What's so great about a DC-DC Converter?

Tech Support

On many golf carts or LSV’s equipped with 6 volt batteries, whether 36 or 48 volt units, you will find that two of the batteries are “tapped” to achieve a 12 volt power source for headlights, tail lights, stereo systems or other accessories. While this can provide a convenient and economical source for the 12 volts of power needed, it can also have detrimental effects on your long term battery life.

The real problem begins when it’s time to recharge your battery pack. Keeping in mind that you have all your batteries connected in series, and now if you have operated your 12 volt accessories, you will have two batteries which are discharged more than the rest of your battery pack. When you begin to recharge the pack, one of two things can occur:

1) The two “tapped” batteries will never catch up to the other batteries in the pack because they have been discharged more; or
2) The rest of the pack may be over charged as a result of the charger trying to bring the two “tapped” batteries to full capacity.

The continual under charging or over charging of any battery will have a negative effect on the lifespan and the capacity of your battery pack. The concept of the converter is that no individual batteries in the pack are tapped at all. This spreads the additional loads of accessories evenly among all batteries and all cells, so discharge and recharge will be even and equal.

With the cost of batteries for the average electric vehicle being what it is, it is well worth the investment of a DC-DC Converter which can be purchased at just a fraction of what you will spend on new batteries.

BGW

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Andy4639

This is very true and if you don't keep a eye on those batteries they will get out of range for the normal person. If your as bad as I about your cart you can keep the batteries together but it takes a extra effort to charge the 2 batteries with a 12 volt charger for 6 volts. The 8 volts well you can forget it.
Another way to help but not cure this is swaping the 12 volt source around on the pack also.
The way I like to do is run seperate 12 volt battery in the cart.

Devil Dog

My 2005 Parcar has 12 volt being drawn from two batteries as described above. Are the current carts (2013) getting their 12 volts the same way?
Where can I get DC/DC converters? How much are they?

Tech Support

We have eliminated taps now. I'd love to have you get one from us but I bet site sponsors have some various choices to meet your pricing budget.

Devil Dog

How did you know I am cheap?
Thank you, very much.
D.D.

Tech Support

Who isn't nowdays? I don't try to sell anything here, just provide support when needed. The guys who do sell do their best to give you a fair and honest deal, so I recommend them first.

scottyb

Thanks TS. Every sponsor sells some type of DC reducer, There are a few things to look for in a DC reducer. 1st is voltage compatibility. Some are 36 or 48v others are 36-48v. Amp/watt rating get the highest amp rating you can afford or you may burn up the reducer. Make sure you have a little headroom in your application, like a 30a reducer with a 20a load. This will help keep the heat down and result in a longer life. Get a switchable reducer which turns on/off with the key or install a relay so your reducer is on only when you need it.
Hope this helps

Spider33

Are the 2009 Eagle par Cars still tapped?

thanks

Tech Support

2009 probably was. We made the mandatory switchover in 2012.

JdubyaM

Hey Guys, Does my 2002 Columbia Par Car Utilitruck have a DC converter? My turn signals and windshield wiper lost power at the same time. However I do have front and rear lights. Any idea on what I should be looking for to resolve this problem? Not getting power to these two accessories. Thanks! JdubyaM