New DPI Charger Observations

taken

So, got my DPI from the man in the brown truck today. Did my OBC bypass thanks to some well written instructions found here on the board and fired it up. A couple of observations.

First is I'm kind of surprised at the volume of the hum when the charge was completed and it entered float mode. (Charged indicator lit and ammeter at 0.) I read this is normal on some other threads here but didn't think it would be that loud in float. Ah, well, as long as it's normal.

Second, the LED light board is a touch off center behind the face panel so you can't see the indicators well unless you look from the right side. I called DPI and Rick said this is an manufacturing/assembly issue on some of them and is strictly cosmetic. Not a big deal I guess.

Lastly is on function. Coming from the Power Drive 3 I had previously used, this charger spends less time in bulk and more in finishing charge. The CC charger ran in bulk for 95% of the charge and spent a very short time in finishing. This one ran bulk only briefly then finished for a couple hours. Must be a completely different charging strategy?

Anyways, I'm sure this is old hat for all you regulars here but thought I'd post my experience for any other new guys with little experience that were considering the same upgrade. If anything I posted sounds off, let me know. Otherwise, have a great Thanksgiving all...

BGW

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zephyrus

I am wanting one of these for the float charge capability. Knowing what you know now, would you recommend it? I understand that you haven't had it very long. Thanks.

taken

As for now, yes indeed. The float keeps your batteries up so much better than the every 15 day trick the PD3 does. I suppose it may use a touch more electricity but to me it seems a worthwhile exchange. I also intend to switch to AGM's as my cart often is charged while living in a toy hauler RV's garage and I never want outgassing or leaks inside. The DPI can be switched to an AGM algorithm when I make the swap...

teecro

I've had my DPI for well over a year charging new batteries 24/7 and what I've noted is that my batteries have yet to need water and that even after a 2 to 3 mile drive that is all hills that given a few minutes to recover I'm again holding better than 100 % SOC of the voltage meter. For lack of a better term I think that the charging algorithm in the DPI is not as "rough" on the batteries.....

Swan

no complaints on my DPI . i wanted one for a few years now and finally got one this summer after CC PD2 acted up. Glad i did and would recommend one to anyone that was thinking about it .

taken

Swan, does yours have a decent hum even while fully charged and in float mode?

taken

This makes sense based on the bulk vs. finish charge difference I noticed.

crash test dummy

we switched over to DPI chargers at work (5) i am very impressed with their workings
water consumption is low
cable corrosion is down
run times are better
i do hear a hum in the float mode on monday mornings

hoping boss will approve 2 more

taken

Another good thing about the upgrade is the Power Drive chargers are in demand year round on eBay. Sold mine for $200 and got my DPI for $270 delivered. For $70, it's a no brainer.

Swan

Very little hum out of mine, during float or anytime really . Now my PD3 you could hear across the street