AGM battery charging question

On 02/11/12 00:23, Damian wrote:
Thanks mate.
The two massive 6V batteries that I mentioned aren't in my hands yet. I have
been considering getting them to maintain a good long lasting power source
for the van. But, now I think it may be an overkill and a pretty heavy job
as well.
You need to look at your power requirements and work them out.
Refridgerator
Lighting
The dooles like mobile phones, torches, the radio(s)(AM/FM/UHF, etc)
(Where did they all come from)
The laptop
The 12 volt TV.
Medical machines.

Even stuff like fans on diesel/gas space heater and/or 12V electric
blanket. Sigh, there is even 12v hair dryers.

When it comes to stuff like aircon, then you need to run a generator of
sufficent size to run it. Add in the microwave to that as well.

Over here, camp sites can be divided into those that allow generators,
where mos caavans go and thse that don't, where most campers go. man
people don't like one destroying the peace and quiet.

I think I am better off with a 125Ah sealed deep cycle battery and may be a
backup one. I reckon it's better to rely on a small generator rather than
carrying massive heavy batteries like I was planning to do.
What do you think about that?
Batteries and a solar panels are a basic way to go here if you have
light demands like a refridgerator, lighting amd the doodles.. Most
times you will have no problems if you have adequately specced the
batteries to give you a couple of day's requirements.

It is when you are camped for the week, then you can run into problems
from it being heavily overcast all week. I have something like the honda
generator on my plans as a emergency back up.

I have also gone for four days capacity, so that effectively means that
at worst case I only loose the peace and quiet for one day in four.


If you are travelling every day/few days, like doing the big loop, that
C-tek D250S that was linked is the way to go as it tops up your caravan
battery from the solar panels when you're stopped or from the car
alternator when you are travelling. you need an auto isolator that
switches the car feed in after the car alternator has recharged your
starter battery.

OTOH, some places here, it just means that instead of stopping in the
bush camps, you pay for a powered site overnight and charge your
batteries up then.


I'll point out that I'm talking from the Australian perspective where we
have 30 million population spread over an area the size of
Europe/Mainland USA, but mostly in a few big cities and little facilties
in between.







Thanks
"terryc"<newsninespam-spam@woa.com.au> wrote in message
news:k6t0lv$eft$1@dont-email.me...
On 01/11/12 14:05, Neil wrote:
I
suspect a 300Ah battery would be considerably more expensive than 3 x
110Ah batteries together, but you would have to research that
yourself.

125Ah are the largest common Deep discharge wet cells in Aust. Rather than
put tweo in parallel to get larger capacity. I preferred to buy two 6Volt
225 Amphour batteries. that was to prevent the problem of one failing and
pulling down and maybe destroying the other.

Another factor is my ability to lift individual batteries in and out of
locations. I remember that the 12V 125AmpHr batteries weighed 35kg each
Can not remember the figure for each 6V 225Amphour battery.



The differences between battery types are basically this:
Leisure batteries are designed for prolonged but light current drain,

Traction batteries are designed for electric propulsion and other

Vehicle starting batteries capable of delivering very high currents

My rule of thumb is that if the battery is rated in amphours, then it is
designed for "deep discharge" use. If it is rated in CCA, then it is a ICE
starter battery.



All lead/acid batteries have the potential to emit hydrogen and oxygen
when they are overcharged. This is actually beneficial when
equalising a battery, but requires the ability to be able to replace
the water lost in so doing.

This is why cheap battery chargers are a bad idea. They do not limit the
final trickle voltage and can run wet cells dry.

I don't have any links for you, I got my battery from a local caravan
spares dealer.

I actually go to a battery specialist who originally had traction as well
as alarm batteries but a seems to have moved more to alarm and specilist
motor starters(changing market in the area). Look in yellow pages, etc for
battery supliers in industrial areas and avoid main street battery shops.
 
I actually go to a battery specialist who originally had traction as well
as alarm batteries but a seems to have moved more to alarm and specilist
motor starters(changing market in the area). Look in yellow pages, etc for
battery supliers in industrial areas and avoid main street battery shops.


On Fri, 2 Nov 2012 00:23:31 +1100, "Damian"
<damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Thanks mate.
The two massive 6V batteries that I mentioned aren't in my hands yet. I have
been considering getting them to maintain a good long lasting power source
for the van. But, now I think it may be an overkill and a pretty heavy job
as well.
I think I am better off with a 125Ah sealed deep cycle battery and may be a
backup one. I reckon it's better to rely on a small generator rather than
carrying massive heavy batteries like I was planning to do.
What do you think about that?
Thanks
Now you're getting the idea!

