Let me explain why I won't install a new charger to solve this
irritation - it's not really a problem - a minor irritation.

I have 2 of these chargers - provides 80 amps of capacity and
redundancy (but never needed). They've been in use for 27 years -
since the boat was built - have never failed - never even hiccupped.
Not even the knob or meter has broken. I've had Heart and Trace
inverters (both bought by Xantrex) - fail - repairs cost more than
they were worth to repair. Not really junk - just not really good
stuff.

I've had my present Trojan 6V's for almost 7 years. Still fine. I had
Surette 8D's for 8 years before that. I treat stuff I own to
intellingent maintenance.

I don't need a "set and forget" boat - or items that break every 18
months. And lots of modern "marine" gear is really "marina" gear.



On Sat, 06 Dec 2003 11:42:33 -0800, Peter Bennett
wrote:

On Fri, 05 Dec 2003 22:07:27 -0800, Panama
wrote:


You could use a variable autotransformer (one trade name is "Variac")
- cost US$200 - 300

However, despite your statement that you won't replace the charger, I
would strongly suggest installing a modern charger, such as the
Xantrex TrueCharge 40+ - they're around US$400, and have the advantage
that they are "install and forget" - they'll work from 90 to 135 volts
with no attention on your part, and will be much kinder to your
batteries than your old charger, even if you do remember to adjust the
Variac correctly.