New AGM Batteries....RC7 settings

[GARY MINKER]

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> The problem with these “smart” or programmable chargers is that they are not so smart. If you charge a battery with no external load for more than 36 hours and it still draws current, the charger float voltage is set to high. If you let the charger equalize or as they call it now “refresh” the plates, this is fine but there is not formula for how much or how often. Temperature controls everything. The batteries have a float voltage based on temperature. They have a charge cure based on temperature, they have a base discharge rate and depth based on temperature in no now and no way in vehicular service can you adhere to any of this except with 3 lanes of a margin for error. The real problem is that the coach is running on the batteries while they charge so the whole equation goes right out the window. I gave up on chargers. I use highly regulated switching supplies precision set within 1 lane of a margin of error for a typical temperature of the cells that occurs 90% of their life, set the voltage level to that and use the engine and variables in temperatures to flex the plates. I get incredible battery life and constant voltages. I do large format battery testing and work as part of my living and for both wet and AGM styles, I find this is the way to go and not these hoochie cootchie brilliant chargers. There are thousands of pages written on battery care. Go to Enersys or Exide and read up. If I can answer questions or you just want to call and laugh, dial away 561-969-9245 www.radioworksrfconsulting.com Gary 85pt40 --- On Mon, 4/5/10, luckyron1 wrote: From: luckyron1 Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: New AGM Batteries....RC7 settings To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, April 5, 2010, 3:36 PM Thanks for the input Fred. I'm using the maximum setting now and will go to the auto setting after cycling another 15 or so times. I also checked with Concorde. No surprise, they don't make my inverter so they couldn't stick their neck out and make any suggestions on configuring it. However, the rep did give me a handy formula for computing charging time based upon depth of discharge, etc. Plugging in the numbers, I was amazed to learn that it takes about 31 hrs to fully charge these 6 AGMs with our Trace Inverter/Chargers i.e., when the batteries are down around 50%. Also, when the charging current has dropped down to around 12 amp, the batteries are full and you can turn off the chargers. Another day and no alzheimers, Hmmm Ron & Ruth 2000 LXI marking time in San Antonio --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "Fred Hulse" wrote: > > > Hi Ron > My theory is that your charger doesn't know how many batteries you have and needs to know what the amp hrs you have collectively. > Fred & Jeanne Hulse > Morristown Arizona > 1997 Wanderlodge WLWB41 >