Isotherm GE150-SX Compact Air Cooled Refrigeration Component System with ISEC*

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RJL
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Isotherm GE150-SX Compact Air Cooled Refrigeration Component System with ISEC*

Has anyone had experience with Isotherm as a manufacturer of marine refrigeration systems?  The subject system looks very interesting - especially if the the claimed ISEC (smart refrigeration) capability is real as it would take full advantage of storing energy when my Solar Panels are putting out the most energy.  But, I really want to know if they make good stuff!

Thanks.

Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC

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Alain Croteau
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I installed that system a couple of months ago so i can't comment on long term reliability. However I'm pleased with the fact it is as energy efficient as 'promised'. The only issue is that while it's in the (smart energy control) sec mode, beer isn't as cold as i would like. The solution i think is to turn thermostat off sec mode to a high setting an hour before beer time i.e. anchoring and then revert back to sec mode.

Alain Croteau
"Veritas"
C36 #1226 SR/wk
Yanmar 3JH2
Kingston, Ontario

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Siler Starum
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Posts: 113

Isotherm is a well known manufacturer of refrigeration systems for use in marine, trucks, caravans, campers etc. and have a good reputation.
We have the ISOTHERM ASU 3200/3700 on board and the whole system is working great without any problems, so we are more than satisfied with it. The smart control is regulating smooth the capacity both on battery-power (referenced to the battery-voltage) as when on shore-power.
On battery-power, when the voltage is getting too low, it is shutting down. 
and most important: the beers are on perfect temperature!! 
 

Durk Nijdam
S/V "SILER"
Catalina 36MKII - 2001 / hullnr. 2013
Stavoren - Holland

dpower
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Posts: 231
I researched the various systems a couple of years ago when I thought I needed to replace the Cold Machine. Hoever, I did have the Cold Machine recharged and it is still working fine; but certainly not as efficient as the Isotherm. I know of another Catalina owner who installed an Isotherm and was very pleased. I will go with Isotherm when the time comes.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

RJL
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Posts: 45

Thanks to you all.  This is great info.  I'm not a beer drinker but I think the same logic applies to a bottle of wine... :-).   I think I will go with the Isotherm.

Bob

Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC

RJL
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Alain and Durk,
A follow-up question - what temperatures are you achieving in the fridge with the Isotherm?
Bob

Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC

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Alain Croteau
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As mentioned I installed
the system recently and have been mainly on shore power as I'm preparing to head south early sept. We are currently on a 1 week outing and have been monitoring the system. It appears we've been maintaining less than but close to 40F in energy saving mode. Food is doing well but liquids are just ok. Having said this there are adjustments that can be made via dip switches to adjust temperature differentials between battery voltage and shore power operation i.e. lowere the average temperature. I intend to re configure accordingly. Also, Durk mentions solar which i don't have that may have an impact.

Alain Croteau
"Veritas"
C36 #1226 SR/wk
Yanmar 3JH2
Kingston, Ontario

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Siler Starum
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Posts: 113

In eco-mode we can achieve a temperature around 4-5 oC in our fridge, coldest in the bottom of the box.
More then sufficient.

Durk Nijdam
S/V "SILER"
Catalina 36MKII - 2001 / hullnr. 2013
Stavoren - Holland

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dlincoln3
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Posts: 144

I installed this exact system about 2 months ago.  Works great and is whisper quiet, which surprised me.  I am maintaining about 40° consistently when away from the dock.  The amp draw is less than my stereo for some reason too.  Very happy.

Don Lincoln
"Nancy Lynn"
1993 Catalina MK1.5, Hull 1238
LaSalle, MI (Lake Erie)
Universal M-35AC

RJL
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Thanks again to all.  This is great.  Don, we have sequential hull numbers ---

Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC

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dlincoln3
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Posts: 144

Nice!  I will point out that my boat is newer than yours - ha!  You and I have the odd-duck tweeners - the Frankensteins of half Mark 1 and half Mark 2!

Don Lincoln
"Nancy Lynn"
1993 Catalina MK1.5, Hull 1238
LaSalle, MI (Lake Erie)
Universal M-35AC

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