Anyone use a ProIsoCharge?

[fryedaze]

I have alternators, one each engine feeding their own seperate 8D batteries. I also have four 6 volt batteries that are only charged from a battery charger. I want to charge the golf cart batteries while under way. This sound like a nice option. My alternators are 60 amp so combining them on the house bank would help with capacity.


Significantly Smarter...
ProIsoCharge delivers digitally controlled alternator output distribution while protecting the health of engine start batteries. An industry changing design that provides intelligent and zero voltage loss isolation, charging of up to 3 other battery banks off a single alternator (model specific). For dual engine applications, ProIsoCharge offers an exclusive 2 alternator input model with up to 4 battery banks. Smart enough to provide priority charging to a battery bank that's under load by taking fully charged batteries off line. The all-in-one design eliminates the need for multiple voltage sensitive relays to charge multiple battery banks simultaneously, saving space, installation time and cost. Ensuring fully charged batteries and faster charge times, ProIsocharge eliminates the typical alternator voltage loss of 0.6VDC that's commonly associated with traditional diode based isolators. Installed with the ProNauticP Series, a boat owner can enjoy the full benefit of shore power and on the water charging.

 

[Moonstruck]

That is an interesting product, and could be just what I have been searching for.

 

[Bilgewater]

Thanks for pointing this unit out to me. I'm also looking for a 2 alt - 3 bank set up for 2 90 amp alts. Found some ProIsoChargers on Ebay for around $220. I think it will handle 2 27 engine start batteries, and a house bank of 6 6 volt golf carts. I am also looking at a Marinco 2532, 2 alt - 3 batt unit, but can't find a price on one yet. This system was recommended to me by our marina maintenance manager, and I trust his wisdom. No affiliation, etc......

 

[FF]

Simply combining the batts while the alt is operating has no ill effect.

The alt will attempt to bring all the bats to 14.4 and that is an OK voltage for charging wet batts.

Why make a zero job a complex electrical hookup?

Of course you DO have to remember to isolate each bank after shutdown.

Simply another line in the SECURE ENGINE checklist.

 

[Bilgewater]

Simply combining the batts while the alt is operating has no ill effect.

The alt will attempt to bring all the bats to 14.4 and that is an OK voltage for charging wet batts.

Why make a zero job a complex electrical hookup?

Of course you DO have to remember to isolate each bank after shutdown.

Simply another line in the SECURE ENGINE checklist.

FF - Explain please?

 

[russv]

Reason to use Pro Iso Charge--It senses each battery bank separately and delivers charge where needed. Also, you can direct full charge to bank of your choice--say, starting bank and top it off first before charge is automatically diverted to other bank.

Reason not to ever combine batteries with parallel switch is that charger (whether alternator or on board charger) senses all combined batteries as one and therefore under charges one bank and overcharges the other.

 

[Brooksie]

Reason not to ever combine batteries with parallel switch is that charger (whether alternator or on board charger) senses all combined batteries as one and therefore under charges one bank and overcharges the other.

Is this true??? Doesn't the low voltage bank accept more amps (charge harder) BECAUSE it's voltage is lower whereas the higher voltage bank accepts less amps BECAUSE it is at a higher voltage. At any rate, I have never had a problem parralleling banks while charging. Please correct me if in error.

 

[FF]

senses all combined batteries as one and therefore under charges one bank and overcharges the other.

Brooksle is right , there is NO problem as the charged batts take very little and the empty buckets take most of what you can produce.

14.4V fills them all up .

The only time a separate system might be of use is with a huge house bank, and a 200A -300A alternator that has a smart regulator that can monitor battery temperature.

Too costly for most so seldom seen , tho it will cut charge times.

For most folks a SOC meter will extend battery life far better than any charging goodie.

 

[psneeld]

When combining all the batteries...the only way they ALL get topped of is if they are charged long enough...and there lies the problem. Especially if there are significant voltage differences and bank capacities.

If you typically motor for 4-8 hours a day and run some kind of charging for hours when at dock/anchor whether solar, wind, genset, dock power...the batts usually get topped of and you are fine.

If you don't keep charging them the other 16-20 hours a day...then yes...you could be constantly undercharging a bank in a combined situation.

 

[Moonstruck]

Talk about responsive! I dropped an e-mail to customer service this weekend. Here is a copy of my correspondence. It's almost like dealing with Xantrex-----Not!





