Just An RVer
No Step On Snek
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2021
- Messages
- 34
Can anyone recommend some low current DC-DC chargers for 16-20 ah batteries? I'd like to limit the current to something like 5-8 amps. Everything I've found searching the forums looks like it's intended to charge a large battery or battery bank in an RV or boat. Can any of the "smart" DC-DC chargers be programmed to limit the charge current that low? The lowest current model I've found so far is the Renogy 20a, which it seems can be set to half-current at 10a.
Our work vehicles have an always-on DC load (a telemetry and messaging system with some cellular and radio gear) that I'd like to separate from the starter battery, both for noise suppression and to keep the starter battery from being drained if parked for several days.
In the past, when tried to charged my own Miady batteries directly from the alternator voltage, it drew more current than I was comfortable using to charge that little battery, so I know I need something to limit the current. If I used a relay activated by the ignition, would a simple voltage regulator like this work:
Probably just wishful thinking, but it sure would be convenient if it turned on and off based on voltage, like the Victron units, so I don't have to run a separate ignition sense wire. I'm sure someone makes a stand-alone voltage-sensing relay that does this, but I haven't found one yet.
Our work vehicles have an always-on DC load (a telemetry and messaging system with some cellular and radio gear) that I'd like to separate from the starter battery, both for noise suppression and to keep the starter battery from being drained if parked for several days.
In the past, when tried to charged my own Miady batteries directly from the alternator voltage, it drew more current than I was comfortable using to charge that little battery, so I know I need something to limit the current. If I used a relay activated by the ignition, would a simple voltage regulator like this work:
Amazon.com: DC Voltage Converter Regulator DC DC 9V 12V 24V (9-36V) Convert to DC 13.8V 8A 110W Buck Transformer Waterproof : Electronics
Amazon.com: DC Voltage Converter Regulator DC DC 9V 12V 24V (9-36V) Convert to DC 13.8V 8A 110W Buck Transformer Waterproof : Electronics
smile.amazon.com
Probably just wishful thinking, but it sure would be convenient if it turned on and off based on voltage, like the Victron units, so I don't have to run a separate ignition sense wire. I'm sure someone makes a stand-alone voltage-sensing relay that does this, but I haven't found one yet.