inexpensive batt charger with equalization

[wsmurdoch]

I've heard it said that an engineer is someone who can do for $2 what anyone can do for $10.

[basssears]

Originally Posted by sailorchic34

Yes, the cheap go power chargers/converters are used in lots of RV's too. I figure if I get 5 years out of it I'm way ahead over a $500 "Marine" charger.

Have a very similar unit in our camper van and it has done good job maintaining our batteries.

[john61ct]

Powermax has a decent rep for what they are.

something like that for big amps, more flexible for low amps would work well in combination, plus redundancy

[Boatwright]

We are using Sterling brand eqpt.. They have an extensive line of chargers and charge controllers available from Defender. Also check out their websites. I've found the one from GB where they are located is the best. Even if you chose another charger, there is excellent info on batteries and charging profiles.

For our system, with solar panels we have found that our MPPT controller does the best job of fully charging and equalizing our batteries. Equalizing at the dock with a good charger is second best (since we are on a mooring most of the time this only applies occasionally and even then our solar works so well we often don't bother to plug in). Engine charging is a distant third; even with an advanced regulator charging system it takes a long time to equalize.

[Scout 30]

You can get the 30 amp Pronautic at Hodges Marine for $276 & the 40 amp Pronautic for about $20 more. Plus free shipping.

[john61ct]

Co-designed with Charles Sterling, same motherboard, excellent units.

[TheThunderbird]

Yep, but...

Trojan PRETENDS 14,7V BULK, 15,4 V equalization!

I put on sale a stupid QUICK charger (14,1V) which is a POOR electronic transformer (Victron has toroidal ones).

Quick is a made in Italy which disappointed me.

On board, if it costs 1/3 price a try (e.g. Chinese Inverter, 2 seasons, death).

1/2, is a coin toss decision, if manpower and critical mission are factored in...

[john61ct]

It is always best for longevity with lead banks, to adjust your charger source's setpoints to follow the manufacturers' recommendations.

Especially if they are far different from the norm for flooded.

Engineering would not go against Marketing's interests without good reason.

[sailorchic34]

[QUOTE=john61ct;2607001Engineering would not go against Marketing's interests without good reason.[/QUOTE]

LOL, I find many things to be over marketed. That is marketing perhaps over sells the features a bit. I have over the years developed a rather cynical eye when reading a features list of the latest pipe joining system or boiler for example.

[john61ct]

That is exactly why when specs are stated that make the batt less appealing to the mass market, I advise following them.

Trojan's over-hyping their AGM line, makes the company overall now less trustworthy in my eyes, but when you can get the detailed data from Engineering, it should be followed.

As opposed to whatever this
>Trojan PRETENDS 14,7V BULK, 15,4 V equalization

is supposed to mean.

[sailor_ed]

The Go Power will equalize but ONLY after it has been charging for 7 days. Not very useful except for dockside charging. There is no way to manually initiate an equalization.

[john61ct]

As long as equalization can be disabled, can always use another better power supply to do it when you're able, every couple months should be fine if you're usually getting to endAmps otherwise.

Never let any source do it automatically.

[TheThunderbird]

@john

"As opposed to whatever this
>Trojan PRETENDS 14,7V BULK, 15,4 V equalization

is supposed to mean."

Literally, that is that. This is out of Trojan specs (pretends, is mine :-) )

Now, ask yourself how many chargers push 14,7V

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by TheThunderbird

pretends

Yes that is what I was confused about?

Are you implying their product would be better cared for at a different voltage?

> Now, ask yourself how many chargers push 14,7V

Every single charge source that I would use is fully user-adjustable, not just giving dip switches for a bunch of different chemistries.

Many quality batt vendors specify high ranges, my favorite AGM Odyssey TPPL is also at 14.7V.

I feed my LFP banks at 13.8 or 13.9V depending on current rate.

And all from the same charge sources, since they are all adjustable.

Silly to me to have to shop for a new permanent infrastructure item every time I need to replace a consumable.

[Ostinato]

Here is a second endorsement of Sterling. Been using two of their 60 amp chargers for over 6 years as live aboards . One recently hiccuped and I decided to change it. They offered a super discount for a new one since it was out of warranty. One of the features that has been important to me is that I can use it in 220v Europe where we are now and in the 110v US where we’re headed. Will do equalization and highly customizable for whatever battery parameters you have. They are sold by Defender and others.