Please help me identify this onboard charger

[cmb3366]

I'm working on getting all of the electornics on my 1993 Bass Tracker Pro 17 up to speed, and this onboard charger is one of the things that needs replaced. I checked it on my multimeter and its toast, but given the through hull fitting, I'd like to replace it with a like unit. The only problem is there are no markings except for a 'P' on it. What make model is it, and where can I buy a replacement?

 

[rndn]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

Your pictures are only of the plug, not the onboard charger.

 

[cmb3366]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

I assumed that was the charger, one of the trickle type,given the fact that it ends in ring terminals, and they were hanging free in the boat. When I put it on the multi, I got ~.5 DC voltage, but it blew a 10A fuse when I went to check amperage.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

How would you possibly check amperage? You hooked this up to a battery? WARNING---don't hook this up to a battery if you haven't already unless you want the battery to blow up.

If you measure a 110V AC household voltage, you will measure little or no DC component.

 

[cmb3366]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

Well, I'm an idiot. Went outside, threw the multi on it, and set it to AC this time, Bingo 116v. Now I suppose I've got to do some snooping to find the charger itself. I guess it pays not to assume.

As for how I checked amperage, I've got a Fluke 187.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

I see...you checked amperage by measuring across the two terminals? Just for future reference, you measure current in line with a load. What you did was create a direct short across the terminals with your meter. That is why the fuse blew. You are pretty lucky you didn't get a bad shock and hurt yourself.

Well...hope you learned something today and we are all glad you are still here to tell us about it.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

BUZZZZZZZZZZ>>>POWW!! SON-OF-A %$#@!

 

[cmb3366]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

Another idiot saved by good equipment and a fuse.

I suppose its time I give that manual a second read to cover the stuff I skimmed the first time though.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Please help me identify this onboard charger

The good news is that the charger would normally need to be mounted within reach of the wires, which appear to be quite short. It shouldn't take long to figure out if the charger is still mounted in the boat. Probably not if the wires were left dangling...a hazardous practice as you have discovered. Not unlike people who remove home oil tanks but not the fill pipe...