shootandfish1 wrote:
Lifeline Manual
I want to discuss proper charging in a separate posting and after studing East Penn's Tech Manual. I know that a proper charger is mandated. First problem is a 'Marine', i.e. waterproof and sealed chager is required (open boat). I'm a little fuzzy after looking at so much info, but it seems like 15 Amps per battery is the largest I've seen.
Fred
Read paragraph 5.4 Charging.
You will learn that the secret to charging AGM lies in maximizing current/Amps while managing Volts according to the battery temperature. A temperature compensating charger will monitor the battery temperature via a cable and adjust the Volts accordingly.
Using a 15A charger on a 100AH AGM is like trying to fill a bathtub with a teaspoon. The optimal charge current for an AGM is equal to the AH withdrawn. At the bottom of page 19 is an example of how to estimate the charge time for a 100AH battery with 50AH withdrawn. Notice that the computation does not mention Volts, just A and AH.
By all means, go ahead and start an AGM charging discussion. :)
On the battery mfgr ?, I strongly favor Deka/East-Penn and the price at Sam's Club(Duracell label) is a steal IMHO. I wish I lived E of the Mississippi where they are sold by Sam's. Out W we get Johnson Controls(Energizer label) which is primarily for commercial starting service but does have a decent 100AH rating.
HTH;
John
