Cricket noises from the lights

[Going Coastal]

We brought home our "new" 2017 Oliver Elite II this past weekend, hull #235.     After plugging in the shore power, we noticed a chirping/cricket noise when we turn on the lights.   

 

 

Not happening when running the lights on the solar.  I have a video below.   After reading some older posts, is this the inverter going out on our trailer?  

[Mike and Carol]

Your lights are 12v and run off the batteries, even when you are on shore power.  The inverter changes 12v from your batteries to 110v for your 110v outlets, it does not power your lights.  Solar charges your batteries and doesn’t directly run anything.

I don’t know what could be causing your issue, I’m not sure I hear it in your video.  I’m sure someone will have an idea.  Mike

[topgun2]

The only "noise" I hear is the "clicking" of the switches being turned on/off.

A 2017 most likely has lights that are only operated by the switches (i.e. they are not "touch" lights)  Therefore, either these lights are on or they are off with the only power control being the switch.  

Bill

[bugeyedriver]

If you are unplugged from shore power and turn on your inverter to use an outlet, does item you plug into the outlet function normally and do the "crickets" start singing then?

If not, your inverter is likely fine.  I heard nothing in your video except the flipping of the switches.  Do your "crickets" sing only momentarily, as the switch is turned on, or do they launch into a full operetta?   

Where do the "crickets" seem to live?  Behind the switches?  At the lights which were just turned on?  Somewhere in the basement?

[Going Coastal]

On 5/25/2023 at 8:40 AM, bugeyedriver said:

If you are unplugged from shore power and turn on your inverter to use an outlet, does item you plug into the outlet function normally and do the "crickets" start singing then?

If not, your inverter is likely fine.  I heard nothing in your video except the flipping of the switches.  Do your "crickets" sing only momentarily, as the switch is turned on, or do they launch into a full operetta?   

Where do the "crickets" seem to live?  Behind the switches?  At the lights which were just turned on?  Somewhere in the basement?

When unplugged from shore power (running on solar/batteries) there is no noise...absolutely quiet.  Cricket noise only when plugged in.  Will try to upload a better video.

Thanks,

Harlan

 

[Going Coastal]

[Rpopp]

I also have a 2017and have experienced this exact same noise off and on for years. Just last week. I contacted Progressive Dynamics and they told me that they have made upgrades to the PD4045 KA converter and I needed the upgraded part PD4045CSV which I ordered fromBOAT & RV Accessories it costs about a buck eighty 

[Going Coastal]

3 hours ago, Rpopp said:

I also have a 2017and have experienced this exact same noise off and on for years. Just last week. I contacted Progressive Dynamics and they told me that they have made upgrades to the PD4045 KA converter and I needed the upgraded part PD4045CSV which I ordered fromBOAT & RV Accessories it costs about a buck eighty 

Awesome!  Thank you!

[SeaDawg]

So, the upgrade is to the charger?

[Rpopp]

It is a replacement/upgrade of the converter section

[Mike and Carol]

PD4045 is the charger.

[MAX Burner]

It's sounding like PD is suggesting an upgrade of the converter section of the converter/charger:

Or are we missing something?  Our Ollie is a '17 also, but isn't behaving as @Going Coastal has described...  it appears to function correctly without crickets.

[topgun2]

1 hour ago, MAX Burner said:

Or are we missing something?  Our Ollie is a '17 also, but isn't behaving as @Going Coastal has described...  it appears to function correctly without crickets.

Is yours as dusty/dirty as Coastal's?  That dust and resultant heat generated due to the "blanket" it is always wearing can cause premature failure.

Bill

[Going Coastal]

1 hour ago, MAX Burner said:

It's sounding like PD is suggesting an upgrade of the converter section of the converter/charger:

Or are we missing something?  Our Ollie is a '17 also, but isn't behaving as @Going Coastal has described...  it appears to function correctly without crickets.

I ordered this one from etrailer today...Looks like it has a switch to use lead acid or lithium batteries...not sure if the oem one has this?