Yes this is 130Amp rating per alternator so you will be all set.



Lucas Landry
Technical Customer Care
llandry@pmariner.com

ProMariner™
200 International Dr. STE 195
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Main: 603-433-4440
Fax: 603-433-4442
Direct: 603-766-7610

ProMariner Home Page

This E-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed.

It may also be legally privileged. If you are not the addressee you may not copy, forward, disclose or use any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please delete it and all copies from your system and notify the sender immediately by return E-mail. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be timely secure, error or virus-free.

The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.



From: Don
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 10:31 AM
To: Support
Subject: Re: Professional Mariner



Thanks for the prompt reply. I will be charging my starting bank of 2 group 31s. and the house bank of 2 8Ds. All are AGM. I would like it to combine the 2-80 amp alternators and automatically charge the bank that needs it. Would the 130 model take a combined 160 amp charge?



Thank you.

Don Moon
Yes this is 130Amp rating per alternator so you will be all set.



Lucas Landry
Technical Customer Care
llandry@pmariner.com

ProMariner™
200 International Dr. STE 195
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Main: 603-433-4440
Fax: 603-433-4442
Direct: 603-766-7610

ProMariner Home Page

This E-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed.

It may also be legally privileged. If you are not the addressee you may not copy, forward, disclose or use any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please delete it and all copies from your system and notify the sender immediately by return E-mail. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be timely secure, error or virus-free.

The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.



From: Don
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 10:31 AM
To: Support
Subject: Re: Professional Mariner



Thanks for the prompt reply. I will be charging my starting bank of 2 group 31s. and the house bank of 2 8Ds. All are AGM. I would like it to combine the 2-80 amp alternators and automatically charge the bank that needs it. Would the 130 model take a combined 160 amp charge?



Thank you.

Don Moon
donmoonbld@aol.com



-----Original Message-----
From: Support <Support@pmariner.com>
To: donmoonbld
Sent: Mon, Mar 11, 2013 9:04 am
Subject: RE: Professional Mariner

If you are trying to charge your house bank using either alternator or both alternators. I would suggest using the ProIso Charge130 2-4 Part # 23127. You can just leave the fourth stud alone with no connection and you will be all set. As long as these are both inboard motors and this is for a 12v system. Have a good day.



Lucas Landry
Technical Customer Care
llandry@pmariner.com

ProMariner™
200 International Dr. STE 195
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Main: 603-433-4440
Fax: 603-433-4442
Direct: 603-766-7610

ProMariner Home Page

This E-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed.

It may also be legally privileged. If you are not the addressee you may not copy, forward, disclose or use any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please delete it and all copies from your system and notify the sender immediately by return E-mail. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be timely secure, error or virus-free.

The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.



From: donmoonbld
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2013 11:38 AM
To: Support
Subject: Professional Mariner



submitted by donmoonbld
fax:

Message:
I have twin engines both with 80 amp alternators. 3 battery banks. What Proisocharge unit do you recommend for my set up. The alternators are Yanmar model# 45180-032 and a Charles 60 amp charger when 115 volt supply is available.



-----Original Message-----
From: Support <Support@pmariner.com>
To: donmoonbld <donmoonbld@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Mar 11, 2013 9:04 am
Subject: RE: Professional Mariner

If you are trying to charge your house bank using either alternator or both alternators. I would suggest using the ProIso Charge130 2-4 Part # 23127. You can just leave the fourth stud alone with no connection and you will be all set. As long as these are both inboard motors and this is for a 12v system. Have a good day.



Lucas Landry
Technical Customer Care
llandry@pmariner.com

ProMariner™
200 International Dr. STE 195
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Main: 603-433-4440
Fax: 603-433-4442
Direct: 603-766-7610

ProMariner Home Page

This E-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed.

It may also be legally privileged. If you are not the addressee you may not copy, forward, disclose or use any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please delete it and all copies from your system and notify the sender immediately by return E-mail. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be timely secure, error or virus-free.

The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions.



From: donmoonbld
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2013 11:38 AM
To: Support
Subject: Professional Mariner



submitted by donmoonbld

Message:
I have twin engines both with 80 amp alternators. 3 battery banks. What Proisocharge unit do you recommend for my set up. The alternators are Yanmar model# 45180-032 and a Charles 60 amp charger when 115 volt supply is available.