In fact you don't even need a backup battery if you carry a 12V
charging generator!

I've posted many times about this in the past, and now there are
small, engine driven, alternator charging units(capable of delivering
up to 45Amps charging current), available that will charge your
battery in a very short space of time.

There is one in the UK advertised on eBay as Supercharger, which is
very similar to a unit designed in Aus(but I don't know what name it
is sold under there!).

I have plans to get one of these for myself in the very near future!

Neil

(Reply via group please)
 
Hi Neil,
If I understood you correctly, you meant a mechanical unit similar to the
built in alternator, right?!
I couldn't find any on ebay using the keyword 'supercharger' or 'super
charger'. It shows all the turbo stuff.
Can you please post me a link to that?
Thanks

"Neil" <donotuse@thisaddy.com> wrote in message
news:frv598hlp62sq73drolk9od5eqo922i173@4ax.com...
I actually go to a battery specialist who originally had traction as
well
as alarm batteries but a seems to have moved more to alarm and specilist
motor starters(changing market in the area). Look in yellow pages, etc
for
battery supliers in industrial areas and avoid main street battery
shops.


On Fri, 2 Nov 2012 00:23:31 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Thanks mate.
The two massive 6V batteries that I mentioned aren't in my hands yet. I
have
been considering getting them to maintain a good long lasting power source
for the van. But, now I think it may be an overkill and a pretty heavy job
as well.
I think I am better off with a 125Ah sealed deep cycle battery and may be
a
backup one. I reckon it's better to rely on a small generator rather than
carrying massive heavy batteries like I was planning to do.
What do you think about that?
Thanks

Now you're getting the idea!

In fact you don't even need a backup battery if you carry a 12V
charging generator!

I've posted many times about this in the past, and now there are
small, engine driven, alternator charging units(capable of delivering
up to 45Amps charging current), available that will charge your
battery in a very short space of time.

There is one in the UK advertised on eBay as Supercharger, which is
very similar to a unit designed in Aus(but I don't know what name it
is sold under there!).

I have plans to get one of these for myself in the very near future!

Neil

(Reply via group please)
 
"Neil" <donotuse@thisaddy.com> wrote in message
news:frv598hlp62sq73drolk9od5eqo922i173@4ax.com...

I actually go to a battery specialist who originally had traction as
well
as alarm batteries but a seems to have moved more to alarm and specilist
motor starters(changing market in the area). Look in yellow pages, etc
for
battery supliers in industrial areas and avoid main street battery
shops.


On Fri, 2 Nov 2012 00:23:31 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Thanks mate.
The two massive 6V batteries that I mentioned aren't in my hands yet. I
have
been considering getting them to maintain a good long lasting power source
for the van. But, now I think it may be an overkill and a pretty heavy job
as well.
I think I am better off with a 125Ah sealed deep cycle battery and may be
a
backup one. I reckon it's better to rely on a small generator rather than
carrying massive heavy batteries like I was planning to do.
What do you think about that?
Thanks

Now you're getting the idea!

In fact you don't even need a backup battery if you carry a 12V
charging generator!

I've posted many times about this in the past, and now there are
small, engine driven, alternator charging units(capable of delivering
up to 45Amps charging current), available that will charge your
battery in a very short space of time.

There is one in the UK advertised on eBay as Supercharger, which is
very similar to a unit designed in Aus(but I don't know what name it
is sold under there!).

I have plans to get one of these for myself in the very near future!

Neil

(Reply via group please)

On Sun, 4 Nov 2012 10:12:12 +1100, "Damian"
<damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Hi Neil,
If I understood you correctly, you meant a mechanical unit similar to the
built in alternator, right?!
I couldn't find any on ebay using the keyword 'supercharger' or 'super
charger'. It shows all the turbo stuff.
Can you please post me a link to that?
Thanks

Damian,

Try this:-

www.ebay.co.uk

Put this into the eBay search line

portable generator 50 amp 12 volt

HTH

Neil
(Reply via group please)
 
Hi Neil,
By the looks of it, this is an idependent unit. Basically it is a smart
charger generator, am I right?
I am amazed to see that its available on LPG as well.
I wonder how they manage to compact all that stuff into a small unit. Must
be an ingenious design.
I definitely want to get hold of one.
Only thing I am wondering right now is that where to install this unit.
It's not cheap, but for obvious reasons.
I am sure Chinese clone makers are dismantlng it right now to find out how
to copy it. :))
Cheers
Damian

"Neil" <donotuse@thisaddy.com> wrote in message
news:a3gb9893nobbb8od7oc4an1qauueqc76ug@4ax.com...
"Neil" <donotuse@thisaddy.com> wrote in message
news:frv598hlp62sq73drolk9od5eqo922i173@4ax.com...

