Batteries Lead Acid vs AGM
Since we are new to RVing I have questions for which I appreciate all comments. Would like opinions on using AGMs or lead acid for House Batteries bearing in mind that AGM's like to be charged at...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
Hi John,
I was aware of the lifeline recommendations--but not of the Optima. Thanks for adding to the knowledge base.
Do you happen to know how AGM chemistry batteries react to saturation charging? (i.e 200 milliamps per cell for 14 to 16 hours)
The Optima rapid charge rate is no doubt related to a racing situation where the pit stop must be as short as possible. They don't say how many cycles you can do this.
Don't know anything re saturation. I have never run across that term regarding how to maintain my AGMs.
I did observe a 0A charge rate this past week from the MS SS-10 solar controller over three days. HiTech says it is because the Turnigy cannot see anything under 10mA. My bank is resting between trips and is fully charged by any reasonable definition.
The only draws must be from overnight from the SS-10 and the Turnigy. The SS-10 manual says 8 to 10Ma self consumption. Including the Turnigy, the SS-10 would draw ~0.100mA overnight. The Turnigy displayed 0.430Ah this morning after three days. That is 0.143/day of charging. If the 0.100mA draw is correct, that leaves 0.043Ah/10hr-night of self discharge for the Optimas. Certainly the Turnigy is accumulating the early morning top-up. It is possible that the SS-10 is charging at its 10mA self consumption rate all day as well. Small numbers any way you slice them.
I guess what I am saying is I have not observed any long term charging Amps at the 0.200mA level. All I see is 0A sometime before 8AM.
Would I want a saturation charge?
HTH;
John