 

[Delia Rosa]

We have a Promariner Pronautic 1250p 50 Amp 3 Bank Battery Charger we installed May 2012... it works a treat!

 

[MartySchwartz]

To answer your original question, yes we have one installed since last spring and are very happy with the results. Is combines out 2 53-amp alternators and charges all three banks (start, house and generator start) while underway. It was the easiest way to combine the two alternators and distribute the charge effectively that I could find.

Marty.......................

 

[fryedaze]

Thanks for all the feedback folks. I ordered the two alternator version. If it has problems I will update the thread.
Dave

 

[rwidman]

........... Doesn't the low voltage bank accept more amps (charge harder) BECAUSE it's voltage is lower whereas the higher voltage bank accepts less amps BECAUSE it is at a higher voltage. At any rate, I have never had a problem parralleling banks while charging. Please correct me if in error.

You are correct. More current flows to the more discharged battery.

 

[Tom.B]

I have a discontinued TruePower 2000 Inverter from them. I have not really run it too often, but the design is nice. However, if I would judge them negatively about anything (other than Don's weird email exchange) is that their website really sucks.

 

[Moonstruck]

Yeah, I ordered the Proiso Charge. This should complete my set up. This makes it unnecessary to add a larger alternator. With this along with the 3 stage regulator, SOC meter and Charles 60 amp charger it seems to be adequate.

There was contemplation about adding another 255 amps to the house battery bank, but don't think that will happen. Whatever power is consumed has to be replaced anyway, so as long as the 510 amps present are not drawn below 50% there would be no real advantage. When this is installed, we will see how it goes.

 

[Moonstruck]

The ProIsocharge was received yesterday. I will install it when next at the boat in about 3 weeks. It will get a good work out on a Bahamas cruise.

 

[Moonstruck]

Just ordered two more pieces to complete my charging set up. 2 smart regulators with slow start up to protect belts and temp sensors for alternators and batteries. With the multistage charging and combining of the two 80 amp alternators plus battery isolation, this should be the complete system.

 

[FlyWright]

Just ordered two more pieces to complete my charging set up. 2 smart regulators with slow start up to protect belts and temp sensors for alternators and batteries. With the multistage charging and combining of the two 80 amp alternators plus battery isolation, this should be the complete system.

Sounds perfect, Don. Tell me more about the slow startup. Is that a setting available on the smart voltage regulator? I have a Balmar ASR-614 waiting to be installed with my new 120A alternator, but haven't studied the manual yet. Is this the same as 'belt load manager'?

 

[Moonstruck]

Al, your Balmar regulator should have the slow start up feature. It just brings the amperage up over a few seconds to load the belt more slowly. It should save the belt from dusting.

I bought the sterling smart regulator because I could keep my alternators and internal regulators as back ups. If the Sterling fails it will revert to the onboard regulators

Advanced Alternator Regulator

 

[Nikko]

Based on input from this thread (and others), I bought the ProIsoCharge 2-4 for my boat, and installed it last week to replace an older isolator. From the time of the first engine start the voltage readings on my helm gauges rose by a full volt and the unit worked as expected when we spent the weekend on the hook. Now the time test begins...

 

[fryedaze]

Update- problems

I am not having much luck with the ProIsoCharge 130 2-4. I have just experienced a failure of my third unit. The units perform well for about 50 hours and then I get a really loud relay chatter in the unit. Once the failure occurs the chatter will start when the key switch is in on even before the engine is started. I have sent two back to Promariner. They replaced one with a new one and returned the other stating they could not repeat the problem. The failures have all been on new units. I have yet to install the returned unit. After three failures I think there must be a problem in my system. If I cant figure it out I will "dumb" the system down and eliminate the isolator.

 

[CMS]

I am not having much luck with the ProIsoCharge 130 2-4. I have just experienced a failure of my third unit. The units perform well for about 50 hours and then I get a really loud relay chatter in the unit. Once the failure occurs the chatter will start when the key switch is in on even before the engine is started. I have sent two back to Promariner. They replaced one with a new one and returned the other stating they could not repeat the problem. The failures have all been on new units. I have yet to install the returned unit. After three failures I think there must be a problem in my system. If I cant figure it out I will "dumb" the system down and eliminate the isolator.

