3 Batteries, Charger, Isolators - What to use????

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mfl84

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Asked for some advise previously that no one repsonded to, so maybe it needed some clarification.
Its obvious that there are some in this forum that understand the whole battery thing.

I have three batteries, (1-starter, 2 for 24V trolling motor) plus an 1/2/combo switch set up for the starter battery. For now I just swap out a few +/- wires to indivually charge the two troliing motor batteries (12 volt at a time) separately on Switch #2

I would like to DC charge all 3 without swapping around wires.

The main question is?
Is there a way to charge both a 12v starter and a 24v system without swapping around wires?
Are there special chargers, isolators and/or switches?

My preference has always been to leave the starter independant, and not use that at anytime to combine w/ another 12V to get to the 24V's needed.
I do not need to charge all three at one time, but would like to charge either the 24V system and 12v starter when necessary.

Any help out there?
 
Barnacle_Bill

Barnacle_Bill

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Re: 3 Batteries, Charger, Isolators - What to use????

A three bank, on-board charger would solve your problems.
 
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mfl84

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Re: 3 Batteries, Charger, Isolators - What to use????

Would this be the one?
MK-3-DC ? 3-Bank On Board Alternator Charger
Thanks
 
wingless

wingless

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Messages
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Re: 3 Batteries, Charger, Isolators - What to use????

According to this link it looks like each output is fully floating, permitting connecting two in series and the third as a stand alone.

The don't post the user manual on-line, so that can't be confirmed by their documentation.

It looks like it will work.
 
M

mfl84

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Re: 3 Batteries, Charger, Isolators - What to use????

I did look at the MinnKota selection chart, but felt a bit uncomfortable as that chart was referencing trolling motor banks. Although the 3 bank model will charge 3 batteries, it seems to be for a 36 volt trolling system. Since a 24 or 36 volt system is in series and not parallel, I assume charging is different. When you throw in a starter battery, you technically have two types of systems

Was wondering if what I really need two chargers, the current one I have now, using Switch position #1, and a second 2 bank charger (for 24v) off of switch two. But if the switch was on combo, sounds like I could do some damage.

I do however remember reading about some intelligent chargers that sense the voltage and respond accordingly, but those might be for plug in chargers and not engine generated ones.

I know there is a way to slay this dragon, just need to keep researching.

Might try speaking directly with MinnKota, but they have yet to respond to an email request 5 days ago. I really miss the days when customer service meant something.

Thanks all for your help
 
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