AGM charging type WAS (Re: Group Buys - thanks and AGM batteries next???)

[Pete Masterson]

The Heart Link 2000 R is a three stage charge controller and has
settings for flooded, Gel, and AGM batteries. The maximum AGM "float"
voltage appears to be 12.95. When I first got the coach, I noticed
that the "float" voltage often read 13.4. After reading the rather
lengthy manual, I found how the settings are made. (It's a rather
complex device with a manual reflecting that complexity.) It appears
that somewhere along the line someone had hit "reset" key combination
putting the controller into it's factory default state -- which
assumed flooded cell batteries. I have dual Heart Freedom inverters.
The "R" in the Link 2000 controller means that it controls the over
the road alternator charging as well as the inverter chargers. It is
not a standard Blue Bird item, but was installed by the previous owner.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at



On May 8, 2007, at 2:26 PM, p_a_lazar wrote:

> Pete,
>
> *IF* your charger (inverter/charger) has only 2 settings, then flooded
> lead acid is the correct setting, the other is usually GELL cell. Gell
> cells and AGM may be treated alike and neither needs liquid or
> checking, but they are different charge voltages.
>
> When faced with the same problem, I called the manufacturer of the AGM
> (Concorde) batteries and asked them. They answered it looks like a
> flooded cell battery to the world and charges at the same voltage and
> rates. Have been running them off my dual 3000 inverter/chargers set
> for flooded the past 4 years and all is as good as new.
>
> Don't take my word for it, call the manufacturer.
>
> Paul
> 97wb43
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
> wrote:
>>
>> The previous owner of my coach installed AGMs for both engine and
>> house batteries. Unfortunately, they were badly mistreated between
>> the time the coach was traded in and I bought it --- to make matters
>> worse, the Link 2000R controller had been incorrectly programed (or
>> had been "reset") so that it was charging as if the AGMs were flooded
>> batteries. Result, batteries that didn't hold their charge. I
>> purchased new AGMs from an Internet source. (My coach uses 6 size 4D
>> batteries for the house.) I purchased FullRiver AGMs from DC Battery
>> <http://www.dcbattery.com> The price included delivery (shipping was
>> from Florida to California).
>>
>> The only snag I ran into was the new batteries were slightly wider
>> than the old ones ... and I had to modify the 'trays' that hold them.
>> Not difficult, but I had to find a friend with a welding rig to do
>> the job.
>>
>> You can get information on the FullRiver batteries here:
>> <http://www.dcbattery.com/fullriver.html>
>>
>> I selected these because they're designed for deep cycle in solar
>> installations. Seemed like an appropriate choice. My chassis
>> batteries don't seem to have suffered the same fate as the house
>> batteries, so I didn't change them. I think they're 3 type 34s...
>>
>> ===============================================
>> Pete Masterson, Author of
>> Book Design and Production: A Guide for Authors and Publishers
>> Aeonix1@...
>> Aeonix Publishing Group http://www.aeonix.com
>> ===============================================
>>
>>
>> On May 7, 2007, at 11:09 PM, mbrund wrote:
>>
>>> My concern with a group buy AGM would be the cost of shipping could
>>> eat each person alive to the point there is no savings over local
>>> purchase. But if I can get a good quality battery for the right
>>> price I am down with that.
>>>
>>> I need 8 house batteries, I use flooded for starters as they are in
>>> the engine bay and will be hot most of the time.
>>
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