuses in the unit, they are doing their job.)
Good luck.
Ozz

[David and Jo-Anna]

Going back to the original question, it is my understanding that the jack that says it is for a quick charger is where you plug in the IQ4 Smart Charger module (buy it separately from IOTA for $25) to turn your converter into a smart battery charger that will aggressively charge your battery if it is low and then switch to a trickle charger to keep from overcharging the battery. But I'll defer to OZZ or one of the other people who are really into this stuff!!

[bsmeaton]

Great info Ozz! I guess I should unplug that phone line from my laptop

I was hoping it was a built in modem that would dial direct to Keystone through my laptop for a systems diagnostic and remote repair. No such luck then.

[mtnhntr]

Ozz and David mentioned the IQ4 smart charger. It does plug into that recepticle and does a great job of maintaining and quickely charging your batteries. I installed one and mounted the little box with indicator light inside the 5er (ran the wire thru the bulkhead to the converter). It lets you know the state of your battery charge by it's indicator light (albeit crudely).
Ken

[Ozz]

Everyone should have the smart charger accessory, as a matter of fact, it should be included in the original equipment. It makes the Iota a 3 stage charger, which will maintain, and charge the battery to it's optimum capability.
I guess Keystone doesn't include it to keep the price down to be competitive.

[bsmeaton]

On order - Thanks Ozz

[Okie Guy]

NKWST,

I have been having the same problem your having for about a year. I made it through the winter without any problem but first trip of the spring and that 30 amp fuse kept blowing. I have changed the converter once and now I am going to take my unit to a different shop next month to have them try and find out what is going on.