I actually go to a battery specialist who originally had traction as
well
as alarm batteries but a seems to have moved more to alarm and
specilist
motor starters(changing market in the area). Look in yellow pages, etc
for
battery supliers in industrial areas and avoid main street battery
shops.


On Fri, 2 Nov 2012 00:23:31 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Thanks mate.
The two massive 6V batteries that I mentioned aren't in my hands yet. I
have
been considering getting them to maintain a good long lasting power
source
for the van. But, now I think it may be an overkill and a pretty heavy
job
as well.
I think I am better off with a 125Ah sealed deep cycle battery and may
be
a
backup one. I reckon it's better to rely on a small generator rather
than
carrying massive heavy batteries like I was planning to do.
What do you think about that?
Thanks

Now you're getting the idea!

In fact you don't even need a backup battery if you carry a 12V
charging generator!

I've posted many times about this in the past, and now there are
small, engine driven, alternator charging units(capable of delivering
up to 45Amps charging current), available that will charge your
battery in a very short space of time.

There is one in the UK advertised on eBay as Supercharger, which is
very similar to a unit designed in Aus(but I don't know what name it
is sold under there!).

I have plans to get one of these for myself in the very near future!

Neil

(Reply via group please)

On Sun, 4 Nov 2012 10:12:12 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Hi Neil,
If I understood you correctly, you meant a mechanical unit similar to the
built in alternator, right?!
I couldn't find any on ebay using the keyword 'supercharger' or 'super
charger'. It shows all the turbo stuff.
Can you please post me a link to that?
Thanks

Damian,

Try this:-

www.ebay.co.uk

Put this into the eBay search line

portable generator 50 amp 12 volt

HTH

Neil
(Reply via group please)
 
Now you're getting the idea!

In fact you don't even need a backup battery if you carry a 12V
charging generator!

I've posted many times about this in the past, and now there are
small, engine driven, alternator charging units(capable of delivering
up to 45Amps charging current), available that will charge your
battery in a very short space of time.

There is one in the UK advertised on eBay as Supercharger, which is
very similar to a unit designed in Aus(but I don't know what name it
is sold under there!).

I have plans to get one of these for myself in the very near future!

Neil

(Reply via group please)

On Sun, 4 Nov 2012 10:12:12 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Hi Neil,
If I understood you correctly, you meant a mechanical unit similar to the
built in alternator, right?!
I couldn't find any on ebay using the keyword 'supercharger' or 'super
charger'. It shows all the turbo stuff.
Can you please post me a link to that?
Thanks

Damian,

Try this:-

www.ebay.co.uk

Put this into the eBay search line

portable generator 50 amp 12 volt

HTH

Neil
(Reply via group please)

On Mon, 5 Nov 2012 00:27:15 +1100, "Damian"
<damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Hi Neil,
By the looks of it, this is an idependent unit. Basically it is a smart
charger generator, am I right?
I am amazed to see that its available on LPG as well.
I wonder how they manage to compact all that stuff into a small unit. Must
be an ingenious design.
I definitely want to get hold of one.
Only thing I am wondering right now is that where to install this unit.
It's not cheap, but for obvious reasons.
I am sure Chinese clone makers are dismantlng it right now to find out how
to copy it. :))
Cheers
Damian
It's a vehicle alternator directly coupled to an engine which is a
Korean clone of a Honda GXH50. Honda having apparently stopped
exporting this magic little engine! If you have a look here

http://www.boab.biz/acatalog/Battery_Chargers.html

you can see the Australian version of this unit, at a much higher
price!

Maybe these are available from another source in Oz?

Neil

(Reply via group please)
 
Hi Neil.
I haven't been aware these units are available here.
I'm looking into it right now to find it.
It should be cheaper for locals. I wonder why the Aussie one is more
expensive.
Caravans are expensive here too. UK built ones are usually better quality
and not as expensive as the ones in here. I don't know the reason.
Everything seems to be expensive in Oz right now. :)
Perhaps that's how they kept the economy going witout going into a
recession. :))
Cheers
Damian
"Neil" <donotuse@thisaddy.com> wrote in message
news:eek:31e98t42lvh8nol5lpo6969cvt88viu4h@4ax.com...
Now you're getting the idea!

