SonofaBish

I bought a PM3 power supply just like this one on Amazon... couple of questions from the experts:
1.) I was going to hook it up tonight, and on the directions it says that before hooking it to the vehicle, i need to disconnect the positive (+) battery cable from the battery.... do i really need to do that? i was under the impression that I wouldn't need to, and that i could just use the jumper locations under the hood
2.) The PM3 has 2 options - auto mode, which charges at various levels depending on the battery level - or fixed mode, where you can dial up the voltage between 13v and 16.5v..... for troubleshooting and coding with the PIWIS, what mode do you all use?

Phrog Phlyer

I have been following this thread since Rbrunelle started it. I have been using a piwis 2 for awhile but recently upgraded to piwis 3. I have to extend my gratitude and many thanks to @rnlst_log He made the upgrade very easy and painless with great communication and support. Thanks again for the help.

Westcoast

I see this model as well, slightly different and more expensive, does come with the cables though, and specifically mentions for program/coding... PowerMax 12v 100 Amp Charger Converter Power Supply w/ Alligator Clamps PART NUMBER: PMBC-100LK

Battery Maintainer Charger Diagnostic Reflash Programming Calibration (powermaxconverters.com)

Viper pilot

That is the unit I use and am very satisfied .

Marcus13190

it's expensive.

siberian

This is not the place to save money. I bought the PMBC series (bought my own cables) and added a digital read out volt meter that I placed on the front of the unit as the meter it comes with faces up. When you're working in the car across from it you can't see it facing up.

siberian

Marcus13190

When i use Piwis i see voltage on the dashboard and Piwis say me if voltage is ok. I don't see where the voltage is important on the alim.
The alim is here to help battery only to rest at the good voltage value for a piwis diagnostic.

siberian

I want to occasionally check on what the Powermax is putting out which you can't see on your dashboard.

siberian

Marcus13190

Ok

Westcoast

OK, that is a couple of votes now for the PMBC series of charger, comparing the 100A versions, the PM series to the PMBC series, yes there is a big difference in price, nearly double and that was why I am asking which is the better/preferred unit!

The PM unit appears to be targeted as a RV battery charger, where as the PMBC is advertised as a shop tool for shops doing diagnostic work and coding on modern control modules. I agree, not a place to cut corners and why I thought that the PMBC-100LK would be the 'appropriate' choice?

siberian

Correct. Also check that (whatever) unit you decide on, has variable voltage output so you can use it on different types of batteries (wet cell, AGM, LiFePO4). 75A is probably fine but I gave myself the extra leeway by going 100W and at the time, I didn't order the unit with power cables so I saved a few cents by buying appropriate ones at O'Reilly and just cut the clamps on one end off.

siberian

Westcoast

Thanks for the feedback, it looks like this is the correct model series then?

siberian

Yep, the only negative comment I can add is that the voltage adjustment screw is painfully recessed. A smarter more apparent design should have been made.

Lastly, not sure if the current model features a tilting voltage readout (I had discussed this with the GM at the time) but due to design considerations they couldn't mount it on the back plate and reason I bought an electronic voltage meter I placed on the back to keep an eye on what the unit was supplying,

siberian

Westcoast

Yes, I was surprised at the 'style' of adjustment pot for voltage, perhaps so it had to be a deliberate change and couldn't be accidentally knocked and changed?

As for the voltage readout, I already have a LED redout (self-made DVM) that I plan to attach to the output terminals for the voltage.

I am happy to being one step closer to buying the correct supply for PIWIS work, the little CTEK battery maintainer I have is just not the right tool for the job!

Now it will be a matter of finding the best pricing etc to get one up to Canada!

siberian

I bought a set of these, cheaper buying 5 than 1...


siberian