This product, I believe, was designed by Charlie Sterling and is sold in a partnership with ProMariner. As a Sterling dealer I am not a huge fan of this product because I don't see the necessity of it over a much simpler product like a Blue Sea ACR or ML-ACR... Charlie is well known for praying on the fears of consumers then developing products that sell to those fears.

One thing Charlie mentions in his manuals, that PM failed to counsel you on, is that any un-used output needs be tied to another used output.

"Please note in the event of any outputs on the pro split not being used then they must be linked to one which is, i.e. all outputs must be used, one must not be left unconnected."

This product is nothing more than a stepped voltage sensitive combining relay with multiple relays in one box. It combines batteries based on voltage in a priority order or steps.

The start battery is always connected to the alt on these devices meaning charging begins with the start battery.

By the way do not mix up the alt from engine 1 with start battery for engine 2.

When the start bank hits 13.3V it then combines/parallels with bank #2. When the system voltage (combined voltage of bank 1 & 2) is again at 13.3V it then parallels in bank #3 and so on.

It does not charge a start battery first, as Charlie likes to imply, it simply brings it to 13.3V before paralleling it with the house bank. With most start batteries this voltage rise happens in seconds and even with the minimal consumption from starting, the battery Ah capacity has not really been replaced before it has been placed in parallel with the house bank. The device simply begins with the start battery then brings the others in parallel as voltage attains the 13.3V level. Even for a 50% discharged house bank attaining 13.3V does not take a long time with a properly sized charging system. For example a Lifeline AGM discharged to 50% SOC then recharged at .2C (20% of Ah capacity or 20A on a 100Ah battery) will attain 13.3V in about 20 minutes.

If you leave a terminal open, such as bank 3 or 4, when the unit looks for it and sees nothing it may hiccup. This may be causing your relay chatter issue. Perhaps PM changed this in their unit but I suspect it is the same product inside a box with a different sticker and color. Try connecting any unused output with a jumper to a used output. Eg: Jump output #4 to the house bank terminal.

 

[fryedaze]

Thanks CMS for the valuable information. I did some testing today. The BATT 1&2 lites are the only ones coming on and flickering with the relay chatter. I thought it might be something in the ignition voltage so I removed the Ignition leads and jumped 12 volts to the ignition terminal. The relays still chattered. I then removed the ground lead for a few minutes and replaced it. The chatter is gone. It looks like the unit reset itself when voltage was removed. I use the 1,2&3 Battery terminals. I will be placing that jumper on terminal 4 and seeing what happens in time.
This explains why Promariner could not repeat the failure. It goes away when the unit is down powered.
I see what you mean by the simplicity of the ACRs. Live and learn.

 

[what_barnacles]

Man it's like a trump conversation, success stories, failures, hit pieces...

 

[Tator]

Drumpf?

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Thanks CMS for the valuable information. I did some testing today. The BATT 1&2 lites are the only ones coming on and flickering with the relay chatter. I thought it might be something in the ignition voltage so I removed the Ignition leads and jumped 12 volts to the ignition terminal. The relays still chattered. I then removed the ground lead for a few minutes and replaced it. The chatter is gone. It looks like the unit reset itself when voltage was removed. I use the 1,2&3 Battery terminals. I will be placing that jumper on terminal 4 and seeing what happens in time.
This explains why Promariner could not repeat the failure. It goes away when the unit is down powered.
I see what you mean by the simplicity of the ACRs. Live and learn.

I have the 4 output unit and have had to replace it once. Same chatter as you described but my engine 1 and 2 blue lights stayed illuminated with everything shut off. PM sent me a new one as a good will as they too couldn't duplicate the problem.

A few days ago I was in the ER and noticed the same blue lights on. I removed all + voltage and the unit reset it self and I haven't had any issues with it thus far.

I may drop PM an email asking WTF??????

 

[fryedaze]

I may drop PM an email asking WTF??????

I sent the WTF email yesterday.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

I sent the WTF email yesterday.

I sent one today too. Will post when I get a response.......

 

[fryedaze]

Failed again

Well, this is the 5th time since Oct 2105 I have pulled my ProIsoCharge. I have used the remove power trick and it didn't work this time. The yellow low voltage lites just flash and the unit wont let the alternators charge the batts. I have had a spare that lets me swap one out and send the bad
one to ProMariner. This the last time for me. The indications have been different on each failure, different light combinations. I am going to something simple from here.