Replacement Converter Section for Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 4000 Series 45 Amp Power Center Progressive Dynamics Accessories and Parts PD4045CSV (etrailer.com)

 

 

[Townesw]

Read my posts in this thread 

 

[ShallowGal]

Sounds just like my tinnitus. 🙉

[Rpopp]

I received the replacement/upgraded part today and it took about 30 minutes to swap out. Turned everything back on and flipped every switch previously causing issues and it works great no noise at all

[Going Coastal]

Thanks to everyone who replied on this post...Received new board from etrailer and as Rpopp stated...took about 30 minutes to install.  No more Crickets!  In addition, it does appear to have a switch on the board to allow lithium batteries, which the original board in my 2017 ollie does not appear to have.

[Wayfinder]

And here I was just researching upgrading the converter from an old PD4045 (lead acid only) to the newer lithium-capable PD4045CSV. Since I have tinnitus, it does not bother me to hear those "crickets", but it sounds like, no pun intended, that upgrading the controller in preparation for a Lithium upgrade will kill two birds with one stone.

Since I don't trust purchasing the parts like this on Amazon anymore.  I'll get it from Etrailer.  I've used them before with great success.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Progressive-Dynamics/PD4045CSV.html 

[topgun2]

19 hours ago, Wayfinder said:

Since I don't trust purchasing the parts like this on Amazon anymore.  I'll get it from Etrailer.  I've used them before with great success.

Chris - 

For what its worth - back in March I paid $147 for this same converter.  I found it in Amazon's Warehouse!  Given that it came with a 30 day guarantee I figured that 30 days would give me plenty of time to install and test it to make sure that it functioned properly.

Certainly I seconded guessed my purchase when it showed up bouncing around inside a large cardboard box with no padding material inside.  However, I installed it (very simple) and everything has worked as it should.

Good luck!

Bill

[Wayfinder]

Thanks Bill.  I thought I found it on Amazon the other day, but when I just looked, I could only find the 60 amp.  Oh well.  I just got it from eTrailer for now.

I'll love to pick your brain about if you moved to Lithium on your own, and what pieces you ended up changing out.

Thanks Much. I can call you if it makes things easier/quicker, whenever is convenient.  No rush.

[topgun2]

I've been planning to do a new post on my install/replacement of my original lead acid batteries - but - in preparing for the Annual Owners Rally and then my annual 2 month fly fishing trip to Wyoming plus all of the "normal" house projects that hit at this time of year I've simply not had the time.

While I will not be able to do the job I would like on this topic - I'll get to it before I leave on July 5th.

Bill

how about a "teaser"?

 

Edited June 24, 2024 by topgun2
added detail

[jd1923]

On 6/23/2024 at 10:34 AM, Wayfinder said:

... upgrading the controller in preparation for a Lithium upgrade will kill two birds with one stone...

When I read this yesterday, I was thinking I would have to do the same upgrade prior to adding LiFePO4 batteries. Then I realized there may be a bigger plan in my future. Many of us have this inverter: Amazon.com: Xantrex Prowatt SW2000 2000W True Sinewave Inverter Model# 806-1220 : Automotive

This model is inverter only, hence the separate charger (and hulls without an inverter only have the PD charger). What if I was wanting to upgrade to a 3KW inverter at some point? Many new inverters on the market are inverter/chargers and may have superior charging performance over this upgraded PD charger.

Although it may be difficult to fit an inverter/charger like one of these, under the rear dinette seat where OTT mounted the Xantrex in our hull. It would also need modification to wiring if the PD charger was to be deleted.

Amazon.com: Victron Energy MultiPlus-II Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger for 120 amp Battery, 120V, 3000VA 12-Volt : Automotive

Amazon.com: Victron Energy MultiPlus Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger for 120 amp Battery, 3000VA 12-Volt : Automotive

[SeaDawg]

Several people have done that. 

A link to a search for "multiplus."

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/search/?&q=Multiplus&search_and_or=or

 

[Wayfinder]

8 hours ago, topgun2 said:

...how about a "teaser"?

Bill,  you big tease!