In fact you don't even need a backup battery if you carry a 12V
charging generator!

I've posted many times about this in the past, and now there are
small, engine driven, alternator charging units(capable of delivering
up to 45Amps charging current), available that will charge your
battery in a very short space of time.

There is one in the UK advertised on eBay as Supercharger, which is
very similar to a unit designed in Aus(but I don't know what name it
is sold under there!).

I have plans to get one of these for myself in the very near future!

Neil

(Reply via group please)

On Sun, 4 Nov 2012 10:12:12 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Hi Neil,
If I understood you correctly, you meant a mechanical unit similar to
the
built in alternator, right?!
I couldn't find any on ebay using the keyword 'supercharger' or 'super
charger'. It shows all the turbo stuff.
Can you please post me a link to that?
Thanks

Damian,

Try this:-

www.ebay.co.uk

Put this into the eBay search line

portable generator 50 amp 12 volt

HTH

Neil
(Reply via group please)

On Mon, 5 Nov 2012 00:27:15 +1100, "Damian"
damian_andrews75@yahoo.com.au> wrote:

Hi Neil,
By the looks of it, this is an idependent unit. Basically it is a smart
charger generator, am I right?
I am amazed to see that its available on LPG as well.
I wonder how they manage to compact all that stuff into a small unit. Must
be an ingenious design.
I definitely want to get hold of one.
Only thing I am wondering right now is that where to install this unit.
It's not cheap, but for obvious reasons.
I am sure Chinese clone makers are dismantlng it right now to find out how
to copy it. :))
Cheers
Damian


It's a vehicle alternator directly coupled to an engine which is a
Korean clone of a Honda GXH50. Honda having apparently stopped
exporting this magic little engine! If you have a look here

http://www.boab.biz/acatalog/Battery_Chargers.html

you can see the Australian version of this unit, at a much higher
price!

Maybe these are available from another source in Oz?

Neil

(Reply via group please)
 
Damian brought next idea :
Hi Toby,
I am planning to use the two batteries(yes they are massive) on my small
caravan for camping, etc.

I do have a charger which I paid around $50 and which is advertised as a good
maintenance charger for AGM batteries
Here is the link for the charger.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/110969221327?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I also have a good regulated power supply(1V to 24V) which I built years ago
and use as a battery charger as well. By manually manipulating the volatage
and current with control knobs, I have been using it as a maintenance
charger.
Only thing I don't know much about is whether connecting two batteries in
series to gain voltage is good or not. I read that unless the two batteries
are identical in size, condition, etc it's bad news for both batteries. But,
are they really 'identical' even when they are brand new?! That I am not
sure. So, I need some real help.
Thanks
"Toby Ponsenby" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:1v1cm6f9e1lg5$.yceoz8p0hixr.dlg@40tude.net...
On Mon, 29 Oct 2012 19:47:30 +1100, Damian blathered:

Hi guys,
I would appreciate if I could get some advice on below question.
I have two AGM deep cycle batteries(identical). Thye 6V batteries about
300ah each. I am hoping to connect they on series to get 12V.
My question is that,
Is it safe to charge the batteries connected as above with a single 12V
charger without any damage to the batteries or the charger?!
I am hoping the charger simply treat the two 6V batteries as a single 12V
battery and charge they equally without any issues.
Thank you for any advice.

ummm. AGM Batteries have slightly different characteristics to the
batteries the charger you're considering will work well with insofar as
charging requirements.
I'm guessing here, but IF the batteries are basically equal in their
resistance etc, then 12 Volt chargers might work well enough - depends
on just what actual voltage the charger belts out in response to the
internal resistance of the victim batteries - in other words how well
the charger is 'regulated'. All bets are off with the exceedingly cheap,
brightly coloured and nasty devices laughingly called chargers, commonly
found in the local accessories store right beside the plastic wheel
trims and furry steering wheel covers:)

We have a few battery experts about this group , hang on, THESE groups.
Will be interesting to see their response.
Natch, my suggestion is that if you actually shelled out 'ard earned
for the batteries, you'd be treating them to a real live computer
controlled tricked up charger.
What do you intend to use this massive power source for, may I ask?


Wow,
-- Toby
The only difference between a pair of matching 6v batteries and a
single 12v battery, is that the latter is in one package, basically the
cell links are internal. If both are matched with age, present state of
charge, general usage - then no reason why they shouldn't be linked and
charged as a 12v unit.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk
 

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