Sentry charger not turning on automatically

This forum is for comments and the exchange of information relating to Trojan Boats and boating. Please do not post used parts or boats For Sale in this area. For general, non-boating topics please use our "General Discussions" section.

Note: Negative or inflammatory postings will not be tolerated.

Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon

Post Reply
dockedwages1
2024 Gold Support
2024 Gold Support
Posts: 26
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2007 11:30 pm
Location: St. Louis

Sentry charger not turning on automatically

Post by dockedwages1 »

My charger light is showing batteries are fully charged but they aren't. I'm showing 11.0 v on vom. I can turn the charger to manual and it charges normally and the full charge light goes off as it should. The starboard starting battery is fully charged but the port is the one that isn't. That's my house battery for bilge pumps. Is there a sensor that can go out on each bank that tells the charger to kick on? The model is Sentry 12v 60amp FR Series.
User avatar
WayWeGo
2024 Gold Support
2024 Gold Support
Posts: 782
Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:13 am
Location: Oakton, VA / Rhode River - Chesapeake Bay

Re: Sentry charger not turning on automatically

Post by WayWeGo »

I think the Sentry chargers are ferromagnetic chargers that have a turn-on (12.8V) and a turn-off (13.9V) voltage with no trickle charge. Since you can manually charge that battery, it seems likely there is a relay that is working but the low voltage sensing circuit is not working for that bank.

Sentry chargers are made by Linear Devices Corporation and you can reach them at 1-888-532-8768.

It might be worth it to switch the leads between the port and starboard to make sure the problem follows the charger rather than the battery.

Maybe you can have it repaired or replace it with a more modern charger. We have a 30A ProNautic charger that I have been pleased with so far -- it was installed a year ago and is doing a great job with our three AGM battery banks.
1975 F-36 Convertible
Twin Chrysler 440's
User avatar
P-Dogg
Active User
Posts: 961
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:15 pm
Location: Near Baltimorgue, Murderland, where they prove every day that gun control doesn't work.

Re: Sentry charger not turning on automatically

Post by P-Dogg »

I have pronautic 12p40. I love it. Changing to a smart charger will make your batteries last longer, and is one of the few improvements that will make the boat lighter.
Last edited by P-Dogg on Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I needed a less expensive hobby, so I bought a boat!
User avatar
prowlersfish
2024 Gold Support
2024 Gold Support
Posts: 12664
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va

Re: Sentry charger not turning on automatically

Post by prowlersfish »

P-Dogg wrote:I have pronautic 12p40. I love it. Changing to a smart charger will make your batteries last longer, and is one of the few improvements that can make that will make the boat lighter.

X2
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat :D
User avatar
Big D
Ultimate User
Posts: 2874
Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 10:39 pm
Location: Ontario, Canada

Re: Sentry charger not turning on automatically

Post by Big D »

WayWeGo wrote:.....It might be worth it to switch the leads between the port and starboard to make sure the problem follows the charger rather than the battery.....
I agree. Before you jump to the conclusion that it's a charger problem, check the other possibilities such as bad connections, and load test the battery.
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
Post Reply