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Review on ⚡️ PowerMax PM3-100: Efficient 110V to 12V RV Power Supply Converter Charger (100 Amp) by Frank Dubey

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Best chargers I've had in 20 years.

I have a degree in EE and have worked in electronics and electrical engineering for over 40 years. I live offline consciously. I have wind and solar power, a huge battery pack, a reliable 30kW Onan and reliable chargers for those days when there is no wind and no sun. I have used most premium inverter/chargers from 55A to 100A for over 20 years. These PowerMax devices are survivors and deserve a 5 star rating. I have an older version (> 2 years old) and a newer version < 1 year old). The older version has 120A fuse outputs (3 x 40A fuses), no external voltage control and no switch to select a fixed or 3-stage charge pattern. The newer version has 80A fuse outputs (2 x 40A fuses) and does not have an externally accessible voltage control and charge method switch. Both units are powered by a 30kW Onan generator. Which exhibits a near perfect sine waveform of 120V RMS (169V pp) at 60Hz under load. Yes, I have an O-scope to take these readings and yes, Onan allows me to set the tension perfectly. ) The excellent rating is due to the following: 1) Both devices show a charge rate of 65A when cold, which drops to 55A when hot, regardless of battery voltage (10.5-15.1V). They are installed on a wall with plenty of fresh air at ambient temperature so this is not a constraint on external heat. 2) The readings above are from a calibrated 500A shunt. rear fuses. 4) so by definition they are not rated for 100A, so a 100A rating is BS. When they become available on February 28, 2018 I intend to purchase 2 more in the near future. Eventually I will probably own 8x of these reliable and predictable devices. Conclusion: do they output the specified current? No, not even close. Can I recommend these other brands/models above based on durability and cost per actual amp power? ABSOLUTELY! Are the new models more customizable and adaptable to different charging scenarios? Absolutely

Pros
  • Great design
Cons
  • Wrinkled packaging